It is interesting how some aspects of Christian culture are starting to explore how Science Fiction has influenced modern culture. From a group of Christian filmmakers discussing the themes and implications of science fiction movies, to the February 2009 issue of Christianity Today having a cover story discussing how science fiction has shaped a new image of redemption stripped of Christ.

There is no doubting the impact that science fiction has had upon the world, as it has inspired generations of scientists to try to bring the fiction into reality. Unfortunately the influence has been mostly void of God. Deepening the thought pattern that science and God can’t mix.

What I found most interesting about the magazine article and the filmmakers review, is that they aren’t really looking to engage in science fiction from a Christian worldview. Rather, they are  warning Christians to just be aware that what they are seeing in science fiction is substituting redemption through Christ with redemption through technology/evolution/knowledge.

Over the next few weeks I’m going to be exploring how I think that we as Christians can begin engaging in science fiction actively (as I know many of you already are). Not just overlaying our worldview over the original storyteller’s in order to force spiritual insight on a story, but in crafting effective stories that ask questions and force the reader to find the answer for themselves.

My question for this week is: What is it about science fiction that you think enables it to influence the way people think about the universe and the rules that govern our existence?