Talk:Religion

I just updated the article with an introduction and pictures. Religion is central to Star Trek, if through it's absence. The utopia that is Star Trek describes a society that has grown beyond the need for irrational explanations for the facts of existence. However there is still a need to define religion from the Trek perspective. I tried to do just that. --Boo47 01:00, 17 August 2007 (UTC)

Interesting, go have a look: http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/inconsistencies/religion.htm

Live long and prosper --Boo47 01:10, 17 August 2007 (UTC)

Article subdivision
The list of religions should be subdivided into the five different overall classifications possible: Monotheism (1), possibly Dualtheism (2; possible special cases involving belief in one male and one female pair of deities), Polytheism (3 or more), Transtheism (certain physical beings currently alive being actual descendents of divine beings of current or previous time), and Pantheism (all things are worshipped as part of an overall Divine). Star Trek might not have an example of all of those, but I write the list here to make note of them. Also, any point of reference where Star Trek by necessity elaborates on one such belief should receive its own section (i.e., Monotheism) in the article. --ChrisK 06:32, 27 August 2007 (UTC)
 * I thought it odd that Star Trek never seems to touch on Deism or Pandeism, since these are theories supposedly grounded in scientific observation. Mention that absence even?

Federation
I always assumed that the Federation (or at least Star Trek humans) were atheistic themselves even if they're tolerant of other people's religions. I took this out because it was uncited and seems like it needs some discussion/clarification:


 * The United Federation of Planets combines a multitude of secular and religious societies, all with their various belief systems. The history and development of many of its member societies has been greatly influenced by their past and present religions. However, in Starfleet religious concepts are dispelled by the rational nature of its endeavor.

I realize Bajoran and similar people joining would mean that it does include religion while at the same time avoiding the topic, but the sentence about Starfleet makes religious concepts themselves sound almost quaint. Any thoughts? Gatorade 01:34, 24 November 2007 (UTC)


 * Despite what Roddenberry intended, it seems that religion among Humanity survives in some form, as Cassidy Yates wanted to be married by a minister, Data noted the Hindu festival of lights, Chakotay practiced his beliefs, etc. Vulcan society has largely abandoned paganism, though Spock said  he was going to honor his family's gods and nobody questioned it.  The Shamin have priests.  These three species may be the only Federation members whose religions have been mentioned. -- Connor Cabal 02:02, 24 November 2007 (UTC)