Another Life in Religion, Sci-fiction, and Fantasy - Essay Example

Religion, Sci-fiction and fantasy Scientific research suggests that there is a possibility of the existence of other life forms inthe universe. The human mind has the capacity for endless imagination. The Bible itself tells of the humans’ minds capacity to imagine all things (Ephe.3:20). According to Biblical teachings, knowledge sought from other avenues that fail to glorify God results in corrupt knowledge (Gen. 3: 4-&). The concept of the existence of other forms of life existing in the universe is as old as humanity itself. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, Medes, Romans, Aztecs and Mayans all left behind writings and art that proved their belief in life forms that were not form the earth. These beliefs caused them to develop religions that worshipped these strange beings. These ancient civilizations worshiped many of these beings as gods. Most importantly, these religions formed doctrines and views about the cosmos based on their understanding of these beings. Pantheism, pluralism and universalism define these religions affecting the way its adherent’s process thought. In present day America and around the world, cults are using media such as television, movies and the Internet to manipulate the minds of people (Singer & Lalich, 1995). The Bible theory of creation is strictly creational, which makes it impossible to allow for speculation about the nature of the universe (Gen. 1-3). Other Abrahamic religions such as Islam and Judaism are also strictly creational in theology and therefore do not entertain the possibility of life forms existing beyond that which has been outlined in their holy books of revelation. Science Fiction Aliens The fascination with beings from other planets, a spiritual world in our own world, demons, angels, gods and the devil are as old as mankind. Human beings are social beings and this makes them gravitate towards the group’s ways of thinking (Kassin, Fein, & Marcus, 2013). This could be the reason why humans are in a constant search for other living beings in the universe even when it does not presently affect their lives on earth. The Aztec, Mayan, Egyptian and Hindu civilizations were very advanced and evolved in science as well as in the arts. They left depictions in their art and writings that closely resemble many of the extra-terrestrial beings that are the subjects of many science fiction works. The Bible condemns the idols and other deities as demons (Deut. 32:17; Ps. 106:37) The technology of making film has evolved exponentially especially with the advent of special effects technology, which have and continue to make it possible to capture every possible imagination of the human mind. The Trek Star movie-series is one example of the ability of media’s capacity to capture the imagination of man’s scientific quest for knowledge and advancement. The obsession with aliens is wrong in itself because it cast doubt on God’s word as truth, which is proclaimed in the Bible. That does not however make space exploration an evil pursuit because the more one understands the complexity of the universe, the more on can begin to appreciate God’s greatness (Rom. 1:14-18). Real Institutions The film embodies man’s indomitable search for life forms on other planets, which scientist theorize that the probability of their existence is high. Government institutions such as NASA are testament to man’s belief in the possibility of habitable planets save from earth. It is a great project, which can bring a lot of glory to God as more wonders in the galaxies are discovered. The concept of building a house that will reach heaven was a sin that humanity committed in the building of the tower of Babel. This was not because the tower would actually get to the physical heaven but because the action challenged God (Gen11). Building space centers is a good thing if it does not interfere with the greatness and persona of God. Science fiction has informed many of the imaginations of the earth even as globalization makes it possible for all people around the earth to access movies and television series that are of the science fiction genre. The belief that people have in this movies and television has on its viewers is very real to them (Kassin, Fein, & Marcus, 2013). Fans of Star Trek have made it their religion. According to Michael Jindra, in his work “Star Trek replaces older religions such as Christianity… ” (Porter & Laren, 1999). Science Fiction Cults The ideology of Star Trek is very humanist and rooted in Gene Rodenberry’s humanist ideology of human progress and human advancement. Rodenberry in an interview with Humanity magazine said he believed that man had the potential to take control of his destiny. He died that same year after he gave the interview but Majel Barret carries on his work in aiding human advancement through the continued production of Star Trek (Porter & Laren, 1999). Science fiction has turned into a religion for many people who watch science-fiction movies and television series though many have not gone to extremes such as the Star Trek fanatics. The Bible considers anything that goes against God’s knowledge as idolatry. Paul in Romans (Rom.1:1-32) explicitly states this as he discusses the worship of the created things in favor of the creator. The modern fans of Star Trek cite its themes of progress, enlightenment, science and reason as their attraction to the movie-series (Porter & Laren, 1999). This is not a new phenomenon as the age of enlightenment and renaissance were characterized by the same themes, which led many to dispute the scriptures. Movies and television series that are based on the biblical stories, concepts, persons or themes have also entered into the film industry. The magicians and wise men of Egypt pitted themselves against God with all the knowledge of their time but they failed (Ex.5-11). Their magic arts were powerless against God’s plagues despite the fact that they were famed for their scientific advancements. Unbiblical Truths Most of these sci-fictions productions twist actual biblical accounts, which are made to fit with existing scientific and technology adjustments. The book “Calculating God” by Robert Sayer depicts God as an experimental evolutionist who finally gets out-smarted by aliens who discover his experiments in their worlds (Nahin, 2014). This is a distortion of the biblical accounts of Genesis creation accounts in, which God created everything without an evolutionary process (Gen.1-3). Gothic literature was filled with a fascination of the spiritual, which was not unique as the middle ages was rife with superstition and poor in the knowledge of scriptures, as the Bible was only available to the clergy. The “Monk” is a tale of a monk who gravitates towards sex and demonic acts after selling his soul to the Devil (Nahin, 2014). The era ushered in the era of horror movies that have to do with demon possession and activity that has its roots of the biblical understandings of what demons are. Angels also get portrayed in unbiblical characters where they indulge in unholy activity such as lust for women and evil. Demon possession in Christians who are filled with the Holy Spirit is technically impossible because the Devil is inferior to god and must seek his permission before he does anything in the life of a person that belongs to God (Job 1). Fantasy Worlds The world of science fiction enables the audience to enter into a fantasy world that does not exist. This has caused addiction and the inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy for addicts of fiction (Kassin, Fein, & Marcus, 2013). The Bible is very sympathetic about thoughts because of their potential and tendency towards evil imaginations. The Bible warns against those who prophecy out of their own imaginations (Ez. 3:20). This is because it is so easy to take things out of context and create deception. The devil is the master of deception according to the Bible and therefore those who create deception are classified as his “children” (Matt.12:1-26).The Bible further warns that those who follow fantasies will be despised by God (Ps.73; 20) because they lack judgment (Proverbs. 12:11). This has been proven to be true by psychologists and psychiatrists who treat those who live in an unreal world, locked up in their heads and are unable to function in the real world (Kassin, Fein, & Marcus, 2013). Fantasy books and film have the capacity to introduce previously unknown concepts and visual images to people. Personality changes occur because of a belief that is informed by the continual exposure to ideologies, which are central themes in the literature works and visual media (Sheed, 2014) (West, 2004). Constant exposure to an idea can influence small children such as the existence of aliens (Bishop, 1986). Pluralism has become the in thing in today’s modern world and all who refute its ideology are branded as “right wing extremists” (Keller, 2009). Conclusion Works of science fiction are mostly informed by a person’s ideological persuasion. The writer and producer of Star Trek may not have intended the movie-television series to turn cultic. The fans that have an object in common develop a bind that has social implications (Kassin, Fein, & Marcus, 2013). The writer Gene Rodenberry was a humanist who believed and promoted the progress, advancement and betterment of man. He believed that man had the capacity to control his own destiny for his betterment. Science fiction can be divided into two broad divisions: the secular and the religious based. Fantasy is inherent in humans who have the capacity to conceptualize the world around them in their minds. Fantasy breaks all natural law as everything is intangible and does not exist except in the mind of the fantasizer. Modern movie media technology has made it possible to recreate the content of fantasies in audio-visual mediums. The teachings and doctrines of Abrahamic religions are more likely to be used to for cultic ideologies in fantasy and science fiction works due to their doomsday doctrines. Cultic groups, which have doomsday doctrines have such as the “Solar Temple” have been known for mass murder of their adherents (Singer & Lalich, 1995). Those who follow doctrines and concepts that are not biblically correct have injured themselves in many ways, as what they follow is not based on God’s word. References Bishop, M. (1986). Close encounters with the Deity. New York: Peach Tree. Kassin, S., Fein, s., & Marcus, H. R. (2013). Social Psychology. Carlifornia: Wadworth Press. Keller, T. (2009). The reason For Belief In God : Belief In Age of Skepticism. New York: Penguin. Nahin, P. J. (2014). Holy Science Fiction:Where Science and Relgion Intercect. New York: Springer Science and Business Media. Porter, J. E., & Laren, D. L. (1999). Star Trek and Sacred Holy Ground: Exploration of Star Trek Religion and American Culture. New York: University of New York Press. Sheed, F. (2014). Theology and Sanity. London: Catholic Way Ppublishing. Singer, M. T., & Lalich, J. (1995). Cults In Our Midst : The Hidden Menace In Our Everyday Lives. New York: Wliey Co. West, C. (2004). Theology fo the Body for Beginner. Westchester: Acension Press. Read More