Islamic authors produce intriguing Speculative Fiction . . . but we need more. We need artists, thinkers and leaders who can offer a rational explanation of Islam to the Judeo-Christian world using the vehicle we call science fiction.
How will religion impact our future? Theology and Sci-Fi are uneasy bedfellows.
All major religions persistently proclaim that peace and understanding is the proper path to a benevolent and merciful God. Atheists may laugh at the rituals but many devout believers from whatever sect they follow are certain that the other guy is stupidly wrong or murderously blasphemous. Sharia law or Christian fundamentalism or Jewish fearfulness can lead to bloody confrontations and tragedies in the name of blind faith.
God is good. But God's followers -- we need to be wary of.
Eyes need to be opened wide by speculations of what could happen from a different point of view. We need to see the possibilities of co-existing.
How will religion impact our future? Theology and Sci-Fi are uneasy bedfellows.
All major religions persistently proclaim that peace and understanding is the proper path to a benevolent and merciful God. Atheists may laugh at the rituals but many devout believers from whatever sect they follow are certain that the other guy is stupidly wrong or murderously blasphemous. Sharia law or Christian fundamentalism or Jewish fearfulness can lead to bloody confrontations and tragedies in the name of blind faith.
God is good. But God's followers -- we need to be wary of.
Eyes need to be opened wide by speculations of what could happen from a different point of view. We need to see the possibilities of co-existing.
Science Fiction can fix this situation if people are willing to read something other than dogma and rigid religious texts.
Thankfully, there are writers from all religions willing to offer an alternative view of their beliefs so that we can better understand our world.
Start here: Islam and Science Fiction: http://www.islamscifi.com/
