Can a book on religion ever be considered science fiction?

Question

I know it seems a little strange to put science and religion in the same category like that, but say...
Just to give an example of what I mean..
Say there is someone, and "god" endowed him with some supernatural power.
I don't even need to go more in-depth than that, because I don't feel like coming up with any more detail, and that already covers what I'm talking about.
And it's not even "necessarily" having to do with god.
Maybe it could involve ghosts, as well.
Both god, and ghosts are thought to be real.
But the act of doing something "supernatural" would be fantasy.
But if people who believe in god were correct, and god DID choose to do something like that, then it would technically BE plausible, no?
My main question is ... things LIKE that. Like some people think that the human soul has far greater potential. And for all anyone knows, it COULD be true. Meaning it would be possible for someone to do something otherwise impossible.
So would all of what I mentioned be considered science fiction?

Thanks

Answer 1

This is an age old question. Where is the line between fantasy and science fiction? Of course, Star Trek is much different than Lord of the Rings, but what about those books and stories that blur the lines? So called 'supernatural' powers could fall into either category. Telepaths can be considered the stuff of science fiction. Or maybe there's a more 'mystical' quality to the power. There are many books that pose such a question and purposely flick between fantasy and sci-fi. Everything you just mentioned could, plausibly, be fantasy. Depending on which way the story went, and how it was written. The exact same story plot could be taken, and only varying the author's voice and narrative style, it could change the entire genre from one to the other. Which is why Sci-Fi and fantasy are often lumped together, because of so many things being unable to differentiate between. Many people consider ghosts- and 'God' or 'gods'- to be pure fantasy. And many believe that telepathy and telekinesis and the likes are pure sci-fi. And some, the exact opposite. It's all a matter of perspective.



Also, if your question pertained more towards a 'nonfiction' versus 'science fiction' viewpoint, all of what you said could be considered fiction- science or not. Nonfiction is reserved for FACT, such as something stating the proven mechanics of a Toyota or the actual facts regarding the Battle of New Orleans. Despite the fact that I myself am a Christian, religion is FAITH based.

Answer 2

Cat's Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut, is science fiction considered as religion.



Science deals with atoms.

Fiction deals with anything, i.e. atomic and otherwise.

Religion deals with God, and what is the Creation.



The three are able to overlap.



Sources: Understanding Yourself, Mark Prophet

The Great Divorce, C. S. Lewis

Man, Master of His Destiny



Reviews at http://www.amazon.com

Answer 3

A lot of science fiction has explored religious themes and is still considered science fiction.





A half dozen Heinlein works for instance.

Answer 4

Religious books are science fiction. I'm not an atheist, but religions are retarded and don't make sense. So yeah they do qualify as science fiction

Answer 5

Sure - the same idiots who believe in religion often will believe in UFO's and "ancient astronaut" bullsh*t. And from them they get into cow mutilations and Illuminati controlling their thoughts.