<div>Is there a God? What evil lurks beyond the stars? Can science save one's soul? Profound questions like these have consumed human thought over the ages; they also inspired the original creators of the <i>Star Trek</i> canon of TV series and films. <i>Religions of Star Trek</i> tackles these challenging questions head-on in a remarkable look at one of sci-fi's great success stories.Analyzing more than three decades of screen adventure, the authors depict a <i>Star Trek</i> transformed, corresponding to the resurgence of religion in American public discourse. The authors identify the many religious characters in <i>Star Trek</i>, tracing the roots of scientific humanism to more contemporary aspects of religion and spirituality. Through it all, the creators' visionary outlook remains constant: a humanistic faith in free will and the salvific nature of dispassionate scientific inquiry.This book was not prepared, licensed, approved, or endorsed by any entity involved in creating or producing the <i>Star Trek</i> television series or films.</div>