Star Trek and sacred ground : explorations of Star Trek, religion, and American culture

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Bibliographic Information

Star Trek and sacred ground : explorations of Star Trek, religion, and American culture

edited by Jennifer E. Porter and Darcee L. McLaren

State University of New York Press, c1999

  • : hc
  • : pb

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. 279-295) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Drawing on a number of methodologies and disciplinary perspectives, this book boldly goes where none has gone before by focusing on the interplay between Star Trek, religion, and American culture as revealed in the four different Trek television series, and the major motion pictures as well. Explored from a Trek perspective are the portrayal and treatment of religion; the religious and mythic elements; the ritual aspects of the fan following; and the relationship between religion and other issues of contemporary concern. Divided into three sections, this detailed study of religion, myth, and ritual in the Star Trek context extends the boundaries of the traditional categories of religious studies, and explores the process of the (re)creation of culture. The first section explores the ways in which religion has primarily been understood in the Star Trek franchise in relationship to science, technology, scientism, and 'secular humanism.' What do Star Trek and its creator Gene Roddenberry have to say about religion, and what does this reveal about changing American perceptions about the role, value, and place of religion in everyday life? Section Two examines the mythic power and appeal of Star Trek, and highlights the mythic and symbolic parallels between the series' story lines and themes taken from both western religious tradition and the scientific and technological components of contemporary North American Society. In the final section, contributors discuss the mythic and ritual aspects of Star Trek fandom. How have Star Trek fans found meaning and value in the television programs, and how do they express that meaning in their lives? Contributors include Robert Asa, Michael Jindra, Larry Kreitzer, Jeffrey S. Lamp, Peter Linford, Ian Maher, Anne Pearson, Gregory Peterson, and Jon Wagner.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 1. Introduction: Star Trek, Religion, and American Culture Jennifer E. Porter and Darcee L. McLaren Part I— Religion in Star Trek 2. From Thwarted Gods to Reclaimed Mystery? An Overview of the Depiction of Religion in Star Trek Anne Mackenzie Pearson 3. Classic Star Trek and the Death of God: A Case Study of "Who Mourns for Adonais?" Robert Asa 4. Religion and Science in Star Trek: The Next Generation : God, Q, and Evolutionary Eschatology on the Final Frontier Gregory Peterson 5. Deeds of Power: Respect for Religion in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Peter Linford 6. (Re)Covering Sacred Ground: New Age Spirituality in Star Trek: Voyager Darcee L. McLaren and Jennifer E. Porter PART II— Religious and Mythic Themes 7. Intimations of Immortality: Death/Life Mediations in Star Trek Jon Wagner 8. Suffering, Sacrifice and Redemption: Biblical Imagery in Star Trek Larry Kreitzer 9. The Outward Voyage and the Inward Search: Star Trek Motion Pictures and the Spiritual Quest Ian Maher 10. Biblical Interpretation in the Star Trek Universe: Going Where Some Have Gone Before Jeffrey Scott Lamp Part III— Religion and Ritual in Fandom 11. "Star Trek to Me Is a Way of Life": Fan Expressions of Star Trek Philosophy Michael Jindra 12. On the Edge of Forever: Understanding the Star Trek Phenomenon as Myth Darcee L. McLaren 13. To Boldly Go: Star Trek Convention Attendance as Pilgrimage Jennifer E. Porter TV Episodes and Movies Cited Bibliography List of Contributors Index

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