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Science Fiction is the locus in modern literature that values ideas and conception of seeing the world with (different) eyes. Although there is a strong emphasis on the scientific part, the way sciences are used and applied reveals the underlying model of human beings in a futuristic society that often comments on contemporary society.

Focus of my research is Star Trek. The Heroes of Starfleet continuously fight for the Freedom and the Rights of the members of the United Federation of Planets (UFP). Their futuristic society is an ideal version of the American society and the values defended are its fundamental values.

Freedom and self-determination are protected by the so-called Prime Directive. On the one hand, it guarantees the independence of individual planets, on the other hand, however, the planets agree to uphold a certain set of rules which include equal rights for all members of the society, whatever their race, gender or world view might be and the freedom of worship: basic American values.

In the tradition of American Science Fiction literature, the single episodes of Star Trek deal with conflicts that arise from the confrontation of various cultures and show the complex equilibrium between homogenous society and identity of various groups that compose it.

In this context, religion and spirituality are paramount – especially in Star Trek’s Deep Space Nine. In the Original Series, religion and spirituality are often displayed as pre-scientific and pre-technological. Later, however, they are shown as integral elements of self-understanding.

This tendency is also shown on the big screen. Moreover, most of the recent Science Fiction movies provide a plot that is an updated version of ancient myths. Their heroes and heroines are the Saviors of the Universe and their technological gadgets are merely a means for them to fulfill their calling.

In this sense, many SF movies are soteriologies, stories that relate the salvation and redemption of humankind: they are modern myths whose popularity show that human beings still long for salvation. What Homer is to Antiquity, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Roland Emmerich and their likes are for contemporary society.

For his (first) Star Wars Trilogy, George Lucas worked closely together with myth scholar Joseph Campbell. The quality of those movies shows the benefit of this collaboration.

Hopefully, there will be more in the future. Producers should consider to hire not only a scientific advisor but also a creative advisor whose expertise includes Mythology and/or Religions.

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Mysticism
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