A remarkable treatment of the religious themes threading through one of Americas science-fiction icons. Is there a God? What evil lurks beyond the stars? Can science save ones 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 Trek tackles 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-fis 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 Treks 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.
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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. 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.
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If the United Federation of Planets decided to undertake a mission to answer the primary question posed in this chapter-Is there God? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
If the United Federation of Planets decided to undertake a mission to answer the primary question posed in this chapter-Is there God? Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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3.8 out of 5 stars
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating...
22 Oct 2002
By Dr. Michael Blume
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
As a student of religious sciences (in Germany) and a fan of Star Trek I just couldn't pass this book and wasn't disappointed.
It's surprising, how many religious topics are covered in Star Trek movies (albeit often in rather clouded forms), and how the series developped from a simple agnostic, positivist form into inquiries into spirituality and questions of life...
You will be surprised and entertained at the same time - but I missed pictures and their analysis in the book, because I think that especially in movies, messages are sent by these, not just by themes, dialogues and characters. That's the only objection I have for an otherwise fascinating book!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting background book for "Star Trek" fans
13 Jun 2002
By Cas
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
This is not an exploration of individual religions in the "Star Trek" mythos, but an examination of the Big Questions about religion as they are answered by Star Trek. I found the writing interesting, with lots of examples to back up the theories within.
Religion has changed a lot in "Star Trek" since Kirk's day. This book traces that change through chapters regarding the existence of God and evil. How the different races in Star Trek view these questions is also presented and contrasted with humanity. Since "Next Generation" is the longest-running series, naturally it is represented more than TOS, DS9 and Voyager. This was printed before "Enterprise", but I hope it will be updated a few years from now to include "Enterprise"'s viewpoints. Frankly, it's fascinating to see religious-theory experts take on a project of this nature. I'd love to see more.
I think most "Star Trek" fans would be very interested in this work, as would students of religion in culture.
8 of 11 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
overrated
24 Jan 2004
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Basically, I was recommended this book since I am a big Star Trek fan and someone interested in religious theory. The title is catchy, but the book has several shortcomings.
First, the arguments posed and the analysis conducted are the kind that any true Star Trek fan could conjure up just by watching the episodes. For examples used, the authors pick the most blatantly obvious episodes with which to work with (i.e. TNG's "Who Watches the Watchers")and throw loose theories together which are made quite apparent by simply watching the episode itself! In fact, throughout the book, no truly original theory is argued fully - here and there we catch bits and pieces from characters such as the Prophets, or Q, and how they are "godlike" - a point which the script writers obviously include.
In addition to this, there are also several errors which any true fan would never fail to notice!
Overall, save your money, and watch the shows and movies and judge for yourself.
First, the arguments posed and the analysis conducted are the kind that any true Star Trek fan could conjure up just by watching the episodes. For examples used, the authors pick the most blatantly obvious episodes with which to work with (i.e. TNG's "Who Watches the Watchers")and throw loose theories together which are made quite apparent by simply watching the episode itself! In fact, throughout the book, no truly original theory is argued fully - here and there we catch bits and pieces from characters such as the Prophets, or Q, and how they are "godlike" - a point which the script writers obviously include.
In addition to this, there are also several errors which any true fan would never fail to notice!
Overall, save your money, and watch the shows and movies and judge for yourself.
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3.8 out of 5 stars
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