Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 506 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One thing that we can all agree upon, is that faith is a polarizing issue within our modern society, for so many reasons. For some, it relates to the fact that there is no irrefutable proof that a God of any kind exists, so it makes no sense in their minds to follow it. While others, lament the hell and suffering that faith has brought forth upon human history. Since so many have died and still die in the name of a particular faith’s, deity. And of course, on the flip side… those who believe, feel it is still an important part of our lives and that others should listen to and spend time on their side. To find peace and to unite the world and well, let’s be honest… there’s no sign of this polarization leaving us anytime soon. Because there is no consensus and that’s why so many work to stay away from the fight that rages on regarding faith. In fact, it is so polarizing that even fiction, the kind that could explore and offer some insight, stays away from it, including the Star Trek Universe. Which is surprising since the STU has explored some challenging matters throughout the years. But it has steered clear of any real exploration regarding faith, to keep from getting into that ugly fray. In fact, if the franchise does go near it, alien life tends to be tied to it. Since ‘God’ in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was nothing more than a rude alien being, and the Prophets did describe themselves as non-corporeal lifeforms in Deep Space Nine. But at last, it would seem that the STU is ready to explore such matters, perhaps because the world needs clarity right now and it just so happens, that this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+, pondered deeply upon faith and its role in the modern world and modern life, and ‘Whistlespeak’ accomplished such a feat, through two key storylines. One of which involved Doctor Culber. Who was still feeling as though his experiences on Trill were more than just a run in with weird science. He felt they were a true exploration of something deeper, something spiritual, and he used science here to find out if perhaps he was wrong, and this was all a lingering effect from the meld. But the reality that he was fine, helped Hugh find faith in those more abstract concepts. Because he needed to believe in something more at this point in his life and Book pointed out, that was okay, that spirituality is for the individual.
Which we will break down further in a moment because the other storyline here… dug deep into the power and trouble with faith, period. For Tilly and Captain Burnham beamed down to the planet that was home to the next clue, and they had to step in and compete with others in a grand race. One designed to bring the winner closer to the Gods. Which would give them access to a weather tower that had the answers. But that turned out to be disastrous since this species believed that sacrifice to the Gods was necessary to bring the planet what it needed, and that meant, Tilly was slated to die since she tied with a local. Which meant, Burnham had to violate the prime directive to save the day. A move that allowed for her to challenge the planet’s most faithful man regarding what the universe was about and that perhaps… he could help his species believe in other possibilities and let go of the dark stranglehold faith had upon his world.
All of which, spoke to faith, and its role in the modern world. Wherein the show postulated that… in the now, there is no right answer as to what we should do with faith and that, what Book suggested is the right path. That, it’s a personal journey in the 21st Century. Because we simply are not at a point as a species where we can agree upon… anything really. But perhaps taking some of the pressure off of those who want to believe in both science and something greater as say, the Great Koala, could be beneficial. As would letting those who are staunch believers in God can have their day. Because then, there is a sense of peace and a sense of purpose. Provided of course, this all comes with the understanding that there can be no hardline push from one side the other. Just discourse and understanding, the kind that allows for people to educate one another and find what calls to them best. Which could lead to what we saw here. A 32nd Century with room for faith and room for science. Where open minds are willing to listen to what everyone has to say and that would be a utopia indeed. But that aside, this really was quite the philosophical tale to say the least. One that offered up an interesting answer regarding our religious conundrum while also taking the time to finally tackle this topic in a manner that was respectful and engaging. Which is important since faith and religion are so polarizing, and one cannot help but wonder if this is the mere beginning of such explorations. Since the STU loves expanding upon concepts, and hopefully… the show does. Since we need neutral discourse on such matters. But alas, we will have to wait and see if that will be the case, because up next for this intrepid crew, is a reunion with the show’s villains. Since L’ak and Moll, have been captured at last, and their story needs resolution, before this quest for creation can continue. Until next time. Watch ‘Star Trek: Discovery’
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