At times an uplifting belief in the future of our kind seems a form of science fiction. Sustained against irrational forces set in opposition, our capacity to work together must patiently withstand all challenge. Where the solution to these forces evades us in the present, we move the problem to another time for consideration (in Trek's case, the future; in other mythos or scripture, the past). This is not dodging the problem. This is choosing better lighting from which to select options.

There are many that claim Trek (starting with TOS, somewhat more aggressively with TNG) was dogmatically anti-religion. I've always had trouble defending this position given Kirk's matter-of-fact observation in "Who Mourns For Adonais," and furthermore the astonishing demonstration that a violation of divine law was sufficiently strong to overpower and subdue an artificial intelligence of trans-starship captain level (to keep "The Ultimate Computer" thread running!).

ENT has played a fair hand on the subject so far, particularly noting Dr. Phlox's open-minded occupation. (I wonder if NX-01 contains a chapel ... ?) Keeping our inner lights trained on the truth helps us both as individuals and collectively; surely this holds for yesterday's national marvels as well as today's planetary attempt and hopefully tomorrow's inter-planetary opportunity. Paraphrasing many wise words, the greatness of a culture is measured along its moral axis.

Accused of many things, Roddenberry - myth-maker and award winning humanist - can't be faulted for not loving his kind (including many of its female members). He's been characterized as one rejecting religion, but as one not beyond entertaining seance-class science at times, I like to think he kept a similarly open mind (like a Denobulan he never met). Deep in the blood fever of faith, the Great Bird believed in something many didn't see at the time - the end of racial prejudice. Paraphrasing the wise man, if every person of every color isn't working together by the time our civilization catches up to Trek, there simply won't be any people.

Accused of many things, Star Trek can never be faulted with a moral relativism towards the truth. The parade of indulgent tolerance found ubiquitously around Picard does not extend to lying or other forms of deception. Racism is a pernicious form of deception. This is not saying that the first duty is always properly respected, communicated, or practiced ... well, it's all in the literature. But by focusing a lens up to the honesty of our mutual cooperation, as a system Trek can encourage the truth it seeks to cultivate.