Does Not Compute: Common Memes in Sci-Fi Programming us for the Future

Science Fiction Memes, and the Bible

There are probably hundreds of movies about aliens, and even more that feature at least even one alien (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_featuring_extraterrestrials) so it's safe to assume that this is something potentially significant and relevant to end times events or a Biblical worldview in general. But it doesn't stop with just aliens.

Having spent much of my time watchin, reading (low bar) science fiction (mostly Star Wars, Aliens/Predator, and Edgar Rice Burroughs books), comics and the like, I've sort of noticed a few things. In many of these stories, there are similar themes at work in each one of these widly different tales. For example, "Frankenstein" and "Terminator" have a similar thing going on. Man creates "life," and it bites him in the butt. The tie into the Bible would be that man's pride in playing God leads to trouble, or something like that.

With that in mind, here's a few memes in sci-fi and comics, along with some analysis and hopefully a Biblical answer or thought to go along with it.

#1

Global war interrupted by aliens (Also just a general War of the Worlds situation where aliens invade)

The world is at war, things aren't looking good. Suddenly, out of the sky alien ships appear, humans realize we're not alone, and join together to defend against an alien threat. Aliens are sent packing and dragging their tentacles behind them.

In Robotech, the Superdimensional Fortess crashes on an island and humans of earth band together to fix the ship and defend against any would-be earth conquering aliens.

This is dealt with in a more mature manner by Arthur C. Clarke in "Childhood's End". If memory serves, the world is nearly on the brink of WWIII or in the middle of it, when alien ships appear over each city. Long story short, the aliens are revealed and are here to help humans evolve. Highlights are an alien witnessing a ouija board session, an alien reading an occult library and thinking that both are indications of higher conciousness, humanity evolving psychic powers and merging into a global collective conciousness and did i mention the aliens look like demons?

The original "V" series featured a similar opening with spaceships, and reptilian looking aliens bent on eating us all. That was also similar to the Twilight Zone's "To Serve Man". Aliens showed up, gave us world peace, then started to cart us off to Interstellar Buffet. Noth situations resulted in world peace.

Alternately, aliens show up to invade earth and are stopped by people as we overcome our differences, ala "Idependence Day" and to some lesser extent "War of the Worlds". Probably "Skyline" and "Battle LA" which i skipped because they the invasions have been done to death.

What is that all about? Why would sci-fi want to drive this point home?

To program us to accept some variation of this.

LA Marzulli has probably done the most in uncovering this sort of thing. He calls it the "great deception" wherein "aliens" (really fallen angels or demons, appear and say they created us let us evolve and created earth's religions, now they're here to do X, Y or Z.

His basis for this is

2 Thessalonians 2:11 - 12

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.


And what better way to unite people? Ronald Reagan is famous for a quote that a threat by aliens would help us unite. (That happened in the Watchmen comic).

http://www.gotquestions.org/one-world-government.html

The sad thing is people want to believe it and proof of alien life, or aliens showing up on our doorstep would probably rattle a few cages, and cast a Biblical worldview into doubt. In reality, the aliens would likely be demonic and result in people worshipping them or embracing whatever spiritual ideas ET brings along. Usually, in abductions, it's a New Age pantheistic, Christ denying sort of thing.


#2

"Magic" is really advanced science, aka gods are merely advanced beings. (Thor, Star Gate)

I don't recall seeing this one alot, and it sort of ties in well with the ancient aliens/astronaut thing which we'll get to later. But i figured it sort of deserves some face time as the idea is out there alot. How this typically works is something looks like its magic, but in reality it's some sort of advanced science.

I suppose it's the basis of the Prime Directive in Star Trek.

Anyways.

In Philip Jose Farmer's "World of Tiers" series, which is quite good, an old dude ends up in some sort of parallel universe on a world that's really too hard to explain briefly. He learns the "the Lord" lives somewhere in this world, and so the protagonist seeks him out.

He finds that there are mythical creatures like harpies, centaurs and a ton of preserved primitive earth cultures. The lord of that world also is able to bestow longevity and reverse aging (basically immortality) through drugs. But the people of that world all fear the lord as a divine being, but the lord is revealed to be a normal man using advanced technology, and the creatures were made with genetics. You get the idea.

This also happened with C3P0 in "Return of the Jedi" where the ewoks thought he was a god when he was really a robot.

Why is this anything to take notice of?

Probably to get people doubting the miracles in the Bible. After all, if one believes that science is magic and vice versa, then God and His power are reduced to parlor tricks generated by alien technology. This is something like the manna machine in Ancient Aliens. Obviously an all powerful God who spoke creation into existence wouldn't need a machine to make manna.

Psalm 14:1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.


#3

Mono cultured planets/societies (star trek/wars)

Ah, the old staple of "Star Trek". This one isn't as obvious in some ways. The Enterprise ends up in the orbit of a planet, they make contact and the whole planet is basically united and of one culture. It's not explicitly stated, but implied. All Bajorans, are religious nuts who worship wormhole aliens. All Ferengi a greedy, large lobed parodies of Jews. All Klingons are war like. All (alien of the week) are representatives of a whole planet or species. Generally.

In relation to the human/earth capacity this is actually a huge deal. The whole point of Star Trek is that humanity nearly destroyed itself, and under its own power decided to stop being evil and killing ourselves. In short, Star Trek says we don't need God or Jesus to straighten our act up, because deep down we all will pull it together eventually if we almost get wiped out.

Then of course section 31 comes along and proves that a tiger can't change its stripes, but you get the point.

This is sort of also done in Star Wars to an extent, but George Lucas takes it a step further. Not only are the aliens on a given planet one culture (Though a planet might be mostly united, not all members are always following along.), the whole planet is also essentially a single ecosystem. But thats not terribly relevant.

That's sort of an absurd notion, given that on earth, humans (one species) has such a diversity in language, culture, dress, religion, etc. How can a species of aliens have so little variation?

Of course this ties into a one world government mentioned earlier. If all aliens are one-world governments, that must be the evolved thing to do. It implies humans ought to follow along. but also:


Genesis 11 (note that the people are one, but rebelling against God)

4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.


We also see in Revelation 13 the entire world is amazed at the beast and worships the evil power behind him. Yet another uniting of humanity without turning to God and in rebellion to God.


#4

Space Eugenics

For every Harry Kim, or Mace Windu, there are 15 types of aliens. It seems that most of outerspace seems to be populated solely by white people. Star Trek is better about this, featuring racial diversity in humans, but genearlly, where are the non-whites?

Besides the occasional Lando Calrissian, Mace "BMF" Windu or Benjamin "losin' his temper" Sisko or a token minority character, there are few other "minorities" in sci-fi. Why?

It's probably a eugenics thing. It's no secret that a majority of abortion clinics are in poor areas with high non-white populations. (Blackgenocide.org) It's also no secret that most rich "elites" are white. Satan and his followers use racial diversity as a wedge to enhance the differences and foment conflict.

God on the other hand unites us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. ALL nations and tribes, etc. have a place in God's Kingdom, whereas the evil one plays favorites.


#5

Galactic federations (star trek, star wars, teacher is an alien series)

Of course, with one-world governments and a group of such (one-world governed) worlds in space, a governing body is needed to make sure that all the planets play nice with each other. Because, although one species has overcome their differences and united, now there are aliens that are different. And those difference cause friction in the happy intergalactic/interstellar family. The next logical step after becoming united on a given planet (fulfilling Nimrod/Satan's goal) is for a galactic government to extend its hand. It's the icing on the poison one world government cake.

Star Trek has the Federation. Star Wars, the Republic, the Senate and the empire. The "My Teacher is an Alien Series" has a galactic federation of some sort. Isaac Asimov has the Foundation. I'm sure there are others.

In the real world, New Agers (Channelers, Mediums, etc.) receive messages from beings claiming to be aliens. Often times they claim to be from the federation of light, the galactic federation or Ashtar command. These beings often make outlandish claims, sometimes promising to appear and then of course, they never do. They explain their lack of follow through usually as a test, or that their purpose was achieved in a higher plane, anything but actually delivering on what they promised. Blossom Goodchild's been on this yo-yo ride for several years now, and her FoL has yet to follow through on any promise in a material way.

The Bible addresses these messages from "aliens" except in the Bible these "higher" beings are called demons, and communication with them is called divination. God forbids it in His word because He knows these beings lie habitually and hate us, and therefore forbade contacting them as a way to protect us from being hurt by their lies. Ephesians 6 tells us all we need to know about these characters.

This meme is basically a carrot on a stick, selling the idea that the people of earth ought to unite, and evolve to the next level. After all if we don't, how can we expand to the stars? But we cannot evolve on our own, or even with their help. As Russ Dizdar says, "how can the finite become infite?" Only by repenting of our sin, and believing in God's Son Jesus Christ can we become more than the imperfect creatures we are. He alone can restore us (and indeed more than restore!) to what we ought to be - a creation in perfect fellowship with God. Uniting with "aliens" will never bring us what we truly need.



#6

Intergalactic Police force -

Of course an interstellar government needs a police force. There are the Jedi, Green Lantern Corps, the Lensmen. These fine folks are at the beck and call of the galactic governing authority, and always do what it takes to restore order and get rid of the bad guys.

Not alot to say here except that it's just a little more incentive for the world to unite, so it can join the galactic federation. The cherry on top of the icing of the one world government cake. The whole one world/galactic senate thing sort of go together alot, and my opinion is that this just sells it a bit more. Though Jedi at least are basically interstellar pantheists. And i say this as a HUGE fan of Star Wars.


#7

Human-like aliens and near humans

This is in just about every sci-fi to an extent, but Burroughs' Mars series, Star Wars and Star Trek did it the best. Essentially, all aliens are just like us human beings.

Translation, humanity is not unique. We're not a unique creation made in God's image as other beings are able to think rationally and have true sentience.

In all liklihood, this is satan's stab at de-valuing the unique creation of man, who is made in God's own image. After all, if man is not unique, then we're not anything special.
If we're not special to God, why did He become flesh and die as Jesus Christ?

Genesis 1:26 - 27

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.


Still, even CS Lewis, in his space trilogy had sentient
aliens, but from a Christian perspective. They were indeed sentient, but not fallen like us. "Out of the Silent Planet" really gives the most feasible Christian perspective on genuine, flesh and blood aliens. If aliens exist, my money is on something close to his thoughts.


#8

Ancient aliens - star wars, 2001, transformers, Prometheus, Alien, Predator, star trek, H.P. Lovecraft, Indiana Jones 4, Marvel Comics (Celestials, etc.), Erich von Daniken, Scientology (oh, wait, those last two think they're not science fiction)


This one's just about everywhere, isn't it? Frankly, i've had my fill of it.

Alex Jones (for whatever his opinion is worth) even called this out.

http://www.infowars.com/secrets-of-prometheus-film-leaked/

This is essentially one big push to discredit the Bible and God's divine nature. It also helps sell: the galactic federation, science is magic and human-like aliens. Probably among other things, but the main point seems to be in de-deifying God and His power by making Him a space alien.

The funny thing is, most, if not ALL claims by the ancient alien theorists can be disproven. Many of their claims are fraudulent, or solely conjecture. September 2012 should see the release of Chris White's "Ancient Aliens" debunked. I've posted a number of my contributions here, to help promote that and provide details the show won't be able to delve into.

Furthermore, Ancient Aliens "experts" like Sitchin and von Daniken lie habitually or make stuff up. (Www.sitchiniswrong.com) and i highlighted known von Daniken frauds a couple posts ago.


#9

Humanity is like a virus or there are too many people - the Matrix, Absolute Justice comic, Terminator, Firefly (overpopulation drove us to space)

This one goes hand in hand with stuff like the Georgia Guidestones and Illuminati conspiracies to depopulate the world. It also goes with Bill Gates' goal to reduce the world's population thru vaccines. It's essentially more propaganda for eugenics.

This is cemented further by Discovery TV's "After People" (title?) Series and this recent photo collection.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2122554/At-worlds-end-Artists-reveal-stunning-post-apocalyptic-images-worlds-major-cities.html

It also walks hand in hand with Satan's goal. When he manifests as the Antichrist, he will destroy as much of humanity as he can.

Matthew 24:22 (paralleled in Mark 13)

22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.





#10

Intelligent machines that eventually overtake us or are better than us. - terminator, matrix,

Not alot here. It's sort of a twist of the "man is not unique" alien bit, with a pinch of eugenic population reduction.


# 11

Death's Revolving door - (Every comic EVER, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek 3, Buffy the vampire slayer)

To heighten drama, andcement the seriousness of a given situation, a hero often times gives their life in the line of duty. Of course, in comics especially (I'm talking to you foremost Jean Grey) this never is permanent. Even Jason Todd and Bucky came back.

I really think that in addition to this being an obvious marketing/business decision, this is basically a cheap shot at the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promised resurrection of us believers one day.

Not much else to say there.


# 12

Zombie Apocalypse

This really needs no introduction. It's been seen in countless movies, from Night of the Living Dead, to 28 Days Later. It's the dead risen from the grave returning to eat us.

I believe this to be one of several things:

1) A mockery of the curse outlined in Zechariah 14:12

12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.


2) a general mockery of resurrection.


3) Some sort of pre-conditioning for the Black Awakening as described by Russ Dizdar.


http://www.futurequake.com/Audio/FQShow145.mp3

And here's Russ on Zombies

http://www.shatterthedarkness.net/zombification/


I honestly don't know what to make of Russ' claims for the BA. He's pretty sound on some teaching, i just haven't done enough study to to form an opinion on this one. Listen to his stuff, or that FQ episode.




So there you have it, if i find more, I'll add more.