Religion and Science Fiction

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).

"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"The editor succeeds in presenting a treatment in which diverse topics are taken into account."Alessandro Giostra, in Reviews in Religion & Theology, Vol 20, Issue 2"...this apparently frivolous exploration of mechanised morality and robotic religion prompts serious questions about what it means to be a person - and, particularly, a person made in the image of God."The Rt Revd Dr John Saxbee, in Church Times, 7 June 2013"More than merely fascinating food for thought ..."Simon Locke, in Journal of Contemporary Religion, Vol 28, Issue 3"...this work provides well-written essays on science fiction and its critique/use of culture..."James T. Turner Jr, in The Expository Times, Vol 125, No 2"Religion and Science Fiction will be of interested to a wide variety of individuals. Students, instructors and general readers in areas such as film studies, literature, history, philosophy, religious studies and cultural studies will find this an interesting and informative collection. It will also be of interest to fans of a variety of science fiction shows, movies, and books. I commend it to each and every one."Michael K. Jones, United Church of Canada, in Theological Book Review , Vol 25, No 1

• List of ContributorsIntroduction: Religion and Science Fiction - James F. McGrath1 The Dark Dreamlife of Postmodern Theology: Delicatessen, The City of Lost Children, and Alien Resurrection - Joyce Janca-Aji2 Sorcerers and Supermen: Old Mythologies in New Guises - C. K. Robertson3 Star Trekking in China: Science Fiction as Theodicy in Contemporary China - Eriberto P. Lozada Jr.4 Science Playing God - Alison Bright MacWilliams5 Looking Out for No. 1: Concepts of Good and Evil in Star Trek and The Prisoner - Elizabeth Danna6 Robots, Rights, and Religion - James F. McGrath 7 Angels, Echthroi, and Celestial Music in the Adolescent Science Fiction of Madeleine L'Engle - Gregory Pepetone8 Uncovering Embedded Theology in Science Fiction Films: K-PAX Revealed - Teresa Blythe Bibliography Index of Scripture Index of SubjectsIndex of Names