1. Star Trek: The Next Generation How to outthink and outgrow religion, Star Trek style…

2. TNG vs Classic Trek themes Little mention of computer as God theme - by 1980's, the `silicone era,’ less fear of computers - One holdover might be episode “Justice” (1987), where “Edo” controlled by computerized space ship as god

3. TNG vs Classic Trek Themes, con’t. Little concern with individual freedoms - 1980’s era of corporate identity rather than hippie individualism - instead, religion - threat to reason. Religion and science in opposition Religion = superstition, fear, war, oppression Science = progress, reason, contentment

4. Reason vs Superstition Case Study: “Who Watches the Watchers (1989) Religion = war, chaos, oppression “Natural” cultural evolution is to outgrow religion Self-sacrifice, death preferable to fostering religious belief

5. Reason vs Superstition Case Study II: “Devil’s Due (1991) Belief in supernatural beings = irrational False God theme - alien fraud Religion = con game Logic, reason, will reveal that human progress independent of divine plan, intervention, etc.

6. TNG’s “Evolutionary Eschatology” Science instead of religion Evolution instead of God’s Plan Evolution = –teleology (purpose) –destiny –Progress –biology/culture evolve together

7. TNG’s “Evolutionary Eschatology” Case Study: “Journey’s End” (1994) Humans can/will evolve physically, emotionally, intellectually, morally, culturally… Religion (and other factors) stumbling blocks to human evolution Introduction of idea that Native Spirituality might be okay - human “other” theme picked up in Star Trek: Voyager