Now, I am a big Star Trek fan, and into
anything to do with Trek. But the one thing that took me aback, in its peculiarness,
was a church called “The Spock,” that I accidently discovered when I googled. It
is a few miles south of Lynchburg in Campbell County ,
in the state of Virginia .
Founded in
1977, it is in a large and attractive octagonal building. It is said to be the
world's only church
of Star Trek , a
religion centered on the popular 1960's television series, featuring the
adventures of a crew of interstellar explorers. It promotes beliefs associated
with one of the popular characters in the TV series, Mr. Spock. The ideology of
the church is centered on so-called Vulcan philosophy which includes the belief
in pure "logic" and which emphasizes a lifestyle devoid of emotion.
A huge stained-glass likeness of Mr. Spock is featured
in the sanctuary. Churchgoers recite sequences of dialogue from the series and
participate in what they call a "Holy Mind Meld." It is said that many
of the members wear stick-on pointed ears like Spock has during services and at
other church functions. Supposedly, in one case of excessive dedication to the
"faith," one member attempted to have his ears surgically altered.
There were disastrous results, requiring extensive corrective surgery.
11 comments:
Uh, wow. I was a 2nd Lt. in a local Star Trek fan club for awhile, but it was only fandom. Just goes to show that no matter how wacky the idea, some people will fall into a cult with hardly a second thought.
Thanks for the info. I'm passing it along to a relative who lives in VA and is a huge Trek fan.
You're welcome, Marva. :-)
I was told once that if you start a new relgion, there will always be someone that will join it.
That is really wild about the church of 'The Spock'.
Very interesting blog. I liked it.
Very interesting. I've written Star Trek fan fiction (years ago) but never thought about a church. I wonder what their services entail? Might have to arrange a road trip, lol
I'd heard of their being a Spock church, but never knew the details. I have soft spot in my heart for Spock, and always will.
I understand the Jedi is big on the other side of the pond.
Hi Pamela, Amazing. I would have really loved to see this church for myself. But I must admit. I'm still struggling to wrap my mind around the concept. Guess it would take a die-hard Star Trek fan to understand. And I'm not. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Pamela, Amazing. I would have really loved to see this church for myself. But I must admit. I'm still struggling to wrap my mind around the concept. Guess it would take a die-hard Star Trek fan to understand. And I'm not. Thanks for sharing.
For real? Can't seem to wrap my head around the concept. But then I'm not a fan of Star Trek. Would have love to see this church for myself though. Thanks for sharing, Pamela.
Yes, for real, India-Jean. I am a Star Trek fan and member of two Star Trek clubs, done Star Trek costuming, but I wouldn't have made it or any of my fandom loves intoa religion. To each their own, I guess.
Thanks, Mary Frances.
Lynda, so did I. I plan to stop maybe on way to Mysticon next year, unless I get that way for another reason earlier. I may yet write one other nonfiction book--on the bizarre and wonderful places and more of Virginia.
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