Art has the power to inspire us even when we know the stories aren't true. I think art and science can go hand-in-hand, because a lot of sci-fi inspired scientists. But what about art and religion? Did the notion of God inspire Galileo to invent the telescope? All I know is that we're not supposed to view religion as art because religion requires faith and asserts itself as true--therefore, it cannot be reconciled with science or science fiction. But what if one views religion as simply--"fairy tales that inspire?" When you look at it that way, Religion and Science don't seem to be mutually exclusive after all.
I personally think of religion as art, not truth, therefore, as a science fiction writer myself, I see no harm in it because it doesn't limit me like it may limit others. But when religion is used as a political tool or to tax or to persuade, the subject gets rocky. But I put a lot of stock in fictional stories that inspire, and it's probably why I find myself defending religion more often than not. But of course, there is a difference between Sci-Fi and Religious stories and that difference is that Sci-Fi is fiction and Religion is heralded as truth. However, fiction and non-fiction aside, is there really a difference at all? Take a look at L.R. Hubbard's Scientology. The man was a science fiction writer who convinced millions of people into forking over money just so they could learn about the secrets of Xenu and Earth's prison planet of fallen angels. IF you ask me, all he did was take ancient religious beliefs and made them more colorful. He called God an alien and his version of the fallen angels were evil Thetans. This little science fiction story, along with his psychology book, Dianetics, which is an interesting read BTW, resulted in a billion dollar corporation that doesn't pay taxes.
Back to Christianity-- a large portion of Christianity and other religions is based on stories. Therefore, I asked myself--what if all religious stories were created this way? What if they're merely tales and this is why they're not included in history books! I know dozens of Christians that all admitted that these biblical tales are allegorical in nature--just like sci-fi stories. So...I'm just wondering about it all. Am I not being sincere here?
When writers start parading their works as matters of fact, like L Ron Hubbard did, then, you go from writer, to narcissistic megalomaniac. And so, my point is, that religion should be in the science fiction section, and if everyone saw religion this way, then even Athiests might think religion or better yet--religious stories, may have a place in the world after all.
Here's an example. The Flash (a messianic comic book character a man who can travel the river of time and learn of the universe's secrets.)
So what in the world is so special about these religious stories, that separates them from comic book tales? Or sci-fi fantasy legends, such as Tolkien or Lucas or Gene Roddenberry?
