.
To look further into the importance of this episode it is imperative that we examine the appearance of the divine being that appeared before all of the members of the federation. It appeared to be a woman, dressed solely in a white dress, with the face that just slightly resembles a child. Her presence seemed to have a white glow about it, and her voice was extremely soothing and clam. The way in which she is presented to the audience is exceedingly important. The woman resembles all of our societies central generalizations about what we feel god would appear to be. By further examination of the situation in the episode, without the use of the scientific tools to extract the specimen from the ocean rock, the god-like figure would have never been seen. This in itself is a clear metaphor for the hand-in-hand relationship that exists between science and religion. Throughout the episode, and the book this is supported with much detail. .
In the beginning of the episode "The Chase", Captain Jean-Luc Picard is surprised by his old mentor of archeology. In addition to this visit, he brings with him what seems to be a large pottery vase called a "Karlin Neskos" , within this large vase is smaller replicas of the statue as a whole. This is a symbolic representation of how there is more then just one aspect to the search for god, and creation. Although at times it may seem to appear as only one majestic power, if you look close enough there are in fact two important aspects of creation and a higher power. .
In Star Trek, there does not seem to be a power struggle between the two aspects of creation. Both religion and science can co-exist and can both be used in determining the beginning of the world and its people. Religion and science both have the same basis, which are truth and understanding, it is this similarity that allows a direct relationship between them. Although two completely different aspects of society, they both seem to be the framework of each episode.
