What kind of religion would a galactic civilisation have? There might be more than one, there certainly are here on this little speck of galactic dust. I do not remember religion being a serious consideration in Star Trek, but Star Wars had the two diametrically opposed interpretations of the Force, which I think many people found interesting. Of course, like everything else in Star Wars, it was also very simplistic; the Jedi practiced the light or good version and the Sith practiced the dark or evil version. That is one of the things that I want to get away from.
I mentioned in Part Four of this commentary that there is a church that once existed in the singular but now has split into three branches. At heart each still maintains the same spiritual notion, that the universe is a self-aware intelligent being in its own right, but their interpretations of what this means differ to the point of bringing them into conflict. Of the three, two can align themselves with the dominant political factions, one for order and control, the other for independence and freedom. I do not think of either as good or bad. The third faction is closer to being a proponent of anarchy, but not the shrill fear invoking variant favoured by politicians. True anarchy is taking responsibility for yourself in all matters. It means not looking to an authority to solve your problems or supply you with what you need, at least that is the version that I am using. Like so many other human concepts, other brands are available.
The conflict that occurs between these religious factions adds further tension to the story. Traditionally, they have always tried to avoid their opposition spilling over into violence, but there have been periods of actual war between them. To make things interesting all three have developed warrior monks to protect themselves from each other. All of that is superficial, however. At least it is without core of beliefs at the heart of the church itself. The idea of the universe being god is very Pantheistic, but then I am a Pantheist. There are many Pantheists about and guess what? There is more than one version of Pantheism! What Pantheism does not have, however, is a priesthood or a book of central tenets. It is very much a belief system based upon the individual. The third faction of the Church of Theos, is very much in that kind of vein.
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