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Religion in Science Fiction: The Evolution of an Idea and the Extinction of a Genre
Religion in Science Fiction investigates the history of the representations of religion in science fiction literature. Space travel, futuristic societies, and non-human cultures are traditional themes in science fiction. Speculating on the societal impacts of as-yet-undiscovered technologies is, after all, one of the distinguishing characteristics of science fiction literature. A more surprising theme may be a parallel exploration of its institutional nature, social functions, and the tensions between religious and scientific worldviews.
Steven Hrotic investigates the representations of religion in 19th century proto-science fiction, and genre science fiction from the 1920s through the end of the century. Taken together, he argues that these stories tell an overarching story-a 'metanarrative'-of an evolving respect for religion, paralleling a decline in the belief that science will lead us to an ideal (and religion-free) future.
Science fiction's metanarrative represents more than simply a shift in popular perceptions of it also serves as a model for cognitive anthropology, providing new insights into how groups and identities form in a globalized world, and into how crucial a role narratives may play. Ironically, this same perspective suggests that science fiction, as it was in the 20th century, may no longer exist.
Steven Hrotic investigates the representations of religion in 19th century proto-science fiction, and genre science fiction from the 1920s through the end of the century. Taken together, he argues that these stories tell an overarching story-a 'metanarrative'-of an evolving respect for religion, paralleling a decline in the belief that science will lead us to an ideal (and religion-free) future.
Science fiction's metanarrative represents more than simply a shift in popular perceptions of it also serves as a model for cognitive anthropology, providing new insights into how groups and identities form in a globalized world, and into how crucial a role narratives may play. Ironically, this same perspective suggests that science fiction, as it was in the 20th century, may no longer exist.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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April 11, 2016
This is a very well researched book on the subject. The choices in the stories and novels selected to represent each decade of science fiction are superb. The evolution of the genre and its feelings towards religion are clearly mapped out and commented on. I don't necessarily agree with the editor's definition of religion, but that does not stop his comments from being articulate and insightful so far as the genre is concerned. I think this is a must read for any serious sf fan and religious studies student alike.
Displaying 1 of 1 review