Dio è il limite? Religioni aliene nella fantascienza: appunti e riflessioni sul caso Star Trek

The article explores the complex relationship between religion and science fiction, focusing particularly on the representation of alien religions in the Star Trek (ST) universe. The case of ST is particularly significant because, despite the secular orientation of its creator Gene Roddenberry, the series consistently explores religious themes, integrating an epistemic horizon of rationality with spiritual issues. The various ST series (TOS, TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT) and the film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (William Shatner, 1989) are analyzed, highlighting the development of an internal dialectic between science and faith. This relationship is articulated through various ideological declinations, starting from the dogma of the Prime Directive, which prohibits the Federation from interfering with less developed civilizations, raising important ethical questions. The discussion focuses on how religious faith is often depicted as an illusory belief system that compensates for the lack of adequate scientific knowledge, and how overcoming these beliefs is seen as a civilizational advance. The article also investigates a series of traditional components of religious discourse, focusing on the representation of the figure of God (and multiple deities) and the devil in science fiction cinema and ST, as well as the role of traditions and religious scriptures, the archetype of the chosen one, and the idea of the afterlife. Through this analysis, the article demonstrates how ST uses science fiction to explore and question religious themes, always maintaining a rational and secular perspective while admitting mystery in certain circumstances. The strength and longevity of ST lie in its ability to combine narrative inventiveness and philosophical reflection, offering a vision of the future based on cooperation, tolerance, and respect for spirituality as a legitimate part of the human experience.