‘Star Trek’ Actor Isn’t a Fan of the Religious Right, Trump, or Anti-Vaxxers

John De Lancie (Q on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) isn’t at all like the egotistical, omnipotent character he plays. Instead, he’s a down-to-earth, ardent fan of science, even according to his own website that reads: “So, you’ve arrived! Let’s pause for a moment of science.” 

He acted in the “Scopes Monkey Trial” and helped write the “Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District,” plays both covering the separation of church and state. The “Kitzmiller v. Dover” play is especially pertinent to today. The actual trial took place in 2004, where the Dover Area School Board of Directors (a school board in Pennsylvania) approved the teaching of “Intelligent Design” in class. Some area parents fought the school board, taking them to court … and won.

Although the trial took place in 2004, it’s not a stretch to see the parallels to today. And if you were curious, de Lancie draws them out.

His Love of Critical Thinking Started Early

When asked by PhACT (Philadelphia Association of Critical Thinking) about how his interest in science began, he recalled a book — Mysterious Island — by Jules Verne. He wished he was able to discern information and make his way, solving problems. He liked the idea of being in charge of his own destiny.

It may also be because de Lancie was diagnosed with Dyslexia. The learning disability was so debilitating that he joined a small school where he received more attention and help. For the record, to this day he indicates to PhACT that reading and learning the script are the most challenging parts of acting.

De Lancie says what changed the direction of his life though was understanding how some people don’t believe in science. College students were at a Q&A for the “Scopes Monkey Trial” play. More than half the room of college students in the room believed the earth was created at a specific time — Oct. 22, 4004 B.C. on a Sunday. 

Perhaps it’s why he’s taken on talking with young people so often. The Secular Students Alliance asked De Lancie to speak to their graduating class. In the process of speaking to them, he addresses how his generation had good intentions, at least at the beginning, but had lost their way. He blames Baby Boomers for destroying the climate, starting conspiracy theories (that led to Trump and anti-vaxxers), and hoarding money while driving up debt. He challenges Generation Z to take on these challenges.

De Lancie Doesn’t Believe in God

De Lancie may play a god on “Star Trek,” but he doesn’t believe in God. That’s not to say he doesn’t respect people who are believers. In fact, in the PhACT interview, he talks with admiration about a religious friend. But he indicates this friend also thinks critically — is curious about the world and eager to get answers without falling back on religious doctrine. (Although he doesn’t believe in — what he calls — “magical thinking.”) In the PhACT interview, he says, “There’s a fine line between faith and delusion.”
It’s why he laments some of the thinking today, including conspiracy theories.

Kicked Out of Sunday School