How Can Religion Get Portrayed Like DS9 Again?

[VulcanMindBlown]

I think that Star Trek can benefit from portraying religion in a positive and curious light like in Deep Space Nine.

However, I realize that that might be hard to do, since most of the Federation has embraced secular humanism, and the only portrayal that I liked, from DS9, came from the top ranked Star Fleet officer being ordained by other religion based on another planet. Thought, you can from the shows see that sometimes it seems like they make whatever religion a humanoid believes in them is real to them... like Sto-Vo-Kor... and there are probably other examples... I know that religion can be a touchy subject... but Trek hasn't completely shied away from the controversial.

 

[captainkirk]

However, I realize that that might be hard to do, since most of the Federation has embraced secular humanism

I don't think that's true. It was mostly just the Humans, and even then Chakotay had spiritual beliefs. We know the Vulcans do as well. DS9 certainly did the best job of portraying it, but religion was never absent from the Federation.

 

[fireproof78]

I don't think it can.

 

[Amaris]

I think that Star Trek can benefit from portraying religion in a positive and curious light like in Deep Space Nine.

However, I realize that that might be hard to do, since most of the Federation has embraced secular humanism, and the only portrayal that I liked, from DS9, came from the top ranked Star Fleet officer being ordained by other religion based on another planet. Thought, you can from the shows see that sometimes it seems like they make whatever religion a humanoid believes in them is real to them... like Sto-Vo-Kor... and there are probably other examples... I know that religion can be a touchy subject... but Trek hasn't completely shied away from the controversial.

I like how DS9 portrayed religion. The believers weren't simpletons, but respected the non-believers, for the most part. The show didn't shy away from showing the more zealous, and in a bad light befitting that dangerous zeal, but when extremism reared its ugly head, both believers and non-believers would work together to remove the danger.

They can capture that again, and in doing so might show people that religion can be peaceful and forward thinking, and not just some way to curb the rights of others.

 

[BillJ]

The religious episodes of DS9 bored me. So I hope they steer clear of it.

 

[Nerys Myk]

The religious episodes of DS9 bored me. So I hope they steer clear of it.

I think it bored some of the writers, too.
There can be interesting stories told involving religion in Star Trek. It doesn't have to be boring or screed against religion.

 

[Tenacity]

Chakotay had spiritual beliefs

As did Kirk, McCoy and Uhura. Tuvok's wife too. Worf was seen to practice Klingon beliefs, and BeLanna had a religious epiphany of sorts.

Having a main character be religious can simply be a aspect of their overall description, and not the only thing that defines them on the show.

When a scene takes place in the captain's ready room or quarters, there can be a religious symbol the wall, or statue on a shelf.

A officer in off-duty attire is wearing a religious pendant, or remarks on attending prayer, or a service. Or we could see a group exiting a obvious religious service.

Showing Humans characters with different religions would be another way of depicting a future with diversity and showing respect and acceptance of others beliefs within a society.

 

[BillJ]

As did Kirk, McCoy and Uhura. Tuvok's wife too. Worf was seen to practice Klingon beliefs, and BeLanna had a religious epiphany of sorts.

Having a main character be religious can simply be a aspect of their overall description, and not the only thing that defines them on the show.

When a scene takes place in the captain's ready room or quarters, there can be a religious symbol the wall, or statue on a shelf.

A officer in off-duty attire is wearing a religious pendant, or remarks on attending prayer, or a service. Or we could see a group exiting a obvious religious service.

Showing Humans characters with different religions would be another way of depicting a future with diversity and showing respect and acceptance of others beliefs within a society.

I agree. It is unfortunate that a lot of folks go apeshit if there's a gay character when they are treated with the same subtlety. See: Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek Beyond.

 

[Gary 11's]

I think it's too controversial to predict the future of Earth religions. Star Trek have done the right thing by the more plot driven religions being alien

 

[Tenacity]

I think it's too controversial to predict the future of Earth religions

Some have been around for multiple thousands of years, what's a couple of more centuries?

 

[Nerys Myk]

I think it's too controversial to predict the future of Earth religions. Star Trek have done the right thing by the more plot driven religions being alien

Let me consult the Orange Catholic Bible and get back to you on that.

 

[Gary 11's]

Let me consult the Orange Catholic Bible and get back to you on that.

Haha, I was tempted to mention Dune

 

[fireproof78]

They should bring on J. Michael Straczynski.

 

[Nerys Myk]

They should bring on J. Michael Straczynski.

God no!

 

[uniderth]

Chris-lam anyone?

 

[fireproof78]

God no!

I at least appreciated his approach to religion in B5.

Let's all calm down now.

 

[Nerys Myk]

I at least appreciated his approach to religion in B5.

Let's all calm down now.

I love the ideas of B5, but hated the execution. Cringe worthy dialog and acting

 

[fireproof78]

I love the ideas of B5, but hated the execution. Cringe worthy dialog and acting

It depended for me, though I generally agree on the dialog. But, it's that open attitude that I would prefer to see.

 

[Nerys Myk]

It depended for me, though I generally agree on the dialog. But, it's that open attitude that I would prefer to see.

Well guys like Katsulas and Jurasik could spin that crap into gold. In the hands of lesser actors it remained crap.

 

[Amaris]

Well guys like Katsulas and Jurasik could spin that crap into gold. In the hands of lesser actors it remained crap.

Either Andreas Katsulas or Peter Jurasik could quote the phone book, and I'd call it good drama. Those men were gifted, IMO.