You mean "ignorant" according to YOU. STAR TREK never attacked "religion" itself, but rather two key components: dogma and cult of personality. In both cases, these traits are universal, as they were seen as controlling mechanisms. Starfleet and the Federation has always been depicted as looking at religious expressions as part of an alien species' cultural imperatives, and only when there has been an attempt to force these things unto the protagonists, had that religion been dismantled. And besides, what does religion has to do with treating addictions in the 24th century? All you have to do would be to use a mind sifter or equivalent to focus on removing the trait that is causing the addiction in the first place. SMH.
Do you think the 24th century earth has junkies and addicts?
- Thread starter Captain Triggered
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You mean "ignorant" according to YOU. STAR TREK never attacked "religion" itself, but rather two key components: dogma and cult of personality. In both cases, these traits are universal, as they were seen as controlling mechanisms. Starfleet and the Federation has always been depicted as looking at religious expressions as part of an alien species' cultural imperatives, and only when there has been an attempt to force these things unto the protagonists, had that religion been dismantled. And besides, what does religion has to do with treating addictions in the 24th century? All you have to do would be to use a mind sifter or equivalent to focus on removing the trait that is causing the addiction in the first place. SMH.
Plus the entire concept of "god" whilst emphasising the value of human reason over blind faith. Seems like an attack on religion to me, apparently Gene Roddenberry agreed given the hundreds of times he has been quoted as unambiguously saying exactly the same thing.
I agree that has how Trek has handled religion for the most part but I wonder if that is how it has to always be done? I have always been fond of the idea of showing how a religion can evolve to service the needs of people who have evolved. Maybe some new religions or old ones that have changes like maybe the Pope is alien or a woman just to give one example.
Jason
The pope is an alien, didn't you know?
In a world where Donald Trump became US President? Yes.
Imagining a Polish or Argentinian Pope is now easy, so a Andorian Pope, sure.
In Man Trap just prior to killing the Salt vampire disguised as his love Nancy, McCoy said "Lord, forgive me."
Unlikely words from a non-religious man, given the emotions of that moment.
"According to myth, the Earth was created in six days. Now, watch out. Here comes Genesis! We'll do it for you in six minutes!"
McCoy, Scotty, Welshy...they all have their anachronistic charms. But you can argue them either way. I think the character, at least initially, was Christian (and the Enterprise was an Earth, not Federation, ship, that ran on lithium crystals, etc), but that was refined as things developed. I swore earlier today, in fact, saying "Christ!" going over a pothole, but I'm an atheist. If he's a practicing Christian (a Neo-Reformation Baptist?), thank God he at least acknowledges that people from the Bronze Age might have gotten the astrophysics part wrong.
I find this thread woefully ignorant and judgmental on both addiction and the reasons why addicts and non-addicts use recreational drugs.
Could you talk a little more about how? I think we've focused too much on adjacent issues and would like some further insight into the main one.
Addicts I don't think should try drugs, period. 24th century or 21st. They know their chemistry can't handle them, like a diabetic shouldn't be downing sweets, and should be responsible enough to take care of themselves. There's plenty of medical and social support around them in the future for them to do that, and for themselves to internalize it from the start.
Non-addicts are a different matter. The thread asks about "junkies" and that's more complicated, I think. Junkies I think of as people, not necessarily addicts, who overdo drugs, not by illness. These people I think need, not necessarily religion, but purpose, or a sense of viable self away from artificial stimulation.
Not sure if I agree. There have been many episodes about the importance of faith in furthering the "human condition" on one hand, and coming to terms with so-called "super-beings" who are reasonable on the other. But, in the context of the show itself, Starfleet never had an active policy of being against religion, and has given wide-latitude on how Starfleet personnel dealt with native religions (see: DS9).
The rise in the use of Narcan and anti-overdose medications may foreshadow a Star Trek future where people can use narcotics recreationally but without the risk of addiction or destruction of health and lifestyle.
Get high, enjoy the high, then take the anti-narcotic medication. Lather, rinse, repeat.
No junkies or meth heads or any negative effects because nobody goes that far without getting treatment. Addict? Nah, the morning after pill takes care of that. Addictive personality? That's OK, the morning after pill sobers the user up completely with no lingering problems. With the state of Federation economy and monetary system or lack thereof, nobody is putting drugs ahead of purchasing necessities like food or rent.
Get high, enjoy the high, then take the anti-narcotic medication. Lather, rinse, repeat.
No junkies or meth heads or any negative effects because nobody goes that far without getting treatment. Addict? Nah, the morning after pill takes care of that. Addictive personality? That's OK, the morning after pill sobers the user up completely with no lingering problems. With the state of Federation economy and monetary system or lack thereof, nobody is putting drugs ahead of purchasing necessities like food or rent.