Star Trek & Spirituality: Patrick Stewart Calls TNG Actors "Ministers"

Summary

• Star Trek has a spiritual aspect that resonates with fans, who feel a deep connection to the show and its characters. Patrick Stewart understands this connection and sees himself and the cast as ministers to fans who find solace and inspiration in the show's themes of truth, fairness, and respect for others.
• Star Trek's enduring popularity and impact can be attributed to its celebration of the best of humanity and its ability to speak to the longing for a better world. It has inspired countless fans to find comfort and connection in its characters and stories, as they see reflections of themselves in the struggles and journeys depicted.
• While Star Trek is not a religion, it has a reach and connection that surpasses most franchises. It offers a sense of belonging and the possibility of being part of something greater than oneself, tapping into a universal human desire for a different and more enlightened world. Patrick Stewart acknowledges the profound impact the show has had on fans' lives, including personal and mental health improvements.

Patrick Stewart sees the spiritual aspect of Star Trek, and refers to the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation as ministers. Some fans hold Star Trek in such high regard that they feel an almost spiritual connection to it, and even the legendary actor who plays Admiral Jean-Luc Picard himself can understand that inclination. For nearly 60 years, the Star Trek franchise has been inspiring connections, whether in viewers connecting to the characters or fans connecting to one another. As one of the most beloved and acclaimed Star Trek shows and casts, TNG and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D mean a great deal to people all over the world.
Patrick Stewart has recently been doing the interview rounds and speaking about his new autobiography, Making It So: A Memoir. In an interview with NPR, Stewart discussed his time as a stage actor as well as his time portraying Captain Picard. When asked about the way some fans treat Star Trek with a "religious reverence," Stewart had the following to say:

"Yes. I see it very, very clearly and very strongly. It was about truth and fairness and honesty and respect for others, no matter who they were or what strange alien creature they looked like. That was immaterial. They were alive. And if they needed help, Jean Luc Picard and his crew, his team, were there to give it.
In a sense, we were ministers. And I have heard now so many times from individuals who have been honest enough and brave enough to tell me aspects of their life, of their health, of their mental health. And how it was all saved and improved by watching every week."

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