Religion in Sci-Fi : Philip K. Dick's 'Mercerism' in his titular work 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?''Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep' is a widely acclaimed science-fiction work that explores the notion of human existence as a unique but non-essential and reproducible phenomenon. The novel is additionally known for its film adaptations 'Blade Runner' and 'Blade Runner 2049'. However, a less explored but arguably equally important theme in Philip K. Dick's body of work is religion and its psychological and mystical influence on people. In 'Do Androids', humans worship Mercerism which ends up impacting the climax of the story. Mercerism is a fictional religion that compels individuals to use devices known as empathy boxes to feel the physical pain inflicted on a figure named Wilbur Mercer, whose appearance is only shown through a TV program as he journeys through a desert plain. Sometimes, rocks are thrown at him to wound him which triggers pain to everyone using an empathy box. This is a communal activity as multiple people tune in to watch and partake in Wilbur Mercer's suffering thanks to the empathy box. Some possible questions and avenues to explore belief in science-fiction: What is the purpose of Mercerism in the story? How does it encompass Philip K. Dick's own mystical experiences? What real-world influences does Mercerism draw from? How does Mercerism differ from other fictional religions and belief-cultures in popular media? Why is Mercerism unexplored in both Hollywood adaptations of the novel? |