Why Mormonism is like Star Wars...
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 5:53 am
...and the bulk of Protestantism like Star Trek:
Richard Ho, writing for The Harvard Crimson, states that the heroes of Star Wars such as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker have a swashbuckling style while the protagonists of Star Trek such as Captain Picard and Mr. Spock resolve their challenges with science and intellect.
I'm not here to argue the case of science and reasoning in Protestantism. I'm here to ask you to consider the term "swashbuckling". I just learned this word today and I'm thinking it fits well in Mormonism. In particular, it seems to describe the efforts put forth by the apologists as they fight against the evil empire called criticism. Their ally is the Force, a.k.a. confirmation bias.
Regarding Star Wars vs. Star Trek, the Denver Post highlights two differences in approach, noting Star Wars' "swashbuckling" and "gunslinger" style compared with Star Trek's "broader themes of utopian living, justice and identity". The Post says the spiritual aspect of Star Wars contrasts with the balance of emotion and logic in Star Trek.
Brigham Young started the religion off with the Solo/Skywalker style but maybe now the leaders are finally becoming more Trekkie.
Richard Ho, writing for The Harvard Crimson, states that the heroes of Star Wars such as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker have a swashbuckling style while the protagonists of Star Trek such as Captain Picard and Mr. Spock resolve their challenges with science and intellect.
I'm not here to argue the case of science and reasoning in Protestantism. I'm here to ask you to consider the term "swashbuckling". I just learned this word today and I'm thinking it fits well in Mormonism. In particular, it seems to describe the efforts put forth by the apologists as they fight against the evil empire called criticism. Their ally is the Force, a.k.a. confirmation bias.
Regarding Star Wars vs. Star Trek, the Denver Post highlights two differences in approach, noting Star Wars' "swashbuckling" and "gunslinger" style compared with Star Trek's "broader themes of utopian living, justice and identity". The Post says the spiritual aspect of Star Wars contrasts with the balance of emotion and logic in Star Trek.
Brigham Young started the religion off with the Solo/Skywalker style but maybe now the leaders are finally becoming more Trekkie.