Overview

This volume explores the intricate relationships that the universe of Frank Herbert's Dune portrays between faith, prophecy, and spirituality. The Dune universe is a large and complex place where social, political, and cultural structures are intricately interwoven with religious, theological, and philosophical ideas. From the syncretism of the Ecumenical Translation Project and the Orange Catholic Bible, through to the messianic aspirations of the Bene Gesserit, and the subsequent transhumanism of Leto II as the God-Emperor. Through, the desert planet Arrakis—the series' epicentre—is portrayed as a location where fate and faith collide. It is also a place where the vital function of religious and theological motifs may be examined as they influence the plot and character development throughout the series. The essays in this volume dance throughout the breadth of Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, along with some also considering Brian Herbert and Kevin Anderson’s Legends of Dune trilogy. They examine the complex ways in which religious and theological constructs shape and are shaped by the characters and the evolving landscape of the Dune universe, and in the mind of the reader.

Full Product Details

9781978715189

Table of Contents

Reviews

Though the Dune series was launched in 1965, Frank Hebert's world-building offers prophetic wisdom for the world we are building in 2025. This excellent collection of essays draws out that wisdom with sophistication and sensitivity, highlighting key religious ideas and theological themes embedded in Herbert's novels. As a new generation of film adaptations engage a new generation of audiences, this volume ensures that we do not miss some of Herbert's most prescient messages about how humanity, society, and power are affected by religion, machines, and artificial intelligence. And while they playfully examine the storyworld of Dune, these writers pack a scholarly punch in their areas of expertise, using angles in popular culture to shed new light on some of the knotty theological questions of our day. * Andrew J. Byers, Tutor in New Testament at Ridley Hall Cambridge and Co-Editor of Religion, Theology, and Stranger Things: Studies from the Upside Down on Evil, Ethics, Horror, and Hope * Theology, Religion, and the Universe of Dune offers us—I dare say—a prescient look at themes of religion, power, human limits, and identity explored in Herbert’s world and woven throughout our current political landscape. This timely and richly engaging volume makes the seemingly distant world of Dune feel closer than ever, as it brings Herbert’s reflections on prophecy, power, and technology to bear upon our own, slightly less worm-filled, world. * D. T. Everhart, lecturer in Theology, London School of Theology * Porter's achievement is as rich as the sands of Arrakis, and as thrilling as the vast universe it inhabits. Theology and religion, formerly underexplored elements of the Dune universe, come into clear and brilliant focus as a result of this excellent work. * Scott Harrower, Research Affiliate, Monash University *

Though the Dune series was launched in 1965, Frank Hebert's world-building offers prophetic wisdom for the world we are building in 2025. This excellent collection of essays draws out that wisdom with sophistication and sensitivity, highlighting key religious ideas and theological themes embedded in Herbert's novels. As a new generation of film adaptations engage a new generation of audiences, this volume ensures that we do not miss some of Herbert's most prescient messages about how humanity, society, and power are affected by religion, machines, and artificial intelligence. And while they playfully examine the storyworld of Dune, these writers pack a scholarly punch in their areas of expertise, using angles in popular culture to shed new light on some of the knotty theological questions of our day. * Andrew J. Byers, Tutor in New Testament at Ridley Hall Cambridge and Co-Editor of Religion, Theology, and Stranger Things: Studies from the Upside Down on Evil, Ethics, Horror, and Hope *

Though the Dune series was launched in 1965, Frank Hebert's world-building offers prophetic wisdom for the world we are building in 2025. This excellent collection of essays draws out that wisdom with sophistication and sensitivity, highlighting key religious ideas and theological themes embedded in Herbert's novels. As a new generation of film adaptations engage a new generation of audiences, this volume ensures that we do not miss some of Herbert's most prescient messages about how humanity, society, and power are affected by religion, machines, and artificial intelligence. And while they playfully examine the storyworld of Dune, these writers pack a scholarly punch in their areas of expertise, using angles in popular culture to shed new light on some of the knotty theological questions of our day. * Andrew J. Byers, Tutor in New Testament at Ridley Hall Cambridge and Co-Editor of Religion, Theology, and Stranger Things: Studies from the Upside Down on Evil, Ethics, Horror, and Hope * Theology, Religion, and the Universe of Dune offers us—I dare say—a prescient look at themes of religion, power, human limits, and identity explored in Herbert’s world and woven throughout our current political landscape. This timely and richly engaging volume makes the seemingly distant world of Dune feel closer than ever, as it brings Herbert’s reflections on prophecy, power, and technology to bear upon our own, slightly less worm-filled, world. * D. T. Everhart, lecturer in Theology, London School of Theology *

Author Information

Christopher A. Porter is Adjunct Lecturer at Trinity College Theological School, Australia.

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