Exploring Mary-Jane Rubenstein’s Astrotopia: A Deep Dive into the Corporate Space Race and Religion
In her thought-provoking book, Astrotopia: The Dangerous Religion of the Corporate Space Race, Mary-Jane Rubenstein, a scholar of religion at Wesleyan University, examines the intertwined dynamics of faith and technology in the context of humanity’s venture into space. Released in paperback in 2023, this work interrogates the mythological foundations of contemporary space endeavors, arguing that the motivations behind the new space race are steeped in religious fervor often overlooked by those leading the charge.
The Genesis of Exploration
Rubenstein deftly begins her discourse with a reference to the biblical Book of Genesis, where God gives dominion over Earth to humankind. This scriptural mandate, she argues, has long served as a justification for the colonization and exploitation of our planet’s resources. The transition from a biblical context to a cosmic one is seamless; today’s corporate titans of space—including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos—view Earth as merely a temporary staging ground for a grander interstellar destiny.
A Mythological Framework
“The intensifying ‘NewSpace race’ is as much a mythological project as it is a political, economic, or scientific one,” Rubenstein asserts. This statement encapsulates her thesis that the motivations for venturing into space are bound up with a mythos that provides a sense of duty and grandeur. This mythology envelops the space race, illuminating the aspirations and values that fuel the ambitions of corporate leaders and enthusiasts alike.
The Intersection of Faith and Technology
At the core of Rubenstein’s argument is an examination of the Judeo-Christian heritage that influences modern space exploration. Many of today’s space leaders might resist identifying as religious, yet their dreams—of colonizing Mars, for example—echo centuries-old religious narratives about humanity’s dominion and destiny. “If Earth is man’s dominion, space is the next logical step,” Rubenstein writes, emphasizing how these beliefs can catalyze both optimism and reckless ambition.
Elon Musk’s Bold Vision
Elon Musk epitomizes this mindset. In a stark declaration made in 2014, he dismissed concerns about Earth by stating, “Fuck Earth.” His vision for establishing a colony on Mars is rooted in the belief that humanity’s future transcends Earth itself. Musk’s approach is both audacious and alarming; he sees Mars as the new frontier, with Earth relegated to a secondary role in human history. This points to a dangerous combination of ambition lacking foresight, one that Rubenstein critiques throughout her narrative.
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Jeff Bezos and the Redemption of Earth
In contrast, Jeff Bezos presents a more nuanced perspective. He claims to care for Earth, arguing that the establishment of space colonies would free our home planet from the heavy burdens of industry and overpopulation. According to Bezos, this vision of "zoning" Earth for recovery stands as a testament to humanity’s progress. However, Rubenstein challenges this view by questioning the feasibility and ethics of offloading Earth’s burdens to space, suggesting that simply relocating our issues will not solve them.
The Population Argument
A significant point in the conversation is Bezos’s proposition that space settlements could accommodate a staggering trillion people. He dreams of an “orbital archipelago” teeming with human potential, envisioning a civilization capable of producing a thousand geniuses like Mozart and Einstein. But Rubenstein counters this optimistic calculus by highlighting the frailty of human nature. A numbers game oversimplifies the complex realities of human existence; alongside the triumphs could emerge equally monstrous figures—“a thousand Hitlers and Stalins,” she warns.
Human Nature in a Cosmic Context
This rejection of a naive belief in humanity’s redemption through expansion into space is a cornerstone of Rubenstein’s critique. She emphasizes that we are still fundamentally human, carrying our vices and weaknesses with us wherever we go. Leaving Earth does not exempt us from our flaws; in fact, the pressures and challenges of new environments might aggravate existing issues rather than provide a clean slate. As we look to the stars with ambition, we must grapple with the implications of our own humanity.
Final Thoughts on Astrotopia’s Themes
Rubenstein’s Astrotopia serves not only as a critique of the corporate space race but also as a broader reflection on faith, ambition, and the ethical dimensions of humanity’s pursuit of the cosmos. Through her scholarly lens, she urges readers to consider the implications of their aspirations—challenging us to reconcile our ambitions with the responsibilities we hold both to our planet and to each other as we navigate this uncharted territory.
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