Chapter 6 (Re)Covering Sacred Ground--Star Trek

I. What do the authors mean when they argue that DS-9 and Voyager "have attempted a more nuanced treatment of religion?" (p. 101)

A. McLaren and Porter discuss science and spirituality in terms of NEW AGE philosophy, especially regarding Chakotay's Native American spirituality which coexists with his Star Fleet duties as First Officer on a starship. Remember who was First Officer on TOS--check out This Side of Paradise (aired: 3/2/67), by D. Fontana.

B. Recall how Sisko did (or did not) come to terms with this realistic / nominalistic dualism.

II. THE NEW AGE--the New Age Movement of the1960's and 1970's is difficult to define. Philosophically, its roots derive from classical philosophy (Plato), Medieval Christianity, Romanticism and neo-Romanticism, and Existentialism in our own century. Note: do not expect to find always a logic or coherence in New Age literature--its essence seems to be rooted in paradox which the "experiencer" must resolve (if possible) for him / herself: hence the importance of the quest.

A. Themes include: transcendental mysticism, scientific humanism, love of nature, ecology, spiritual quests, and holistic metaphysics--consequently, a dialectic must be present given these protocols. Remember that these issues are not new: Whitehead's remark that all philosophy is a footnote to Plato certainly applies.

B. YOU SHOULD CONSULT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

1--The Roots of The NEW AGE movement--a historical survey from Greek time to the present

2--NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY--a philosophical overview of the movement.

3--NEW AGE HOME PAGE--invites your participation (SJC and / or this course does not endorse the contents). You should find a link to help with Chakotay's philosophy.

4--INSTITUTE ON RELIGION IN AN AGE OF SCIENCE--addresses the central issue of this course.

III. Note that the authors define Chakotay's "spiritualism:" as embracing, "...spirit guides, vision quests, soul travel, healing rituals and environmental concern..." (p.102)

A. The episode Cathexis dramatizes spiritual and medical healing--are the opposites reconciled? What do people mean when in a time of personal angst, they say, "All we can do is pray?"

B. Instructor's Comment: Chakotay's "conversion" from the rationalistic to the spiritual as explained on page 104 reminds us of the Romantic interest in scientific epistemology and pretranscendental metaphysics. Shelley's Hymn to Intellectual Beauty and Wordsworth's Preface to The Lyrical Ballads should be consulted. Of course Mary Shelley's Frankenstein epitomizes the mystical-scientific dialectic. Her Preface to the novel is a provocative analysis of the two perspectives. Have you ever read a book called Chariot of the Gods? Why is it mentioned here?

C. Three of the most important VOYAGER episodes concerning Janeway's attempted resolution to the mind / matter dualism are Coda, Resolutions and Sacred Ground mentioned on pages 106 ff. In Aristotle's terms, do we have a "cathartic" experience? Note the existential reference on page 108, which apparently "GUIDE 2" knew when using the phrase, "...leap of faith." (Quoted on page 109). Check Kierkegaard.

D. On page 110, the authors (citing Melton and Kyle) speak of the New Age's epistemology in terms of actualizing one's potential. Check the letters of John Keats on the British Literature Home page, especially his "soul-making" comments.

IV. We have spoken at some length regarding Roddenberry's view of God and religion. What do you think he would say about the chapter we have been examining? READ AND STUDY CAREFULLY RODDENBERRY'S QUOTE ON PAGE 111.

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS

Please check the links referenced in this outline.

Additionally, the lectures on BEOWULF (British Literature Home Page) provide background commentary on the quest archetype. The same site may be used to access the Romantic period authors mentioned above: Wordsworth, Keats, and Shelley.

The primary and secondary sources available on my PHILOSOPHY PAGE. Use these to study existentialism.

Print Resources include:

Campbell, J. The Power of Myth. N.Y.: Doubleday, 1988.

Gaarder, J. Sophie's World. N.Y.: Berkley Books, 1996.