Discovering Faith in the Stars: Battlestar Galactica and Its Christian LDS Roots
By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
"There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe, with tribes of humans who may have been the forefathers of the Egyptians, or the Toltecs, or the Mayans. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of man who even now fight to survive somewhere beyond the heavens." - Battlestar Galactica
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, now Christian and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), I often find unique connections between my newfound faith and pop culture. Few people realize that the original Battlestar Galactica series, which aired in 1978, was created by Glen A. Larson, a member of the LDS Church. Larson’s LDS background profoundly shaped the show, as it’s full of themes and narratives mirroring LDS beliefs. Watching this series today, it’s clear that Larson’s faith inspired him to weave religious symbolism, cosmic battles, and even elements of ancient history into his work, offering viewers more than just entertainment; he crafted a compelling narrative imbued with spiritual undertones.
The Creator’s LDS Vision
Glen A. Larson, a lifelong member of the LDS Church, embedded his faith and LDS cosmology into the Battlestar Galactica universe. A unique aspect of LDS belief is the idea that humanity has a divine heritage and a pre-mortal life with God, reflecting our eternal journey. This theological foundation resonates deeply in Battlestar Galactica, which tells the story of humanity’s exile from their home planet and their quest for Earth, a distant promised land. This journey mirrors the LDS concept of returning to God's presence after mortality. For me, as an Iranian-American, this journey theme is especially meaningful, connecting with the ancient story of the Alans and other Iranian nomads who embarked on migrations across vast lands in search of a safe homeland.
The theme of returning to a “lost” homeland in Battlestar Galactica—“Earth”—parallels the LDS idea of Zion and the ultimate journey back to God. As the Colonials search for Earth, their origins on Kobol echo the LDS belief that our spirits pre-existed with God before coming to Earth. Larson’s choice of “Kobol,” similar to the LDS reverence for “Kolob” (a star mentioned in LDS scripture as being near the throne of God), is not a coincidence. It demonstrates how Larson subtly infused the narrative with LDS symbols of God’s proximity to His creations, an idea comforting to LDS members like me who believe in a personal, involved Deity.
Religious Symbolism and Divine Purpose
The Twelve Colonies in Battlestar Galactica represent a deeply organized society with distinct groups and identities, just as in the Book of Mormon or Bible, where various tribes and families have unique roles and purposes in God’s plan. In the series, each colony has different cultural aspects, values, and beliefs, but together they form a unified whole, much like the LDS Church’s idea of a diverse yet united “Zion.” This multicultural gathering resonates with my experience as an Iranian-American, a part of a people with rich, diverse roots, now finding my spiritual identity in the LDS Church and uniting with others of various backgrounds under a shared faith in Christ.
Moreover, the show’s depiction of Cylons as beings rebelling against their creators draws a distinct parallel to the LDS story of Lucifer and the fallen angels. Cylons’ rebellion, their decision to turn away from their human creators, symbolizes the choice between good and evil, highlighting the LDS belief in agency—one of our greatest gifts from God. This allegorical portrayal resonates with my journey away from Islam, a system that often felt restrictive and deterministic, to embracing Christianity, where choice and personal relationship with God are emphasized. Larson’s use of agency in Battlestar Galactica aligns with the LDS teaching that individuals must choose their path, even amid trials, and that true freedom is found in aligning with God.
Prophecy, Faith, and LDS Cosmology
The show’s prophetic undertones are notable, as prophecies guide the Colonials on their journey. In LDS scripture, prophets play a vital role, guiding the people and helping them understand God’s will. Battlestar Galactica similarly depicts prophetic figures who offer hope and direction in uncertain times, echoing the LDS belief in living prophets. As someone who left behind a former faith system to embrace Christianity, I find solace in the LDS understanding that God speaks to us through living prophets and that our journey, like that of the Colonials, has purpose and direction.
In addition to prophecy, Battlestar Galactica presents a cosmology reminiscent of LDS teachings. The LDS Church holds a unique view of the universe, believing that God created countless worlds and that His work extends beyond this life and beyond Earth itself. Larson’s portrayal of a sprawling universe filled with civilizations aligns with this vision. The show’s expansive universe, with multiple planets and systems, echoes the LDS belief in the eternal nature of God’s creations, highlighting the idea that God’s work is not limited to one place or time.
Conclusion: Faith in Fiction and Reality
Through Battlestar Galactica, Glen A. Larson created more than just science fiction. He constructed a universe where LDS principles of agency, prophecy, and divine purpose come to life. His story of the human spirit’s resilience, faith in prophecy, and the search for a “promised land” has resonated with viewers across generations. For me, as an Iranian-American ex-Muslim who has found a new home in LDS beliefs, this narrative reaffirms that our spiritual journeys are both universal and deeply personal, stretching across time, cultures, and even galaxies.
In the end, Battlestar Galactica invites us to reflect on our own paths—whether we view ourselves as wanderers in a cosmic struggle or seekers of a promised land. Larson’s creation serves as a reminder that faith, whether depicted in science fiction or real life, is about the journey, the choices, and the ultimate hope that we are all, in some way, trying to find our way back to our Creator.
References:
Davidson, Merric. "God, Cylons, and Latter-day Saints: The Religious Themes in Glen Larson’s Battlestar Galactica." Latter-day Saint Perspectives. Accessed October 26, 2024. https://ldsperspectives.com/god-cylons-latter-day-saints-themes.
Brown, Travis M. Battlestar Galactica and Philosophy: Mission Accomplished or Mission Frakked Up? Open Court, 2008.
Miner, Michelle. "A Theology of Space: LDS Beliefs and Battlestar Galactica’s Prophetic Imagination." Journal of Mormon Thought, Vol. 34, no. 2, 2019, pp. 67–85.
No comments:
Post a Comment