Can Science-Fiction be Christian?

Most Christians are distrustful of Science-Fiction as a genre with good reason. In both its forms (fantasy and science fiction) it has been used to push a narrative that is opposed to biblical Christian values. Fantasy works are often associated with witches, warlocks and the dark arts; which is at best evangelism for the occult. Science-Fiction takes the opposite tack, emphasizing a humanistic world view that either ignores God or denies him completely.

It is only now, some 40 years after the fact, that sociographers are beginning to document the influence of the fantasy role playing phenomenon of the late 70's. The two dominant game systems in those early days were Dungeons and Dragons (fantasy) and Traveller (Science-Fiction). Each within their respective genres opened the door for a whole generation to play "let's pretend" in an alien world of the game master's or referee's imagination. These worlds were supported by copious amounts of commercially produced supplementary materials and rule books. It created a whole new world and world view that left its participants the freedom to imagine, create - and act without fear of consequence.

Yet, despite all the potential for abuse, there is one often forgotten pivotal character in the mix: the storyteller. In terms of gaming, it is the game master / referee. In terms of books, it is the author. He or she is the one who makes the difference; is the one responsible for bringing all the elements together to make an adventure. There is the push and the pull that propel the characters through the story. There is the cast of non-playing characters (NPCs) that populate the world. There is also the ultimate goal of the adventure. But most importantly for our discussion, is the world view of the universe in which these stories take place.

At its foundation, it is the world view that makes a science-fiction story Christian or not. The key element: "Is this a moral universe?" To put it differently, does this universe (setting) behave according to biblical principles? Does is act / react as if God does exist? Is evil punished? Are those who exalt themselves humbled? Do the heroes of the story aspire to godly living, even if they don't call it that? Do they recognize a higher power in their Creator that will hold them responsible for their actions? Does the story drive the characters toward decisions consistent with the Christian faith? These types of narratives are known as nominal Christian stories.

But there are also stories, like Star Seeker, that are openly Christian. These books discuss the struggles of faith and the nature of God as part of the daily life of the characters. However, I must profess a personal dislike for those types of books where the focus is almost exclusively on the spiritual. It does not relate to my daily experience, most of which is spent between deadlines and dirty dishes. The Left Behind series is an example of this. Set in a post apocalyptic / tribulation world, it focuses on the events of the book of Revelation and the end times. Every character that is saved repeats their testimony of how they became so in every book, A great series, but it can become tedious at times.

Star Seeker takes a more moderate approach; it slowly builds upon the revelation of Christ as incarnated among an alien race. Unencumbered by traditional sermon theology, faith is demonstrated in the words and actions of a wise alien master and his faithful disciple. It is not until book four that the hero of the story discovers the connection to Jesus and makes his own profession of faith. In the meantime, the foundation of what it means to be a Christian is laid stone by stone along the way. Not everyone in the books is a Christian or becomes one, but someone different does makes a profession of faith in every book.

So, the answer to the question: "Can Science-Fiction be Christian?" The answer is a qualified "yes." It depends upon the storyteller. Science fiction is only a tool in his or her hands (See "The Supremacy of Science Fiction"). It reflects the presence of God in the life of the author; a presence through the Holy Spirit that guides him to reveal what is most precious to his heart. Could a non-Christian write a Christian sci-fi book? Possibly, but it would be all about morality without the moral authority of Christ. But to one who knows his or her savior and is known by him, writing a Christian narrative is a natural outflowing of the heart and mind, no matter what the genre.

Star Seeker: Science Fiction that matters.