Wait, so what exactly is sci-fi trying to tell us about playing God?

“Science Playing God” is featured in the book Science and Religion, a collection of articles edited by James F. McGrath. Alison Bright Macwilliams’ article focuses on a discussion of Frankenstein and The Island of Dr. Moreau. Both exemplify and codify what it means to be a mad scientist, with these men who have pursued the knowledge reserved for gods. The result is different for either man.

The God-wannabe is a popular trope in the world of speculative fiction. Frankenstein is layered with analogues of Christian imagery. The monster is the Fallen Angel, and Frankenstein is a would-be God. Frankenstein’s development is an interesting one: he moves from a fascination in superstitious, medieval, and alchemical inquiries towards science as the true source of reason and enlightenment. This leads him to his discovery and most precious secret: the ability to create life. The novel is largely about the penance (or at least, penitence) of Frankenstein’s attempt to do the divine. But ultimately, the err committed by Frankenstein is not one he can correct; there’s something very Christian about that theme.

The hubris of the ancient characters such as Icarus is referenced by Macwilliams. This “hubris” is classically defined as a pride that defies the gods. This idea of hubris is more fully realized in the example of Moreau, a self-deifying scientist who…