“Science and Religion” Meets Popular Culture

The field of science and religion has grown significantly in recent decades, yet its insights remain largely disconnected from popular culture, where the conflict thesis persists. This article argues that popular culture is a primary vehicle for shaping public perceptions of science–religion interac...

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Published in:Zygon Vol. 60; no. 1; p. 78
Main Author: Nairn, Anthony K.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge Open Library of Humanities 11.06.2025
Subjects:
19th century
Astrobiology
Case studies
Cultural conflict
Cultural factors
Fiction
History
Humanities
Mass media images
Narratives
Philosophy
Popular culture
Popular Culture and Science and Religion
Public opinion
Religion
Religious beliefs
Science
Science fiction & fantasy
Secularism
Sociology
Theology
Christopher Nolan
Interstellar
popular culture
science
spiritual
film
theology
philosophy
ISSN:1467-9744, 0591-2385, 1467-9744
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Abstract The field of science and religion has grown significantly in recent decades, yet its insights remain largely disconnected from popular culture, where the conflict thesis persists. This article argues that popular culture is a primary vehicle for shaping public perceptions of science–religion interactions and therefore must be meaningfully integrated into scholarly analysis in the field of science and religion. This article, an introduction to science and religion for popular culture scholars, first outlines the complexity model, which challenges simplistic narratives by emphasizing historical and cultural contexts. It then examines the portrayal of science and religion in media, highlighting their reconfiguration within popular culture. Using Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar as a case study, the article demonstrates how the film employs theological motifs—such as the Holy Trinity, resurrection, and divine intervention—within a framework of hard science fiction. Interstellar exemplifies the complexity of science–religion engagement by bridging secular and spiritual narratives, underscoring the need for scholars to engage with media to reshape public understanding critically.
AbstractList The field of science and religion has grown significantly in recent decades, yet its insights remain largely disconnected from popular culture, where the conflict thesis persists. This article argues that popular culture is a primary vehicle for shaping public perceptions of science–religion interactions and therefore must be meaningfully integrated into scholarly analysis in the field of science and religion. This article, an introduction to science and religion for popular culture scholars, first outlines the complexity model, which challenges simplistic narratives by emphasizing historical and cultural contexts. It then examines the portrayal of science and religion in media, highlighting their reconfiguration within popular culture. Using Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar as a case study, the article demonstrates how the film employs theological motifs—such as the Holy Trinity, resurrection, and divine intervention—within a framework of hard science fiction. Interstellar exemplifies the complexity of science–religion engagement by bridging secular and spiritual narratives, underscoring the need for scholars to engage with media to reshape public understanding critically.
Author Nairn, Anthony K.
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Cites_doi 10.1017/CCOL9780521885386
10.4324/9780429356544
10.1177/0040563919874515
10.24908/ss.v13i2.5298
10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195392982.001.0001
10.7208/chicago/9780226184517.001.0001
10.1017/CBO9781139018098
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Copyright Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
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Keywords Christopher Nolan
Interstellar
popular culture
science
spiritual
film
theology
philosophy
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SubjectTerms 19th century
Astrobiology
Case studies
Cultural conflict
Cultural factors
Fiction
History
Humanities
Mass media images
Narratives
Philosophy
Popular culture
Popular Culture and Science and Religion
Public opinion
Religion
Religious beliefs
Science
Science fiction & fantasy
Secularism
Sociology
Theology
Title “Science and Religion” Meets Popular Culture
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