Do the Cylons in BattleStar Galactica belive in God?

22 April 2023

 The television series "Battlestar Galactica" follows the story of a group of human survivors who are on the run from a race of robots known as Cylons, who were originally created by humans but have since rebelled against their creators. One of the central themes in the series is religion, with many of the characters struggling with their beliefs in a higher power. However, the question remains: do the Cylons themselves believe in God?


tricia helfer battlestar galactica
Jesus Christ pose...

The Cylons have their own religion, which is based on the idea of a single, all-powerful entity known as "God." This belief system is introduced early on in the series, with the Cylon Number Six (played by Tricia Helfer) speaking to human captive Dr. Gaius Baltar (played by James Callis) about the existence of God. Baltar initially dismisses her claims as a ploy to manipulate him, but over time, he begins to believe in her words.

Throughout the series, we see the Cylons engage in religious practices such as prayer and meditation, as well as the use of religious language and symbolism. For example, the Cylons refer to their human targets as "infidels," a term typically associated with religious conflict. Additionally, the Cylon ships are often adorned with religious imagery, such as the Eye of Jupiter, a symbol that represents the Cylon's quest for divine guidance.

The Cylons believe that God is a single entity that created both humans and Cylons. However, they also believe that God is present in all things, and that everything is connected through this divine presence. This belief is exemplified in the Cylon concept of the "One True God," which suggests that all religions are merely different interpretations of the same divine force.

The Cylon God is portrayed as a mysterious and elusive entity, with many of the characters struggling to understand its nature. In one episode, a Cylon named Leoben (played by Callum Keith Rennie) tells human captive Kara Thrace (played by Katee Sackhoff) that God is "perfect," but also "unknowable." This ambiguity surrounding the nature of God mirrors the philosophical and theological debates that have been present in human religions for centuries.

The Cylon belief in God is significant in its relationship to their interactions with humans. While the Cylons initially view humans as inferior, they come to see them as a necessary part of God's plan. The Cylon Number Six tells Baltar that humans are "imperfect" but that they are still part of God's design. The Cylons' belief in God helps them to justify their actions against humans, as they see themselves as carrying out God's will.

However, the relationship between humans and Cylons is also complicated by the fact that the Cylons themselves are created by humans. This raises questions about the nature of free will and the role of humans in the Cylon's existence. Additionally, the Cylon belief in God also raises questions about the nature of forgiveness and redemption, as both humans and Cylons struggle to come to terms with their past actions.

Given the above, is ironic then that Starbuck turns out to be an angel in the final episode of Galactica?

kara thrace star buck

The revelation that Starbuck (played by Katee Sackhoff) is an angel in the final episode of Battlestar Galactica is certainly a surprising twist in the show's plot. However, whether or not this twist is ironic depends on how one interprets the relationship between the Cylon belief in God and the nature of the show's spiritual elements.

With as far as we are concern are the most boring elements of the show. 

On one hand, Starbuck's status as an angel may be seen as ironic in light of the fact that the Cylons, who also believe in God (well some of them don't), are portrayed as the antagonists for much of the series. Starbuck's revelation as an angel might suggest that the Cylon's perspective on God and spirituality is flawed or incomplete, and that there are other, more mysterious forces at work in the universe.

On the other hand, it is worth noting that the Cylons themselves are depicted as having a complex and nuanced understanding of spirituality, one that is not easily reduced to a simple binary of good and evil. The revelation that Starbuck is an angel may therefore be seen as adding another layer to the show's exploration of the nature of belief, and of the relationship between the physical and the spiritual realms.

Ultimately, whether or not Starbuck's revelation as an angel is ironic depends on how one interprets the show's larger themes and messages. While it may be surprising, it is also in keeping with the show's overall exploration of the complex and often contradictory nature of human spirituality.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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