SF Religion in TOS?

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 2003-05-31 02:21am

I was curious (it's been awhile since I watched all of TOS), but people have made references to the "chapel" on the Enterprise (NCC-1701).

Can anyone tell me which episodes show or mention it?

Thanks.

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 2003-05-31 03:07am

I think I may have the answer... "Balance of Terror" is supposed to depict it at the beginning of the episode.

Any others?

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-05-31 03:31am

Yes, it's "Balance Of Terror"...

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 2003-05-31 09:15am

Interesting episode, definately.

Embracer Of Darkness · Post by **Embracer Of Darkness** » 2003-06-01 10:12pm

Also, if I recall correctly, there was a developing planet or something in one episode. At the end of the episode the crew of the Enterprise (Kirk & Co.) were dissapointed that the natives worshipped the sun, then Kirk did a cheesy smile when Uhura suggested that it might mean "The Son of God".

Admiral Johnason · Post by **Admiral Johnason** » 2003-06-02 01:28am

There a reference by Kirk to the god Apollo in one episode:

Apollo: You need your god

Kirk: No thanks, the one God we have already in enough for all of us.

Patrick Degan · Post by **Patrick Degan** » 2003-06-02 04:40am

The ship's chapel was also featured in the episode "The Tholian Web", in the scene when Spock declared that Captain Kirk was dead.

According to the novelisation of TMP, the ship's chapel aboard the Enterprise is of generic design, denoting no affiliation to any particular religion and is identified at the entrance with the glyph of the Infinity symbol.

All we see of religion in TOS is the evident fact that monotheism was still adhered to by humans. The only other religions seen in the series are the parallel-Christian Children of the Son cult in "Breead And Circuses", the Cult of Landrieu in "Return Of The Archons", the Worship of the Creators of Yonada in "For The World Is Hollow And I Have Touched The Sky", and the Cult of the Wise Ones (and the short-lived cult of the Great God Kirok) in "The Paradise Syndrome". The ancient worship of the Olympians in Hellenic Greece is of course featured in "Who Mourns For Adonais".

Jason von Evil · Post by **Jason von Evil** » 2003-06-02 07:26pm

They could've been talking about Nurse Chapal. She was a fox back then.

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 2003-06-06 05:00pm

Thanks for the replies!

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-06-06 08:49pm

I could swear I remember a referance to the bible as "20th century mythology" in an episode.

Patrick Degan wrote:According to the novelisation of TMP, the ship's chapel aboard the Enterprise is of generic design, denoting no affiliation to any particular religion and is identified at the entrance with the glyph of the Infinity symbol.

*gasps* They worship Ixians?

TheDarkling · Post by **TheDarkling** » 2003-06-06 10:20pm

Frank Hipper wrote:I could swear I remember a referance to the bible as "20th century mythology" in an episode.

Well TWOK calls Genesis a myth but since modern Catholicism has the same opinion it is hardly a bit indicator of how prevalent religious belief is within the Federation.

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-06-07 02:13am

Frank Hipper wrote:I could swear I remember a referance to the bible as "20th century mythology" in an episode.

Patrick Degan wrote:According to the novelisation of TMP, the ship's chapel aboard the Enterprise is of generic design, denoting no affiliation to any particular religion and is identified at the entrance with the glyph of the Infinity symbol.
*gasps* They worship Ixians?

Who are Ixians?

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-06-07 08:04am

Simon H.Johansen wrote:
Frank Hipper wrote:I could swear I remember a referance to the bible as "20th century mythology" in an episode.

Patrick Degan wrote:According to the novelisation of TMP, the ship's chapel aboard the Enterprise is of generic design, denoting no affiliation to any particular religion and is identified at the entrance with the glyph of the Infinity symbol.
*gasps* They worship Ixians?
Who are Ixians?

The Ixian Confederacy in Dune, they produce most of the Empire's technology, and the infinity symbol is their coat of arms.

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-06-07 11:43am

Frank Hipper wrote:
Simon H.Johansen wrote:
Frank Hipper wrote:I could swear I remember a referance to the bible as "20th century mythology" in an episode.
*gasps* They worship Ixians?
Who are Ixians?
The Ixian Confederacy in Dune, they produce most of the Empire's technology, and the infinity symbol is their coat of arms.

I see. But are you sure that the Infinity symbol isn't a "homage" to Dune? (Read: Easter egg)

Kurgan · Post by **Kurgan** » 2003-06-13 03:00pm

Could be, but the Infinity symbol hardly originated there...

Dune was written one year before TOS aired, maybe Roddenberry was a fan? Who knows...

CDiehl · Post by **CDiehl** » 2003-06-13 11:24pm

On the topic of religion, Vulcan beliefs seem to resemble Eastern religions. Their reverence for logic is very much like Buddhism, with Kohlinar taking the place of Nirvana. IDIC reminds me of Taoism, with its respect for all life.

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-06-14 12:56am

CDiehl wrote:On the topic of religion, Vulcan beliefs seem to resemble Eastern religions. Their reverence for logic is very much like Buddhism, with Kohlinar taking the place of Nirvana. IDIC reminds me of Taoism, with its respect for all life.

Now, what religions are the other fictional religions of ST based upon?? Klingon religion is clearly inspired by Nordic mythology, but what about the Bajoran religion?? And those Bronze Age people who worshipped the Ferengi as gods?

CDiehl · Post by **CDiehl** » 2003-06-14 04:09am

I noticed a similarity, it fit the topic, and I posted it. Sorry I offended you by making a simple observation.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2003-06-14 03:44pm

CDiehl wrote:I noticed a similarity, it fit the topic, and I posted it. Sorry I offended you by making a simple observation.

I don't think he was offended, just making conversation.

Patrick Ogaard · Post by **Patrick Ogaard** » 2003-06-14 04:44pm

Simon H.Johansen wrote:
CDiehl wrote:On the topic of religion, Vulcan beliefs seem to resemble Eastern religions. Their reverence for logic is very much like Buddhism, with Kohlinar taking the place of Nirvana. IDIC reminds me of Taoism, with its respect for all life.
Now, what religions are the other fictional religions of ST based upon?? Klingon religion is clearly inspired by Nordic mythology, but what about the Bajoran religion?? And those Bronze Age people who worshipped the Ferengi as gods?

The Bajoran religion seems half Buddhist, half Hindu. The tendency toward monks and monasteries and rather orange-looking robes is undeniable, and the Kai is treated much like a Lama. On second thought, nine-tenths Tibetan Buddhism, one-tenth Hindu (and that just for the occasional odd sect and the fact that the Bajorans only recently got out of a strict caste system).

Now the Delta Quadrant folks worshipping the Ferengi, I don't remember the particulars well enough, but I'm thinking that it would have eventually developed into a cargo cult.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » 2003-06-14 05:14pm

My GOD!!!!!!

Now I know where the Elves went after they left from Middle Earth... they went to Vulcan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CDiehl · Post by **CDiehl** » 2003-06-14 09:06pm

You may be right about that, Mr. Hipper. I am sorry, but it looked like Mr. Johansen was suggesting what I said was so obvious I was stupid to mention it.

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-06-16 09:38am

CDiehl wrote:You may be right about that, Mr. Hipper. I am sorry, but it looked like Mr. Johansen was suggesting what I said was so obvious I was stupid to mention it.

I didn't even intend to imply that.

CDiehl · Post by **CDiehl** » 2003-06-16 01:58pm

I understand. I am sorry.

FaxModem1 · Post by **FaxModem1** » 2003-06-17 02:46am

Romulans are a little like the world war II germans in believing their race is superior, would that be considered their religon?