Is Religion in Science Fiction Something New? Hardly!

Is Religion in Science Fiction Something New? Hardly!

Charlie Jane Anders at IO9 suggests that there is a new emphasis on religion in science fiction, according to the post that recently appeared there, with the delightful title โ€œGod Is Our Space Pilot: Does Every SF Show Need Jesus Now?โ€œ

If science fiction starts with 1 Enoch and his heavenly journeys, then it had a religious component. If it started with Mary Shelley, then it was addressing scientists โ€œplaying Godโ€ (and had a religious or at least mythological subtitle). If we think of Star Trek, then the first episode to ever air addressed a human becoming God and discussed divine attributes. Later in the series, Greek gods and Christians were encountered.

This is nothing new. Science fiction is our modern-day mythology, and while it doesnโ€™t have to address or intersect with religious themes, it is natural for it to do so.

But while I might nuance my treatment of this topic differently than Anders, I can agree with the concluding plea of that article:

So consider this a plea for more thoughtful portrayals of religion in science fiction โ€” and fewer random, thoughtless, kitchen-sink inclusions. People who watch science fiction are smart. We can tell when weโ€™re being pandered to, and when weโ€™re being spoonfed religious ideas just because it makes your show seem more โ€œmythicโ€ or โ€œrelevant.โ€ Religion can make your science-fiction story feel like it takes place in a world we can relate to, and it can deepen your characters and add another layer to your story โ€” or, in the wrong hands, it can feel like a random piece of baggage, tacked on to your story for spurious, external reasons. We can usually tell the difference between the two.


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