A trio of religion scholars presents a learned but readable review of religious themes in Star Trek
that should interest fans and provide grist for students and teachers of religion. The book focuses not so much on the beliefs and rituals found in the Star Trek
universe itself as on the metaphysical issues Star Trek
explores as a present-day text. Although they describe the common religious vision that characterizes Star Trek
(a profound optimism, broadly secular though not necessarily anti-religious), the authors note the wide variety (and sometimes inconsistency) among episodes spanning 34 years, four TV series, nine movies and dozens of writers. In particular, they illustrate the gradual development of religious perspective from the strongly humanistic atmosphere of the original series (reflecting the convictions of creator Gene Roddenberry) to the ambiguous affirmation of spirituality in Voyager
and Deep Space Nine. But the authors' first love is clearly Star Trek: The Next Generation, as they cite 35 episodes—more than the other three series combined—and pay special attention to characters such as Picard, Data, Guinan, Wesley and the enigmatic Q. Material is divided into thematic chapters on God, evil, religious figures, myth and ritual, death and afterlife, and salvation—the latter often promoted through scientific rather than religious means. The authors write accessibly, illustrating points with particular episodes, and only occasionally lapsing into academic syntax. Not every fan will pick up this book, but those whose love of Star Trek
is combined with cultural curiosity will be slow to put it down. (Jan.)
