Religions of Star Trek

Summary

 * From the back cover
 * 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 Trek tackles these challenging questions head-on in 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 identify the many religious characters in Star Trek, 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.

Contents

 * Introduction: The Religions of Star Trek
 * 1. Is There a God in the Universe?
 * 2. What Evil Lurks Beyond the Stars?
 * 3. Shamans, Prophets, Priests, and Mystics: Star Trek's Religious Specialists
 * 4. Enterprise Engaged: Mythic Enactment and Ritual Performance
 * 5. What Happens When You Die?
 * 6. Can Science Save One's Soul?
 * Epilogue: Saving "The World As We Know It"
 * Appendix: List of Series, Episodes, and Films
 * Notes
 * Index