I came across a very interesting discussion recently. The argument was whether Christian theology and speculative fiction could really coexist together. The arguments given were as follows:

• Christian theology articulates the known. Speculative fiction probes the unknown.

• Christian theology constructs parameters. Speculative fiction deconstructs parameters.

• Christian theology codifies beliefs. Speculative fiction questions beliefs.

• Christian theology is rooted in revelation. Speculative fiction relies on mystery.

The argument was that the genre of fantasy and Sci-Fi cannot co exist without an uneasy relationship because religion demands commitment to particular sets of stories (Noah’s Ark, the parting of the Red Sea, the Resurrection of Christ, etc.), while speculative fiction works to challenge, explore, build upon, or in completely rewrite those stories.

So, my question is, how do we, as Christian writers of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, reconcile the two?

I try not to listen to stuff like that because it tends to send me into a little depressed spiral... theological correctness is the bane of my existence. XD

More seriously, theology is literally the study of God. Speculative fiction often explores theology better than any other form of storytelling. Theological correctness is about church doctrine (and unfortunately, sometimes some rather legalistic ideas added into doctrine as law) -- about getting everything right, even when it sometimes doesn't really matter. Theology is good; obsessing over theological correctness is rather depressing and self-damaging. (personal experience here. )

I wouldn't go to a spec fiction book for doctrine or the history of the world, though. LOL. XD But then again, who does?

For a good example, I don't have a problem with evolution in spec fiction under certain circumstances. For example, I find it perfectly logical that in another world there could be divinely assisted (hah, and none other, due to the extremely low chances of macroevolution actually happening without it...) evolution instead of an instant creation. Don't have a problem with it as long as it fits the story. It's not our world, so it's not going against what the Bible says about our history because it's **not** our history.

And sometimes spec fiction just has to be off the deep end because otherwise the truth that it's trying to get across wouldn't come across. C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce is an example of this, as well as his Space Trilogy. He goes into it knowing it could never happen in reality, and has a few theological incorrectnesses, but the Truth shines right through clearer than if he'd stuck with theological correctness.

*nods * The thing I find so fascinating about this argument is that science without theology is limited by the physical world. The “laws” of physics, the boundaries of time, space, gravity, etc., set limits on how far you can take things.

Evolutionary thinking limits ideas to what can continue from what already exists and nothing more. BUT a belief in God opens up the entire spiritual realm, where time, space, and physical laws aren’t limiting factors. The possibilities are endless as to what we can ponder and the stories we can create.

Secular science may seek answers, but it also assumes those answers are attainable and can be fully comprehended by our human brains. Theology says we can’t even begin to comprehend it all. How does that limit us to the “known,” or “construct parameters” when it comes to fiction?

I find it interesting that science is observational, just like theology.

Everything you know about science could be turned upsidedown by experiencing something you can't explain.

Just like that, everything you know about the world can be turned upsidedown by experiencing something you can't explain -- and it turns out to be Truth, part of theology.

Learning about theology only goes so far, it's not real until you experience it. And story is a good way to do that.

I agree, E. Boundaries are good. We need them.

*laughs * Oh my word, yes! We would. Especially considering we are such sinful human beings.