A Christian observation by...Data

Somehow, I doubt the writers of Star Trek: The Next Generation intended to include Christianity in their show. But there is a scene where Commander William Riker is unintentionally made a Christ figure. Allow me to explain:

In "The Measure of a Man", the ninth episode in the second season, Data, an android serving on the USS Enterprise, is given orders to report to a cybernetics expert to be the subject of an experiment. Commander Bruce Maddox's intentions are to dismantle Data so he "can learn from it and make more." The judge of a newly formed JAG corp rules that Data is Starfleet property and, therefore, is required to obey. Captain Picard challenges this ruling and becomes Data's defense councilor. Commander Riker is chosen to be the prosecutor. Riker objects to this, claiming that Data is his friend and comrade. But when he learns that the judge's ruling will be executed if he refuses, he agrees to prosecute. Picard wins the court case and Data is spared. In the final scene, Data walks into the observer's lounge to find Riker standing by the window. He asks why he's here and not with the others celebrating the victory in the court case. When he finds out, he says, "You injured yourself and saved me."

That line reminds me of what Jesus did on the cross. He was injured, even killed, and He saved us.