Faith and Science in Science-Fiction Literature
Joshua Matthew, in an article entitled “Towards a Robust and Scholarly Christian Engagement with Science Fiction,” states that science fiction is a key site of philosophical interactions between faith and science.
He elaborates, “Science fiction is a literature that is built on exposed philosophical assumptions about technology and society, science and the discourse of science, and the purposes and stewardship of God’s creation.” (check this as it makes less sense with these words included)
In science-fiction literature, the complex relationship between science and faith is explored, whether it is viewed as conflicting forces or as complementary pursuits of truth.
Science and faith in are often explored in science-fiction literature through juxtaposing scientific discovery with questions of purpose, ethics, and spirituality. By presenting characters that grapple with these themes, fiction can evoke wonder, prompt critical thought about different worldviews, and examine how individuals maintain conviction amidst uncertainty.
Themes and Approaches in Fiction Contrasting Science and Faith:
Conflict and harmony. Stories can frame science and faith as being in direct opposition, depict them as two different, yet valid, ways of seeking truth, or can somehow show them to be congruent in one’s thinking. A common trope is the conflict between an atheist scientist and a religious figure.
Exploring deeper questions. Fiction uses science and faith to explore universal themes such as the origin of life, the nature of consciousness, ethics, and human purpose. It provides a platform for discussing these complex ideas through compelling, relatable characters.
Wonder and the sublime. At their best, these narratives evoke a sense of awe by contrasting scientific knowledge with the mysteries of the universe, similar to how spirituality can evoke awe.
Imagination and possibility. Science fiction offers a space to speculate on future possibilities and imagine different worlds where the relationship between science and faith is re-examined.
From science as “faith” to faith as a tool. Some narratives suggest that the pursuit of science itself can become a kind of faith for some, while other stories use science and technology as tools to explore religious or spiritual concepts.
Example of these Themes in Literature
In T-H-B: The Coded Message Trilogy by Randy C. Dockens, the author, explores and promotes the idea that science and faith are not contradictory but can go hand-in-hand.
The author’s perspective is central to the book’s themes, stemming from his own background: he holds doctorates in both pharmacokinetics (a branch of science dealing with how drugs work in the body) and Biblical prophecy. Dockens uses this dual expertise to weave a narrative where the two fields complement each other.
Key aspects of faith and science in his book:
Integrating both concepts. Dockens explicitly states his goal is for readers to understand that science and faith can exist together harmoniously.
Providing a scientifically advanced future. The narrative is set in the late twenty-first century in a dystopian society. Discoveries by the main character cause him to understand that his physical existence is more intricately tied to spirituality than he was led to believe.
Writing a Christian fiction story with a scientific bent. The book is marketed as Christian speculative fiction or dystopian science fiction with a strong scientific foundation.
Searching for truth. The plot follows the main character, Luke, as he seeks answers to a mystery, with all directions pointing to the meaning of “T-H-B.” This quest for truth ties into the idea that both science and faith are intricately interwoven into one’s reality.
The author uses his fiction to express his personal stand that a faith-based approach to life is compatible with a scientific worldview.
Joshua Matthews sums up his rationale on why faith and science fiction are complementary rather than opposing pursuits of truth: “Science fiction points us all back to the relationship between creation and Creator, between ourselves and our Maker. As He invites creativity and play within His creation, we may become better imaginers of what we can do in creation and for Him.” [Since this is a quote, we should capitalize what he capitalized.]