star trek: the next generationjporter/11_star_trek_tng.pdf · star trek: the next generation how to...
TRANSCRIPT
TNG vs Classic Trekthemes
• Little mention ofcomputer as Godtheme - by 1980's, the`silicone era,’ less fearof computers -
• One holdover might beepisode “Justice”(1987), where “Edo”controlled bycomputerized spaceship as god
TNG vs Classic TrekThemes, con’t.
• Little concern withindividual freedoms -1980’s era of corporateidentity rather than hippieindividualism - instead,religion - threat to reason.
• Religion and science inopposition
• Religion = superstition,fear, war, oppression
• Science = progress,reason, contentment
Reason vs Superstition CaseStudy: “Who Watches the
Watchers (1989)• Religion = war,
chaos, oppression• “Natural” cultural
evolution is tooutgrow religion
• Self-sacrifice, deathpreferable tofostering religiousbelief
Reason vs Superstition CaseStudy II: “Devil’s Due (1991)
• Belief in supernaturalbeings = irrational
• False God theme - alienfraud
• Religion = con game• Logic, reason, will
reveal that humanprogress independent ofdivine plan, intervention,etc.
TNG’s “EvolutionaryEschatology”
• Science instead ofreligion
• Evolution insteadof God’s Plan
• Evolution =– teleology (purpose)– destiny– Progress– biology/culture
evolve together
TNG’s “EvolutionaryEschatology” Case Study:
“Journey’s End” (1994)• Humans can/will evolve
physically, emotionally,intellectually, morally,culturally…
• Religion (and otherfactors) stumbling blocksto human evolution
• Introduction of idea thatNative Spirituality mightbe okay - human “other”theme picked up in StarTrek: Voyager
Religion of the “Other”• TNG allows for
religion if:– It is practiced by aliens
(Klingons, Vulcans, etc.)– The aliens are as advanced,
or more advanced, than thehumans of the Federation
– It is a non-supernatural formof religion
– It doesn’t interfere withsecular worldview
Klingon Religion• Way of the warrior
(samurai,medievalknights)
• Meditation• Martial Arts• Mythic stories• Mythic figures -
Kahless, Kortar• Gods?