Let me get this straight. According to this episode, science is dogmatic, arrogant and wrong. And the solution to all problems is to disregard critical thinking for the sake of blind and erroneous faith! No wonder our world is in such a mess today! As much as I disagree with this view, I wouldn't mind if it came from the weekly Sunday service at church. I would ignore it and continue with my life. But when this view comes from Star Trek, I take offense.
Being non-religious doesn't mean non-spiritual. Spirituality as a concept is so much more than religious dogma, doctrines and rituals. And it doesn't need to be dumped down to superstitions and belief to the supernatural. I always enjoyed when traces of spirituality surfaced in Star Trek's stories. They elevated the stories giving them sometimes a profound impact. But this turkey of an episode, just blows it! It's a complete reversal of the Star Trek philosophy. Nonsensical, illogical and utterly silly!
I particularly take offense with two major themes in this episode:
A)That it portrays science as dogmatic, arrogant and wrong. Funny how the exact opposite is indeed the case, and it is religion itself that has showcased these characteristics time and again throughout its history! Actually, its the hallmark of religion to be dogmatic, arrogant and rigid. Well, when you can't hold up to scrutiny, accuse the others of your faults!
B)In the conclusion of the episode, it is revealed that there was indeed a perfectly sound scientific explanation for Kes's accident and its treatment, one that the religious people didn't bother to mention at all, leaving Kes to face death because she unintentionally and unknowingly and with no malice triggered the 'biogenic forcefield'. Actually this theme is indicative of religion and religious teachings in general. An 'infidel' facing divine punishment and death because of his unbelief and lack of faith towards a particular doctrine/religion. A punishment brought forward by 'all-loving' God/gods/spirits, who are perfectly happy to provide love and treatment once the 'infidel' succumbs to the required belief. But not before! Well, so much for 'freedom-of-will' that God supposedly gave to man!
Even Kate Mulgrew's acting couldn't save this episode for me. And her character's blatant inability to acknowledge the simple truth and succumb to blind, erroneous faith just made me wanna shot the screen! By far, one of the worst Star Trek episodes. Gene Roddenberry would surely turn in his grave!
Being non-religious doesn't mean non-spiritual. Spirituality as a concept is so much more than religious dogma, doctrines and rituals. And it doesn't need to be dumped down to superstitions and belief to the supernatural. I always enjoyed when traces of spirituality surfaced in Star Trek's stories. They elevated the stories giving them sometimes a profound impact. But this turkey of an episode, just blows it! It's a complete reversal of the Star Trek philosophy. Nonsensical, illogical and utterly silly!
I particularly take offense with two major themes in this episode:
A)That it portrays science as dogmatic, arrogant and wrong. Funny how the exact opposite is indeed the case, and it is religion itself that has showcased these characteristics time and again throughout its history! Actually, its the hallmark of religion to be dogmatic, arrogant and rigid. Well, when you can't hold up to scrutiny, accuse the others of your faults!
B)In the conclusion of the episode, it is revealed that there was indeed a perfectly sound scientific explanation for Kes's accident and its treatment, one that the religious people didn't bother to mention at all, leaving Kes to face death because she unintentionally and unknowingly and with no malice triggered the 'biogenic forcefield'. Actually this theme is indicative of religion and religious teachings in general. An 'infidel' facing divine punishment and death because of his unbelief and lack of faith towards a particular doctrine/religion. A punishment brought forward by 'all-loving' God/gods/spirits, who are perfectly happy to provide love and treatment once the 'infidel' succumbs to the required belief. But not before! Well, so much for 'freedom-of-will' that God supposedly gave to man!
Even Kate Mulgrew's acting couldn't save this episode for me. And her character's blatant inability to acknowledge the simple truth and succumb to blind, erroneous faith just made me wanna shot the screen! By far, one of the worst Star Trek episodes. Gene Roddenberry would surely turn in his grave!