[emiltorabi]

Any insights into the spirituality of Star Trek?

Here is what I am inspired by when I hear the intro, "Space, the final frontier..."

Perhaps no other television series has been quite as enduring as the Star Trek saga, and with good reason. The Star Trek phenomena, originally created by Gene Roddenberry, has gone through several incarnations beyond the original adventures of captain James Kirk (William Shatner) and his lieutenant Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and is at its essence a symbolic drama about the underlying passion which drives human exploration, expansion and innovation: The quest to understand the mysteries of the Universe, our place in it, and to play a positive and constructive role therein.

With the release of the latest installment in just a few weeks, Star Trek the Movie, which is about the birth of the Star Trek story, is yet another indication of a trend that is now clearly apparent. As we develop as a species and seek to better understand ourselves, we are inexorably being drawn towards the origins of our myths and legends, our stories, and even our beliefs. As we seek truth on the external planes, we are being drawn backwards towards the source of things. On the popular level, this trend apparent in other stories as well, such as the Star Wars and X-Men series.

The further we gaze out into and beyond the stars, the farther we go back in time towards the origin of things. It is an ironic paradox that the more we strike outwards in our quest to understand, the more the journey turns inward towards the core of our beings, towards our very origin.

And so I quote one of the most poetic excerpts to have ever graced the television set, enhanced by the articulate voice of Patrick Stewart (as captain Jean-Luc Picard) as he introduces each episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

---

Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no one has gone before.

---

As we continually seek to better understand the world of form, we are finding ourselves more enchanted by the mystery of the very medium in that it appears. Space, the absence of form, or perhaps more accurately the reality that precedes form, truly is the final frontier.

Increasingly, spiritual thinkers are beginning to realize that to truly understand the essence of a thing, we must learn to go beyond it’s form, it’s appearance, into the emptiness and spirit which precedes its physical manifestation.

And in so doing, in connecting with the spiritual essence of another, we come to more fully realize the truth of our own being. That we are beyond the temporal and finite form we typically believe ourselves to be and habitually identify with, and that the truth of our existence that transcends both time and space is literally the eternal reality of the origin of the very fabric of space itself: The Emptiness/Fullness that is beyond intellectual comprehension, but yet not beyond spiritual realization.

Progress is inevitable. Growth is essential. Evolution is the will of Life itself. As we open ourselves and let go of resistance to change, we become one with Life and dramatically accelerate our development. As we surrender and become in tune and in harmony with what is, Reality as it manifests now, we facilitate the quantum leap that is so essential and necessary for our species to arrive at the next level.

The future begins. The future is now. The future is an age of enlightenment and understanding, and of purpose. The future is an awakening from the frightful dream of form. The future is an awakening to the divine spiritual essence of things in the emptiness of Space. The future is You.

Star Trek: The Future Begins | Emil Torabi

[Chris]

Welcome to Emil.

You've obviously put some thought into this. I'll try to come back and comment in more detail later.

[rbishop]

I like to think about this kinda stuff too. If man were really to evolve into a world where money no longer existed and everyone simply worked to better humanity a lot of things would have to change. In my opinion religion would have to be abolished completely. It seems in our world that religion prohibits mans evolution. In a world where there is a worlds government and the understanding of the universe is on a galactic and universal scale, man could most definitely not be squabbling and killing each other over which imaginary tooth fairy is in control of everything. After all, it is the age of Reason and Science that would lead to the discovery of warp drive and the deeper more interesting workings of the universe, not spirituality. Science could be the one thing that unites all of humanity in the "pursuit of truth." Science gives us all a means to test our results and make things tangible and real. Rather than endless debates over which passage in some man written book means that person x is the son of the creator of our universe. Not to just rant or attack religion. But I find the topic of spirituality and the trek universe to be something quite interesting, something that for political reasons of course, could not be explored in grave detail on the show.

Anyone else have a thought?

[basenji]

Well, it's supposed to be materialist, but then we got DS9 with the Prophets and Voyager with whatever the hell kind of Indian traditions Chakotay was going to have. (Seriously, I don't know where they were going. Mayan? Sioux? Yanomamo? Even a little bit of Carl Jung.)

[TrekGoddess]

Thank you emiltorabi for bringing up this subject! I had been wanting to do so myself but feared doing so because of the many political and religious implications.

If we are to achieve anything and actually come to live in the world of "Trek", we must change many things about us.

The first "religion" that must be abolished is "GREED". There are by far more people that worship money than worship a "god".

The second thing is to be rid of religion itself. Now that is a tall task. However, more and more people are becoming atheist and prefer to believe in the hard cold facts/data of science.

Even though I am atheist and prefer science over a "leap of faith", I think that it is great that some people believe whole-heartedly in their religion. I say this because I believe that their religion gives them a "moral cushion" and teaches them right from wrong and they help their fellow humans (such as the case of in the world of Trek that humans have finally learned to work for the betterment of the species).

The reason why I call religion a "leap of faith" is simple. I know that we have 5 senses that makes things "tangible" to us. Meaning that we can touch, feel, smell, hear and taste. Hence, making them "real". Now, a "leap of faith" (to me) means that they are believing in something that is not tangible via our five senses.

Many years ago (while I was in college), I had to write an essay for my writing class concerning religion. Obviously, I chose Trek. I was lucky and stumbled upon a book that happened to have a chapter on the possibility of a "Star Trek" religion in the future.

In my paper, I wrote about the ideaology of Roddenberry and how the legions of fans of the show took to heart the very idea of creating a world where there is no disease, famine, hunger or greed and that everyone worked for the betterment of the species.

In a small way, the show "Futurama" hit on this very subject with the episode "Where no fan has gone before". If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.

In our world today, we are already seeing the beginning of this "religion". We see it with the conventions. On top of that, the fans are teaching the philosophies of Roddenberry to their children. I know that I have taught it to my own children to think and act above and beyond and to literally think "globally". I tell them time and time again, "Imagine if the whole of humanity worked together, imagine what we could accomplish"!

Trekkies and Trekkers alike help each other out just like what the members of a Catholic church (just an example) would do for one another.

It is amazing to think of what us Hoomans (Ferengi speak) have accomplished thus far.

Do you remember the words spoken to Will Smith's character in MIB by Tommy Lee Jones' character? "1500 years ago, everybody knew that the Earth was the center of the universe. 500 years ago, everybody knew that the Earth was flat. And 15 minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow".

I agree... imagine what we'll know tomorrow.

[TrekGoddess]

Gee, was I "too cerebreal"? lol

[TrekGoddess]

So... who thinks that there might "eventually" be a Trek religion? Just say "Yea" or "Nay".

[TrekGoddess]

Bummer! I couldn't find a thing online about any possible Star Trek churches. But... I found this. It goes to show that "maybe" the world of Trek will eventually have it's own religion?

From: Brothers build Jedi Church - in Wales | Metro.co.uk

Brothers build Jedi Church - in Wales
Monday, January 21, 2008

A Jedi 'church' has been born in a galaxy far far away - North Wales.

The Holyhead chapter of the self-styled Jedi Church, which claims up to 400,000 members worldwide, has sprung up thanks to brothers Barney and Daniel Jones, both Star Wars obsessives.

The 'church' is only one of a handful around the planet, said hairdresser Barney, 26, the Anglesey Order Minister, also known as Master Jonba Hehol.

"Some people think it is quite interesting and will be interested but lots of people will ridicule us because it seems quite nerdy but we've had a good reaction so far," he said.

"We think of it as proper lifestyle enhancement and it should be taken seriously, it can't be bad if it makes life better.

"We live normal day-to-day lives. "We are trying to take away the humour of it all and bring more structure so people take it more seriously."

The 'religion' was born as a result of a nationwide joke in the 2001 census when nearly 400,000 claimed their belief system was Jedi.

And now Barney and musician Daniel, 21 - or Master Morda Hehol, self-appointed UK 'church' leader - are getting their new 'religion' off the ground.

"It's serious," said Barney. "We will have teachings based on Yoda, the 900-year-old grand master, readings, essays submitted, meditation and relaxation, visualisation and discuss healthy eating.

"The Jedi religion is about life improvement, inner peace and changing your lifestyle so you have a more fulfilling existence.

"It's based on the films but we have brought things into it because the films are a bit more sci-fi.

"But we have developed on the film's teachings, introducing teachings we believe the Jedi Knights would seek.

"We used to watch the films over and over again and it came about from that."

There will be no chance of their empire striking back at people who mock the Jedi, as they are a peace-loving bunch, said Barney.

The Anglesey order has 80 worshippers - whose uniform is head-to-toe black - but is growing daily, said Barney - who as a master wears brown hooded robes.

And when a building has been found to home the movement the brothers aim to provide light sabre fighting classes.

'Worshippers' will take a series of tests to scale the Jedi hierarchy.

Plans have also been made to open a Jedi 'Church' in Surrey and in the Philippines to follow on from America's first in Florida.

[Chris]

io9 - Is Star Trek A Religion? - Star Trek

Star Trek has long been described as a cult phenomenon…but is it an actual cult? Some anthropologists think so. Following the example of anthropologist Margaret Mead, they lived among the natives and studied their rituals-that is, they went to Star Trek conventions and fan clubs. Here's what they found. Their conclusions? Writes cultural anthropologist Michael Jindra in the journal Sociology of Religion: When I undertook this research, my first intention was to focus on how ST [Star Trek] draws a picture of the future that is attractive to many Americans. But early on I realized I was dealing with something much bigger and more complex than I had anticipated...it had features that paralleled a religious-type movement: an origin myth, a set of beliefs, an organization, and some of the most active and creative members to be found anywhere…Religion often points us to another world; ST does the same. Even Futurama floated the concept of a "Church of Trek" in the episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before." (Trek Priest: "And Scotty beamed them to the Klingon ship where they would be no Tribble at all." Congregation: "All power to the engines.") Still a nonbeliever? Let's consider this point-by-point: (1) Does the religion have a founding prophet and an origin myth? Gene Roddenberry acknowledged his role as semi-divine messenger in an interview he gave to The Humanist magazine shortly before he died. He revealed that he sought to imbue Star Trek with a very explicit humanist philosophy that human beings should take control of their own destiny. Roddenberry claimed he had to keep this intention "secret," lest the network pull the plug on him. Appropriately, Roddenberry's version of Mount Sinai was a 1966 sci-fi convention where he screened an early preview of Star Trek. One fan who was there recalls the event as almost a conversion experience: After the film was over we were unable to leave our seats. We just nodded at each other and smiled, and began to whisper. We came close to lifting the man [Roddenberry] upon our shoulders and carrying him out of the room. .... [He] smiled, and we returned the smile before we converged on him. From then on, the fan says, the convention was divided into two factions, the "enlightened" (those who saw the preview) and the "unenlightened." (2) Does the religion have scripture and an accepted canon? "What the Bible does in 66 books, Star Trek does in 79 episodes," says Jeffrey Mills, who teaches college courses on the cultural relevance of Trek. No doubt, theologians would take issue with a comparison between "The Trouble with Tribbles" and the Book of Exodus. But scholars such as Jindra see Trek episodes not as scripture per se, but as a collection of parables more akin to "folk religions": Both Star Trek and mythological religions (such as those of the Amazonian peoples as described by anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss) rise out of the work of storytellers who weave together compelling narratives out of the characters, values, and context of the contemporary culture. Some of these stories eventually become established as myths that help form (and reflect) the basic cultural values of peoples….For some fans, Star Trek replaces older religions like Christianity, and for others it supplements them with new ways of expressing the same message. Although Star Trek episodes (especially the original series) don't comprise literal "scripture," they are the basis for a rigorously enforced canon. Or, as one fan defined it: "Canon" means that Gene Roddenberry (or his duly appointed representative) has declared something to be officially part of the "Star Trek" universe. This includes the TV episodes and the movies, primarily. "Non-canon" is everything else (the books, the animated series, comic books, the story you made up when you were playing "Star Trek" with your friends during recess back in Kindergarten, etc.). Of course, that's just one view. Trek fans routinely engage in ecclesiastical debates over what constitutes "pure" Trek. (Over at the Memory Alpha Wiki, the authors argue that the Star Trek animated series can be considered "canon," since it was "created by the same people" who created the old series.) Scholars of the Church of Trek see these arguments as more than nitpicks over revisionist storytelling (such as the Star Wars fans' battle cry that "Solo shot first"). Jindra, for instance, considers it to be a way of maintaining a level of authenticity that is crucial to the "suspension of disbelief": The creation of new plots and stories and the ironing out of existing ones is essentially the mediating of contradictions in the story (universe). In this universe, the contradictions are an affront to the consistent universe that fans so desperately want to see created. (3) Does the religion have a unifying belief system? Does it offer salvation? Writing in the Journal of Consumer Research, Robert Kozinets—a professor of marketing who studies "consumption subcultures"—found that Star Trek fans often invoke the Vulcan philosophy of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (IDIC). As one British Trekkie told him: [IDIC] contrasts so sharply with much of what we see today—politicians, religions or at least religious people, just small minded individuals in general pouring hate and scorn on, well, whichever scapegoat they want to pick on this week. The "I can't do anything but hate you because you vote Labour/you are gay/your skin is a different color to mine/ you don't believe in the same god as me" view that you see all around you. In Star Trek, and in Star Trek fandom, this isn't present. Likewise, Roddenberry himself once commented: When I go to conventions and I see people of all sizes and shapes and abilities, and when I see people with nerve disorders that can't really sit properly and so on, I still know what's in their minds. They are saying, "In a better world, I can do anything! I'll be there in a better world." Star Trek fans tend to practice what they preach-they're not content to wait for Roddenberry's utopian vision of a better world, they're committed to doing their part to make it happen. Hence, the number of fan clubs that establish charities such as food banks and blood drives; or that lobby for more funding for space programs. In that sense, Jindra argues, Trek offers the promise of a communal afterlife: The appeal of ST is not for a kind of personal salvation, but for the future of the ST collective …."I" will not live until the twenty-fourth century, but "we" certainly will, according to the ST future. It is hope for ourselves as a society, a myth about where we have come and where we are going. Fans want to be part of forming that destiny. (4) Are adherents of the religion sometimes stigmatized by nonbelievers? Although Star Trek fandom includes such noteworthies as Bob Dylan, Colin Powell, Stephen Hawking, and the Dalai Lama, the dominant view of the typical fan is still that of the pointy-eared, 35-year-old virgin living in his parents' basement. Even the release of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek film—which arguably endowed the franchise with an unprecedented veneer of mainstream coolness—provoked the ritual ridicule of Trekkies on SNL and the Onion News Network. That fear of ridicule, the scholars say, is why Trekkies are not more open about their fandom-or, at least, why they feel compelled to explain that they're not "that type of fan." And, according to Jennifer Porter-a professor of religion and modern culture—the social stigma attached to Trek fandom partially explains the popularity of Star Trek conventions, which she describes as spiritual "pilgrimage" sites that embody "Freedom to express yourself fully, as an individual, instead of in conformity to institutional, social, or cultural norms." Kozinets goes a step further and argues that the Star Trek collectibles on sale at conventions are pseudo-sacred objects. The fans who buy them are, in effect, making the decision to publicly profess their faith. In other words, wearing a Bajoran earring is like wearing a St. Christopher medal; proudly displaying a vintage 1978 Captain Kirk action figure in your home is the equivalent of putting a plastic Jesus on your dashboard. But, just as many people are disgusted with the commercialism of Christmas, so too are many Star Trek fans upset at the rampant consumerism within their circle. Kozinets says that Trekkies speak of a mythic, "uncontaminated" time when Star Trek was more about message than merchandizing. Ironically, however, the forefather of Trek merchandising was none other than Roddenberry himself. William Shatner recalls that Roddenberry started a mail-order business called Lincoln Enterprises, which sold collectibles to fans. Roddenberry imposed a script rewrite on the episode, "Is There No Truth in Beauty," so that Spock would be wearing an IDIC medallion that would be marketed by Roddenberry's company-thus proving that even a prophet can make a profit. So, is Star Trek a religion? And, if it is, will the latest film's reinterpretation of canon provoke a violent schism among fundamentalist Trekkies? (Otherwise known as "Radical Trekists.") Can we expect to see the publishing industry capitalize on Trek religious-themed books, with titles such as Are You There Spock? It's Me, Margaret. Speaking as a lifelong fan myself, I'm not quite ready to buy into the "Church of Trek" thesis. Or, more to the point, I'm not convinced that hardcore Trek fandom is all that different from the myriad other subcultures in our society-except, perhaps, more richly imagined than most. Ultimately, it comes down to labels. It doesn't matter much to me whether Trekkies are "fans" or meet the anthropological definition of "adherents." They're mostly people who happen to believe in tolerance and the importance of creating a better world for future generations. May they live long and prosper. Mark Strauss is a senior editor at Smithsonian Magazine.

[Chris]

io9 - Is Star Trek A Religion? - Star Trek

Star Trek has long been described as a cult phenomenon…but is it an actual cult? Some anthropologists think so. Following the example of anthropologist Margaret Mead, they lived among the natives and studied their rituals-that is, they went to Star Trek conventions and fan clubs. Here's what they found. Their conclusions? Writes cultural anthropologist Michael Jindra in the journal Sociology of Religion: When I undertook this research, my first intention was to focus on how ST [Star Trek] draws a picture of the future that is attractive to many Americans. But early on I realized I was dealing with something much bigger and more complex than I had anticipated...it had features that paralleled a religious-type movement: an origin myth, a set of beliefs, an organization, and some of the most active and creative members to be found anywhere…Religion often points us to another world; ST does the same. Even Futurama floated the concept of a "Church of Trek" in the episode "Where No Fan Has Gone Before." (Trek Priest: "And Scotty beamed them to the Klingon ship where they would be no Tribble at all." Congregation: "All power to the engines.") Still a nonbeliever? Let's consider this point-by-point: (1) Does the religion have a founding prophet and an origin myth? Gene Roddenberry acknowledged his role as semi-divine messenger in an interview he gave to The Humanist magazine shortly before he died. He revealed that he sought to imbue Star Trek with a very explicit humanist philosophy that human beings should take control of their own destiny. Roddenberry claimed he had to keep this intention "secret," lest the network pull the plug on him. Appropriately, Roddenberry's version of Mount Sinai was a 1966 sci-fi convention where he screened an early preview of Star Trek. One fan who was there recalls the event as almost a conversion experience: After the film was over we were unable to leave our seats. We just nodded at each other and smiled, and began to whisper. We came close to lifting the man [Roddenberry] upon our shoulders and carrying him out of the room. .... [He] smiled, and we returned the smile before we converged on him. From then on, the fan says, the convention was divided into two factions, the "enlightened" (those who saw the preview) and the "unenlightened." (2) Does the religion have scripture and an accepted canon? "What the Bible does in 66 books, Star Trek does in 79 episodes," says Jeffrey Mills, who teaches college courses on the cultural relevance of Trek. No doubt, theologians would take issue with a comparison between "The Trouble with Tribbles" and the Book of Exodus. But scholars such as Jindra see Trek episodes not as scripture per se, but as a collection of parables more akin to "folk religions": Both Star Trek and mythological religions (such as those of the Amazonian peoples as described by anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss) rise out of the work of storytellers who weave together compelling narratives out of the characters, values, and context of the contemporary culture. Some of these stories eventually become established as myths that help form (and reflect) the basic cultural values of peoples….For some fans, Star Trek replaces older religions like Christianity, and for others it supplements them with new ways of expressing the same message. Although Star Trek episodes (especially the original series) don't comprise literal "scripture," they are the basis for a rigorously enforced canon. Or, as one fan defined it: "Canon" means that Gene Roddenberry (or his duly appointed representative) has declared something to be officially part of the "Star Trek" universe. This includes the TV episodes and the movies, primarily. "Non-canon" is everything else (the books, the animated series, comic books, the story you made up when you were playing "Star Trek" with your friends during recess back in Kindergarten, etc.). Of course, that's just one view. Trek fans routinely engage in ecclesiastical debates over what constitutes "pure" Trek. (Over at the Memory Alpha Wiki, the authors argue that the Star Trek animated series can be considered "canon," since it was "created by the same people" who created the old series.) Scholars of the Church of Trek see these arguments as more than nitpicks over revisionist storytelling (such as the Star Wars fans' battle cry that "Solo shot first"). Jindra, for instance, considers it to be a way of maintaining a level of authenticity that is crucial to the "suspension of disbelief": The creation of new plots and stories and the ironing out of existing ones is essentially the mediating of contradictions in the story (universe). In this universe, the contradictions are an affront to the consistent universe that fans so desperately want to see created. (3) Does the religion have a unifying belief system? Does it offer salvation? Writing in the Journal of Consumer Research, Robert Kozinets—a professor of marketing who studies "consumption subcultures"—found that Star Trek fans often invoke the Vulcan philosophy of Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations (IDIC). As one British Trekkie told him: [IDIC] contrasts so sharply with much of what we see today—politicians, religions or at least religious people, just small minded individuals in general pouring hate and scorn on, well, whichever scapegoat they want to pick on this week. The "I can't do anything but hate you because you vote Labour/you are gay/your skin is a different color to mine/ you don't believe in the same god as me" view that you see all around you. In Star Trek, and in Star Trek fandom, this isn't present. Likewise, Roddenberry himself once commented: When I go to conventions and I see people of all sizes and shapes and abilities, and when I see people with nerve disorders that can't really sit properly and so on, I still know what's in their minds. They are saying, "In a better world, I can do anything! I'll be there in a better world." Star Trek fans tend to practice what they preach-they're not content to wait for Roddenberry's utopian vision of a better world, they're committed to doing their part to make it happen. Hence, the number of fan clubs that establish charities such as food banks and blood drives; or that lobby for more funding for space programs. In that sense, Jindra argues, Trek offers the promise of a communal afterlife: The appeal of ST is not for a kind of personal salvation, but for the future of the ST collective …."I" will not live until the twenty-fourth century, but "we" certainly will, according to the ST future. It is hope for ourselves as a society, a myth about where we have come and where we are going. Fans want to be part of forming that destiny. (4) Are adherents of the religion sometimes stigmatized by nonbelievers? Although Star Trek fandom includes such noteworthies as Bob Dylan, Colin Powell, Stephen Hawking, and the Dalai Lama, the dominant view of the typical fan is still that of the pointy-eared, 35-year-old virgin living in his parents' basement. Even the release of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek film—which arguably endowed the franchise with an unprecedented veneer of mainstream coolness—provoked the ritual ridicule of Trekkies on SNL and the Onion News Network. That fear of ridicule, the scholars say, is why Trekkies are not more open about their fandom-or, at least, why they feel compelled to explain that they're not "that type of fan." And, according to Jennifer Porter-a professor of religion and modern culture—the social stigma attached to Trek fandom partially explains the popularity of Star Trek conventions, which she describes as spiritual "pilgrimage" sites that embody "Freedom to express yourself fully, as an individual, instead of in conformity to institutional, social, or cultural norms." Kozinets goes a step further and argues that the Star Trek collectibles on sale at conventions are pseudo-sacred objects. The fans who buy them are, in effect, making the decision to publicly profess their faith. In other words, wearing a Bajoran earring is like wearing a St. Christopher medal; proudly displaying a vintage 1978 Captain Kirk action figure in your home is the equivalent of putting a plastic Jesus on your dashboard. But, just as many people are disgusted with the commercialism of Christmas, so too are many Star Trek fans upset at the rampant consumerism within their circle. Kozinets says that Trekkies speak of a mythic, "uncontaminated" time when Star Trek was more about message than merchandizing. Ironically, however, the forefather of Trek merchandising was none other than Roddenberry himself. William Shatner recalls that Roddenberry started a mail-order business called Lincoln Enterprises, which sold collectibles to fans. Roddenberry imposed a script rewrite on the episode, "Is There No Truth in Beauty," so that Spock would be wearing an IDIC medallion that would be marketed by Roddenberry's company-thus proving that even a prophet can make a profit. So, is Star Trek a religion? And, if it is, will the latest film's reinterpretation of canon provoke a violent schism among fundamentalist Trekkies? (Otherwise known as "Radical Trekists.") Can we expect to see the publishing industry capitalize on Trek religious-themed books, with titles such as Are You There Spock? It's Me, Margaret. Speaking as a lifelong fan myself, I'm not quite ready to buy into the "Church of Trek" thesis. Or, more to the point, I'm not convinced that hardcore Trek fandom is all that different from the myriad other subcultures in our society-except, perhaps, more richly imagined than most. Ultimately, it comes down to labels. It doesn't matter much to me whether Trekkies are "fans" or meet the anthropological definition of "adherents." They're mostly people who happen to believe in tolerance and the importance of creating a better world for future generations. May they live long and prosper. Mark Strauss is a senior editor at Smithsonian Magazine.

[TrekGoddess]

The previous post is "exactly" what I was talking about! Thank you Chris for posting it!

[TrekGoddess]

Huh. It looks like Emil was a fly-by posting. He's only posted once. I've PM'd him as well as visited his site that is listed in his profile. Apparently... no way to contact him. Bummer! I was so looking forward to having an intellegent discussion about religion.

[kiamay]

Okay, so I didn't read through EVERYTHING, but that part about abolishing religion jumped out and I have to say I totally disagree.
The show doesn't show us what a great world this could be without religion, but what a great life we could have if we could accept and respect each others belief systems. (Of course we have to distinguish belief systems that are positive or life-affirming and those that are destructive) Obviously it goes much further than that if you speak of cultures in general.

But to me Star Trek is all about acceptance and finding ways to work together. Doesn't always work out at first I admit



Actually I thought this thread would be about something else when I first saw the title. It made me think of Chakotay right away and his spirit guide And all the other religions that are mentioned throughout the show...

[Chris]

Originally Posted by *KIA* (View Post) what a great life we could have if we could accept and respect each others belief systems. (Of course we have to distinguish belief systems that are positive or life-affirming and those that are destructive) Obviously it goes much further than that if you speak of cultures in general. But to me Star Trek is all about acceptance and finding ways to work together. Doesn't always work out at first I admit

Totally agree Kia. Trek has always tried to send the message that we need to be accepting, and tried to point out how silly some prejudices are. I'm thinking of the episode where two aliens are at odds because of being half black, half white but on different sides.

[kiamay]

Oh, don't know that one, but it is right to the point
Which series is it from?