My Sci-Fi/Spirituality Crossroads
I think when we consider the core essence of our interests in things scientific, science fiction, or fantasy, we'll find within us a potent, innate hunger for the "something more" in life. From the start, exploring the sciences and sci fi for me coincided with considerations of theological issues. All of these arenas deal with issues of meaning and purpose, and all challenge our imaginations to wonder about the "what else" and the "what more" of our existence. So, I present to you this brief reflection on my theological journey as perhaps a challenge for your own deliberations in the world of the "something more".
Since I learned to read I was a fan of science fact, fantasy, and
fiction. Some of the books I remember reading in 1st grade were
childrens' books on Astronomy and The Human Body. I often seemed a
nuisance to my Sunday school teachers for asking things like how
dinosaurs fit into the Bible, and if people on other planets knew about
Jesus. Being exposed to Darwinism in the 9th grade pretty much
destroyed any faith I had in a God, leading me to adopt the attitude
that God was merely a crutch for weak people. But at the same time, I
became increasingly fascinated with metaphysics: Psychic Powers;
Pyramid Power; Bermuda Triangle, Ancient Astronaut, and UFO-type
phenomenon; and Transcendental Meditation (I wanted so badly to be able
to astral project...)
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