The relationship between science and religion has shown various controversies. Even though the two complement each other, their connection has been dynamic. Science, in most cases, deals with claims and hypotheses that can be tested, while religion focuses on people’s beliefs. Thus, it is imperative to understand where science and religious contexts merge and the dynamics involved. From the assigned literature works, the novel Neuromancer by William Gibson and the film Blade Runner by Ridley Scott, it is clear that there is a strong correlation between science and religion, which poses a significant impact on how science-fiction themes are exhibited.
Even though the literary works are rooted in science, they at some point connect with religion. For instance, the Neuromancer uses names like Babylon, Zion, and Zionites throughout. These names are derived from the Bible; the cities and the citizens, Zionites, though imaginary, and referring to the Rastafarian beliefs. In addition, the novel makes several references to the Bible; for example, “If these are Final Days, we must expect false prophets….” (Gibson 100). This is evidence that they believe in the end times, although they convince themselves that it is artificial intelligence (AI). The author also mentions, “He’s a kind of compulsive Judas. Can’t get off sexually unless he knows he’s betraying the object of desire” (Gibson 87). Such a statement shows that though Gibson is focused on science fiction, he tries to link it with religious beliefs.
Additionally, although the film Blade Runner is also science fiction and incorporates new technology, it brings out the religious context, the Biblical story of creation, and its fall. Among the first scenes, the film displays the industrial pyramids exploding in flames, just as hell shall be in the end (Scott). Subsequently, there is eternal night showing scavenges and wreckage. Such is an indication of the fall of humanity in the end times. The film focuses on elucidating the siblings’ rivalry characteristics, as seen in the book of Genesis. Such is evident in the relationship that Batty and Deckard have. For instance, it makes reference to Biblical stories like “the prodigal son.” This is shown when Batty returns home and reunites with Tyrell and begins to transform from being a killer (Scott). Moreover, Batty and Deckard’s context corresponds to Jacob and Esau’s story in the Bible, where Deckard plays Jacob and Batty as Esau. For instance, Batty wrestles with his maker and decides to reconcile with his brother, Deckard (Scott). This is similar to what happened to Jacob in the Bible.
Based on the science-fiction themes in both literary works, the correlation between science and religion is strong and depicts the connection it may have on science-fiction themes. For instance, in Neuromancer, it is intriguing how the blends his new ideas with the contexts in the past regarding Christianity. The author appreciates that the new trends brought by science can never exist without the past, religion, and Christianity. The novel uses AI as the base for all events that are basic for all the characters. This brings the theme of super-intelligent computers and robots. Such is evident that science may tamper with nature to explain religious occurrences. On the other hand, Blade Runner brings the theme of extraterrestrial lifeforms called replicants to handle hazardous tasks. This shows that science may sometimes conflict with creation to test its hypotheses.
Admittedly, there is a strong relationship between science and religion. Even though both literary works, Neuromancer and Blade Runner, are science fictions, they bring out the religious contexts. For instance, watching Blade Runner, one would quickly connect it with the Bible story of Jacob and Esau. In addition, reading the Neuromancer, it is easy to notice the religious subtexts. Thus, both works appreciate the power of religion in the current trends. Such is evident that even though technology advances, some contexts must be explained using the religious contexts for better understanding. For example, in Neuromancer, when the author mentions Judas, the context is about betrayal, such as what happened to Jesus.
Work Cited
Gibson, William. “Neuromancer.” New York Times, 2003, pp. 1-248.
Scott, Ridley, et al. Blade runner. Los Angeles: Warner Home Video, 1982.