Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction

» veritas - God in science fiction writing

I believe that God has to be left out of science fiction writing. We have no way of defining what that is or even contemplating the how and why of such an entity. Understanding the meaning of all that is, is unknowable. To try and explain God is like explaining the purpose of the universe. You always look silly.

-- posted by veritas

» Catrambo - God in science fiction writing

It seems to me there's been some great and thought-provoking f&sf work that draws on theological traditions. Much of Sherri Tepper's work, for example. Dune talks about the notion of religious crusades as does some of Judith Tarr's fantasy.

Religion has played such a major role in so many people's lives as well as overall human history that I wouldn't rule it out in sf at all.

-- posted by Catrambo

» BBuitendijk - God in science fiction writing

Giving God a place in science fiction writing does not necessarily mean explaining God. He's so much superior, we never could. But He still is - and in science fiction writing could be - present in our reality. I'm glad to know him (limited as that 'knowledge' may be). And I'm quite sure that whenever I write, he's there.

-- posted by BBuitendijk

» texasboyblue - God in science fiction writing

Technically speaking, wizards would not be science fiction but fantasy...but that isn't what you're asking.

The answer to your question would depend on the author's setting. Some magic relies on the backing of a god outside the Judeo-Christian tradition in order to work. Most of these stories are set in worlds that are most definitely not Earth or in the mythic past before the rising of the Hebrew tribes.

Some though explain and use magic as elemental physical laws. It works much as electricity or magnetism. There are definte physical laws which must be followed or it won't, and cannot, work. There are even stories where the Christian church liscences and regulates practitioners to prevent abuses and therefore some of the more learned practioners are clergy.

It just depends on the author.

texasboyblue
www.ofsciencefiction.com

-- posted by texasboyblue

» texasboyblue - God in science fiction writing

Tolkien's gods were most definitely NOT of Judeo-Christian tradition. Indeed, from the Silmarillion, there were indeed a pantheon of gods and demi-gods of which the wizards were of the later.

texasboyblue
ofsciencefiction.com

-- posted by texasboyblue