With a certain geeky enthusiasm I bring you my review, from a parts perspective, of the Star Trek franchise. I will do my best to make this article comprehensible to anyone reading who is not familiar with the virtual cornucopia of Star Trek TV programs and movies from the past fifty-eight years, but I hope you will forgive my diving deep here and there into the franchise’s complex mythology. If you’re familiar with the shows, and especially if you’re a fan, you will likely appreciate the journey. Be that as it may, my main goal in this review is to show how Star Trek can be compared to a Christian Parts Work worldview.
Star Trek, a TV and film franchise that began in 1966, brought the hopeful futuristic vision of Gene Roddenberry to life and spawned a curious and dedicated fanbase. Like so many in the 1970’s, I was watching the reruns of the original series with rapt attention. I saved up my pennies to buy Star Trek action figures and had a Star Trek lunch box.
It wasn’t until Star Wars hit the big screen, that my geeky childhood attention shifted. Although Captain Kirk was the action hero with a certain charismatic zest, my real fascination was with Mr. Spock, the cool logical half-Vulcan, half -human alien, an outsider, and yet a vitally important and ultimately integrated member of the Enterprise crew.
Despite their radically different temperaments, Kirk and Spock developed an abiding friendship and formed a crucial complementary working relationship. If we imagine Kirk and Spock as two different parts of the Enterprise crew, we discover that they work through conflicts and solve problems and threats better together.
As I will explore in this article, a glance at the the crew of any Star Trek show reveals a diversity within a unity, one of the core elements of a Parts Work approach. Most episodes of Star Trek will touch on this theme of unity/diversity in some way or another because the central conflict is often about what happens when division or conflict is introduced that disrupts the established unity, and how the crew responds to this challenge as it attempts to reestablish harmony. It is worth noting that the emphasis in Star Trek is not the interpersonal conflict of the main characters per se but the way in which the main characters work together as a team to solve these external threats to the harmony in their system.
It’s important to reflect on the over-arching socio-political ideology at play in the Star Trek universe. Roddenberry created a futuristic world where Earth no longer has wars, poverty, racism, or sexism. Airing right in the middle of both the Civil Rights movement and the Cold War, the original bridge crew of the original Star Trek program in the 60’s featured a Black woman, a Russian, a Scotsman, an Asian, and an alien (Vulcan) working peacefully with each other to explore the universe and discover and expand the limits of human potential. In the Star Trek universe, people were united for a common cause. They had advanced to a point where they were now exploring the galaxy in search of new life (and new civilizations). They had a policy of non-interference (the prime directive) in less developed cultures. If nothing else, they are explorers and the one IFS “C” that stands out the most in the Star Trek universe is curiosity. Their goal was a peaceful utopia and harmonious cooperation as they travel around the galaxy learning about others. This is a society that places a high value on scientific advances while still making room for the arts. There is an inherent optimism here that scientific advances, when managed ethically, lead to progress and promote the common good.
One could make the case that Star Trek was a communist utopia. Everyone did the job they were best suited for. Money was no longer needed so the assumption is that the means of production was not dependent on a capitalist economy, but most likely overseen by some ruling body like the government. Nevertheless, the Federation inexplicably managed to avoid all the pitfalls of communism that created dictatorships such as Stalin’s Soviet Union or Mau’s communist China. The perhaps naïve assumption might be that science and technology are the “saviors” of mankind since it is technology that allowed humanity (and other humanoids) to no longer need to be greedy and self-interested.
On the flip side, one could challenge the accusation of communism by saying the Star Trek universe was more akin to St. Thomas More’s Utopia or the early Christians who shared their resources (Acts 11:27-30). Unlike communism, in the Star Trek universe individuality is held in high esteem, while still balancing the common good. One theme in the original series movies is whether the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few (spoiler alert: the needs of the one are sometimes worth the risk to others). This is an egalitarian society where everyone is supported to become their best self. The Star Trek world (well, the Federation inhabitants primarily) were supremely tolerant of others and others’ differences, whether cultural or religious. Each individual person is treated with dignity, even within the hierarchical military structure of their starships (such as the Enterprise). All life forms are considered “sacred” so to speak, and worthy of respect for their intrinsic worth.
My own Christian Parts Work approach puts a high emphasis on both internal harmony between our inmost self and our parts, and an external harmony between individuals who make up the universal Church. I’m inspired especially by the vision of St. Maximus the Confessor who emphasizes that Christ’s work is not only our individual salvation, but the transfiguration of the cosmos. It is through the Incarnation of Christ that the universe, all of creation, is transformed and united with God. As human beings who are both material and spiritual, we participate in Christ’s cosmic redemption. One of the prime missions of Christ, then, is universal harmony.
The Star Trek utopian vision for the galaxy is clearly not a vision of Christ renewing the cosmos. To be fair, however, is there any other secular media representation of an enlightened world that comes closer? The Federation promises a world where life is sacred and worthy of respect, where greed and hatred are eliminated (or at least strongly discouraged), and where there is a healthy balance between the needs of the many and the needs of the few. It is a secular vision, to be sure, but one that is positive, optimistic, fair, and balanced. It stands in contrast with other secular ideologies represented in so much modern media that are anarchistic, dystopian, chaotic, negative, cynical, and hopeless.
Okay, so Star Trek promotes a universal harmony that aligns to some extent with a Christian Parts Work approach that also promotes universal harmony. Does Star Trek also offer anything to understand an internal systems understanding of the human person?
I’d like to take a look at the Bridge of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 (or any Starfleet starship) for a moment. Whether it is the Enterprise A, B, C, D, E, F, or G… each ship has a Bridge and in a prominent spot on the Bridge is the captain’s chair. Whether it is Pike, Kirk, Picard, or Archer, the captain of the Enterprise is the heart and mind of the ship. He manages and protects the crew members and inhabitants of the Enterprise. I will confess, my favorite captain is Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation. He is a renaissance man, fair and decisive, committed to the common good while enjoying Earl Grey tea. He listens to his crew members and considers multiple points of view, and yet, he is not afraid to make difficult decisions as needed. In my view, the captain best represents the “Self” in IFS.
There are times when the captain allows another crew member to sit in the chair (intentional blending) and, especially in the case of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the captain does not go down to planets on missions but stays on the Bridge and oversees the operations of the ship. If the captain is incapacitated or forcefully removed, and someone else sits in the captain’s chair (unintentional blending), it is usually a loss of some kind, even a threat. But when the captain is at his or her best, he is alert, calm, present and intentionally using his crew members for the most effective outcomes. He knows his crew members well, knows their strengths and weaknesses, and he respects them as individuals. When there’s a crisis, he brings in their expertise, and he calls in help as needed.
Each crew member represents a part in the internal system. In the original series, Mr. Spock is both the first mate and the science officer. He supports the captain as needed as a leader, but he provides valuable scientific knowledge to solve problems as they arise. Mr. Scott is the engineer who makes sure the ship is running properly. Uhura is the communications officer who is a first line in maintaining positive relationships and relating to others, especially aliens, in various encounters. Sulu and Chekov literally pilot the ship, avoiding threats and charting a course forward. Together, they are an effective system working together toward the common good and a common mission. The captain ensures that everyone is working together in harmony. But the captain is also responsible to Starfleet (the military authority) and the Federation (the larger political authority) to fulfill the galactic mission.
In the same way, as Christians, we have an internal system led by a captain, the inmost self, in coordination with multiple crew members, parts, who protect us as needed and manage normal functioning. This is all in service to a greater mission, overseen by the Church which itself is aligned with the mission, i.e. the Gospel, established by Christ. As Christians we operate in three primary systems: our internal world (our mind/psyche/heart), our immediate circle of family and friends, and our Church (local and universal). We see three corresponding layers at play in any Star Trek program as they work through conflicts: the individual character’s personal situation and conflict, the dynamics of the Enterprise crew, and the overarching mission and purpose of Starfleet and the Federation.
I would love to explore these and other parts related topics in more detail but time and space dictate that I should save it for later (if there’s interest…). I would remiss if I didn’t at least mention two excellent Star Trek episodes that bring out important Parts Work themes. One of my favorites, “The Enemy Within” is from the original series. Due to a transporter malfunction Kirk is split into two separate Kirks. One Kirk is kind and compassionate but incapable of making difficult decisions. The other is animalistic and unpredictable. It would be simplistic to say one is good and one is evil, because the two parts need each other to survive. In the end Kirk is reintegrated into a functioning whole.
The other episode I will mention briefly is from Star Trek: The Next Generation and it is the two-parter “The Best of Both Worlds.” The villain in this episode is the Borg, a “collective” of cybernetic beings linked to a “hive mind.” The Borg represent the evil excesses of technology that leads to a complete loss of individuality. In this classic piece of science fiction horror, the beloved Captain Jean Luc Picard of the Enterprise is assimilated by the Borg and therefore dehumanized and used for their nefarious purposes. Without their Captain, and in the face of an existential threat to humanity, there is confusion and conflict on the Enterprise as well as between the remaining leadership and Starfleet. From a Parts Work perspective, here we see what happens when the “Self” is completely eclipsed and lost to the internal system and how other parts choose to work together or work apart in the ensuing chaos. In the end of course Captain Picard is restored but not without scars from his trauma, which subsequent episodes rather brilliantly explore.
As I pause here, I will just say that when Star Trek is at its best it does what good science fiction does: it explores social and political issues in an intelligent and nuanced way. When it is heavy handed (I’m looking at you, Star Trek: Discovery) or simply trying to cash in on popular elements (i.e. Star Trek Into Darkness), it misses the mark and loses its audience. Star Trek is at its best when it does not just didactically hand out an answer but causes us to reflect, dialogue, discuss, and debate tough issues. Remarkably, Star Trek demonstrates a systemic approach in its character building and storytelling and in so doing provides a rich resource for exploring parts psychology.
Christ is among us!
Dr. Gerry
Dr. Gerry Crete is the author of Litanies of the Heart: Relieving Post-traumatic Stress and Calming Anxiety Through Healing Our Parts which is published by Sophia Institute Press. He is the founder of Transfiguration Counseling and Coaching, Transfiguration Life, and co-founder of Souls and Hearts. Check out all Dr. Gerry’s movie and TV series reviews in our “Parting Thoughts” archive.
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Check out Dr. Gerry discussing Star Trek with Mother Natalia and Fr. Michael
Listen to Dr. Gerry discuss Star Trek: the Next Generation with Mother Natalia and Fr. Michael on the podcast What God is Not in the episode titled Picard and Parts Work: Make it So with Dr. Gerry Crete – check out the video or the audio. Spoiler alert: If you watch the video, you’ll get to see Dr. Gerry bantering with the hosts in his Starfleet uniform. Connect in with the conversation as Dr. Gerry and Mother Natalia discuss their favorite Star Trek episodes and how they relate to parts work.
Help us connect with you…
Yesterday in in Sterling, Virginia, Marion Moreland hosted a Souls and Hearts in-person regional meet-up. If you’d like to be a part of those in the future, help us out by filling out a six-question form to let us know your zip code and your contact information so we can reach out when we come your way in person.
IFS-Informed Ignatian spiritual Retreat in St. Leo, Florida, November 7-10
Speaking of getting together, Dr. Gerry and I are attending (not leading) this retreat down in Florida, and at least four other Souls and Hearts members are attending.
The retreat is led by Fr. Jeff Putthoff, SJ, who is Level 1 trained in IFS and knows probably more than anyone else in the world about IFS and the Ignatian exercises. The co-leader is Kimberly Lee — she is a level 2 trained IFS Therapist with IFIO (couples IFS) training as well. Dr. Gerry and Dr. Peter really looking forward to the retreat!
If you’re going, let Dr. Peter know at crisis@soulsandhearts.com; there may be possibilities, if people are interested for a brief 2-hour workshop before or after the retreat, either in St. Leo or in Tampa with Dr. Peter. Also there’s a possibility we can coordinate ground transportation to and from the TPA airport, too, as it’s 40 miles away from the retreat center.
Values statement workshop
The third workshop on values with Dr. Peter is on Friday, October 25 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. We have more than 100 people who have reached out to Dr. Peter and are working on their vision, values, and mission statements. If you’d like to be included and get the link for the next online workshop, get in touch at crisis@soulsandhearts.com. Check out the series on vision and values statements in the archive of reflections.
The Resilient Catholics Community has reopened for new applications!
The Resilient Catholics Community (RCC) brings together Catholics who work on their human formation, informed by parts work and grounded in a Catholic understanding of the human person for a year-long journey together in small groups. Weekly talks by Dr. Peter, lots of experiential exercises, and the camaraderie of being with each other help make this structured, step-by-step program so successful in helping our members love God, their neighbor, and themselves better by overcoming human formation deficits.
As part of the application and discernment process, applicants take the PartsFinder Pro, a series of 18 measures designed to help you discover and connect with 10-15 parts of you, and better understand how your parts interact within your own system.
And, as a special new benefit, Dr. Gerry has started a monthly office hour in the RCC, just for RCC members, which has proven to be a hit. Check it all out, including several testimonials, at our RCC landing page.