Synopsis: Major Kira is tasked with determining whether or not Vedek Bareil collaborated with the Cardassians during the occupation of Bajor.
There is an exchange in this episode that illustrates the difference between a monotheistic patriarchal religion that’s ultimate goal is perfection of the soul, and a more polytheistic religion that’s aim, like that of depth psychology, is psychic wholeness.
“The Collaborator” pits two opposing theologians against each other in the choosing of who will be the spiritual leader of Bajor. One, Vedek Winn, represents a monotheistic world view; the other Vedek Bareil, an understanding of the scriptures as being more inclusive. This is illustrated in the following exchange:
Vedek Winn: “Remember now, honor the Prophets and they will always love you.”
Vedek Bareil: “As I understand the sacred texts the Prophets love is unconditional. They ask nothing in return.”
Winn: “Thank you, Vedek Bareil for reminding us how the sacred text can be so easily misinterpreted.”
Bareil: “Nothing pleases me more than providing you with an opposing viewpoint, Vedek Winn.” (Holland et al., 1994).
As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Bareil was forced to compromise his morality in order to protect another who was trying to work for the greater good, albeit, not in a black and white way. The idea of compromise is difficult to achieve in our current culture, which craves absolute right and absolute wrong. But in fact compromise is analogous to the hieros gamos, the scared marriage, in which two opposites are able to merge into one. Bareil’s actions, represents this idea. In depth psychological terms, unless our rational conscious egos are able to be compromised, that is to be able to integrate bits of material from the irrational unconscious into themselves, they will not be able to become stronger, or for our psyches to become more whole.
Reference:
Holland, G. (Writer), Behr, I.S. (Writer), Wolfe, R.H. (Writer), & Bole, C. (Director). (1994, May 22). The collaborator (Season 2, Episode 24) [TV series episode]. In M. Piller & R. Berman (Executive Producers), Star trek: Deep space nine. Paramount Television.
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