“Men should never, ever choose violence” (Patrick Stewart)

My fellow sci-fi Christians likely don’t need me to tell you that Star Trek conventions aren’t the first place most people would look for education and inspiration around serious social issues. You also likely don’t need me to tell you that most people are wrong.

If you haven’t yet watched Sir Patrick Stewart answer this Deep Space Nine fan’s question about his off-stage and -screen priorities, please take seven minutes out of your day to do so. I guarantee you will not regret it–and you won’t think about Captain Picard or Professor Xavier until it’s over.

I don’t know Sir Patrick’s religious affiliations, if any–and, right now, I don’t care. I simply know that the sovereign and free Holy Spirit used him, right there in a convention hall, to speak truth, and a word of liberation and light.

(I do wonder if any one dared follow that up with a question about stardate or warp speed discrepancies in episode so-and-so. Probably!)

Patrick Stewart is not, of course, the only celebrity involved in charitable work. What other pressing social issues do you know of that have high-profile advocates from our favorite genres?

UPDATE: Refuge, founded in 1971, is the world’s first safe house for women and children escaping domestic violence. Combat Stress works with British veterans and Reserve Force members, offering treatment and support for mental health problems free of charge.