The Undiscovered Country Project

Speaking Demos


Star Trek Speaking Topics

The Undiscovered Country: Star Trek and the Christian’s Human Journey
45 minutes.
Based on Kevin’s essay in the book, Light Shining in a Dark Place: Discovering Theology Through Film, this presentation exposes audiences to the congruity between Star Trek and a Christian worldview and inspires people to live deeply engaged, fully human lives that honor God with a faith that is integrated into the whole of life.

Zombie Trek: The Threat of the Borg and the Soul of Humanity
45 minutes.
Why are the Borg Star Trek’s scariest villain? What is it about the Borg threat that makes them so ominous and disturbing? In this fascinating talk, Kevin places the Borg in the context of both the history of the zombie archetype and the central philosophy of Star Trek, showing them to be the flip side of essential ideas about humanity in both Star Trek and Scripture.
The Gospel According to Star Trek Series

Talks from Kevin’s forthcoming book, The Gospel According to Star Trek
The Gospel According to Star Trek
45 minutes.
In this sneak preview session, Kevin gives an overview of the forthcoming book, primarily focusing on the influence of Scripture on Star Trek’s stories and the discoveries he’s made by putting the franchise in conversation with a Christian worldview. He also reveals how the humanistic worldview of Star Trek is based on human longings and desires that are fulfilled by the gospel. This presentation calls audiences to look for the ways in which God tells his story, not just in Star Trek, but in the wide scope of media, the arts and life.

Calling and Destiny in J. J. Abrams’ Star Trek
45 minutes.
In contrast with previous Star Trek stories, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek finds the crew of the Enterprise thrust into an alternate timeline and unable to escape or “set things right.” What happens to their destinies and callings when the whole of history has been reshuffled? The answers in the film reveal some surprising ideas at the core of the Trek universe and give us some amazing insights into the relationship between our will and the will of God.

Creator and Questor: The Restless Heart of Gene Roddenberry
45 minutes.
In this revealing and personal presentation, Kevin refutes the myth that Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was an atheist and demonstrates how the writer/producer’s true spiritual worldview has influenced Star Trek, even in the decades since his death. Kevin discusses his belief that God was at work in Roddenberry’s heart and that the thematic underpinnings of Star Trek reflect a deep hunger for the Gospel in a man who had rejected Christianity.
The Christ Figures of Star Trek Series
Binary|Logic: The Dual Christ Figures of Star Trek and The Next Generation
45 minutes.
Well received at conferences, this presentation is accessible to wide audiences and demonstrates the amazing similarities between Spock, Data and Jesus. By exploring the connections these characters have with Christ, Kevin exposes audiences to a deeper Christology while giving them tools with which to recognize and interpret Christ figures in a variety of arts and media.

The Needs of the Many: Spock as a Christ Figure
45 minutes.
In this presentation, Kevin focuses on the character of Spock as a Christ figure in Star Trek, showing the surprising ways in which this Trek icon reflects Jesus. Particular emphasis and analysis is given toStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. 

Android Atonement: Data as a Christ Figure
45 minutes.
Taking the film Star Trek: Nemesis as his pretext, Kevin explores the remarkable ways in which the character of Data correlates with Christ. By detailing Data’s Christlike actions and characteristics, this talk also exposes audiences to a deeper understanding if the Incarnation and what it means to be human. 

The Emissary: Benjamin Sisko as a Christ Figure
45 minutes.
In this session, Kevin examines how Captain Benjamin Sisko acts as an image of Christ for the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine narrative. Focusing particularly on the series finale, “What We Leave Behind,” Kevin finds theological significance in Sisko’s character, while addressing the expectant hope we have of the Second Coming of Jesus. 45 minutes.
Special Sessions
Discussion Screenings
These events can be a wonderful way to expose people to new perspectives on Star Trek and spark fruitful dialogue about the deeper significance of various episodes and films in the franchise. Available as single sessions or multi-session “Star Trek film festivals,” discussion screenings are excellent for churches, schools, conferences and conventions. Contact Kevin to discuss possible film or episode selections.

Live Audio Commentaries
Based on Kevin’s popular UCP Audio Commentary Series, these unique sessions feature Kevin doing live audio commentary for screenings of select Star Trek episodes and films. You can even elect someone from your group to join Kevin as a guest commentator! All attendees will receive an audio CD or digital download of the commentary. Contact Kevin for a list of film or episode selections – or suggest your own!
These are just a few available options! Kevin is more than willing to discuss your particular interest and needs and develop a presentation that will be customized for your audience. Contact Kevin for more details.