It’s a Matter of Faith in Science

Ray’s Take on Episode 19: “In the Hands of the Prophets”

The O’Brien’s are such a believable couple.

Religion enters the school, religion versus science, of course Vedek Winn starts making trouble. Vedek Karen. Keiko, Dax and Kira should jump her in a deserted corridor and airlock her sanctimonious ass…

As I’ve observed before, DS9 has a serious ear fetish. Lol.

The melted pile of human goo is really gross, if you think about it. And O’Brien took a sample of his former crew mate! Ewww…

The religious based right to discriminate is yet another example of Star Trek anticipated future real world issues. 

“Apparently getting murdered.” No one can out deadpan Odo.

“The spiritual types love Dabo girls.” I can verify that. As always, Quark knows what his potential customers want.

The Bajorans WERE freedom fighters or terrorists, a distinction that is largely simply a matter of perspective. Naturally, they would fall back on old tactics like work stoppages and explosives, and even assassination…

Sisko delivers a great monologue and the interaction between him and Bariel is masterfully done. 

Vedek Winn is truly evil. Poor Neela. Manipulation through faith is pretty low. Kira’s realization has got to shake her personal faith.

Speaking of faith, the Federation takes a rather tolerant yet somewhat condescending view of the Bajorans’ faith. Obviously, science is superior and more accurate, right? Well, EVERY religion holds that opinion of itself and its interpretation of the universe around us. 

From a certain perspective, Science IS a religion. It has its sacred tenets and beliefs. The Research Data is the Bible of Science. Scientists, teachers, and doctors are the priests of Science. And if you don’t accept what Scientists tell you, then you are basically a heretic.

Science has its own Prophets and Saints. Descartes. Einstein. Hawking.

Seriously, in any discussion about Science, replace the word Science with God and the word Data with Bible. Or, maybe, probably don’t. You may not like where that leads you…

Return to Jim’s Take: “Season finale reaches greatness with examination of facts vs beliefs”

Return to Rhonda’s Take: “A meditation on faith and politics rounds out first season”

Continue to Matt’s Take: “Vedek Winn: Truly the worst!”

Skip to Adam’s Take: “Finale cautions against building cathedrals of fear and ignorance”

Return to Episode Logs or Episode 19 Guide