Topic: Star Trek and Sacred Ground

[toasty0]

Summary


Offers a multidisciplinary examination of Star Trek, religion, and American culture.

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?

"Star Trek and Sacred Ground is marvelous. All of the articles are relevant, clear and rational. They 'interpret' this material diversely, courageously and with precise excellence. The judgments are relevant, the chapters skillfully ordered, and the essays fit together in building interpretations. The contributors succeed in bringing forth their positions individually and collectively. This book is simply brilliant, and more than interesting to read." -- Robert M. Garvin, State University of New York, Albany

"The subject of religion/myth/spirituality has long been a favorite of Trek scholars and fans; this book gives the subject the serious treatment it deserves." -- Elyce Rae Helford, editor of Enterprise Zones: Critical Positions on "Star Trek"

Contributors include Robert Asa, Michael Jindra, Larry Kreitzer, Jeffrey S. Lamp, Peter Linford, Ian Maher, Anne Pearson, Gregory Peterson, and Jon Wagner.

Jennifer E. Porter is Assistant Professor of Religion and Modern Culture at Memorial University, and Darcee L. McLaren is former Adjunct Professor at McMaster University. http://www.sunypress.edu/details.asp?id=60026




Wow. For the true Trek fan.

[toasty0]

Hey, who let loose with the crickets...

[E_Look]

Well, Toast, I was going to stutter on this one, but I changed my mind this afternoon because, and I suppose like not a few other posters in these forums, I am of a more spiritually conservative mindset and I have always known of and objected to the kind of religion... hmmm... or, maybe the way it is portrayed in Star Trek.

I used to jump off my seat yelling at what I perceived to be offensive spiritual aspects of, especially DS9, but just about all other ST series, too.

Many Trek fans do not see at least this side of life the way Gene Roddenberry did.

[toasty0]

Well, Toast, I was going to stutter on this one, but I changed my mind this afternoon because, and I suppose like not a few other posters in these forums, I am of a more spiritually conservative mindset and I have always known of and objected to the kind of religion... hmmm... or, maybe the way it is portrayed in Star Trek.

I used to jump off my seat yelling at what I perceived to be offensive spiritual aspects of, especially DS9, but just about all other ST series, too.

Many Trek fans do not see at least this side of life the way Gene Roddenberry did.

Mayhaps, in reference to the book itself, you're mistaking study for advocasy?

[Commander La'ra]

I'm interested in the 'study' of any aspect of Star Trek because I'm a Trek fan, and because of my own writing (I like to compare the differences between Larry Trek and Real Trek).  Plus, that little TV show has had a rather immense effect on the thinking of it's devotees and even on our overall cultural.

So, I'd be interested in this one just for intellectual purposes, regardless of Gene Rodenberry's views on religion.

I have strong opinions about Gene's atheism, actually.  I think Mr. Roddenberry is a good study in how religious fundamentalism (regardless of faith or denomination) pushed people away from God rather than toward him.

[toasty0]

I'm interested in the 'study' of any aspect of Star Trek because I'm a Trek fan, and because of my own writing (I like to compare the differences between Larry Trek and Real Trek).  Plus, that little TV show has had a rather immense effect on the thinking of it's devotees and even on our overall cultural.

So, I'd be interested in this one just for intellectual purposes, regardless of Gene Rodenberry's views on religion.

I have strong opinions about Gene's atheism, actually.  I think Mr. Roddenberry is a good study in how religious fundamentalism (regardless of faith or denomination) pushed people away from God rather than toward him.

Good point and I agree.