Category Archives: transcendence

Lecture on horror and religion at University of the Pacific

Next Wednesday, November 11, I will present a guest lecture at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. I was invited by Professor Alan Lenzi to present on “Religion and Transcendence in Horror and Science Fiction.” My presentation will involve a PowerPoint that incorporates film clips and commentary, not only on Abrahamic religions, but also […]

‘Transcendence’ featurette on transhumanism and artificial intelligence

2014 could be a great year for serious science fiction films. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes premiers July 18 in theaters nationwide, and even sooner than that Spring will see the release of Transcendence. Transcendence addresses transhumanism and artificial intelligence. Below is the film’s synopsis. Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost […]

David Hartwell and the Wonder of Science Fiction

One of my readers posted a comment on a previous post of mine on Ray Bradbury which made me aware of the book Age of Wonders: Exploring the World of Science Fiction (Tor Books, 1996), by David Hartwell. I was able to pick up the 1984 version published by Walker and Company through Amazon (which […]

Sacred Space: The Quest for Transcendence in Science Fiction Film and Television released Aug. 15

Sacred Space: The Quest for Transcendence in Science Fiction Film and Television by Douglas Cowan (Baylor University Press, 2010) goes on sale tomorrow, August 15. You can order a copy here now. Description: As humans, it is our trust in something larger than ourselves that invests our lives with meaning and value. We hope that […]

Douglas Cowan – Sacred Space: The Quest for Transcendence in Science Fiction Film and Television

Hopefully those who want to explore horror in more depth have read Douglas Cowan’s fine book Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen (Baylor University Press, 2008). Now, Cowan has turned his attention to science fiction with Sacred Space: The Quest for Transcendence in Science Fiction Film and Television (Baylor University Press, scheduled […]

Douglas Cowan Interview Part 2: Sci-Fi, Transcendence and “Sacred Space”

Following is the second installment of the interview with Douglas Cowan, sociologist of religion at Renison University College, who discusses science fiction and transcendence in connection with his book Sacred Space (Baylor University Press, forthcoming). (Photo to the left is by Chris Hughes and copyrighted by University of Waterloo, Graphics.) TheoFantastique: One of the areas of research I […]

Douglas Cowan Interview Part 1: Forthcoming Book “Sacred Space”

In the past Douglas Cowan, professor at Renison University College – University of Waterloo, has been a guest of TheoFantastique as he discussed his previous book Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen (Baylor University Press, 2008). Now he returns to discuss his forthcoming book Sacred Space on science fiction and transcendence, also […]

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