Religion and Conflict in Battlestar Galactica

Coordinator: Charles Richter

This focus group will explore the many complicated relations between religion and conflict in modern times and throughout history, using the current television program "Battlestar Galactica" as an entry point. The contrasting theologies of the humans and Cylons, their mutually exclusive destinies, and the many moral and ethical issues raised provide us with an accessible point from which to delve into real problems. Some of the topics include: religion in government, suicide terrorism, monotheism vs. polytheism, and bio-ethical dilemmas.

We will view a selected episode every week and discuss the themes presented in accompanying readings. No prior knowledge of "Battlestar Galactica" is required, but we will be watching episodes from various points in the series. If you haven't seen the show at all, watching the miniseries premiere before the quarter starts would be a good idea in order to get some of the basic premises.

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