Theofilos A Nordic open access journal in Theology, Philosophy and Culture Published by NLA University College – in partnership with Johannelund School of Theology

VOL. 11 NR. 2 2019 Available at www.theofilos.no ‘Unraveling the Mystery’ Assessing The Big Bang Theory as a Secular Fictional Universe1

Margunn Serigstad Dahle Associate Professor in Communication and Worldviews NLA University College

Ingvild Thu Kro Assistant Professor in Communication and Worldviews NLA University College

Abstract: This essay seeks to meet the need for identifying and responding to secular worldview perspectives in popular culture from a Christian apo- logetic perspective. The focus in this case is on naturalism, scientism, and anti-religious attitudes, with the highly popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory (season 11) as a case study. The methodological approach is a con- tent analysis with worldview theory as the hermeneutical perspective. The findings of the analysis suggest that naturalism and weak scientism seem to be the underlying worldview perspectives in The Big Bang Theory. Supernatural beliefs are rejected as irrational, but despite that the overall trust is in science, there are moments where other sources of truth and meaning seem to be given credibility. From these conclusions we identify both points of contact and points of tension to Christian faith, represen- ting both opportunities and challenges for Christian cultural apologetics, both in relation to science and religious faith as well as the relation betwe- en them. Keywords: Popular culture, worldviews, The Big Bang Theory, natu- ralism, scientism, cultural apologetics

Introduction key role of secular worldviews in the flow of the story in this highly popular sitcom. ‘The characters … are so funny (in part) According to Massimo Pigliucci, it is not due to their extremely “scientistic” just the characters’ nerdy personalities worldviews, entirely framed by their that make the audience laugh, but even practice of science. The humor manifests more how they illustrate what clinging to as their scientific approach unfolds a secular worldview – such as scientism – in everyday life.’ looks like.3 This indicates that secular - Massimo Pigliucci2 worldviews are influential in the fictional universe of this sitcom. he quote above is an excerpt from The Big Bang Theory serves as a signi- a philosophical analysis of The ficant example of how traces of secular TBig Bang Theory. It illustrates the worldviews, such as naturalism and Copyright © 2020 Author(s). Peer reviewed open access article – published under CC BY-NC 4.0. Theofilos. Volume 12, 2020, issue 1, pp. 112–137 DOI: https://doi.org/10.48032/theo/12/1/9 ISSN print 1893-7969, ISSN online: ISSN 2703-7037 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 113 scientism, often are found in popular secular humanism, in popular culture as movies, television series and other fictio- well as in academic and educational con- nal stories. This points to the need for texts. For Christian youth, such secular Christian cultural apologists to analyse stories often create a deep feeling of cog- the key role of secular worldviews in con- nitive dissonance in relation to their per- temporary popular culture and to offer a sonal Christian convictions,8 which is yet relevant response. Thus, The Big Bang another key reason for analysing and eva- The ory is a natural choice as a case study luating the different perspectives from a in relation to ‘Science, Natural Theology, biblical perspective. and Christian Apologetics’.4 In this essay, then, we seek to meet the Nigerian author Ben Okri points out need for identifying and responding to that ‘[stories] are the secret reservoir of secular worldview perspectives in popular values. Change the stories individuals and culture from a Christian apologetic per- nations live by and tell themselves, and spective, with the highly popular sitcom you change the individuals and nations’.5 The Big Bang Theory as a case study. This Furthermore, when considering how sitcom, with a total of 12 seasons ending common secular perspectives in popular in May 2019, has a wide spectrum in fictional stories often seem to correspond terms of its audience, both regarding age9 to influential secular presuppositions in and country. We have chosen season 11 many Western academic and educational as our research material, due to this sea- contexts, the cultural apologetic task turns son being the latest published in DVD out to be even more significant. When format at the time of starting our rese- faced by the same underpinning secular arch.10 Building on key findings from ear- worldviews in both contexts, the need for lier research on previous seasons, we will double listening becomes obvious.6 This be focussing on traces of naturalism, sci- task includes uncovering traces of such entism and anti-religious attitudes. worldviews in these influential cultural This leads to the following two texts as well as formulating a normative research questions: response based on appropriate biblical 1. How are naturalism, scientism and texts. anti-religious attitudes being expressed Many of the background beliefs that and portrayed in season 11 of The Big our Western culture presses on us regard- Bang Theory? ing Christianity, often making the Chris- 2. What opportunities and challenges do tian faith seem implausible, are being pre- these secular beliefs, ideas and motifs sented through the stories and themes of represent for Christian cultural apolo- entertainment and social media rather getics? than by argument. ‘They are assumed to In order to answer these two research be simply the way things are’, as Timothy questions, the article contains three major Keller points out. Furthermore, according sections. to Keller, most of these stories are secular or relativistic.7 The first major part of the article introdu- Thus, a key task for contemporary ces some foundational theoretical per- Christian cultural apologists is to uncover spectives on worldview theory and popu- and challenge secular values and beliefs, lar culture, on sitcoms in general and The such as naturalism, existentialism, and

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Big Bang Theory specifically, on natura- understanding of how worldviews are lism, scientism, and anti-religious attitu- often grasped as stories, not only as ratio- des, and on Christian apologetics. This nal propositions, is, of course, highly rele- leads to an outline of the methodological vant to the worldview analysis of fictio- approach for content analysis with world - nal, visual universes and to the whole view theory as the hermeneutical perspec- process of meaning-making. As will be tive. shown below, Sire’s worldview concept opens constructive avenues of explora- The second major section of the article tions and has proved to be very fruitful contains a worldview analysis of the when developing a toolbox for content selected season of The Big Bang Theory. analysis of media messages.13 The third major part of the article pre- In a media-saturated culture like ours, sents a normative response to the series it is vital to relate to the stories from the from a Christian cultural apologetic pers- perspective of what’s being communica- pective, before concluding with summary ted. The influence of the stories of popu- and reflections. lar culture can hardly be overstated. Popular culture may be defined by being Foundational Theoretical commercial and known, liked and used by ‘the masses’, as well as being aimed at Perspectives offering entertainment and distraction Worldview Theory and Popular from everyday life (Endsjø and Lied 2011, Culture 16). But, although it is aimed at enter- tainment, the implicit and explicit messa- The term worldview can be understood in ges are not neutral, but convey a wide different ways. This article is informed by spectrum of different perspectives, values, the concept of worldview proposed by and beliefs. Naugle (2002) and developed and appli- As Philip Pullman stated in his Car- ed by Sire:11 negie Medal acceptance speech: A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the All stories teach, whether the story- heart, that can be expressed as a teller intends them to or not. They story or in a set of presuppositions teach the world we create. They (assump tions which may be true, teach the morality we live by. They partially true or entirely false) teach it much more effectively than 14 which we hold (consciously or sub- moral precepts and instructions. consciously, consistently or incon - This means that popular culture is ‘a sistently) about the basic constitu- place of debate and negotiation, it gives tion of reality, and that provides the us examples of how our contemporaries foundations on which we live and move and have our being. (Sire are thinking’ (Turner 2013, 23). There- 2015, 141)12 fore, popular culture is a useful indicator of the Zeitgest, the ‘spirit of the times’. It The emphasis on ‘commitment’ and ‘a both mirrors and moulds our way of thin- fundamental orientation of the heart’ in- king and living, express pointers to diffe- dicates that everyone has a worldview, rent worldviews and plays a key role in whether religious or secular in its founda- the worldview formation of young people.15 tional convictions. Furthermore, this Stories, then, are powerful, whether

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 115 fictional or factual. Because of popular that are portrayed. But at the same time, culture and the popular media’s vast it is fiction, simply because it is not realis- impact in our culture, we ought to pay tic since the sitcom has a tendency so close attention to what is portrayed, exaggerate, both related to the events, the when it comes to values and preferences, characters and the humoristic elements. truth and reality. After all, as Walt Muel- David Lodge describes sitcoms as ler claims about today’s youth: ‘They are ‘light, family entertainment, which aims being catechized through regularity and to amuse and divert the viewers, not to repetition into a series of cultural beliefs disturb and upset them.’19 Lewis and that result in behaviors . . . now and for Mol loy expand on this, stating that ‘the the rest of their lives.’16 The stories of comedy reveals a culture’s viewpoint popular culture, which are ‘known by the through the lens of laughter’ (2015, 90). masses’, is therefore a natural starting Verbal humour is one of the most impor- point when reflecting on underlying pers- tant features of sitcoms, often initiated pectives, including views on (natural) sci- and enforced by a laughter-track or live ence and religious beliefs. studio audience. The poet T.S. Elliot was convinced that the culture we consume Popular Culture, Sitcoms and The Big just for fun, with no thought of grappling Bang Theory with heavyweight issues, has an enduring Among the variety of media stories in effect on us. He believed this was true popular culture, the sitcom proves to be precisely because of the fun element.20 highly popular. The term is short for Comedians recognize the power of situation comedy, and the genre is mar- laughter and how laughter can make it ked by how it centers around a story that easier to portray themes or views the unfolds from episode to episode, where audience normally would reject or be we follow a set of characters over time offended by. As the American stand-up and in their mutual environment, like a comedian and social critic George Carlin home, workplace or a circle of friends. says, ‘Once you get people laughing, The term sitcom can be traced to the they’re listening, and you can tell them 1950s, first in radio and then in televi- almost anything’.21 sion. Originally the sitcom was organized Carlin expanded on this idea in an in individual episodes, where the storytel- interview: ling largely was static, and the characters Most of the time, when you talk to barely changed over time. In more recent people about, let's call them 'issu- decades, however, the sitcom has increa- es,' okay? People have their defen- singly been characterized by a coherent ces up. They are going to defend and recurrent storytelling that may well their point of view, the thing they're last over a whole season, where both the used to, the ideas that they hold story and the characters can change and dear, and you have to take a long, logical route to get through to them, develop over time.17 generally … But when you are A helpful description of sitcoms is ‘rea- doing comedy or humour, people listic fiction’ (cp. Tony Watkins 201018), are open, and when the moment of meaning that the storytelling and the cha- laughter comes, their guard is racters resemble real life, in so far as the down, so new data can be introdu- viewer can relate to events and situations ced more easily at that moment.22

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The Big Bang Theory is most definitely a Technology). The same is true for Shel- sitcom that makes people laugh, all over don’s girlfriend (and later wife), neuro- the world, ‘using satire, comedy, intertex- biologist Amy Farrah Fowler (Mayim tual references and even burlesque to Bialik), and Howard’s wife (his girlfriend offer its perspective on the “geeky” world in the early seasons) microbiologist Ber- of brilliant scientists (and their friends)’ nadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rauch). (Lewis and Molloy 2015, 89). The characters frequently banter about The Big Bang Theory has been one of scientific theories or news and make sci- the early 21st century’s most popular TV ence-related jokes. These intellectual nerds series worldwide.23 Created by the re- (as they are portrayed) have their humo- nowned directors Chuck Lorre and Bill ristic counterpart in the beautiful and Prady24, the series premiered on CBS in street-smart Penny (Kaley Cuoco). In USA September 24, 2007, and concluded contrast to all the other characters, her on May 16, 2019, having broadcast a and her father’s last name is never revea- total of 279 episodes over 12 seasons.25 led. Penny dreams of being an actor and In Norway, the TV series played its final is now married to Leonard, being his girl- season during the spring of 2019, and in friend in the early seasons. Stuart Bloom both USA and Norway the sitcom conti- (Kevin Sussman), the owner of a comic nues to play in reruns. bookstore, is also a recurrent character. ‘The Big Bang Theory has been the Co-director Chuck Lorre explains defining comedy of its generation,’ Kelly what they intended with the series: Kahl, President for CBS Entertainment, From the very beginning, the goal said in a statement as the decision to end was really simple: to cause laughter. the show was announced.26 Furthermore, That's why we made the show and the huge popularity and influence of the why we wanted to build a show series is seen in the decision to produce around these characters. I love the characters because, despite how the spin-off series Young Sheldon, where intelligent they were, they felt left viewers follow the major character Shel- out. They felt like outsiders looking don from The Big Bang Theory as a young through the glass at life going on boy living in Texas with his family. In without them … The characters February 2019, CBS renewed this series aren’t related but they behave and for a third and fourth season, with the operate like a family even to the point of making each other mise- third season running in USA during the rable. But no matter what, they 27 autumn and spring of 2019/2020. created a surrogate family. That Set in Pasadena, California, The Big underlies the comedy and may ulti- Bang Theory has a focus on science and mately be more important than the scientists, particularly physics and physi- jokes.28 cists. The four main male characters, It is interesting to observe that over recent theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper (Jim years there has been a shift in certain the- Parsons), experimental physicist Leonard mes and characters portrayed in sitcoms, Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), aerospace one of them being the portrayal of nerds. engineer Howard Wolowitz (Simon Hel- In fact, The Big Bang Theory is reckoned berg), and astrophysicist Rajesh (Raj) as the most widely known, and popular, Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) are all em- television program currently supporting ployed at Caltech (California Institute of this trend.29

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Key Aspects of Naturalism, Scientism the world around us… The mea- and Anti-Religious Attitudes ning we find in life is not transcen- Key findings in earlier research on The dent…31 Big Bang Theory, whether from a rhetori- Furthermore, while naturalists must in- cal, a philosophical, or from a worldview clude human actions within their causally perspective, pointed to dominant traces closed view of physical events in the uni- of naturalism, scientism and anti-religio- verse, some hold that this ‘determinism’ is us attitudes.30 As for the latter, these atti- consistent with a non-libertarian, ‘com- tudes primarily relate to the Jewish and patibilist’ understanding of human free- the Christian faiths. When analysing sea- dom. son 11, we will have the same focus. In As indicated above, naturalism is still the following, we will outline key aspects an attractive worldview for many, despite related to these three thematic areas. being challenged both by secular alterna- In relation to naturalism, the term in tives (such as postmodernism) and by re- short denotes a worldview or belief ligious worldviews. At least two primary system which denies the supernatural. reasons may be given for why naturalism Naturalists tend to ‘view supernaturalism continues to be influential. It gives the as clinging to non-scientific, non-empiri- impression of being a worldview that is cal justifications for beliefs, the opposite honest and objective, and which has a of objectivity’ (Carlson 2017, 469). consistent, coherent system. Since the Enlightenment, naturalism Furthermore, as stated earlier, the has been a powerful influence in the aca- naturalistic worldview accommodates demy as well as gradually also in popular different variations on the naturalistic Western culture, and now increasingly theme – for instance Marxism and secular also globally. It emerges in different con- humanism – and is thus more widespread figurations, and carries different labels, than one might think in the first place. such as scientism, secular humanism, and Even though the latter form of humanism Marxism, but with a common underpin- is completely framed within a naturalistic ning notion of the denial of the superna- view of reality, not all naturalists are secu- tural. The cosmos is seen as being ultima- lar humanists. But all secular humanists tely one thing; matter, existing as a unifor- are naturalists when it comes to the fun- mity of cause and effect in a closed damental view of reality. Due to the em- system. phasis in secular humanism on human Human beings are therefore seen as dignity, freedom and reasoning, this fact only being part of the natural cosmos. is easily overlooked.32 Our uniqueness is accounted for in diffe- What, then, about scientism? In the rent ways by different strands of natura- first place it is helpful to distinguish lism. Physicist Sean Carrol, in his bestsel- be tween ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ scientism. ling book The Big Picture, explains the Strong scientism claims that some naturalistic view of humans in this way: proposition is true and / or rational We humans are blobs of organized to believe if and only if it is a scien- mud, which through the imperso- tific proposition … There are no nal workings of nature’s patterns truths apart from scientific truths, have developed the capacity to con- and even if there were, there would template and cherish and engage be no reason whatever to believe with the intimidating complexity of them.

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Advocates of weak scientism allow Christian faith, where anti-religious atti- for truths apart from science… But tudes often are predominant. ‘This inclu- those advocates still hold that sci- des popular fictional stories where secular ence is the most authoritative sec- worldview perspectives are portrayed tor of human learning. Every other intellectual activity is inferior to positively, Christians are being stereoty- science. Further, there are virtually ped, and Christian faith and practices are no limits to science. (Moreland 2017, excluded.’ (L. Dahle, 2018, 142) 629) Introducing Christian Apologetics Accordingly, scientism may appropriately Christian apologetics focuses traditional- be described as: ly on defending and commending the bib- the idea that science can and should lical Gospel. Thus, the emphasis is both be expanded to every domain of on justifying key Christian truth claims hu man knowledge or interest, in- cluding the social sciences and the and on communicating the Christian humanities, or alternatively the worldview as authentic and relevant in idea that the only kind of knowled- secular and pluralistic contexts. ge really worth having is that pro- An influential definition of Christian vided by the natural sciences apologetics is offered by William Lane 33 (Pigliucci 2012, 131). Craig in his classic textbook Reasonable Anti-religious attitudes appear in very dif- Faith: ferent modes and shapes. It covers a wide Apologetics specifically serves to spectrum, from various intellectual, mo- show to unbelievers the truth of the ral, and social objections to Judeo-Chris- Christian faith, to confirm that tian beliefs, through popular myths and faith to believers, and to reveal and misconceptions, to hostility, indifference, explore the connections between Christian doctrine and other and political correctness. It has been truths… [It is] the broader task of pointed out that The Big Bang Theory Christian apologetics to help create often conveys religion in general as old- and sustain a cultural milieu in fashioned and fundamentalist, whereas which the gospel can be heard as an Christianity specifically is largely presen- intellectually viable option for thin- ted as ‘a “god-of-the-gaps” approach’ to king men and women. (Craig 2008, reality (Barkman and Kowalski 2012, 15, 17) 150). When using the term Christian apologe- At the plausibility level, anti-religious tics in this article, we are focusing on ‘the ideas contribute to the marginalization of art of apologetics’.34 This is closely linked Christian beliefs, institutions and practi- to the notion of ‘cultural apologetics’, ces. This illustrates that ‘central areas of highlighting that our understanding of modern society are secularised and secu- apologetics needs to incorporate the con- lar outlooks on life are highly influential’ cepts of beauty and goodness as well as (L. Dahle, 2015, 387). Thus, Christian the concept of truth, together with a ideas appear as less meaningful and holistic understanding of humanity. As Christian institutions and practices as Joseph Woodell argues: more marginal. Apologetics is the task of helping Many influential media stories include people see not only the truthful- popular stereotypes and myths about the ness, but also the attractiveness of

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the Christian faith… Christianity is acting and so on. After all, in the words true, for it corresponds to reality; of David Porter, in any visual media mes- but being true, it is also both sage ‘more is said than what is spoken’ (morally) good and (aesthetically) (1988, 15). beautiful… Adding aesthetics to the apologetic toolbox can only The third phase is the worldview level, help the apologetic enterprise.35 which is the focal point of the analytical framework. This level ‘combines the iden - Accordingly, theological aesthetics will be tification of key worldview elements and central to our approach in this article. traces of influential worldview traditions This growing thematic field is concerned and trends’ (M.S. Dahle 2017, 64). ‘with questions about God and issues in The first step at this level is to identify theology in the light of and perceived key characteristics of the observable through sense knowledge (sensation, fee- praxis in the fictional universe, such as ling, imagination) through beauty, and behaviour and conversation, through a the arts’ (Thiessen 2004,1). We will return focus on plot, character and dialogue. to these key issues in our apologetic Building on David Howell’s insights response to The Big Bang Theory below. regarding worldview formation, where ‘Self’, ‘Peers’, ‘World’ and ‘Beyond’ are Introducing the Methodological key areas around which the worldview is Approach being developed, sustained or changed The selected methodological approach in (Howell 1997), it has proved to be useful this essay is content analysis informed by to categorize the observable praxis in this worldview theory, already applied by us way. Thus, paying attention to ‘what is in previous studies.36 As stated above, the being said and done’ related to oneself term worldview is here understood in line (‘Self’) and friends / family (‘Peers’), and with David Naugle’s proposal, and as to the relationships to authorities and the developed and applied by James W. Sire. wider society (‘world’), as well as to the Our starting point is that all media future and beyond (‘Beyond’). messages may be seen as texts, whether The second step at the worldview level verbal, audial or visual. These texts pro- is to identify key worldview elements in vide ‘scripts’ or ‘templates’ that model the the observable praxis, such as foundatio- way life is, or should be’ (Turnau 2012, nal views of ethical values, humanity, rea- 27). In order to identify these ‘scripts’ or lity and faith (defined as trust and search ‘templates’ – and thus analyse media mes- for meaning). These traces of worldviews, sages from a worldview perspective – we then, are sought to be matched with dif- use a methodology developed by Mar- ferent worldview patterns, both religious gunn S. Dahle which consists of four and secular. interlocking levels.37 Thus, by focusing on the observable The first two levels belong to the pre- praxis within the categories of ‘Self’, paratory stage. At the emotional level the ‘Peers’, ‘World’ and ‘Beyond’ in selected focus is on the emotional response that is scenes in season 11, we will seek to iden- created by the media message, whereas tify how the traces of naturalism, scien- the aesthetic level means looking at the tism and anti-religious attitudes function dramaturgical and artistic elements in the in the flow of the story. The key findings media message; the plot, music, editing, will be compared to what Kro identified

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 120 ‘Unraveling the Mystery when analysing season 6,38 before wide- some final overall reflections on this fictio - ning the perspective to the whole televi- nal universe as a totality. sion series when reflecting on our own Thirdly, before the analysis of season findings as well as on those identified by 11, an introductory analysis of the ope- other researchers. ning theme used throughout The Big Bang The fourth level is the normative. This Theory seems to be a natural starting constitutes the follow-up stage, where the point. The opening theme – or the title aim is to give a ‘relevant Christian theme – has a key role in establishing a response, critically asking whether the show's unifying identity as well as in identified worldview elements are consis- aiming towards capturing and keeping tent with a biblically informed Christian the attention of the audience. worldview’ (M.S. Dahle 2017, 64), inclu- Key findings related to the theme song ding pointing to elements of contact and elements of tension. Thus, the normative The opening theme song was ranked level moves on from worldview analysis sixth out of ten popular credit sequences 39 to theological engagement, which will be in 2010. The aesthetics are captivating, further explained below, when dealing with the visual as well as the music cat- with the apologetic response to key fin- ching the attention of the audience. The dings in The Big Bang Theory. images, visualizing the lyrics of the song performed by The Barenaked Ladies, Analysis of The Big Bang Theory, make the impact even larger, despite a very high speed. Season 11: The Worldview Level The actual lyrics runs as follows: It is appropriate to offer three preliminary Our whole universe remarks before applying a worldview was in a hot, dense state analysis (i.e. the third analytical phase Then nearly 14 billion years introduced above) to season 11 of The ago expansion started Wait! Big Bang Theory. The Earth began to cool First, our remarks and reflections The autotrophs began to drool, above, on sitcoms in general and The Big Neanderthals developed tools We built the Wall Bang Theory specifically, serve as pointers We built the pyramids towards the first and second analytical Math, Science, History, phase, i.e. the emotional and aesthetical unraveling the mystery levels. The sitcom genre relies heavily on That all started with a big bang emotional communication with the TV Bang! audience, especially in this case in its con- This title theme song is written by Ed scious use of humour, irony and satire. Robertson, a member of the band The Aesthetically, this sitcom has a coherent Barenaked Ladies.40 and recurrent storytelling over the whole The opening theme sequence points to season, where both the story and the cha- different fields of human enquiry and racters change and develop over time. academic study. Whereas the reference to Secondly, our worldview analysis of Big Bang belongs to cosmology, evolution selected scenes in season 11 builds on our is part of biology, and the focus on long-term engagement with and assess- human achievements is related to history. ment of the whole TV series. This leads to The underlying unifying perspective is

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 121 secular, with no ultimate references to any The Big Bang Theory, ran in the USA du- gods or God. The view of history, as well ring the fall and spring of 2017/2018,41 as of humanity, is marked by optimism, and marked the ten-year anniversary of which indicates a positive view also of the the show. During season 11, Howard and future. Thus, when relating to the catego- Bernadette, in addition to Penny and Leo- ry ‘Beyond’, we identify clear pointers to nard, are married, whilst Raj is still sing- a secular, naturalistic worldview. Human le, searching for true love. In the first epi- progress is highlighted, with science and sode of this season, Sheldon proposes to technology as authorities to the extent Amy, and one main storyline throughout that it points towards scientism. Thus, the the season is their engagement, culmina- category ‘World’ points to secular per- ting in the wedding as the season’s end. spectives. As the final line fades out, the Howard and Bernadette have their sec- main characters in the show sit down on ond baby during this season. Although we a sofa, smiling and eating, obviously never see the children, their struggles rela- having a good time. ‘Self’ and ‘Peers’ get ted to pregnancy, parenting and family the final note. life are central to the storyline. Penny and Within the framework of the lyrics and Leonard wonder whether they should all the different images underlining this ‘take the next step’ too. Thus, a running secular view of cosmology, evolution and theme in the whole season is linked to human progress, one gets the impression such family issues, as well as the rela- that the characters are part of a long line tionship between family life and careers. of progress, and therefore the future is Career as an independent theme is also bright. Further, the image of the group highlighted, not the least with Leonard points to a close friendship, which seem and Sheldon who are questioning the to indicate the need for fellowship as well foundations and trustworthiness of their as a view of humanity as superior within choices of science. However, after a pe- nature. Thus, the key beliefs and ideas riod of wondering if ‘supersymmetry’42 underpinning the theme song are inter- really is the answer to the mysteries of the connected and fit into a secular world- universe, Sheldon has a flash of inspira- view perspective, and at the same time its tion and excitedly work on a new theory ending seems to illustrate a tension bet- of ‘super asymmetry’, seemingly restoring ween a naturalistic view of reality and a everyone’s faith in science again. secular humanistic view of humanity. It should also be mentioned, that Key findings in The Big Bang Theory, season 11 when ever there is a shift of scenes in an episode, a certain part of the intro, where Key findings related to ‘Self’ and molecules are being displaying, is shown. ‘Peers’ In this way, the viewers are constantly In a sitcom like The Big Bang Theory, reminded of the theme song, the focus on with the story unfolding around a group natural science, and the pointers towards of close friends and colleagues, the most a naturalistic worldview. natural move is to begin the analysis by The Big Bang Theory: A brief intro- focusing on the part of the storyline dea- duction to season 11 ling with different aspects regarding their Season 11, the second to last season of relationships to themselves, each other and their families.

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However, their families are not visible nerable situation. as family units in the series. This is also Raj seems to be just as dissatisfied when true of this season.43 On the contrary, this it comes to love being explained in – or group of friends acts as a surrogate family. reduced to – naturalistic terms. When a This makes it even more interesting to ask colleague says: ‘Raj, we’re scientists. We oneself in what ways traces of naturalism, don’t need to feel threatened just because scientism and anti-religious attitudes may we understand the mechanisms that give be identified in this category of ‘Self’ and rise to romantic feelings. It doesn’t take ‘Peers’ in their observable praxis in sea- anything away from the experience.’,45 son 11. Raj couldn’t disagree more, being convin- As well as being key to the flow of the ced that love isn’t science, but ‘an acknow - storyline, the dialogues between the cha- ledgement of a mystery that’s greater than racters are vital when it comes to identi- ourselves’. Thus, he shows dissatisfaction fying pointers to their views of themsel- regarding a naturalistic perspective when ves, and of love, life, and what it means it comes to this part of life. Raj seems to being human. In this season, with Berna- long for a more coherent worldview dette being pregnant and primarily out of where experience and explanation of love work, we get glimpses of her view of self- fit together. identity and self-esteem. She used to think Not surprisingly, love is central in many of herself as a smart, educated, and suc- conversations in this season, with Amy cessful woman, whereas now she is bewil- and Sheldon being engaged, planning for dered. The way she and Amy talk about their wedding. Emotions aren’t that the change, is purely naturalistic, refer- important to Sheldon, though, and he’s ring to changes in the structure of the willing to put aside the thought of upset- brain. ‘I liked the old structure of my ting anyone and leave emotions totally brain. But then, I liked a lot of my old aside when deciding who are to be invited struc tures’, Bernadette replies to Amy’s for the wedding based on empirical explanations.44 metrics only. The reason being that in his This conversation moves towards a view people are at a wedding to perform conclusion which is meant to be of com- specific functions. An underlying perspec- fort to Bernadette, with Amy referring to tive here seems to be an ignorance of the many positive changes in the structure emotions and a stress on reason. Again, of the brain brought about by the preg- this can be seen as a pointer towards nancy. Still, Bernadette is not satisfied, Sheldon taking the naturalistic worldview accusing her friend for being condescen- at face value, whereas Amy seems to be ding. Taking the naturalistic worldview dissatisfied about the split that is being perspective to be the only explanation for revealed in a naturalistic worldview.46 the changes, even though also some of the Like Bernadette and Raj, whom we refer- changes in the brain structures are positi- red to above, Amy seems to long for a ve, doesn’t seem to be satisfying when it more coherent worldview. comes to her view of self-identity and self- The strong emphasis on reason is of esteem. Taking into consideration that course very much in line with their work career and image seem to play a key role as scientists. The view of reason as the regarding her self-identity and self- defining aspect of a human being is a re- esteem, Bernadette finds herself in a vul- current theme in the conversations,

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 123 alongside the fear of not being in total the following (when presenting a virtual control. As an example, Sheldon is very tour among the stars at the planetarium); worried about his sleep-talk and whether ‘Space is the mirror of the soul. Are we or not he can fully trust his mind. looking beyond, or are we looking with - Furthermore, their identity seems to be in? … When we gaze out at the immensi- anchored in reason and the ability to do ties of space, we understand them because science, thus viewing physics as ‘the real there are immensities within us as well.’49 thing’. After Leonard had been totally One may interpret his statement either as honest in a radio interview about their a reflection of Raj’s Hindu background50 struggles in their research, Leonard and or as a naturalistic view, the latter being Sheldon are close to an identity crisis.47 the most plausible due to what’s being ‘Physics is all we’re cut out for’, Leonard por trayed in the series as a whole. In other states, and continues: ‘I mean, if we words, just as the universe is nothing weren’t physicists, what would we be?’ more than nature, which is made up by Sheldon underlines that nothing can be matter, and nothing exists outside this compared to physics, since physics nature to uphold it, so human beings are ’answers the question: what is the nature also nothing more than products of natu- of the universe?’ re, like any other animal. Underneath, there seems to be a lon- The same basic beliefs seem to be pro- ging for anchoring the identity in somet- minent with Sheldon, who acts as the hing different from their career. Amid this foremost champion of faith in natural sci- crisis, they turn to Penny, who is the only ence and its undisputable truths. During one in the group of friends not working season 11 though, he finds himself sur- with science. The reason being, as stated prisingly interested in geology, although to her by Sheldon: ‘You manage to hold with mixed emotions: your head high, despite your checkered I am a respected theoretical physi- past.’48 cist. I aspire to win a Nobel Prize someday. But nobody's gonna take Key findings related to ‘World’ me seriously if they find out I've In The Big Bang Theory as a whole, natu- been dabbling in geology … ral sciences seems to be an undisputable They're very different. Physics ans- source of facts and truth about reality as wers the question: what is the nature a whole. Science seems to be regarded as of the universe? Geology answers the question: what'd I just trip honest, objective and coherent. The vali- over?51 dity of other theories or sciences are de- termined by whether they coincide with Here Sheldon, despite a transitory interest the natural sciences, or more specifically in geology, seems to make a clear dis- with physics. Even the title of the TV tinction between different natural scien- series and its theme song, as pointed out ces, some of them being more significant earlier in this analysis, clearly points to than others. In his view, physics is the the natural sciences as indisputable and ‘real science’, it is where you would go to sufficient explanations of reality. find the ‘real’ answers. This implies that, The naturalistic view of reality is being according to Sheldon, geology cannot conveyed in different ways throughout answer any of the fundamental questions the series. One example is when Raj says to the origin of the universe, its purpose

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 124 ‘Unraveling the Mystery or meaning. In other words, physics is any final results or answers to the ultimate being asserted as an undeniable authority, questions about the universe. As Leonard not only for the whole of reality, but also is saying ‘We've been collecting tons of within the field of natural sciences. It is data that could revolutionize the way we physics, Sheldon claims, not geology, understand the universe’53, but he must which answers the fundamental questions admit that the data is not giving them the for understanding reality – and ultimately final answers they are looking for. When the meaning of life. the radio presenter then asks what they This view of science, seemingly provi- actually have found, Leonard replies: ding meaning even to the most mundane Uh, nothing, actually … But I re- business, also comes across during main confident. We've got the best Sheldon and Amy’s planning of their equipment and the best minds all wedding. Being unable to choose their working on it … Although, some maid of honour and best man, they deci- days I'm, like, ugh, we've spent so de to use science to solve their problems, much money. Why haven't we found anything? What are we and thus also leaving feelings (from both doing?54 sides) aside. A choice Sheldon is very happy with this: In this scene Leonard apparently doubts his profession and whether he contributes Boy, if I had known getting married was going to involve so much science, significantly to the wider society. This is I'd have proposed years ago … If ultimately enhanced when he turns to experimenting on humans is morally Sheldon for encouragement; wrong, then I don't want to be mo- Sheldon: ‘Look. (sighs) Not all sci- 52 rally right. ence pans out. You know, we've In this regard, science (if taken at face been hoping supersymmetry was value) seems to a be source of excitement true for decades, and finally, we built the Large Hadron Collider, and joy and, in addition, an over-all source which is supposed to prove it by fin - of meaning. This is where the characters ding these new particles, and it-it trust to find the best answers, and ultima- hasn't. And maybe supersymmetry, tely the truth. It also surpasses the value our last big idea, is simply wrong.’ of human beings (if they have a specific Penny: ‘Okay. So, you guys are value) and of morality (if there ever was upset because the collider thing dis- such a thing). proved your theories?’ Leonard: ‘I-It's worse than that. It Although the entire season 11 (and the hasn't found anything in years, so entire TV series) points to trusting the we don't know if we're right, we natural sciences for ultimate truth and don't know if we're wrong. We meaning, there are also glimpses of how don't know where to go next.’55 this naturalistic foundation is cracking. In This appears to be an unexpected turn of season 11 we find Leonard as a guest on events in the context of the entire TV a radio show. When he is asked about his series. The undisputable trust in the natu- profession as an experimental physicist, ral sciences (and especially physics) to be he reveals that although millions are be- the ultimate source of truth about reality ing spent on expensive research projects, and meaning runs throughout every sea- the different projects aren’t producing son of the series, almost never questioned,

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 125 or challenged. It is highly interesting, facing the limitations of the natural scien- there fore, that here in season 11 this see- ces. Instead, the faith in science seems to mingly ultimate trust in the natural scien- be restored, and the scientists embark on ces as the foundation of authority seems a new path towards a theory they hope to crack, at least slightly. This seems to will give the answers to the functions and shake the characters, so that they even foundations of the natural universe. In consider changing their career paths or other words, a naturalistic worldview research areas, and they also seem to seems still to have a stronghold as an ulti- some extent to question the foundations mate authority. of their naturalistic worldview. They The key findings related to ‘the World’ seemingly admit that although natural in season 11 confirms the overall impres- science has given answers to lots of mys- sion of the whole series, when it comes to teries in the universe, it might not – or a deeply rooted trust in natural science as cannot – give the answers to everything. an objective, reliable and ultimate source This state of mind seems to affect the of truth. This deep trust is somewhat characters for parts of this season. Even shaken when Leonard admits that science Sheldon, though he is not questioning has not been able to produce the desired natural sciences as such, seems to ques- answers to the ultimate questions about tion to what extent theoretical physics the universe, leading several of the charac- really can provide him with the ultimate ters to question their career paths. At the answers he is searching for. Hence his end of the season however, this trust, and ‘dabbling in geology’. However, in the everyone’s ‘status quo’, is seemingly re- final episode of the season, while Sheldon stored, and the questions of the ultimate and Amy are getting ready for their wed- reliability and possible weaknesses of the ding, he and the other scientists seemingly natural sciences remains unanswered. have their ‘faith’ in natural sciences resto- This leaves the overall impression that the red: natural sciences still is the most trust- worthy foundation for understanding Sheldon: ‘My equations have been trying to describe an imperfect reality. world, and the only way to do that is to introduce imperfection into Key findings related to ‘the Beyond’ the underlying theory.’ As we saw earlier, ‘the Beyond’ relates to Amy: ‘So, instead of supersymme- views on and attitudes towards the future try, it would be super asymmetry?’ and the religious. The major focus in this Sheldon: ‘(Gasps) Super asymmetry. section will be on the latter part; i.e. views That's it! … So, if I make slightly and attitudes in season 11 of The Big Bang asymmetric knots with sheets in four dimensions, I can bootstrap Theory towards religion and expressions the whole idea to a large asymmetry of religious faith in general, and towards in 11 dimensions.’ Christian faith especially. Amy: ‘Maybe even at the initial But first, some reflections on views of moment of creation, the fundamen- the future in this TV series. This can be tal forces lacked symmetry.’ understood in a threefold way; the future In the end, the TV series provides no con- of the universe, humanity, and the indi- clusion to the deep questions and sincere vidual (or personal) future. The view of doubts expressed by the characters when the future of both humanity and the uni-

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 126 ‘Unraveling the Mystery verse seem to be dominantly positive. As religious aspects and on religion in gene- pointed out in relation to the theme song, ral, this is not a dominant theme in The and as generally confirmed in the entire Big Bang Theory. But in contrast to many storyline, the view of history and human other popular contemporary TV series, beings are marked by fundamental opti- religion and religious aspects are portray- mism. The general development of socie- ed and discussed explicitly. The clear over - ty, largely due to the influence of natural all impression, when taken at face value, science, is bringing us forward and is that traditional religion is devalued, making us more enlightened. whether through Howard’s syncretistic, When it comes to the individual, per- subjective attitude towards his Judaism or sonal future, the focus is the here and through Sheldon’s condescending interac- now, in so far as there seems to be no pur- tion with his mom’s conservative evange- pose or meaning inherent in the future, lical Christian beliefs. From a rhetorical which in any way would or should affect analytical perspective, one could claim the life here and now. On the other hand, that the TV series presents a mixed attitu- what was identified in relation to natura- de, sometimes critical and sometimes lism and the natural sciences as authori- some what respectful, toward religion ties, or more specifically, the events that (Lewis and Molloy, 2015:88). But the lead especially Sheldon and Leonard to underlying strong naturalism seems to doubt the foundations of their science deride religious faith of any credibility or and ultimately their career paths, has objectivity, as ‘clinging to non-scientific, underlying implications for their view of nonempirical justifications of beliefs’ their future. They seem to ask questions (Carlson, 2017). The series clearly por- about how and if they can succeed as tray a wide gap, and even a clear contra- scientists in the future, and whether their diction, between religion (including the science will bring any meaningful contri- Christian faith) and science. butions to the wider society. But, as their It is interesting that this negative por- faith in science is restored when they dis- trayal, almost without exception, is cover the possibility of a theory of super aimed at theistic religions, and more spe- asymmetry, their faith in and positive cifically Judaism and Christian faith.58 view on the future is seemingly restored Expressions and beliefs from Judaism is accordingly.56 mainly connected with Howard. In earli- It should be noted that religion is por- er seasons Howard expressed a subjective trayed mainly in relation to the religious Jewish faith, detached from the Jewish backgrounds of the major characters. tradition and dogmatic content (Kro Howard is Jewish, married to Bernadette 2014). In season 11, Howard’s connec- who is Catholic. Raj has a Hindu back- tion to Jewish faith only comes across in ground. Sheldon grew up with his moth- religious rhetoric used to underline er, Mary, in a devout evangelical Chris- humorous points, like: ‘Well, these hands tian home. All the characters except Mary were made to do three things: close-up have seemingly left their religious faith, magic, writing code, and the dirty shadow but the religious backgrounds are still puppet show that got me kicked out of expressed in different ways throughout Hebrew school.’59 or ‘Don't care. Clean the storyline.57 slate. Happy Yom Kippur to me.’60 Or When it comes to views on various when Penny suggest names for their new

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 127 baby: ‘You know, I always thought Chris - you two, but I'm not surprised. tian was a nice name’, and Howard re- I've been praying for this.’ sponds: ‘I don't know. Sounds a little too Sheldon: ‘Well, God had nothing to do with it. It happened because uncircumcised.’61 The comic frame of Ho- I was kissing another woman, and ward’s religious rhetoric partially seems it made me realize I wanted to be to be observance of Jewish rituals and with Amy.’ religious holidays and is central to the Mary Cooper: ‘More than one playful irony in Howard’s Jewish identity. woman was interested in you? I Thus, this reflects his Jewish background, might have prayed a little too but does not indicate that he has any per- hard.’ Sheldon: ‘I want to let you know sonal commitment to the Jewish faith. In right now that we are not getting other words, ‘Howard’s religion rests pri- married in a church.’ marily on cultural identification rather Mary Cooper: ‘That's all right, than personal practice’. (Lewis and Sheldon. Anywhere Jesus is, is a Molloy 2015, 95) church.’ When it comes to portrayals of reli- Sheldon: ‘Well, he won't be at our wedding.’ gion and views on religion or religious Mary Cooper: ‘He's in my heart, faith, the religion with the most focus is so if I'm there, he'll be there.’ undoubtedly Christianity. Even though Sheldon: ‘Okay, well, then he's Sheldon in season 11 seems to have an your plus-one. You don't get to overall softer attitude towards his Chris- bring anyone else.’ tian mother than in previous seasons, his Mary Cooper: ‘That's fine. Love you.’ resistance towards religious beliefs in Sheldon: ‘Love you, too. Bye.’ general, and Christian beliefs especially, Mary Cooper: ‘[They hang up] continues. It is also in connection with Lord, thank you. Even though you Sheldon’s relationship with his mother can do anything, that was mighty that the views and attitudes towards reli- impressive.’62 gion as a whole – and Christian faith spe- The conversation, although the satirical cifically – are most clearly expressed, and and comical are prevalent, shows the ten- where the alleged contradictions between sion between Sheldon and his mother’s Christian faith and science are expressed. faith. Mary brought Jesus and prayer into Sheldon’s mother, Mary, who is a de- the dialogue, and Sheldon didn’t like it, vout, evangelical Christian, comes across clearly illustrating Sheldon and his moth- as loving and caring, but at the same er’s different convictions and perceptions. time, in contrast to the young scientists, As illustrated here, prayer seems to be a she appears as an unintelligent creationist recurrent theme of tension, colliding with and traditionalist, who reads her Bible Sheldon’s naturalistic view of reality, literally. (Lewis and Molloy 2015, 93). where miracles or any other divine inter- Undoubtedly, Sheldon loves his mother, vention in our world is out of the ques- but he clearly rejects her religious faith, as tion. The same conclusion seems to be the expressed already in the first episode of case when it comes to the presence of season 11: something divine: Sheldon: ‘Mother, I have some Mark Hamill: ‘We are gathered good news to share.’ here today in the sight of family, Amy: ‘[giddily] We're engaged!’ friends and Almighty God.’ Mary Cooper: ‘I am so happy for

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Sheldon: ‘That's too religious.’ as irrelevant and only appealing to the Mark Hamill: ‘That lady over apparently ignorant and simple-minded, there made me say it.’ like Mary, religion and religious faith Sheldon’s mother: ‘He heard you, nevertheless seem to have low credibility and he can't un-hear you.’63 and consequently cannot be a believable Both here, and in the previous scene, God source for trust or truth about reality is almost portrayed as a ‘God of surveil- (Kro 2014, 56). The Big Bang Theory lance’. The omniscient God, who in Ma- may not devalue religious human beings, ry’s eyes watches over his creation, but in when showing the characters’ religious Sheldon’s perspective seems – if he was affiliations, but the series clearly devalues real – to intrude in his private life. religion as a source of ultimate truth and Sheldon also seems to make fun of his meaning. The Big Bang Theory seems to mother’s Christian belief, comparing it to convey an overall belief in the natural something as mundane and shallow as a sciences as an indisputable and ultimate profile in social media; ‘My mother is source of truth and thus as the only cre- push ing for my brother, Georgie, to be my dible view of reality, while at the same best man, and I hate to disappoint her time excluding any notion of a supernatu- again. I already rejected her Saviour and ral divinity. Thus, religion and religious her LinkedIn invitation.’64 beliefs have no ultimate authority and no While religion or religious beliefs are credible grasp of reality. constantly challenged or made fun of, the natural sciences are never object to the Analysis of The Big Bang same kind of critical treatment. The over- Theory, Season 11: all impression is that there is a stark con- tradiction between science and religious The Normative Level faith, exemplified through the tension Foundational Theological Aesthetical between Sheldon’s natural science as a Concerns theoretical physicist and his mother’s con- In this follow-up phase, we offer a norma- servative, tradition-bound Christianity. tive theological perspective, where points In conclusion, religion and religious of contact and points of tension are iden- aspects may not be among the most fre- tified, and a tentative apologetic response quent themes highlighted in The Big Bang to these is formulated. Theory, but the fact that religion and reli- In line with previous research, our dis- gious aspects are portrayed to the extent cussion will be informed by the following they are, makes the series stand out. foundational theological aesthetical con- Whether it is Howards Jewish identity, cerns: Sheldon’s evangelical, Christian upbring- ing, or Raj’s Hindu background, the way (a) Movie as a contemporary art form The Big Bang Theory ‘enjoy making fun reflects the dual nature of humanity, of the characters and their active or indif- both as gloriously made in the image ferent attitudes toward religion and spiri- of God and as being guilty sinners. tuality, there is no particularly evident (b) Movies are significant listening posts malice toward any specific faith or belief in the art of double listening, which system.’ (Lewis and Molloy 2015, 99). At provides us with key insights about the the same time, the way religion is viewed human dilemma and about influential

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worldview messages. as ‘signals of transcendence’, to use Peter (c) The consumption of movies has a key Berger’s rich term. These signals include role in worldview formation across ‘such typical human experiences as hope, gene rations but seems potentially to play, humour, order and judgment’ have a special influence on children (Guinness 2015, 142). They are and youth, thus providing us with a phenomena that are to be found special window into significant mea- within the domain of our ‘natural’ ning-making processes through visual reality but that appear to point be - yond that reality … In short, a sig- storytelling and interpretation. (M.S. nal of transcendence points beyond Dahle 2019, 15-29) one belief and points toward anoth - As mentioned earlier, the art of double lis- er belief – or at the very least, it points towards what might be true tening to the Word and the world was for- or would have to be true if the sig- mulated as a missional concept by evan- nal’s pointing is to have any satisfac - gelical theologian John Stott. He advised tory ending. (Guinness 2015, 134) Christian preachers and communicators It is the calling of the Christian apologist ‘to see some of the most notable films and to trigger these signals by helping people plays, since nothing mirrors contempora- ‘to hear, to listen and to understand those ry society more faithfully than the stage signals, and then to help them follow to and the screen’ (1982, 193). where they lead’. (Guinness 2015, 147). The Big Bang Theory is undoubtedly a Thus, exploring ‘play, humour, [and] highly significant contemporary televi- order’ in the fictional universe of The Big sion series, also in view of the worldview Bang Theory, as well as Sheldon’s and messages communicated in and through Leonard’s doubts about natural sciences this fictional universe. The opportunities as the ultimate source and answer, could and challenges represented by these world- lead towards a gradual discovery of cre- view messages need to be taken seriously dible and attractive arguments and stories by Christian theologians, communica- found in natural theology and Christian tors, and apologists. apologetics. Apologetic Tasks: Exploring Key Furthermore, although Sheldon’s moth - Points of Contact er Mary is treated by his son as a funda- Despite its dominant secular worldview mentalist traditionalist, she comes across messages, The Big Bang Theory includes as a humble person, always wanting ‘to some implicit pointers to Christian truth. give Jesus credit’. She is transparent and The deep fascination in the series with open in talking about her Christian faith, science and technology points to structure and she is always ready to defend it. Even and order in the universe, which – accord- though she comes across as naïve and ing to Christian apologetics – is explained clearly is the Christian ‘fool bearer’ most satisfactorily by a Christian natural (Guinness 2015, 67f) in the series, she is theology. Furthermore, the key role of nevertheless portrayed as being personal- humour in the TV series points to some ly authentic in her beliefs. As viewers, we uniquely human features, as a signpost to might even get some sympathy for Mary humanity created in the image of God. and her beliefs, thus beginning to wonder Such key points of contact may be seen whether her son could be unfair in his

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 130 ‘Unraveling the Mystery unrelenting critique of her traditional curious, and creative.65 Christian faith. If so, a classical Christian Furthermore, Christians would argue faith might be well worth exploring. that biblical natural theology and Chris- tian apologetics contain coherent and cre- Apologetic Tasks: Exploring Key dible arguments for the central truth Points of Tension claims of a Christian worldview. Thus, the The analysis above has identified the secu - portrayal in this humorous fictional uni- lar worldview perspectives of naturalism verse of Sheldon’s Christian mother Mary and scientism as being dominant in this as naïve and superstitious, may illustrate season of the TV series. However, ‘[through] widespread secular prejudices about Chris- the lens of The Big Bang Theory, we can tians, but has no bearing on the actual see how attempts to develop a thorough- intellectual foundations of the Christian going scientistic worldview are bound to faith. Such challenges to secular prejudi- fail, calling for more balanced approaches ces about Christianity, may open exciting to understanding the world around us’ avenues of fruitful exploration of central (Pigliucci 2012, 129) Christian truth claims.66 Exploring such points of tension illu- strates the apologetic approach called Conclusions ‘turning the tables’, in this case showing how naturalism and scientism fail. This Answering the Research Questions strategy ‘turns on the fact that all argu- ments cut both ways. It therefore proce- 1. How are naturalism, scientism, and eds by taking people seriously in terms of anti-religious attitudes being expressed what they believe and disbelieve, and and portrayed in season 11 in The Big then pushing them towards the conse- Bang Theory? quences of their unbelief’. (Guinness 2015: We may now briefly summarize the find- 109) This includes challenging ‘scientistic ings of our worldview analysis above. believers’ ‘whether they can know The first overall impression is that this enough science to tear the mask off natu- season is characterized by naturalism and re and stare at the face of God.’ (Kowals- strong scientism. Any supernatural beliefs ki 2012, 2) are rejected as superstitious and science This apologetic approach of ‘turning seems to be the only valid source of truth the tables’ is an illustration of ‘the fool and meaning. When we look closer, how- maker’ (Guinness 2015:72f), where the ever, naturalism and weak scientism seem naturalist and the scientist are shown to to be the underlying worldview perspecti- be ‘fools proper’ (Guinness 2015:66f). If ves. Supernatural beliefs are rejected as so, there is no fundamental contradiction irrational, but although the overall trust between the natural sciences and the is in science, there are moments where Christian faith. On the contrary, Chris- other sources of truth and meaning seem tians would argue that the natural scien- to be given credibility. Like when Raj ces – ultimately – only make sense within reflects that love is not science, but ‘a a traditional Christian worldview with a mystery that’s greater than ourselves’. Or belief in a personal Creator, having crea- when Sheldon and Leonard doubt the ted nature as ordered and intelligible and foundations of their science and they human beings in His image as rational, wonder whether answers must be found

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 Margunn Serigstad Dahle Ingvild Thu Kro 131 elsewhere. But as the overall storyline of life. This then illustrates how a challen- show, they still hold science as the most ge to Christian faith can be turned into an authoritative source of truth and mea- opportunity for Christians to demonstrate ning, as do advocates of weak scientism. a coherent worldview. From there, one The creative use of humour, irony, and may be given an opportunity to acknow- satire at times weakens the overall por- ledge the truths of science, as well as iden- trayal of naturalism, scientism, and anti- tifying its limitations. Furthermore, oppor - religious attitudes as the dominant world- tunities may be given to make obvious view messages in The Big Bang Theory. that science also carries with it an element Nevertheless, it could be argued that these of faith, and thus is not neutral. secular worldviews messages probably The most obvious point of contact is remain in the viewers’ perceptions as defi- found in the fact that there is actually a ning ultimate truth and meaning for the structured and orderly universe to be ex- major character in this TV series, and the- plored. From a biblical viewpoint the rea- refore may be considered as attractive son is found in God, the Creator. Further, secular worldview alternatives for the need for fellowship, love, care, encoura- viewers themselves. gement and affirmation, as well the dis- 2. What opportunities and challenges do satisfaction regarding science’ lack of ful- these secular beliefs, ideas, and motifs filling the need for coherence that is being represent for Christian cultural apolo- portrayed in The Big Bang Theory serve getics? as key points of contact. Regarding portrayal of Christian faith We may now briefly summarize key in The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon’s moth- opportunities and challenges. Regarding er has the courage to proclaim her faith, points of tension, it is important to bear even though she comes across as quite in mind that even though they present naïve. From an apologetic perspective this challenges in the first place, a challenge serves as an opportunity for inviting can be turned into an opportunity. people to explore what Christianity is all The main challenge is the strong view about, and also challenges the notion of of contradiction between science and reli- privatizing one’s faith. gion in general and Christian faith in par- ticular. Religion is viewed as a matter of So What? Some Final Reflections on blind beliefs, whereas science is viewed as Key Cultural Apologetic Tasks being based on facts. Thus, only scientists The Big Bang Theory ‘reveals a creative have a proper foundation for knowledge interpretation of the culture of scientific and truth, contrary to religious people nerds and geeks as well as culture per spec - who are superstitious and simple minded, tives (including religion) of a vast majori- believing in myths and fairy tales. A con- ty of viewers of the show.’ (Lewis and sequence of this is that only scientific Molloy 2015, 91). Maybe it is true that explanations are viewed as reliable, which The Big Bang Theory mirrors the majority then leads to reductionism and fragmen- of the viewers’ perspectives and attitudes tation. towards culture, including science and As pointed out in our analysis, most of religion. However (as pointed out earli- the characters seem to struggle with this er), popular culture, including The Big fragmentation on different levels and areas Bang Theory, not only mirrors, but also

Theofilos vol. 12 nr. 1 2020 132 ‘Unraveling the Mystery moulds the viewers perspectives and atti- natural sciences and naturalistic perspec- tudes, including towards the issues high- tives guide their view of reality, human lighted here. That clearly shows us that beings, and values. This aspect also popular culture plays a key role in the demonstrates the notion that everyone worldview formation of young people, has a worldview, and for some that and therefore challenges Christians to worldview is so firmly rooted in natura- reflect on popular culture as a key apolo- listic notions that they resemble a religio- getic task, with a view towards identify- us faith, but with a secular foundation. ing both opportunities and challenges for This could be an opportunity for Chris- communicating Christian faith to young tian cultural apologetics to disclose the people today. popular notion that religion equals blind The strong belief in science we have faith and science equals facts. seen in The Big Bang Theory conveys both When this essay was published, The an opportunity and a challenge for Chris- Big Bang Theory had finished their last tian cultural apologetics, when it comes season. The series continues to be popu- to the foundations of faith, truth, and the lar through replays and streaming, and view of reality as a whole. In view ing the the secular perspectives of the series sort of faith conveyed in science in The remains influential in popular culture. Big Bang Theory, one could describe this This is illustrated by the popular spin-off as ‘functional religiosity’, meaning that series Young Sheldon, with a storyline the foundations are secular, but the focussing on Sheldon’s childhood, and functions are virtually religious. This pro- with the same overall secular perspectives vides the characters with a shared frame and attitudes as The Big Bang Theory. of reference for their worldview, where

Reference bibliography Barkman, Adam and Dean A. Kowalski (2012). ‘Cooper Considerations: Science, Religion, and Family’, in Dean A. Kowalski (ed.), The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons), 144-158. Carlson, Richard F. (2017). ‘Naturalism’. In: Paul Copan et al. (eds.) Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), 469-470. [Kindle] Cooper, W. Jeff (2014). ‘Stereotypes in Television and Film: The Impact of the Big Bang Theory’. In: Jack Korpob Pongpunya and Laurel Dreher (eds.) NASPA Men and Masculinity, Fall Newsletter, 8-10. https://www.naspa.org/images/uploads/events/MM_Newsletter_FALL2014.pdf#page=8. Dahle, Lars (2015). ‘Western Europe - Marginalisation of Christians through Secularisation?’. In: Hans Aage Gravaas et al. (eds.), Freedom of Belief & Christian Mission. (Oxford: Regnum Books), 382-394. http://www.ocms.ac.uk/regnum/downloads/Freedom_of_Belief_and_Christian_Mission- Final-WM.pdf (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). Dahle, Lars (2018). ‘Cognitive Dissonance as a Missiological Challenge: An Evangelical Perspective on Western Europe’. In: Marina Ngursangzeli Behera et al. (eds.)

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Mission in Secularised Contexts of Europe: Contemporary Narratives and Experiences. (Oxford: Regnum Books), 137-149. Dahle, Margunn Serigstad (2010), Kap. 4. Filmanalyse som ressurs for trosopplæreren. In: Margunn Serigstad Dahle and Lena Skattum (eds.) Manus for livet? Film som verktøy for trosopplæringen (Oslo / Kristiansand: IKO-forlaget / Damaris Norge), 68-98. Dahle, Margunn Serigstad (2017). ‘Worldview Formation and the Disney Universe: A Case-Study on Media Engagement in Youth Ministry’. Journal of Youth and Theology, 16 (1), 60-80. [https://brill.com/view/journals/jyt/16/1/article-p60 _5.xml] Dahle, Margunn Serigstad (2019). ‘Story and Meaning-Making: A Multilevel Approach to Film in Faith Education’. In: Anita Cloete (ed.), Interdisciplinary Reflections on the Interplay between Religion, Film and Youth. (Stellenbosch, South Africa: African Sun Media), 17-32. Dahle, Margunn Serigstad and Bjørn Hinderaker (2020). ‘Livssynsteori som perspektiv ved NLA Mediehøgskolen Gimlekollen’. In: Hagesæther, G., Innerdal, G. & Kvam, B. (eds), NLA Høgskolen. Fagutvikling og sjølvforståing på kristen grunn. (Oslo: Cappelen Damm Akademisk); 147–185. [https://doi.org/10.23865/noasp.102] Dahle, Margunn Serigstad and Ingvild Thu Kro (2013). ‘Hotell Caesar sett med norsk- somaliske øyne - om populærkultur og verdiformidling’. In: Økland, Øyvind (ed), Innvandrerungdom og mediebruk: Norsk-somalisk ungdom i en global medieverden. (Kristiansand: Portal forlag), 36-56 Dahle, Margunn Serigstad and Ingvild Thu Kro (2018). ‘Disney som danningsagent. Med Frost og Jake og sjørøverne i Drømmeland som case’. In: Nyjordet, Bjørg Marit (red), Barns mediehverdag (Oslo: Cappelen Damm Akademisk), 24-42. Endsjø, Dag Øistein and Liv Ingeborg Lied (2011). Det folk vil ha. Religion og populærkultur. (Oslo: Universitetsforlaget). Guinness, Os (2015). Fool’s Talk: Recovering the Art of Christian Persuasion (Downerss Grove, Ill.: IVP Books). Howell, David (1997). ‘Youth Culture and World View’, Whitefield Briefing 2 (6): 1–4. Oxford: The Whitefield Institute. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c9e3e63e8ba4496c1df9458/t/5caf9425104c7be64 475611e/1555010598135/2.6+WB+Howell.pdf (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). Keller, Tim (2016). Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Sceptical (New York: Penguin Publishing Group [Kindle Edition]). Kro, Ingvild Thu (2014). Bare underholdning – eller? En analyse av den aktuelle tv-serien The Big Bang Theory. [Rapport] NKF / Damaris Norge https://nkf.folkehogskole.no/app/uploads/2020/06/Bare-underholdning-eller.-Del-1-analy- se-av-aktuell-tvserie.pdf (retrieved 16th Nov. 2020). Lewis, Todd V. and K. Arianna Molloy (2015). ‘Religious Rhetoric and Satire: Investigating the Comic and Burlesque Frames Within The Big Bang Theory’. Journal of Media and Religion 14 (2), 88-101. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15348423.2015.1051457 (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019) Lennox, John (2009). God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? [2nd ed.] (Oxford: Lion Books).

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Lennox, John (2011) Seven Days That Divide the World: The Beginning According to Genesis and Science (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan). Lennox, John (2019). Can Science Explain Everything? [The Oxford Apologetics Series] (Epsom, Surrey: The Good Book Company). McGrath, Alister E. (1992). Bridge-building: Effective Christian Apologetics (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press). McGrath, Alister E. (2012). Mere Apologetics: How to Help Seekers & Sceptics Find Faith (Grand Rapids; MI: Baker Books). McGrath, Alister E. (2019). The Territories of Human Reason. Science and Theology in an Age of Multiple Rationalities [Ian Ramsey Centre Studies in Science and Religion] (Oxford: Oxford University Press). Mills, Brett (2005) Television Sitcom. (London: British Film Institute Publishing) Moreland, J. P. (2017). ‘Scientism’. In: Paul Copan et al. (eds.) Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan), 621. [Kindle] Naugle, David (2002). Worldview: The History of a Concept. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. Pigliucci, Massimo (2012). ‘The One Paradigm to Rule Them All: Scientism and The Big Bang Theory’, in Dean A. Kowalski (ed.), The Big Bang Theory and Philosophy (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons), 128-143. Porter, David. (1988) Users Guide to the Media. (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press). Richardson, Robin and Berenice Miles (2003). Equality Stories. Recognition, respect and raising achievement. (Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books). Sire, James W. (2009). The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog. [5th ed.] (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press. Sire, James W. (2015). Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept. [2nd ed.] (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press.) [Kindle]. Stott, John (1992). The Contemporary Christian: An urgent plea for double listening. (Leicester: Inter-Varity Press). Thiessen, G. E. (ed.) 2004. Theological Aesthetics: A Reader (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans). Turnau, Ted (2012). Popologetics: Popular Culture in Christian Perspective (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing). Turner, Steve (2013). Popcultured: Thinking Christianly About Style, Media, and Entertainment (Leicester: IVP Books). Williams, Peter S. (2019) ‘The Apologetics of Cultural Re-Enchantment in 3D: A Review Essay of Fujimura’s Culture Care & Gould’s Cultural Apologetics’. Theofilos 11 (1), 79-88.

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Notes 1 The expression ‘unraveling the mystery’ is from the opening theme song of The Big Bang Theory. It was also used in the title ‘Unraveling the Mystery: A Big Bang Farewell’, ‘a retrospective special episode of the twelfth season ... aired on May 16, 2019, following the series finale.’ (https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/Unraveling_the_Mystery:_A_Big_Bang_Farewell; retrieved 12th Oct. 2019) 2 The quote is from Pigliucci 2012, 128. 3 See further Pigliucci 2012, 128ff. 4 ‘Science, Natural Theology, and Christian Apologetics’ is the overall theme for this supplementary issue of Theofilos. 5 Quoted in Richardson, R. and B. Miles (2003), 1. 6 ‘We listen to the Word with humble reverence, anxious to understand it, and resolved to believe and obey what we come to understand. We listen to the world with critical alertness, anxious to understand it too, and resolved not necessarily to believe and obey it, but to sympathize with it and seek grace to discover how the gospel relates to it.’ (Stott 1992, 28) 7 See Keller 2016, 5-6. 8 See L. Dahle 2018. 9 Viewership for The Big Bang Theory has been ranged from 14+ (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ tvreviews/the-big-bang-theory; retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). Statistics from 2018 show that among youth and adults ranging 18-54, about half of the people interviewed watched the series ‘sometimes’ or ‘daily/weekly’. In other words, the series is popular among adults as well: (https://www.statista.com/statistics/876495/big-bangtheory-viewership-age/ ; retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). 10 At the time of writing, season 12 aired on American and Norwegian television channels, but not streamed in Norway. 11 See M. S. Dahle and B. Hinderaker 2020. 12 This definition is a development of Naugle’s proposal that a proper understanding of worldview must include the intellectual ideas (the content), the spiritual-moral dimensions (the heart) and the semiotic signs (the carriers of meaning). (See further the analysis and summary of Naugle’s worldview concept in Sire 2015, 46-55.) 13 See further M. S. Dahle 2010 and M. S. Dahle 2019. 14 The whole speech is found at https://djamesauthor.blogspot.com/2013/10/philip-pullmans-carnegiemedal.html (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). 15 See further M. S. Dahle 2017 og M. S. Dahle 2019. 16 In a blog post at https://cpyu.org/2018/03/08/a-passionate-appeal-to-parents (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). 17 Some of the most well-known examples are Friends (1994-2004), How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014) and Modern Family (2009- ), in addition to The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019). 18 In a blog post ‘Why bother with soap?’ http://www.tonywatkins.co.uk/media/television/why-bother-withsoap/ (Published 2010, 3rd Sept.2010). 19 Quoted in Mills 2015:1. According to Brett Mills, theories about humour have traditionally been spilt into three camps; superiority, incongruity and relief, even though the three categories overlap, with varying degrees of relevance to media communication. Furthermore, Mills points out that many analyses place the humour of sitcoms within the category of superior theory. Here humour arises from attaining a position of ‘sudden glory’, in which laughter reinforces positions and is inevitably defines as a negative social phenomenon. In this way the jokes of sitcoms have been seen to confirm hegemonic ideologies. (See Mills 2015, 90) 20 See Turner 2013, 15. 21 Quoted in Turner 2013, 16. 22 ‘Paradigm Shift Interview’ by Philip H. Farber; (retrieved 29th May 2019). 23 An illustrating example is the 2017-2018 season, where The Big Bang Theory was the most watched TV series in US with an average of 18.634 million viewers, only beaten by NBC’s NFL Sunday Night Football. (See https://deadline.com/2018/05/2017-2018-tv-series-ratings-rankings-full-list-of-shows-1202395851/ ; retrieved 12th Oct. 2019.) 24 Lorre and Prady serve as executive producers for The Big Bang Theory, along with Steven Molaro and Steve Holland. We should also note the well-known series Dharma & Greg (with both Lorre and Prady), Two and a Half Men (with Lorre) and Gilmore Girls (with Prady). 25 See further https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory and https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page. 26 See https://tvline.com/2018/08/22/the-big-bang-teory-ending-season-12-final-episode/. 27 ‘Young Sheldon’ is one of the most-watched shows on broadcast and the second most-wached comedy, behind only ‘Big Bang.’ https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/young-sheldon-renewed-season-3-4-cbs-1203146124/ (retrieved 12th Oct 2019).

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28 https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/big-bang-theory-series-finale-explained-chuck-lorre-how-it- ended-1211557 (published 16th May 2019; retrieved 25th May 2019). 29 See further Cooper 2014. 30 See esp. Pigliucci 2012, Barkman and Kowalski 2012, Kro 2014, and Lewis and Molloy 2015. 31 Quoted in Lennox 2019, 18. 32 See esp. the discussion on naturalism, secular humanism and Marxism in Sire 2019, 66-93. 33 McGrath refers to philosopher Ian Kidd’s insightful observation that ‘three basic ‘impulses’ can be dis- cerned as lying behind the rise of scientism: 1. An imperialist urge …, 2. A salvific urge … [and] 3. An abso- lutist urge …’ (McGrath 2019, 57) 34 ‘Christian apologetics is both a science and an art. It is an academic discipline, rigorously grounded in Christian theology, and passionately concerned to demonstrate and defend the truth of Christianity. But it is also a craft, a creative attempt to ensure that the gospel proclamation meshes as closely as possible with the needs and concerns of human existence.’ (McGrath 1992, 265) Thus, whereas the science of apologetics is a branch of systematic theology, the art of apologetics is an integrated part of practical theology. 35 Quoted in Williams 2019, 79-80. 36 See M. S Dahle and I. T. Kro 2013, and M. S. Dahle and I. T. Kro 2018. 37 See M.S. Dahle 2010, M.S. Dahle 2017, and M.S. Dahle 2019. 38 See further Kro 2014. 39 See See https://bigbangtheory.fandom.com/wiki/The_Big_Bang_Theory (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). 40 In writing this song, Robertson was influenced by Simon Singh's Big Bang: The Most Important Scientific Discovery of All Time and Why You Need to Know About It, often nicknamed ‘The History of Everything’. The title theme is the first verse of a whole song. See further https://www.songfacts.com/facts/barenakedladies/the-big-bang-theory (retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). 41 In Norway the season aired a few months later, mainly during 2018. 42 Supersymmetry may be defined as ‘a hypothetical symmetry among groups of particles containing fermions and bosons, especially in theories of gravity (supergravity) that unify electromagnetism, the weak force, and the strong force with gravity into a single unified force’ (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/supersymmetry ; retrieved 12th Oct. 2019). 43 It should be mentioned that Sheldon’s mother and brother, as well as Bernadette’s father and Amy’s par- ents, are part of this season, but – in line with this fictional universe as a whole – the family members are not being described as clear family units. 44 Episode 18: ‘The Gates Excitation’. 45 Episode 9: ‘The Bitcoin Entanglement’. 46 Episode 12: ‘The Matrimonial Metric’. 47 Episode 18: ‘The Retraction Reaction’ 48 Episode 7: ‘The Geology Methodology’. Here, her ‘checkered past’ means ‘the ups and downs’ of her past. 49 Episode 14: «The Separation Triangulation» 50 Throughout the series, Raj’s Hindu background is seldom mentioned, and when it is, it is mainly as a cul- tural identification. Religious practices only come into play when it serves his best interests. (See also Lewis and Molloy 2015, 97.) 51 Episode 7: The Geology Methodology. 52 Episode 12: The Matrimonial Metric. 53 Episode 2: The Retraction Reaction. 54 Episode 2: The Retraction Reaction. 55 Episode 2: The Retraction Reaction. 56 Further on, related to aspects of the future, Howard and Bernadette’s reflections around having another baby and managing family life, and Penny and Leonard talking about the possibility of having children, reveals aspects of the future, but with no clear links to this article’s focus on naturalism or scientism, and will therefore not be explored any further here. 57 For Leonard, Penny and Amy, there are no clear pointers to any kind of religious upbringing. Their view on religion seems to be benign indifference, pointing towards more atheistic or agnostic upbringings, except for the times Penny reveals an openness to supernatural, more New Age-related experiences, such as psychics. 58 It is interesting to note that Islam is never mentioned, thus apparently not subject to the same kind of sceptical treatment as the other theistic religions. 59 Episode 5: ‘The Collaboration Contamination’.

60 Episode 15: ‘The Novelization Correlation’. 61 Episode 16: ‘The Neonatal Nomenclature’. 62 Episode 1: ‘The Proposal Proposal’.

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63 Episode 24: The Bou Tie Asymmetri. 64 Episode 12: The Matrimonial Metric. 65 See e.g. Lennox 2009, Lennox 2011, Lennox 2019, and McGrath 2019. 66 The first titles of the new popular-level Questioning Faith Series illustrate such fruitful explorations: Can science explain everything? (John Lennox); Am I just my brain? (Sharon Dirckx); Is Jesus history? (John Dickson); Why does God care who I sleep with? (Sam Allberry); and Where is God in all the suffering? (Amy Orr-Ewing). (See further https://www.thegoodbook.com/series/questioning-faith/; retrieved 16th Nov. 2020.)

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