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  1. Killer300

    Killer300 Senior Member

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    How Would Earth Respond to an Interstellar Religion?

    Discussion in 'Setting Development' started by Killer300, Jan 2, 2012.

    Taking my first dip into science fiction, of this type anyway, I find it interesting to include an alien religion that spans multiple solar systems. In the course of the story, it gets introduced to humanity. Now, the religion itself actually recognizes what it calls, "unknown prophets," meaning figures like Jesus Christ can be counted as prophets within this religion, in theory at least.

    With this, could an interstellar religion get converts on Earth? Would Earth based religions be hostile to it?

    I ask this because I feel very... unknowing on religion in some ways. The religion itself though is VERY important to plot, as not only does it motivate a character to go against her direct orders, but also shapes the relations Earth has with the rest of the galaxy.
     
  2. BrianBrian

    BrianBrian New Member

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    Look around. Earth based religions are hostile to other Earth based religions. If someone came along saying they had the "right" religion it is very likely that it would be met with hostility by certain religion. In my opinion the only kind of "universal" religion would be more of a solid philosophy that encompass common truths found in most religions. Throw in a prophet and everyone will be up in arms. Hope that helps a little.
     
  3. Killer300

    Killer300 Senior Member

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    True. Hmm, okay, meeting Earth with this religion won't be fun to say the least.
     
  4. Party Poison

    Party Poison New Member

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    Nope, it wouldn't.
     
  5. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

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    It is your story friend; it is up to you to decide the fate of this religion.

    Writing fiction takes off the chastity belt and gives you the freedom to do as you please. :D
     
  6. Killer300

    Killer300 Senior Member

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    True, but we do need to help the reader get into the story by keeping things logical, and somewhat plausible at least by the standards of the universe.
     
  7. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

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    Honestly, it would be completely logical for it to go in either direction. Especially nowadays.

    Would it be logical that all of Earth convert to it? No; unless you are writing a story that has a universal (pun intended :p) religion that has absolute proof and no doubts about it.

    Would it be logical that some people would convert to it? Yes.

    Would it be logical that some Earthbound religions would be hostile towards it? Yes; just like numerous religions today get picked on by others.
     
  8. Killer300

    Killer300 Senior Member

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    Ah, true. Yeah, there would definitely be converts(given some circumstances surrounding its introduction) but also other Earthbound religions would probably be hostile to it, especially considering how it has adapted to scientific and sociological progress, which is... unique to say the least.
     
  9. hoggyboy

    hoggyboy New Member

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    i think this religion will be like other made up religion, ie there will be some people believing in it while others rejecting it and others becoming hostile towards it in earth
     
  10. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    the answers to your questions are found in the history books and every news report in today's world, killer... i can't see humans acting in the future in any way differently than they did in the past and do in the present...
     
  11. J.W.Exeter

    J.W.Exeter Member

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    There's already something of that nature here on Earth. Islam, for example, recognizes Jesus Christ as a prophet, as well as many Jewish prophets as well. And yet Christians and Muslims have been killing each other for centuries.

    If you want to make things interesting, try adding an interstellar crusade into the mix. But this time, from Earth :)
     
  12. Killer300

    Killer300 Senior Member

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    True, very true. However, there are factors helping the religion, but yes, outside of that, likely to be rather hated.
     
  13. tcol4417

    tcol4417 Member

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    Earthlings would react to a space religion more or less the same way natives react to a foreign religion:

    Some would hail the newcomers as the messiah
    Others would say the aliens are demons
    Some would be tempted by the superior technology
    Others would fear corruption of their morals and culture
    Some would try to curry favour with what they see as a source of power
    Others would try to speak to the aliens as equals
    Others still would try to talk DOWN to the aliens and convert them to OUR religions.

    Human history has more than sufficient examples to answer this question: There would be loads of people with different reactions for different reasons.
     
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