Religions of Star Trek

by Kraemer, Ross Shepard; Cassidy, William; Schwartz, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780813367088
• ISBN10: 0813367085
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-12-01
• Publisher: Westview Pr

Summary

Is there a God? What evil lurks beyond the stars? Can science save one's soul? Profound questions like these have consumed human thought over the ages; they also inspired the original creators of the Star Trek canon of TV series and films.Religions of Star Trektackles these challenging questions head-on and examines in detail the humanistic vision of creator Gene Roddenberry. It is a remarkable look at one of sci-fi's great success stories.Analyzing more than three decades of screen adventure, the authors depict a Star Trek transformed, corresponding to the resurgence of religion in American public discourse. The authors analyze Star Trek's many religious characters, tracing the roots of scientific humanism to more contemporary aspects of religion and spirituality. Through it all, the creators' visionary outlook remains constant: a humanistic faith in free will and the salvific nature of dispassionate scientific inquiry.This book was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing the "Star Trek" television series or films.

Author Biography

Ross S. Kraemer is professor of religious studies at Brown University, and she has a Ph.D. in religion from Princeton University.William Cassidy is professor on human studies at Alfred University.Susan L. Schwartz is associate professor of religion at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Ross S. Kraemer is professor of religious studies at Brown University, and she has a Ph.D. in religion from Princeton University.William Cassidy is professor on human studies at Alfred University.Susan L. Schwartz is associate professor of religion at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction: The Religions of Star Trek	1	(14)
Is There God in the Universe?	15	(42)
What Evil Lurks Beyond the Stars?	57	(36)
Shamans, Prophets, Priests, and Mystics: Star Trek's Religious Specialists	93	(36)
Enterprise Engaged: Mythic Enactment and Ritual Performance	129	(30)
What Happens When You Die?	159	(28)
Can Science Save One's Soul?	187	(30)
Epilogue: Saving ``The World as We Know It''	217	(10)
Appendix: List of Series, Episodes, and Films	227	(4)
Notes	231	(6)
Index	237