Ds9 and religion

neo_viral · **Sat Apr 19, 2003 4:43 am Ds9 and religion**

Ds9 was pretty religious compared to the other series`........i mean with the prophets and the pah-wraiths and all that.The only other series with a bit of religion was TOS,had some comparisons to christianity.........

So im just curious,what does everyone think of the religious imagery throughout most of ds9 ? Or was it not really suited to star trek ?

Was it an allagory to christianity versus satanism,light versus dark,or whatever one terms it,or was it really about yin and yang and cosmic harmony ?

And wich of them did you suport ie you`d join if they were....real

Im just quite curious about it,guess its also because im currently looking for a religion that would bring....wholeness.Having sort of dropped general christianity now....You know soul searching and all that

Crono · **Sun Apr 20, 2003 4:54 am**

Yeah, I've noticed the same stuff. However, I'm not strong with it... Considering I'm not religious in any way, thus making it difficult to help you with the other part of it. I would help if I religious, but I'm not.

neo_viral · **Sun Apr 20, 2003 12:19 pm**

hmmmm......

Well im not very either,but at the moment im trying to find........yeah meaning and all.Oh bugger it,maybe i should just forget it and keep on partying with no conscience

thegame · **Sun Apr 20, 2003 8:19 pm**

Neo, here is my take:

Religion, as you have said, religion has been sparcely used on most Trek shows, with the major exception being DS9. One of the only stories that spanned the entire 176 episodes was the religious plotline. I wouldn't push to draw a connection between the prophet/pah-wraith religions of Bajor and Christianity. Obviously, all religions have similiar foundational ideas, based in order and laws of human conduct. These fictional religions were created to add a new aspect to Star Trek, taking the viewer into a realm that the show had stayed out of, that being the religions and mythology of other species.

The meta-physical world was made out to be very interesting and complex on DS9, the orbs and concept of the Bajoran gods actually being a part of the show was a though provoking and original angle for the show to run with. If you are really looking for some of the best eps that look into this topic, check out "Covenent" from season 7, "Emissary" from season 1, "Accession" from season 4 and "The Reckoning" from season 6.

In looking for answers from religion, always look to yourself first. Take, as an example, the journey of Sisko and Winn from season 1 to 7. Both started out in very different places than where they ended up, but chose new paths when they confronted their own true feelings, especially in Winn's case, where she came to know that her faith was a sham, and she was not what she had thought she had been. Only in her end, did she find clarity. Sisko, the pessimist on the prophets, was nonetheless forced into having an open mind through his dealings with them. Don't rule out your "gut" feeling. He took a risk when he went into the wormhole to stop the Dominion, and his faith paid off, even thought that was not what he originally planned when he went into the wormhole.

Remember that this is fiction. Look for the moral lessons of personal stories that are a part of the show and the Bajoran religion. Don't think about what is good for someone else or your image, do what you feel. Kira is the perfect example, her character, supplimented by her faith, kept her alive through all her tough years. Look for something that can do the same for you. Whether it be relgion, like Bajorans, the pursuit of knowlege, like the Federation, or the pursuit of order, service and respect like a Klingon or Cardassian, do what feels right.

neo_viral · **Sun Apr 20, 2003 8:24 pm**

That was........really.......woah.....a light just dawned.And i think im starting to see the way.......

THANK you

No really,this has meant a lot to me.Without sounding...well.Currently its a rebuilding project.After some things that have happened.And to choose,wether to strike out in anger,to rebel,or to find some inner peace.It is fiction,but in a way a guide....a good one.Again,thank you for that wonderfull post ..............

Pah-Wraith · **Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:17 pm**

^
Hey I like the Signature Man

anyway I just thought I'd say even though I am a really Big Ds9 Fan I try not to think about the Prophets and The Pah-Wraith as Gods because well it just confuses me

neo_viral · **Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:24 pm**

*reverently*Thank you master,it is you who have inspired me to it. Oh wait,wrong pah-wraith

I have stopped pretending to be something i`m not,and ive taken what they`ve offered me ;/

Aye, Ds9 is a big fav of mine too,tied with tng.I grew up with them,they both mean a lot to me in lessons and stuff.But yeah religion can get kinda confusing.........there`s too many of them for a start ....

IntrepidIsMe · **Mon Apr 21, 2003 4:51 pm**

thats one of the reasons i'm not a big fan of DS9, was because of all the religious stuff in it

neo_viral · **Mon Apr 21, 2003 5:04 pm**

Yes true,im sure it did put a lot of people off because its not really Trek

Its better than Trek *dodges rotten tomatos*

just kidding ! I just liked it because it was.....darker.....and different.Like B5

Morphy · Forum Ogre Joined: 15 Jun 2001 Posts: 3858

DS9 did tackle a sensitive subject of religion. I think they *did* a nice job with introducing that element into a series.

neo_viral · **Sun Apr 27, 2003 7:20 am**

Aye

Star trek has always been about making you think,moral issues and stuff,(from TOS through) so i guess they needed a new issue.....and stuck in lots of space combat scenes to please the people who were bored by the religion parts......

Im glad on finding a forum where there`s some support for Ds9,because as ive heard it termed " Star trek`s troubled middle child" didnt have as much pop. (maybe because its emphasis on religion sometimes?)as say TNG or voyager.....some fans ,teh no taste !

I liked every series....(cant say about enterprise,having not seen it)