The Source

In the Civilization stage when talking with religous nations they speak of their god which they simply call, "the source". This shows that Spode will only appear in the Space stage and is therefore not worshiped by your creations at any other point in the game.

"The source frowns on you and your creations", A phrase religous nation will use in conversations

"The source sings of our alliance and power", another phrase from religous nations