Reflections from the Convention

So, I know Duane and I make a joke about our love for Star Trek. And when we decided to go to this Star Trek Convention, I told people through a snicker in my voice. We really just thought we would go in an attempt add to our already high Geek status. Since watching the documentary Trekkers, we have wanted to go to one of these conventions just to watch the people and see the funny-ness of it all. The dates lined up with specials from the hotel and Delta skymiles so off we went.

However, walking away from it, I can really see what the attraction is. This was a group of people from all sections of society. All blends of economic status, race, gender, religion and even some various planets were represented. I have been all over the world and experienced all types of events where humans joined in masses. But never before have I attended one where there was more of a sense of belonging and unity. Ashamed to say, even at Christian seminars and huge worship events where I am surrounded by the Body of Christ, there hasn’t been this overwhelming sense of community that I felt among the other people there for the Convention. No competitiveness. No nametags. Just Star Trek.

Though Star Trek has a stigma of “sci-fi” and “geekdom”, no one can argue with the values taught through Star Trek episodes. It really is a shame that the world portrayed by Star Trek writers where unity, overcoming of prejudices, helping your fellow man (or alien), and even the Prime Directive are over looked by the stigma that science-fiction carries.

If I could let everyone watch our Star Trek collection of DVD’s it would not be to convert you to a science fiction genre or to create a foundation upon which we could share. It wouldn’t be so I could feel better about having fellow “geeks” around me. Rather, it would be to show you what the Body of Christ can look like. I would want you to adopt this sense of unity and community that comes in knowing that selfishness is ridiculous and putting someone else’s needs above your own really is the better way.

Even as I type this, my heart is sorrowful for the Church. My regret is that the church has not found what Trekkers have. Unity. The ability to over look the outside of someone and overcome prejudices. The heart of helpfulness. The ability to not let theology nametag us. There I was surrounded by Star Trek fans. Some preferred the original series. Some would say the Next Generation cast was the only way to go. Others would argue that DS9 or Voyager or the new Enterprise were the best ever. However, no one name tagged each other. We were all there in one accord, to share the delight of being a Star Trek fan. Why can the Church not be similar? We are all here to be God’s children. We may have varying beliefs as to “once saved always saved” or “predestination” or “sanctification” or other such big words I learned in seminary. But we should be more like the Trekkers in that no matter which they prefer, we are all the same in Star Trek land. We as Christians are all the same in Christ. We have been made new. We are seated with God in the heavenlies. We are one IN HIM!!

I recently heard a message from a man who stated that evangelism is irrelevant in a world where Christians live in disunity. What a huge statement to make to a room full of former Southern Baptists where evangelism is carried as one of the our highest callings as a Christian. The Great Commission- go convert the world!!! He argued that “it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance” and that the best way to share Christ with the world is to live in unity. I would have to agree. I could evangelize Christ until I was blue in the face, but if my home life is one of hatred, jealousy and just plain meanness, I am nothing but a gonging cymbal or loud drum. (1 Cor. 13). Without love and unity, everything is futile.

The last night of our trip, we decided to eat dinner at Quarks restaurant, a mock up of the DS9 Ferangi bar. It was bustling with Trekkers dressed in costume and Klingons partaking of their Romulin Ale and Bloodwine. Surrounded by tipsy people and noise, we decided to leave to find a quieter place to enjoy a family meal. In the rush, I left my purse behind. I didn’t realize this until we had finished our meal at the other restaurant. In a panic, I raced back through the hotel to Quarks and asked the hostess if anyone had turned it in. She smiled and lifted it from under the hostess stand. With relief flooding over me, I was overcome with thankfulness for my fellow Trekkers. Some half drunken Klingon had turned in my purse and all valuables were still in place. Where else can you find that kind of honesty? That kind of love and compassion for a fellow man.

My sister just called to ask if I got rich in Vegas. I smiled and told her I got Spiritually rich. She laughed and asked how that could happen in Vegas, aka Sin City. Thankt God He is bigger than all that. I’m so glad my God can speak to me in our personal relationship through things as silly as Star Trek and drunken Trekkers.

My challenge to my fellow Believers is to Live Long and Prosper IN HIM. Be encouraged by the Star Trek world. Let it teach you how to live in unity and let that love share Christ with those around you as you act out in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Be encouraged to over come the nametags of denomination and live in one accord IN HIM. No competitiveness. No name tags. Just Jesus! Go in peace, my friends and enjoys the photos.

Grace to you-Dacian (an out of the closet Trekkie and proud of it now)