Religion and Science Fiction

Description: Religious themes, concepts, imagery, and terminology have featured prominently in much recent science fiction. In the book you hold in your hands, scholars working in a range of disciplines (such as theology, literature, history, music, and anthropology) offer their perspectives on a variety of points at which religion and science fiction intersect. From Frankenstein, by way of Christian apocalyptic, to Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and much more, and from the United States to China and back again, the authors who contribute to this volume serve as guides in the exploration of religion and science fiction as a multifaceted, multidisciplinary, and multicultural phenomenon. Endorsements: "In Religion and Science Fiction, James McGrath has gathered an impressive array of voices and approaches to the issue of science fiction's treatment of religion. This richly interdisciplinary book shows there's more to the study of religion in SF than just theology or literary criticism alone have to offer." -Gabriel Mckee author of The Gospel According to Science Fiction "Religion and Science Fiction is a blessing to scholars and science fiction fans alike. The ideas engaged by each author-from postmodern post-apocalypticism to dime store heroes and space-faring robots-challenge our assumptions about culture, intellectual life, and even the very essence of what it means to be human. The authors use science fiction to explore religion and religion to elucidate science fiction; this combination gives us a richer understanding of both." -Robert M Geraci author of Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality. "This collection invites the reader into thoughtful reflection on the religion and theology (broadly understood) of a range of science fiction works (broadly understood). Kudos to McGrath and his contributors for this interdisciplinary exploration!" -Marti J. Steussy_MacAllister-Petticrew author of Forest of the Night and Dreams of Dawn About the Contributor(s): James F. McGrath is Associate Professor of Religion and the Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University in Indianapolis. He is the author of John's Apologetic Christology (2001) and The Only True God (2009).