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, Star Trek: Voyager, as well as the Star Trek 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, engineers 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 entered 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. BTW, He is now a theist.

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 okay. This is a recurring message in Star Trek the Next Generation. No bad consequences such as STD, AIDS, sterility, guilt, psychological problems, or unwanted pregnancy are depicted.

Star Trek also joins the rest of the TV secular evangelists (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 indwelt by an alien being. Among the Trill, parents want their children to "join" with the "Symbiants." The Symbiant is viewed as the all important being (episode released on Channel 41, November 5, 1995). 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 occult ceremony.

Violence is depicted regularly. Most of the time, however, 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 and infanticide are 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 resurrection 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. Later, in Deep Space Nine, Lieutenant Commander Dax still has a crush on "his" former wife and they—two women—kiss passionately. What message are the writers trying to communicate? Are they trying to desensitize viewers to the natural revulsion of lesbianism and homosexuality?

Weird religions are accepted uncritically. Lieutenant Worf, a Klingon, has his occultish religion paraded before us. 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 pseudo scientific ideas presented are not very credible.

On the other hand, there are some positive moral teachings in Star Trek. The pornographic holographic programs of Quark, a Ferengi aboard Deep Space Nine, are rejected. Quark's materialistic gain and cheating are rejected also. Freedom is upheld as a good thing.

The "mind-stretching" aspect of the writers is commendable.

Star Trek is very entertaining.

The loyal friendship espoused is good. Members of the crew are willing to lay down their lives for each other.

The diligent hard work ethic and smart work teaching are good.

Medicine is still portrayed with the goal of saving life. Experimentation on people is rejected.

The rejection of racism 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 impression 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 programming is similar to Star Trek in its anti-Christian, anti-Jewish bias.

Star Trek^TM is the registered trademark of Paramount Pictures.

Essay 52 from Essays Exposing the Myths of Political Correctness

Book and Program Copyright © 1993, 2014 by Dr. John E. Russell, JRCMinistries.