The Gospel According to Star Trek Podcast

The new 4K Director's Edition of Star Trek: The Motion Picture is here, and Kevin and Mike couldn't be more excited! They nerd over everything from the new and newly restored visual effects to the incredible audio and legendary score to Spock and McCoy's armbands! Plus, they discuss this film's Edenic imagery, its exploration of our relationship with technology, and its powerful images of a quest for the Divine. There's also a lot of news emerging from First Contact Day and audience feedback about...Batgirl?

There's a lot to talk about in Star Trek: Picard, Season 2, Episode 6, "Two of One" with Jean-Luc trying to reach Renée in time to save her mission while Agnes is further tempted by the Borg Queen—in a musical number! Kevin and Mike explore these moments, as well as Adam Soong's dangerously self-interested relationship with Kore, plus the difference between pride and hubris and how we can find that glimmer in the dark Jean-Luc talks about. And Kevin expresses feelings about the writing of this episode. Some might call it a rant. See what you think. And of course, there's another Golden Self-Sealing Stembolt to be awarded in this week's edition of Star Trek Trivia!

Kevin shares an update and some thoughts on Star Trek III and Easter, with some help from John Updike.

Returning to our series honoring the 35th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Kevin and Mike discuss one of the series' best and most important episodes, "The Measure of a Man." The hearing that decides the fate of Data as either a person or property sees a lot of things on trial—Data's personhood, of course, but Picard, Riker, Maddox, Captain Louvois, and Starfleet itself are all being tested in the fire. Kevin and Mike explore a wide range of ideas in this episode, including respecting people's identities, love that costs us something, and how the Imago Dei is reflected and projected in those actions. They also discuss how the trials in our lives can be crucibles of truth—refining fires—for our own hearts. Plus, Star Trek news about comic book and film releases, and audience feedback about Star Trek IV!

Kevin and Mike review Star Trek: Picard, Season 2, Episode 5, "Fly Me to the Moon," covering everything from its abundance of lookalike characters and advanced 21st-century technology to the fun of seeing Brent Spiner and John DeLancie together in an episode directed by Jonathan Frakes! There's so much going on here—a powerless but still meddling Q, connections to Gary Seven, and a member of the Picard family, along with some interesting Easter eggs. Mike and Kevin cover all that and more, plus Star Trek Trivia!

Treksphere staff writer Ruth Anne Amsden joins Kevin again for a very personal glimpse into her background and Star Trek's influence on her life. Growing up in a fundamentalist Christian sect, Ruth was told that women had no voice, no agency, and no leadership roles. But in Star Trek, she saw women who were equals, had important roles, and spoke their minds. She was inspired by them and by her mother and grandmother—who broke the rules to smuggle Star Trek to her in the form of clandestine television viewings, audio cassettes, and novels—to learn to be an independent woman and rescue her faith from an oppressive form of religion. It's a wonderful story you'll want to hear!

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Ruth Anne Amsden of Treksphere for a discussion of Star Trek: Picard, Season 2, Episode 4, "Watcher." They have a great time talking about all the Star Trek IV parallels in this appropriately Lea Thompson-directed time travel block, along with the episode's connections to everything from Genesis and Moses to intercession and the scars of Jesus. They also discuss the new Guinan, Star Trek's commentary on contemporary issues, Seven and Raffi, and so much more! Plus, Kevin invites Ruth to play Star Trek Trivia!

In Season 2, Episode 3 of Star Trek: Picard, "Assimilation," Mike and Kevin find parallels with Star Trek IV and explore the potential significance—intentional or otherwise—of the strangely Christ-like imagery associated with, of all characters, the Borg Queen! They also discuss the amazing performances of Alison Pill, Jeri Ryan, and Annie Wersching, plus how this episode reflects contemporary issues two years in our future. And of course, there's always time for Star Trek Trivia!

There is so much to talk about in Star Trek: Discovery's epic season finale, Season 4, Episode 13, "Coming Home!" Kevin and Mike cover everything from Tilly's return to Jett Reno's character development, plus the fates of Book and Tarka! They also explore the episode's theme of bringing down walls and limitations and cherishing life and those we love while we have them. There's also more to explore regarding penance, justice, and mercy—and much more, including an enlightening round of Star Trek Trivia!

Reviewing Star Trek: Picard, Season 2, Episode 2, "Penance," gives Mike and Kevin a lot to cover! They talk about Q's possible motivations and relationship with Picard, the meaning and purpose of penance, and the sense that something is broken in our essential humanity. Plus, they discuss the Borg Queen as bokor to the Borg drone zombies and the ethics involved in dealing with Trek's most ominous antagonist. Of course, there's time for much more nerdery, including Star Trek Trivia!

Mike returns this episode to join Kevin in a discussion of Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 12, "Species Ten-C," which Mike calls "the finest first contact story Star Trek has given us in 55 years." As usual, they have a lot to talk about, including why Jett Reno was the perfect person to finally reach Book, how the encounter with Species Ten-C reflects other excellent sci-fi, and whether Book is in an abusive relationship with Tarka. They also discuss whether Christians have historically lived up to the name of Christ the way Book tries to live up to the name of his mentor and how vitally important it is for us to strive to do so. There's of course much more, including worldview formation, Michael and Saru's friendship, and the latest round of Star Trek Trivia!

Kevin and Mike welcome their guest Scott Higa, host of The Christian Nerd Podcast! Scott discusses his long relationship with "nerdclinations," including his period of trying to deny his nerd self and how he came to self-acceptance. He also shares his story of moving from nerd to blogger to podcaster over the past decade and his relationship to Star Trek, going back to the days of wrangling a VCR to watch new episodes! Plus, he shares how his sci-fi interests inform his work as a pastor and what he has been learning in Star Trek that has been challenging and growing his faith. The group also talks about their favorite episodes, characters, and moments from Star Trek: The Next Generation. It's a fascinating and fun conversation! 

So many character stories get developed in Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 10, "The Galactic Barrier"—and what a journey through that legendary Star Trek phenomenon it is! Kevin and Mike discuss the trials, the technobabble, and the triumphs, including the further connection between Saru and T'Rina, the growing trust between President Rillak and Captain Burnham, the ups and downs of Book and Tarka, and that incredible backstory for Tarka and Oros, not to mention the return of Ensign Adira! They also explore what makes the best paradise narratives and find a reflection of Christ in one of this episode's stories. Plus, see who wins the Golden Self-Sealing Stembolt in this week's round of Star Trek Trivia!

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Between his questionable motives, ethical dubiousness, and deceitful ways, Q hardly qualifies as a stand-in for God. But does his interaction with Picard and the crew of the Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Season 2, Episode 16, "Q Who?" nonetheless somewhat mirror the biblical story of Job? What are his motivations for wanting to join the crew? What are the implications—for good or ill—of his forcing a confrontation with the Borg? And what can we learn from Picard's appeal to Q in this episode? Kevin and Mike cover all that and so much more, plus Star Trek news and audience feedback in our ongoing series celebrating the 35th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation!

00:00:00 - Intro & News
00:21:49 - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 16, "Q Who?"
01:06:25 - Audience Feedback

What happens when you cross the line after which you cannot turn back? In this episode, Kevin and Mike discuss the very high stakes of Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 9, "Rubicon." Who got what they wanted and who didn't? Who risked it all for no reward? They also talk about the connection and love that still exist between Captain Burnham and Book and whether it was the hindrance it was expected to be, plus loving enemies, working hard to resolve conflicts peacefully, and much more. Plus, find out who wins this week's round of Star Trek Trivia!

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The Traveler takes us far beyond the stars as Kevin and Mike continue our celebration of the 35th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation with "Where No One Has Gone Before!" They dig deep into the episode's implications about humanity's place in the cosmos and relationship to the Divine, covering topics like prayer, monastic disciplines, and the courage it takes to say you have a name. How does this episode reflect Gene Roddenberry's philosophy and theology? How consistent is its premise? And what does it mean that Picard's priority is getting home? There's all that and much more, including Star Trek news and audience feedback about Captain Kirk!

00:00:00 - Intro & News
00:07:46 - Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 6, "Where No One Has Gone Before"
00:52:02 - Audience Feedback

We had a lot to talk about in this episode! Kevin and Mike first explore Star Trek: Prodigy's mid-season finale, Season 1, Episode 10, "A Moral Star, Part 2," discussing the liberation of captives, a voice for the voiceless, and the heartbreaking ethical implications of Zero's actions. Then they roll the dice on Season 4, Episode 8 of Star Trek: Discovery, "All In." Is it an exciting and fun way to explore character stories and advance the DMA plot? Or is it derivative and less interesting than other episodes this season? And what does it say about love, values, and the burden of caring for others? And there's so much more, including the latest round of Star Trek Trivia! We hope you're "all in" for this episode!

00:00:00 - Intro & Trivia Questions
00:04:57 - Star Trek: Prodigy Season 1, Episode 10, "A Moral Star, Part 2"
00:43:10 - Star Trek: Discovery Season 4, Episode 8, "All In"
01:06:26 - Trivia Answers

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Continuing our series celebrating the 35th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Kevin and Mike discuss Q's further development as a god figure in "Hide and Q." This time, it's Q as a tempter and Riker as the tempted. Does Q really offer a gift "beyond all other gifts?" And what are the misconceptions about God that this episode addresses? Plus Star Trek news that's nothing to toy with and audience feedback that calls attention to NASA history.

An impossible choice. A newly cohesive crew. Incredible risk. And those new uniforms! There's a lot to talk about in Season 1, Episode 9 of Star Trek: Prodigy, "A Moral Star, Part 1." Kevin and Mike cover all that and more, including why doing the right thing sometimes feels like losing. Plus, see if Star Trek Trivia can stump them both!

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Explore Star Trek new and old from a Christian worldview perspective with Gospel According to Star Trek author and speaker Kevin C. Neece and co-hosts Mike Poteet, David Atwell and Tim Van Orden! We discuss the latest Star Trek news and episodes, fandom, faith, culture, mental health, diversity and inclusion, and your feedback. Plus, we interview lots of cool guests!

We've separated the saucer section!! We are now doing TWO episodes each week. Our weekend review installments will be covering the latest Star Trek episodes, while our topical episodes will be discussing other Star Trek topics during the week!

This week, Kevin, David, and Mike kick off a series celebrating the 35th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, beginning with its premiere episode, "Encounter at Farpoint!" What holds up and what doesn't? Is Q God? How does this episode reflect Gene Roddenberry's views of humanity and the Divine? How does later Trek measure up to this episode's commitment to a nonviolent solution? Listen for all that and more, plus Star Trek news and audience feedback about seeing the image of God in others!

We've separated the saucer section!! We are now doing TWO episodes each week. Our weekend review installments will be covering the latest Star Trek episodes, while our topical episodes will be discussing other Star Trek topics during the week!

This weekend, Kevin, Mike, and David are discussing Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 7, "First Con-tact," where they debate Nandi's impact on Ferengi representation and the Prime Directive's relationship to the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, plus why the gospel is for flourishing and not colonization. Then, in their review of Season 1 Episode 8, "Time Amok," they explore how the crew of the Protostar is developing as a family and how their journey might become a good example for communities of faith. Listen for that and so much more, including our first installment of Star Trek Trivia!

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A discussion of Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 6, "Kobayashi," leads Kevin and Mike to talk about legacies in Star Trek and in our lives. How do we leave a real legacy in our lives? How do we preserve the legacies of those who have gone before us? How do we honor and pass down the inheritance of our faith traditions in ways that are fresh and life-giving? Also, they cover some news about Star Trek's Jewish influences and audience feedback has them contemplating parallel universes!

00:00:00 - Intro & News
00:09:26 - Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 6, "Kobayashi"
00:36:06 - Main Topic: That Which Survives
01:24:01 - Audience Feedback

In this extended episode, we beam in a segment Kevin and Mike recorded last week on Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 6, "Stormy Weather." They discuss Zora's emerging consciousness and much more, then rejoin David to cover this week's episode of Discovery, Season 4, Episode 7, "...But to Connect," exploring Tarka and Book's motivations, as well as theological questions about being, soul, and body. Then the crew takes a look back at 2021, a big year for Star Trek and our show, with new hosts, great guests, and YOU! We have all that and more, including audience responses to last week's Star Trek Christmas question and what the future holds for Star Trek in 2022!

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:12:30 - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 6, "Stormy Weather"

00:38:32 - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 7, "...But to Connect"

01:14:56 - Main Topic: Past Tense 2021

01:45:31 - Audience Feedback

Mike welcomes Kevin back to the center seat this week as they discuss Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 5, "The Examples" and the very important ideas it raises about agency and respect for the consciences of others. Then it's time to answer Star Trek Twitter's most burning question this Christmas: "Is Star Trek: Generations a Christmas movie?" If so or if not, what are some other Star Trek films--and even episodes--that reflect Christmas in one way or another? Listen to hear what they come up with, plus Star Trek news and a special audience question. Happy Christmas from The Gospel According to Star Trek Podcast!

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:13:18 - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 5, "The Examples"

00:42:00 - Main Topic: O Christmas Trek

01:05:14 - Audience Question

LeVar Burton to Host Scripps National Spelling Bee
https://redshirtsalwaysdie.com/2021/12/20/national-spelling-bee-lands-levar-burton-host-2022/

Star Trek Icon's Body Parts Donated to the Smithsonian
https://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/ent/star-trek-smithsonian.html

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David and Mike take the conn this week in Kevin’s unexpected absence (he’ll be back next ep!) for a spirited and Spirit-focused discussion of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, which is 30 years old this month! How did the last silver screen trek for the whole original crew speak to its moment in time, and how does it speak to ours? What does it say about its characters’ strengths and failings, and suggest about how God is at work through it all? Plus, a discussion of Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 4, “All Is Possible,” Trek news, an audience question for the holiday season, and more!

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:09:29 - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 4, "All is Possible"

00:39:16 - Main Topic, Kirk, Sanctified - 30th Anniversary of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

01:18:49 - Audience Question

George Kirk's sacrifice and Jim Kirk's destiny in 2009's Star Trek lead to the consideration of how we love one another into being and the gift of new life in the love of God.

In these devotional segments, you are invited to make some sacred space and time. You might wish to light candles in a home Advent wreath. You might take a quiet moment alone, or with those you love. Whatever you do, I invite you to join me, every Sunday of Advent, as we seek out new life in the incarnation of Christ.

To support the podcast and help us keep creating content, plus gain access to bonus material, click one of the links below!

Data finds Spot beneath the wreckage in Star Trek: Generations, just as we can find joy beneath the suffering of our lives

In these devotional segments, you are invited to make some sacred space and time. You might wish to light candles in a home Advent wreath. You might take a quiet moment alone, or with those you love. Whatever you do, I invite you to join me, every Sunday of Advent, as we seek out new life in the incarnation of Christ.

To support the podcast and help us keep creating content, plus gain access to bonus material, click one of the links below!

It's a whale of an episode! (Sorry.) Kevin and Mike are diving deep on this one (oh, dear) as they plunge (make it stop) into Season 4, Episode 3 of Star Trek: Discovery, "Choose to Live," exploring, among other things, the ends and beginnings of paths within the will of God, and the ethics of the Qowat Milat. And of course, they're also celebrating the 35th anniversary of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home! From its relationship to Spock as a Christ figure to redemption and creation care, there's a boatload (not again) of ideas to explore! All that, plus an audience question about immortality and the farewell appearance of our beloved Nichelle Nichols await in this sensational, cetacean-al episode! (Yup. We got one more whale joke in!)

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:12:21 - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 3, "Choose to Live"

00:41:46 - Main Topic, There Be Whales Here! 35th Anniversary of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

01:20:02 - Audience Question

Data and Gia in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Thine Own Self" cause us to explore the nature of peace and the importance of Shalom.

In these devotional segments, you are invited to make some sacred space and time. You might wish to light candles in a home Advent wreath. You might take a quiet moment alone, or with those you love. Whatever you do, I invite you to join me, every Sunday of Advent, as we seek out new life in the incarnation of Christ.

To support the podcast and help us keep creating content, plus gain access to bonus material, click one of the links below!

It's our 50th episode! Kevin, David, and Mike discuss Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 2, "Anomaly," finding themes relating to grief and recovery, if also some issues with its writing. Plus, we talk about the big update from Paramount that repairs a Star Trek catastrophe and LeVar Burton's new game show. But the main story is Star Trek: First Contact, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month! It's all about the weaknesses and strengths of flesh and humanity, how we deal with pain and shortcomings, and the heroics of being ourselves. We also re-cast an old audience question with special emphasis on the Borg. We won't say "Resistance is futile," but we really think you should listen!

00:00:00 - Intro & News
00:13:14 - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 2, "Anomaly"
00:46:52 - Main Topic: Flawed. Weak. Organic. Star Trek: First Contact 25th Anniversary
01:44:06 - Audience Question

Along with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, we contemplate the hope of birth and new life.

In these devotional segments, you are invited to make some sacred space and time. You might wish to light candles in a home Advent wreath. You might take a quiet moment alone, or with those you love. Whatever you do, I invite you to join me, every Sunday of Advent, as we seek out new life in the incarnation of Christ.

To support the podcast and help us keep creating content, plus gain access to bonus material, click one of the links below!

It's a packed episode! Kevin and David share their thoughts on Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 5, "Terror Firma," as well as on Paramount's recent and very unpopular decision regarding Discovery's international distribution. They also have a "call-in" interview segment with Warp Factor Trek staff writer Ruth Anne Amsden about raising a new generation of Trekkies with Prodigy. And of course, they cover Season 4, Episode 1 of Star Trek Discovery, "Kobayashi Maru." Plus, Kevin makes a special announcement.

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:14:38 - Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 5, "Terror Firma"

00:29:56 - Ruth Anne Amsden

00:54:31 - Let's Fly - Star Trek: Discovery, Season 4, Episode 1, "Kobayashi Maru"

01:39:24 - Special Announcement

Kevin and Mike have a lot to discuss in Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 4, "Dreamcatcher," from Gwyn's loyalties and psychically-controlled weapon to Zero's curiosity and why Jankom Pog looks different from other Tellarites we've seen. But They are most struck by Dal and Gwyn's visions of their parents and how they engage with their faces, leading them to our relationship with God and our seeking for a face that will not go away. Plus, they share some news about Star Trek's next movie and possible theme park attraction, along with an audience question about Trek characters' taste in television.

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:14:34 - Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 4, "Dreamcatcher"

00:34:19 - Main Topic: Face Value

00:58:20 - Audience Question

2023 Star Trek Film Pushed Back

Kevin and Mike give their review for Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 3, "Starstruck," wherein they talk about asking for help, abandoned kittens, purple porcupines, and why people don't like Dal! They also discuss the mysteries of Gwyn and why Kevin thinks this episode feels a little like a Christian show. As the theme of distrust of authority and institutions emerges, they have a candid talk about how churches can cause harm and how to find our way when we--like Dal--feel unwanted. Plus, they cover some cool Star Trek news and an audience question about Star Trek's godlike beings!

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:10:32 - Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episode 3, "Starstruck"

00:34:24 - Main Topic: The Wanted Unwanted

01:00:49 - Audience Question

Star Trek: Prodigy Renewed for Season 2

Kevin and Mike discuss Season 1, Episodes 1&2 of Star Trek: Prodigy, "Lost and Found, Parts 1 and 2," from the animation to the music to the writing and concept. And since Prodigy is designed to introduce newcomers--and especially kids--to Star Trek, they also talk about how they introduced their own kids to Star Trek, navigating the tricky spaces of age-appropriateness and taste. This leads to a conversation about how we introduce our kids to faith, both inside and outside church settings, curating important ideas for young hearts and minds. Plus, they cover Star Trek news and a unique audience question--for each other!

00:00:00 - Intro & News

00:17:44 - Star Trek: Prodigy, Season 1, Episodes 1&2, "Lost and Found, Parts 1 and 2"

00:33:21 - Main Topic: Prodigies

01:23:45 - Audience Question

Star Trek: Prodigy Score Release