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ESSAY 52
THE "STAR TREK" MYTH
I have been a Star Trek fan for a long time. I have
probably seen most of the original Star Trek series, Star
Trek the New Generation, Deep Space Nine, as well as the
movies. However, there are certain aspects about Star Trek
that bother me.
First, there is the deliberate omission of Judeo-
Christian principles and content. Someone wrote a letter to
the editor of the Kansas City Star and raised the question,
"Why is there no Chaplain on the Enterprise?" Every other
profession has been represented. There are professional
military, medical, teachers, counselors, scientists, engin-
eers and scientists. Almost every nation today has
chaplains for its military people.
Why use the term "Stardate," rather than AD? (From
Latin, ANNO DOMINI, "In the year of the Lord--a specified
year of the Christian era"). Could it be that Gene
Roddenberry wanted the reference to Christ omitted? Secular
Humanists would like to believe and teach that we have enter-
ed a post-Christian era. The late Isaac Asimov seems to have
left his impact, not only in the area of science fiction but
in the area of his atheist religion.
Secondly, there is an attempt to teach values opposing
Judeo-Christian values. This is especially true in Star Trek
the Next Generation. For instance, role models such as Number
One (Will Riker), Counselor Diana Troi, and others, teach by
precept and example that sexual promiscuity is ok. This is a
recurring message in Star Trek the Next Generation. No bad
consequences such as STD, AIDS, sterility, guilt, psycho-
logical problems, or unwanted pregnancy are depicted.
Star Trek also joins the rest of the TV secular evangel-
ists (writers) in taking the name of the Lord in vain. Why?
The occult is taught by symbol. In Deep Space Nine, LT
Dax states over and over that it is a good thing to be in-
dwelt by an alien being. Among the Trill, parents want
their children to "join" with the "Symbiants." Also, in one
episode, Dr. Beverly Crusher is seduced by some type of alien
being that has indwelt her ancestors--the being having the
characteristics of a demon--this time, however, the being is
represented as only "moderately" evil. The parallel to demon
possession is obvious. Is it a coincidence that the captain
of a Ferengi vessel is called a DaiMon? (From the Greek word,
DAIMONION, "demon"). Also, Spock goes back to his home planet
and engages in what appears to be an occultish practice.
Violence is depicted regularly. Most of the time, how-
ever, it ends with a good moral. Conclusion? Mixed bag.
Data represents a new life form that is accepted on par
with human beings. We all like Data. However, is there some
connotation here that people are "nothing but" mechanistic
beings, i.e., B. F. Skinner models? This is the reductionist
fallacy in logic.
Abortion on demand is supported through symbolism. When
Will Riker is cloned, he visits the area where cloning occurs
and kills all his clones with his phaser. He explains that he
alone has the right of reproducing himself. Indirectly
taught here is that he would destroy his unborn babies if he
didn't want them.
Death is explained away according to American Humanist
Association doctrine, the classical voice of Secular
Humanism. Secular Humanism is a type of atheism. An example
occurs when Lieutenant Yar dies in the line of duty. She
"lives in the memories of the crew," rather than her spirit
going to her creator.
However, there is a symbolic allusion to the resurrec-
tion when Spock is "raised from the dead" after giving his
life for the crew of the Enterprise.
Homosexuality is brought up when Dr. Beverly Crusher
falls in love with a man carrying Dax. Then the man, a Trill
host, dies and is replaced with a woman. Dax and the new
host, a woman who resembles a lesbian, states that she and it
still love Dr. Crusher, but Dr. Crusher drops the love
affair. However, it is implied that later, we will "evolve"
to accept such relationships.
Weird religions such as that of Lieutenant Worf, a
Klingon, are accepted uncritically. Also Spock's occultish
religion is accepted. The weird religion of MAJ Kira is
accepted. The "pantheism" of the Borg is accepted even
though the method of "assimilation" is rejected.
Some ideas presented are not very credible.
On the other hand, there are some positive moral teach-
ings in Star Trek. The pornographic holographic programs of
Quark, a Ferengi, aboard Deep Space Nine are rejected.
Quark's materialistic gain through cheating is rejected also.
Freedom is upheld as a good thing.
The "mind-stretching" aspect of the writers is commend-
able.
Star Trek is very entertaining.
The loyal friendship espoused is good. Members of the
crew are even willing to lay down their lives for each other.
The diligent hard work ethic and "smart work" teaching
is good.
Medicine is still portrayed with the goal of saving
life. Experimentation on people is rejected.
The rejection of racism and racialism and the acceptance
of others who are culturally and physically different is
praiseworthy.
Odo is exemplary in his high ideals.
In short, Star Trek sometimes presents a false impres-
sion of reality. The secular humanism values are neither
rational or honest. Children or teenagers without a moral
foundation could be damaged by assimilating its wrong values.
I still enjoy Star Trek. I simply overlook the anti-
Christian and anti-Jewish bias. Tragically, most TV pro-
graming is similar to Star Trek in its anti-Christian, anti-
Jewish bias.
(Star Trek is the registered trademark of Paramount
Pictures).
END