The Religions Of Star Trek [Paperback]

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 theStar Trekcanon of TV series and films.Religions of Star Trektackles 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 aStar Trektransformed, corresponding to the resurgence of religion in American public discourse. The authors identify the many religious characters inStar 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. This book was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing theStar Trektelevision series or films.Ross S. Kraemeris professor of religious studies at Brown University, and she has a Ph.D. in religion from Princeton University.

William Cassidyis professor on human studies at Alfred University.

Susan L. Schwartzis associate professor of religion at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.