The church inclusions is Mote seemed rather routine to me. I'm an atheist from birth but after 20 years in the USN I didn't have a problem with the Chaplain, especially given that he had real life experience before joining the clergy.Bystander said:It's overused --- Niven, The Mote in God's Eye, is one that included the church to excess. Miller, A Canticle for Leibowitz, did well with it, but in the second case, the church was the story.
Ancient-themed planets are popular in science fiction because they offer a sense of mystery and wonder. They allow for the exploration of ancient civilizations and the possibility of advanced technology or lost knowledge. Additionally, these planets often have unique and exotic landscapes, making them intriguing settings for storytelling.
While there is currently no evidence of ancient-themed planets in our universe, it is not impossible for them to exist. The vastness of the universe and the potential for countless different planetary systems means that there could be planets with ancient civilizations and advanced technology that we have yet to discover.
Authors and filmmakers often draw inspiration from real ancient civilizations and their cultures, architecture, and technology. They also use scientific principles and theories to create realistic planetary environments and ecosystems. Additionally, they may incorporate elements of fantasy or imagination to add a sense of wonder and mystery to the world.
Some common themes and tropes include ancient advanced civilizations, lost or forgotten knowledge, alien artifacts or technology, and time travel. These elements often add to the sense of mystery and wonder surrounding these planets.
Ancient-themed planets in sci-fi often serve as a reflection of our own society and history. They may explore themes of power, technology, and cultural evolution. They also allow us to imagine what our own civilization could become in the distant future or in a parallel universe.