Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 1. Introduction: Star Trek, Religion, and American Culture Jennifer E. Porter and Darcee L. McLaren Part I-- Religion in Star Trek 2. From Thwarted Gods to Reclaimed Mystery? An Overview of the Depiction of Religion in Star Trek Anne Mackenzie Pearson 3. Classic Star Trek and the Death of God: A Case Study of "Who Mourns for Adonais?" Robert Asa 4. Religion and Science in Star Trek: The Next Generation : God, Q, and Evolutionary Eschatology on the Final Frontier Gregory Peterson 5. Deeds of Power: Respect for Religion in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Peter Linford 6. (Re)Covering Sacred Ground: New Age Spirituality in Star Trek: Voyager Darcee L. McLaren and Jennifer E. Porter PART II-- Religious and Mythic Themes 7. Intimations of Immortality: Death/Life Mediations in Star Trek Jon Wagner 8. Suffering, Sacrifice and Redemption: Biblical Imagery in Star Trek Larry Kreitzer 9. The Outward Voyage and the Inward Search: Star Trek Motion Pictures and the Spiritual Quest Ian Maher 10. Biblical Interpretation in the Star Trek Universe: Going Where Some Have Gone Before Jeffrey Scott Lamp Part III-- Religion and Ritual in Fandom 11. "Star Trek to Me Is a Way of Life": Fan Expressions of Star Trek Philosophy Michael Jindra 12. On the Edge of Forever: Understanding the Star Trek Phenomenon as Myth Darcee L. McLaren 13. To Boldly Go: Star Trek Convention Attendance as Pilgrimage Jennifer E. Porter TV Episodes and Movies Cited Bibliography List of Contributors Index

About the Author

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.

Reviews

"...a great start toward beginning to analyze the religious themes and motifs embedded in much of the media around us." - RSiSS: Religious Studies in Secondary Schools "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"