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Childhood's End By Mike Bennett When I read Arthur C. Clarke's science-fiction classic Childhood's End as a teenager, it startled me with its visions of the transformation of humanity. Clarke's death this March led me to ponder again its parallels and twists on man's truly startling biblical destiny.
cience fiction, in the hands of a master like Arthur C. Clarke, can explore transcendent themes rarely addressed outside the realm of philosophy and religion. As a teen in the 1970s, I found Childhood's End, Clarke's 1953 novel, gripping and unsettling. Timeless themes erupt from the tensions of its time -- in the shadow of the mushroom cloud, four years before Sputnik launched the space race.
Soon humanity realizes that resistance is futile -- that our puny power is nothing when measured on a cosmic scale. Yes, the reclusive aliens have saved man from nuclear suicide -- but for what purpose? The trade-off for utopia on earth seems to be giving up visions of visiting the heavens. "The stars are not for Man," the unseen alien Karellen tells them. Clarke, with his trademark twists and imagination-stretching ideas, kept me entranced. The book explores pride and powerlessness, freedom and frustration, curiosity and conformity -- and much more. Many critics, fans and Clarke himself judged Childhood's End to be the finest novel of his nearly 100 books.
The mysterious aliens -- who turn out to have pointed tails and to envy the humans -- are apparently a catalyst in humanity's complete transformation. While the older generations die out, the children are destined to join the Overmind. Human destiny Why did this book disturb me so much? It gave me a feeling of déjà vu, with a twist. Arthur C. Clarke's alternate universe eerily reminded me of another cosmic story I had been reading, but transmogrified, like an image in a fun-show mirror. The other story also included demonic beings jealous of the human potential to move to a higher level of existence. These beings also didn't want to be seen -- but more, they did not even want humans to believe they existed. And their purpose was to thwart humans from reaching the next level -- not to facilitate it as in Clarke's literary universe.
They claimed to have been contacted by the Overmind of Overminds. Even though they found it hard to believe themselves, their collective story reveals a hidden human potential beyond their wildest dreams.
These writers talked about the universe -- everything -- coming under man's control as humans see -- and become like -- the transcendent and truly benevolent Lord of Lords. They claim humans are destined to become children of the Creator of the universe -- to join God's family! What's the point? Arthur C. Clarke was an amazing man. He imagined communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit way back in 1945. He explored the ocean depths. He hosted television shows. But in a video reflecting on his 90th birthday in December 2007, he said he would most like to be remembered as a writer who has "entertained readers and hopefully stretched their imaginations as well." The other epic I was reading (and am still reading today) claims not to be fiction at all, but mind-expanding reality. Most who read it today do not grasp its depth or the power of its vision. The themes mentioned above are, of course, from the Holy Bible -- the most printed but perhaps least understood book of all time. (The quotes and references are from 1 Corinthians 15:49,52; Hebrews 2:8; and 1 John 3:2 in the New International Version.) These themes are rarely explored in most churches and are even considered suspect by many.
But he was obviously concerned about the future destiny of mankind. In his 90th birthday video he said he hoped "we have learned something from the most barbaric century in history -- the 20th. I would like to see us overcome our tribal divisions and begin to think and act as if we are one family." One of his three wishes brought this hope even more down to earth. He said, "I dearly wish to see lasting peace established in Sri Lanka [his adopted home for over 50 years] as soon as possible. But I'm aware that peace can not just be wished; it requires a great deal of hard work, courage and persistence." Sir Arthur C. Clarke's death March 19, 2008, caused me to reflect on all this. I don't believe a fleet of alien spaceships will come and stop man from destroying himself. I don't believe the lessons of history show that man will somehow learn the way of peace on his own either. But I do believe the real hope and destiny recorded in the ancient revelations from the Creator of the universe. There is a way of peace, and God holds out the plan and the power to accomplish it.
Someday, humanity will be transformed -- given immortal, spiritual life -- as God brings "many sons to glory" (Hebrews 2:10). The Bible describes a new heaven and new earth -- a time when the stars will truly be ours (Revelation 21 and 22). Our new life will be to assist the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in ruling over the universe. The next chapters in the cosmic story are much more incredible than fiction! Recommended reading What does the Bible say about humanity's purpose and the meaning of life? The booklet gives a biblical foundation for the fascinating subject. Download or request a free copy today. Copyright 2008 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved. |
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