Babylon 5
Babylon 5 is a science fiction tv series which took to the air in 1994. The program is set in the 25th century and takes it's name from the space station where the majority of the story takes place. It is a city in space and it's purpose is to provide a neutral area where humans and aliens can interact peacefully thereby facilitating diplomacy, commerce, and cultural exchange. Naturally the drama comes from the petty squabbles within each race and the grander squabbles between the races.
The space station comes complete with all strata of society from the military command crew and diplomats through to those who are unable to afford the fare to leave the station. The aliens have all the human failings associated with individual personality and the humans come complete with their own problems such as addiction and character flaws. Sadly, and despite all their technology, they have been unable to rid society of crime, poverty or politics. Fortunately, the fine art of the insult still flourishes as does humour.
For a series set in space it is quite down to earth. Within the five mile length there's a shopping mall, markets, public gardens, restaurants, staff canteen, sports events, cafes, bars, as well as the usual locations. One clandestine conversation takes place in a public toilet, with separate facilities for the methane breathers, and in many scenes in public areas there are cleaners buffing the floor and workmen making repairs. It is not so much "cowboys in space" but rather a space soap opera which provides a fictional construct within which to play with ideas which might otherwise be uncomfortable if set in our own time and place.
Not only is there morality but also religion, and even alien religions.
Babylon 5 Religions
Babylon 5 contains depictions of the various religions, both human and alien. Of course, the story is written by a human and therefore what we are seeing is an introspective view. There are three main alien species portrayed on B5.
Minbari
Their society is split into three castes; warrior, religious, and worker. The ambassador on board B5 is Delenn, a member of the religious caste who believe in Valen, a Minbari not born of Minbari, a spiritual leader who lived one thousand years ago. The emphasis is not on worshipping a god but on living life according to spiritual principles. In this respect it is similar to Buddhism. Meditation and contemplation are the order of the day. Religious education is by the neophyte and master system. Their religious ceremonies are conducted with grace and decorum.
Centauri
They are portrayed as a decadent imperialistic society reminiscent of imperial Russia or France. They have a pantheon of gods along the lines of ancient Greek or Roman societies. Their religious ceremonies are a riot of music, food, and drink. Materialistic rather than spiritual. Modern equivalents might be Hinduism.
Narn
A multi-faith culture. The ambassador, G'Kar, is a follower of J'Quan a prophet who lived one thousand years ago and wrote his thoughts in a book which is copied by hand from one believer to the next. In this respect the religion is similar to Islam or Judaism. The timing of one of their major ceremonies is dictated by the sun rising at a particular site which also has various equivalents.
Drazi
Followers of a monotheistic religion with the usual religious festivals. Their god will not permit anything to come between them and their sacred blade.
Human
The human captain's response to the challenge of demonstrating earth's dominant belief system is a bit of a cop-out as can be seen in the video extract below. He takes an inclusive approach and demonstrates the diversity available which probably explains why he got replaced in the second season. On the other hand, due to a series of unlikely events he ends up being the original prophet of the Minbari religion. Perhaps I should have mentioned "spoiler alert".
Now, the fun part is to match the alien religions up with the different pagan paths !
On a more serious level we could be asking more interesting questions such as :-
Does a religion require a god ?
Does a religion require a holy text ?
Are multiple gods simply different faces of one god ?
Are all religions different aspects of one religion ?
Should we celebrate or respect life ?