Religion
Religion is often used interchangeably with the terms 'faith' and 'belief system' or 'belief structure'. Broadly speaking, it is a set of stories or beliefs that are believed or give meaning to a particular society, in many instances a certain deity or god is worshipped.
The Doctor has encountered several forms of religion in the form of churches, cults, gods, deities and a variety of other forms.
- See God for more on worshipped beings
The Peace treaty 5.4/cup/16 specifically banned religion aboard Platform One. (DW: The End of the World)
Specific Locations and Civilisations
On Delta Magna the 'Swampies' worshipped Kroll. A high priest would often dress up as Kroll to terrorise their captives. (DW: The Power of Kroll)
Gallifrey
Religion on Gallifrey was something that was present during the time of the Pythia when mysticism ruled Gallifrey, it was a time of psychic and prediction. (NA: Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible)
Later in Gallifrey's history another 'religion' formed, a cult known as the Faction Paradox, a voodoo-organisation who reveled in the art of a paradox, something that was practically sacrilegious (if Gallifreyans believed in such thing) on Gallifrey. (EDA: Alien Bodies)
Earth
On Earth there have been several instances of a variety of species masquerading within belief structures: at least one Time Lord portrayed himself as a Christian monk while on Earth. (DW: The Time Meddler); Osirians positioned themselves amongst Egyptian belief structures (DW: Pyramids of Mars); Exxilons visited Earth several times affecting civilizations (and their religion) such as the Mayan and Aztec (NA: The Left-Handed Hummingbird); Cessair of Diplos was worshipped by the Druids for 4000 years (till the mid-1970s), adopting several identities while maintaining control of the religion around a stone circle comprised of several Ogri. (DW: The Stones of Blood)
Divergent Universe
Within the Divergent Universe there existed the Multihaven where a large amount of religions could all exist in harmony together. While there, the Doctor and Charley Pollard claimed their religions to be 'tourists'. (BFA: Faith Stealer)
C'rizz was a member of the Church of the Foundation. (BFA: The Next Life)
Dellah
When the All-Gods awoke and took over the planet Dellah, religious practices became sacrosanct, and read to the letter of their beliefs; many people were punished or killed for not following a religion. (BNA: Where Angels Fear)
Religious Iconography, Symbols and Vocations
Nuns have often been associated with a particular religion; on Earth they were often associated with religions buildings with ties to Christianity. (SJA: Eye of the Gorgon)
Study of Religion
St. Oscar's University in the 26th century had a Department of Comparative Religion, headed by Professor Urquhart. (BNA: Dry Pilgrimage) The People had an interest group called Apocalyptic Religions Interest Group. (BNA: Where Angels Fear)
The Devil
The devil idea is a form that runs through several religions, the 'horned beast' in particular is an icon that is seen through several worlds and civilizations. Some of this imagery can be credited to the Dæmons of Dæmos. (DW: The Dæmons)
Others can be credited to The Beast. During the 42nd century in particular several religions included The Beast within their belief structures; Arkiphets, Church of the Tin Vagabond, Orkology, Pash Pash, San Klah. (DW: The Satan Pit)
See Also
- God
- Church
- Cult
- Mythology
- Destiny
- DWM Issue 197 (contains an article concerning faith and religion in Doctor Who)
External Links
- NZDWFC: The Rite Way - A look at Religion in Doctor Who
- NZDWFC: The Bible According to Doctor Who
- The Theology of Doctor Who (introduction)
- The Theology of Doctor Who (full work) (article posted on a blog site, start at base of article and work up to newest post)
