I was a trekker before I became a Christian. I was not a “trekkie,” but a slightly more sophisticated trekker. (I’ve only been to one convention, when my kids were young, not counting that one min-con).
Star trek was a life saver during my awkward adolescence when Dad was in Vietnam and Mom was emotionally unstable. Logical Mr. Spock, my first crush, led me to find science “fascinating” for a while anyway. Maybe being influenced by the Trek at an early age, has something to do with me being and open-minded Christian.
Now, I’m fascinated by links between science and religion, like when I read jetgirlcos describe the the story in Matthew 2:1-2, where the wise men see the star in the east, as
“an extraordinary cosmic event which became part of all the wonder that accompanies Christmas.”
Here is her thoughtful and concise post:
https://fortyandfantastique.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/preparing-for-christmas-2-they-followed-a-star/
Her combination of objective study with the “wonder” of Christmas touched that place in me that loves to see connections between seemingly distant things.
Her use of the word “cosmic” enticed me.
Cosmic: “of or relating to the cosmos, the extraterrestrial vastness, or the universe in contrast to the earth alone” (Merriam-Webster)
In doing a tiny bit research, I found this overview of possible scientific explanations of the star of Bethlehem. http://www.classicalastronomy.com/news/anmviewer.asp?a=326&z=17 . My favorite of these theories is the one about the “Triple Conjunction of Jupiter and Regulus” in which “blazingly bright Jupiter, which signifies kingship, passed three times very closely to the brightest star of Leo, which might signify Judah.”
Do I understand this? No way.
Maybe this theory appeals to me because the “planetary alignment” idea was depicted in the movie, The Nativity Story. I was moved to tears at the end of this movie. I love the expressions of the wise men/astronomers.
Some Star Trek fans might notice the angel “Gabriel”announcing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds is played by Alexander Siddig, who also played Dr. Julian Bashir in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, See, another connection!
There’s at least one more Jesus/Star Trek connection. Its a Christmas episode of classic Trek called “Bread and Circuses” where the Enterprise crew thinks they are dealing with sun worshipers until Lt. Uhura enlightens them. The story starts at about 1:04 minutes into this short clip:
What does this all mean?
It means that religion and science can coexist and intersect. It means that a love for Jesus and a love of Star Trek can stay alive and well within the same person. Jesus and Star Trek both give me feelings of hope, of possibility, and the belief anything is possible in this vast universe.
Happy Epiphany and Best Wishes in the Year Ahead!
December 30, 2014 at 1:24 pm
I’m a born-again Christian & still a massive trekkie! I’m proof that such a thing is possible 🙂 (mine’s d reverse to yours in that i became a christian 1st before i became a trekkie)
As for co-existence of Religion & Science…i just think of it this way…GOD IS THE GREATEST scientist there ever was, is & will be. End of…not the most concise arguement there is but im happt enough with it 🙂
Since He created us in his ‘image’ we were imprinted with his creativity & traits & i certainly think we can explore new worlds & new civilations whilst boldly going & that wont ‘Discredit the existence of GOD’.
The only caveat there being that the ‘rapture’ does not occur 1st.
December 30, 2014 at 11:30 pm
I’ve often said God is the greatest artist, and as I think about your words, it makes just as much sense that God is also the greatest scientist. Thanks for visiting and adding dimension to my understanding of how religion and science mesh, reminding me that God is easily big enough to encompass all of this.
December 31, 2014 at 6:36 am
Hello sweet JoAnne! I wanted to wish you a Happy 2015 Blessings to you for the year! 😀
January 1, 2015 at 6:21 am
Thank you, Michelle! And I hope your new year is happy and blessed!
January 1, 2015 at 6:30 am
Beautiful and very thoughtful post, JoAnne! I love Star Trek too 🙂 It’s interesting to read about the theories! He created us with so much curiousity, didn’t He? I just love that God has no limits, and that He does that which we cannot understand, try as we might. Thanks for the mention, and Happy New Year to you!
January 28, 2015 at 1:04 am
Yes, God did give us abundant curiosity.God has no limits! I love that! Thanks for the inspiration.