At a party the comical question arose between two ardent fans debating which was greater; Star Wars or Star Trek. Although of course the victor is subjective the majority consensus in the party was greatly in favor of Star Wars. But when asked why no one seemed to be able to clearly define the reason. Even George Lucas himself has admitted in interviews he really doesnt understand why his movie generated such mass appeal. Although I am not the wisest or brightest after reflection let me attempt a hypothesis.
When examined Star wars and Star Trek are fairly equal in science fiction imagination. From worlds beyond to extra terrestrial life interacting with mankind in dramatic fashion. So what separates them? Why does it seem to many (including myself) that Star Wars is greater(In respect to mass appeal.)? In the end I think it comes down to spiritual content.
Star Wars, although illustrated as a much more dualistic type of spiritual idea, shares many commonalities with all the practiced religions around the globe. The idea that there is a highest order that is interwoven into everything (force). The idea that those who chose good upon death become a spirit existing as one with the force. The prophetic ability of advanced Jedi. The capability to perform miracles when one is closely in tune with the force. The self sacrifice of OB1. The redemption of Anakin Skywalker. The monk like wisdom of Yoda. The faithfulness of Luke. These ideas woven together with the vivid imagination of science fiction played a song to all people in many cultures across the world with mass appeal because it not only inspired us to dream of the stars, it allowed us to retain the beliefs we hold dear.
Star Trek on the other hand is empty of such an idea other than indifferent space and matter, lacking philosophy and a binding force to all things which are paramount ideas to humanity. Although spiritual content is sometimes implied its fickle episode by episode spiritual definitions leaves it too subjective and relatively unknown by the casual viewer. The much more logically focused ,science theory, Star Trek falls short of ideas such as these leaving the general public with a less satisfying view of the possible future therefore stunning its mass appeal.
Star Wars on the other hand clearly defines the spiritual environment illustrating nicely the binding force of the universe. Although yes I am aware there are other reasons the series appeals to many like (glowing swords, tall scary villains, fascinating characters, sword and dog fighting) I think the depth of the dual trilogy reaches beyond these superficial attractions.
It tells us no matter how far, far away we go our journey to the stars does not have to be confined to the dim flat white lights in dull metallic hallways traveling to dead planets. That in our journey to beyond we can water the dry universe with our humanity carrying with us the beliefs and spiritual ideas that mankind neither wants nor will ever let go of.
When examined Star wars and Star Trek are fairly equal in science fiction imagination. From worlds beyond to extra terrestrial life interacting with mankind in dramatic fashion. So what separates them? Why does it seem to many (including myself) that Star Wars is greater(In respect to mass appeal.)? In the end I think it comes down to spiritual content.
Star Wars, although illustrated as a much more dualistic type of spiritual idea, shares many commonalities with all the practiced religions around the globe. The idea that there is a highest order that is interwoven into everything (force). The idea that those who chose good upon death become a spirit existing as one with the force. The prophetic ability of advanced Jedi. The capability to perform miracles when one is closely in tune with the force. The self sacrifice of OB1. The redemption of Anakin Skywalker. The monk like wisdom of Yoda. The faithfulness of Luke. These ideas woven together with the vivid imagination of science fiction played a song to all people in many cultures across the world with mass appeal because it not only inspired us to dream of the stars, it allowed us to retain the beliefs we hold dear.
Star Trek on the other hand is empty of such an idea other than indifferent space and matter, lacking philosophy and a binding force to all things which are paramount ideas to humanity. Although spiritual content is sometimes implied its fickle episode by episode spiritual definitions leaves it too subjective and relatively unknown by the casual viewer. The much more logically focused ,science theory, Star Trek falls short of ideas such as these leaving the general public with a less satisfying view of the possible future therefore stunning its mass appeal.
Star Wars on the other hand clearly defines the spiritual environment illustrating nicely the binding force of the universe. Although yes I am aware there are other reasons the series appeals to many like (glowing swords, tall scary villains, fascinating characters, sword and dog fighting) I think the depth of the dual trilogy reaches beyond these superficial attractions.
It tells us no matter how far, far away we go our journey to the stars does not have to be confined to the dim flat white lights in dull metallic hallways traveling to dead planets. That in our journey to beyond we can water the dry universe with our humanity carrying with us the beliefs and spiritual ideas that mankind neither wants nor will ever let go of.
