Science Fiction Fan
I have long been a fan of science fiction. Especially when it comes to science fiction movies. I would characterize that fandom as relating to movies that were more of the 2001 persuasion as well as Star Wars than, say, Predator or, perhaps more to the point, Plan 9 From Outer Space. While I do love a good space drama, I would point out that that sci-fi need not leave the planet or have aliens to be good sci-fi. In fact, while it is often considered a romantic drama, Somewhere in Time is, in fact, science fiction - the whole story is predicated on time travel! It is a wide genre, to be sure.
As a fan of science fiction, what I often enjoy the most are stories that deal with hypothetical situations that focus on the contemporary in the guise of science fiction. Parables, in other words. I really enjoy those that effectively call ideas, ideologies, or commonly held beliefs into question. 2001, Contact, and most of the episodes of The Twilight Zone. Science fiction is, in my opinion, the laboratory where the hypothetical is engaged.
That's part of the joy: seeing the possible emerge from various combinations. At its best, science fiction is the exercise of the imagination, pushing boundaries, finding new frontiers, as well as exploring conventionality, sociology, and contemporary thinking.
As a pastor and theologian, I find that science fiction asks questions religion will often not. Even though many of the questions raised in science fiction are about beliefs, hopes, dreams, and fears - things religion alleges to mitigate, theological settings are where we often do not discuss or debate the possibilities for fear of heresy and thinking thoughts that might draw us away from our staid traditions.
"I believe that SF is an invaluable tool in envisioning the future of our science, our society, and our spirituality. SF tells us not only what the future may bring, but what we want the future to bring, and what we can do to make it happen. This need not apply to our science alone. SF can teach us how to keep our belief alive and relevant in a rapidly changing world." (Gabriel McKee The Gospel According to Science Fiction (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007) p. xiv)
McKee's statement gets to the heart of the matter for me. Science fiction is the means to have the discussion about the future that rigid fundamentalism can never allow. This is largely do to the fact that some of the theology we may hold cannot concede the possibilities of science fiction because the ground on which that theology is set is either too rigid or too fragile.
It is often science fiction that puts the fragility or rigidity of theology on display. Or, as in the case of Star Trek (in particular an episode of the Next Generation that introduced the Borg), sometimes science fiction can confront our own arrogance as masters of the universe. Science fiction can elevate or bring down human assumptions. Often in so doing, it points out that some of the things we hold to be self evident are not as evident as we assumed.
Perhaps I enjoy science fiction because it provides such tangible vistas for thought. Ideas can be offered, and, in good science fiction, can be presented in ways to make the audience think. I believe theology can do that, but the term itself has become so loaded and threatening or, on the other hand, devoid of power. We can't talk theologically because we don't know how to do so with respect or with imagination.
That's why I love science fiction. It is still a safe place to think out loud.
As a fan of science fiction, what I often enjoy the most are stories that deal with hypothetical situations that focus on the contemporary in the guise of science fiction. Parables, in other words. I really enjoy those that effectively call ideas, ideologies, or commonly held beliefs into question. 2001, Contact, and most of the episodes of The Twilight Zone. Science fiction is, in my opinion, the laboratory where the hypothetical is engaged.
That's part of the joy: seeing the possible emerge from various combinations. At its best, science fiction is the exercise of the imagination, pushing boundaries, finding new frontiers, as well as exploring conventionality, sociology, and contemporary thinking.
As a pastor and theologian, I find that science fiction asks questions religion will often not. Even though many of the questions raised in science fiction are about beliefs, hopes, dreams, and fears - things religion alleges to mitigate, theological settings are where we often do not discuss or debate the possibilities for fear of heresy and thinking thoughts that might draw us away from our staid traditions.
"I believe that SF is an invaluable tool in envisioning the future of our science, our society, and our spirituality. SF tells us not only what the future may bring, but what we want the future to bring, and what we can do to make it happen. This need not apply to our science alone. SF can teach us how to keep our belief alive and relevant in a rapidly changing world." (Gabriel McKee The Gospel According to Science Fiction (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007) p. xiv)
McKee's statement gets to the heart of the matter for me. Science fiction is the means to have the discussion about the future that rigid fundamentalism can never allow. This is largely do to the fact that some of the theology we may hold cannot concede the possibilities of science fiction because the ground on which that theology is set is either too rigid or too fragile.
It is often science fiction that puts the fragility or rigidity of theology on display. Or, as in the case of Star Trek (in particular an episode of the Next Generation that introduced the Borg), sometimes science fiction can confront our own arrogance as masters of the universe. Science fiction can elevate or bring down human assumptions. Often in so doing, it points out that some of the things we hold to be self evident are not as evident as we assumed.
Perhaps I enjoy science fiction because it provides such tangible vistas for thought. Ideas can be offered, and, in good science fiction, can be presented in ways to make the audience think. I believe theology can do that, but the term itself has become so loaded and threatening or, on the other hand, devoid of power. We can't talk theologically because we don't know how to do so with respect or with imagination.
That's why I love science fiction. It is still a safe place to think out loud.
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