The interplay of religion and science in sci-fi and space opera novels.

Introduction:
In the realm of science fiction and space opera, the confluence of religion and science provides a compelling backdrop for storytelling. For me, raised in a family of extremes – mother strictly religious, father agnostic and deist – this tension has always played an important role. These two seemingly irreconcilable forces determine not only personal destinies, but often those of civilizations and even entire galaxies. Exploring the coexistence and tensions between religion and science offers a rich spectrum of themes, conflicts, and character development. In this blog post, I explore why the merging of religion and science makes for fascinating stories. Especially when alien, extraterrestrial religions are introduced. For some a logical thing, for others an absurdity. For the latter, religion represents an outdated concept that has no place in a progressive civilization.

The search for meaning:
Both religion and science seek to answer fundamental questions about the existence, purpose, and nature of reality. Religion delves into the realm of faith, offering spiritual and moral guidance, while science seeks empirical evidence and logical conclusions. The combination of these approaches allows the authors to address the human search for meaning and explore the internal struggles and external conflicts that arise when belief systems collide with scientific discoveries. Science, however, explores only the mechanics of things and seeks to explain the „how.“ Religion asks why. Something that calls for a deeper explanation. I think that the question of why, and the spirituality associated with it, is innate in every thinking being. And thus, of course, religion will always remain part of a culture, no matter how highly developed it may be, or perhaps because of it. I speak however only of religion in the purely spiritual sense. Detached from church dogmas and literally taken stories from so-called holy books.

Ethical dilemmas and moral decisions:
When religion and science intersect, ethical dilemmas and moral choices come to the fore. These narratives often challenge characters to confront the limits of their faith and the potential consequences of scientific advances. The clash between religious dogma and technological advancement can lead to profound internal conflicts and external social tensions. Exploring the tensions and compromises that characters must make in this interplay adds depth and complexity to the stories.

Cultural and social dynamics:
Religion has played a significant role in shaping societies throughout history, and the inclusion of this element in science fiction and space opera allows me, as a writer and creator of fictional universes, to explore the cultural and social dynamics of imagined worlds. Alien religions provide a unique opportunity to examine belief systems that differ from familiar human experiences. These alien belief systems bring diversity, richness, and complexity to world-building and create a compelling backdrop against which the plot unfolds.
The Akkato, a race in my NOMADS books, have a complex creation myth and believe in a god named Othain.

Conflict and Resolution:
The clash of religion and science provides me with an excellent source of conflict to drive my narratives. These conflicts can manifest as clashes between religious factions, ideological battles, or struggles between scientific progress and deeply held traditions. The resolution of such conflicts provides the opportunity for character development, social change, and a deeper exploration of the human condition. This is an aspect that already fascinated me in DUNE and makes the cosmos of the Wüsetnplanet believable and unique. I’ve mentioned before that Frank Herbert’s books have had a great impact on me.

Exploring Otherness:
When alien religions are introduced into the narrative, I can use them to explore the concept of otherness. By creating unique belief systems for alien civilizations, authors can reflect on our own understanding of religion and challenge preconceived notions. This exploration of otherness can lead to discussions about tolerance, acceptance, and the diversity of belief systems in our own world. In NOMADS, I also deal with the creation of a cult, for military strategic reasons, but whose influence then threatens to grow stronger.

Conclusion:
Religion and science provide compelling elements for storytelling in the sci-fi and space opera genres. The interplay of these two forces creates intricate storylines, complex character arcs, and rich worldbuilding. By combining the realms of faith and science, I am able to explore the human search for meaning, examine ethical dilemmas, analyze social dynamics, and explore the concept of otherness in my capacity as a writer. Whether human religions, extraterrestrial belief systems, or a mixture of both, the combination of religion and science in novels provides an endless series of fascinating and thought-provoking storylines.