Research Article
The Interplay of Science and Religion in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series and Frank Herbert’s Dune
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-6
Received:
30 November 2025
Accepted:
16 December 2025
Published:
19 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijla.20261401.11
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Abstract: This paper compares the interplay of science and religion in the Foundation series (Isaac Asimov) to the Dune series (Frank Herbert). In the Foundation series, science has displaced religion in the future, though religion is present on various planets at various times, but only as a calculated political hoax or a false system of belief and practice. Salvor Hardin passes technological devices off as magical in the Four Kingdoms surrounding Terminus and a naïve priesthood emerges. On Comporellon, Trevise, who is in search of the Second Foundation, is immediately arrested. He meets with First Minister Lizalor and learns that Comporellon is a fundamentalist religious state which regards marriage as a sacrament, condemning the sexual relationship of two of his companions. But in Dune, religion and science go hand in hand with Paul Atreides (Muadib) becoming the Dune Messiah, and using his own powers (the voice), the Fremen, sandworms and blasters to defeat House Harkonnen. The religion is later codified and reified following the triumph and disappearance of Muadib. The Fremen and the Bene Gesserit are deeply religious groups who develop narratives to justify their oft times questionable practices. Leto, the son of Muadib, becomes the God Emperor of Dune, half human and half divine. So, in the Dune series the power of religion is central from the rise and disappearance of Muadib to the transmogrification of Leto.
Abstract: This paper compares the interplay of science and religion in the Foundation series (Isaac Asimov) to the Dune series (Frank Herbert). In the Foundation series, science has displaced religion in the future, though religion is present on various planets at various times, but only as a calculated political hoax or a false system of belief and practice...
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