Summary
- Star Trek: Discovery season 5 showcases the balance between faith and science in a quest for power beyond imagination.
- Star Trek celebrates the coexistence of beliefs and knowledge, acknowledging that beliefs can evolve.
- Dr. Culber's journey exemplifies how science and faith complement each other in the exploration of the stars.
I love the way Star Trek: Discovery season 5 celebrated both faith and science. Discovery season 5 sent Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) on an intergalactic treasure hunt in search of the power of creation itself. Upon finding the powerful technology of the Progenitors, however, Burnham realized that that kind of power is too much for any one person or culture to control. Burnham realized that her universe already has "infinite diversity in infinite combinations," and has no need for the Progenitors' technology.
When Captain Burnham meets with one of the Progenitors (played by Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama), the ancient being reveals that her people did not create the technology they used to seed the galaxy with new humanoid lifeforms. This Progenitor says that there could be "a cycle of creators and creations, countless times over." I love that Burnham did not meet God with a capital "G" and that Star Trek: Discovery did not try to provide answers to all of life's questions. Even in the 32nd century, where technology basically looks like magic, there are still some unanswerable questions.
Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Celebrated Faith As Much As Science
"They’re not really that far apart. The intellectual and the spiritual."
Star Trek: Discovery, like most Star Trek, has always been a celebration of humanity and the things we can accomplish when we put aside our differences and work together. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry did not like religion, but he had an optimistic view of humanity. Trek shows like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine incorporated religious elements, but often included a possible scientific explanation for things. While Discovery certainly does not celebrate organized religion, it does leave room for faith and spirituality. I appreciate that, even in the technobabble-filled world of Star Trek, science and faith can coexist and even complement one another.
Star Trek: Discovery acknowledges that "beliefs can evolve".
In Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 6, "Whistlespeak," for example, Captain Burnham and Lt. Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman) visit Halem'no, a planet with a religion that requires sacrifice. When Burnham reveals the truth about the planet and shows its people that sacrifices are unnecessary, she points out that: "Nothing we have shown you means gods don’t exist. It’s just that now you know that there is also us." Star Trek: Discovery acknowledges that "beliefs can evolve," and understanding the science behind things does not preclude believing in something bigger than ourselves. As Burnham expresses, Star Trek celebrates infinite diversity in infinite combinations, and that includes people of science and people of faith.
Dr. Culber's Journey Highlights How Science & Spirituality Complement One Another In Star Trek
"I can’t explain it, I just feel it. Trust me, please."
Throughout Star Trek: Discovery season 5, Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) went through a spiritual awakening of sorts. As the USS Discovery's Chief Medical Officer and counselor, Culber had spent most of his time in the 32nd century looking after everyone on the ship but himself. In Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3, "Jinaal," Culber served as a vessel for a Trill named Jinaal who had been one of the five Federation scientists responsible for protecting the Progenitors' technology. After this experience, Culber began reflecting more on his past experiences and Discovery's quest for the Progenitors' treasure.
Dr. Culber proves that both science and faith have their place when exploring the stars.
I love how Dr. Culber's journey encapsulates the complementary nature of science and faith. When he opens up to Tilly, she even points out the similarities between the intellectual and the spiritual, saying: "Both reach for understanding. Both bring us to new places." By Discovery's series finale, Culber leans into trusting his instincts, and he accompanies Cleveland Booker (David Ajala) in a shuttle to rescue Burnham because he has a feeling he'll be needed. Whether because of Jinaal's lingering presence in his mind or some other unexplainable cause, Culber later acquires information that helps save Burnham. In the end, Dr. Culber proves that both science and faith have their place when exploring the stars, and no Star Trek has represented that better than Star Trek: Discovery.
