`STAR TREK' A RELIGIOUS TRACT?

`STAR TREK' A RELIGIOUS TRACT?

LOUDENVILLE, N.Y. (Wireless Flash) -- Easter Sunday (April 4) is also an important anniversary for sci-fi freaks: it's the 30th anniversary of the day NBC announced it was canceling "Star Trek." Although you might not think Captain Kirk has much in common with Christ, a religious studies professor in Loudenville, New York, claims "Star Trek" is filled with religious symbolism. Dr. Lois Daly -- who teaches a course called "Star Trek And Religion" at Siena College -- says many "Star Trek" episodes feature Captain Kirk landing on a planet with repressive laws. Usually, by the time the show is over, Kirk has played the role of "Jesus" by causing a "rebirth" in the culture's beliefs. There's one episode set in 20th century Rome that has a definite Easter theme because it features a group of slaves who risk their lives to worship a character known only as "The Son." However, Dr. Daly doubts "Star Trek's" religious themes were intentional because she thinks series creator Gene Roddenberry was more interested in promoting the "American way of life" than religion.

CONTACT: Dr. Lois Daly, ****; Loudenville, NY; (518) 453-9457