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Religious imagery used in the Mass Effect games?


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#1
SlyMC182

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The book of Revelation calls Satan and his demons “falling star” as they are cast from the heavens. We see the Reapers falling from the heaven in the new trailer. The Bible also call Jesus Christ the saver of mankind the “Morning Star “ In Mass Effect 3 we see Shepard as the saver of mankind. The Bible also refers to Christ as “the great shepherd” The spelling is different, but this is the name of our heroic commander. Could the Reapers represent a Satanic force that has come down from the heavens to destroy mankind? Hence the” falling stars” And the “Grime Reaper is the name of the being that comes to harvest the souls of the dead, do the “husks” in Mass Effect 3 represent these unfortunate souls? And these are only a few of the many religious references in the games. In Mass Effect 2 Shepard dies and is brought back to life. The Bible says that Christ came back to life on the third day, and the list goes on. Was all this just coincided? Or did Bioware intentionally use religious imagery in it games. Perhaps. But you must decide that for yourself.

#2
Comsky159

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Pretty sure the grim reaper didn't make an appearance in the bible.

#3
SlyMC182

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I am not saying that the "grim reaper" is from the Bible. I am only useing that as a point of referance for the name the 'Reapers' and the harvesting of humans to use as" husk". Sorry if I did not make that point clear.

#4
MakeMineMako

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This thread will draw out the trolls and militant religion haters real quick.

As for OP, I'm sure one could draw similarities from Mass Effect's storyline. But I doubt that was Bioware's intention. Interesting thoughts, though.

#5
SlyMC182

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Just for the record I am not trying to troll the forums or tell any one what to believe. I did say to decide for yourself did I not? I just thought it was an interesting topic. So no hate please.

#6
Rulycar

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Most of that junk was just the destroyed alliance vessels falling to earth.

#7
Prom001

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I agree, then again most fairy tales have Religious imagery and so many modern tales have that too.

the old geeting inspired by older tales story.

There are "militant religion haters" on her?

#8
Dunmer of Redoran

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While I still think that the Volus are the actual Space Jews, not the Quarians, the Quarians' story is extremely similar to the Israelites' in how one of the lore bits words it--talking about how after being "exiled" from their home world, many Quarians stopped worshiping works "of their own hands" and returned to their original faith.

I don't think this series is a religious allegory, but there definitely is some kind of theistic message in there.

#9
MakeMineMako

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Prom001 wrote...

I agree, then again most fairy tales have Religious imagery and so many modern tales have that too.

the old geeting inspired by older tales story.

There are "militant religion haters" on her?


I've seen at least one. Just erring on the side of caution. :P

#10
Freakiq

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DaftArbiter wrote...

While I still think that the Volus are the actual Space Jews, not the Quarians, the Quarians' story is extremely similar to the Israelites' in how one of the lore bits words it--talking about how after being "exiled" from their home world, many Quarians stopped worshiping works "of their own hands" and returned to their original faith.

I don't think this series is a religious allegory, but there definitely is some kind of theistic message in there.


Seem more similar to Gypsies seeing as how they travel together and always seem unwelcome.

#11
Radahldo

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Obviously they are intentional allusions, but they have no real force on the narrative and themes of the game.

#12
antagonist99

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People reading too much into stuff. This thread is full of them.

That aside, I am one of those religion-hating people. The thing is, I usually keep my opinion to myself unless prompted to do otherwise. I wish most religious people would demonstrate the same common courtesy.

#13
samurai crusade

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And the Reapers attacking in March will coincide with the Mayan appocolypse of 2012.

It's a great marketing tool. But I highly doubt the writers at Bioware sat down and cross-referenced their Bibles when creating the game. (other than the obvious references to Legion).

#14
Prom001

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antagonist99 wrote...

People reading too much into stuff. This thread is full of them.

That aside, I am one of those religion-hating people. The thing is, I usually keep my opinion to myself unless prompted to do otherwise. I wish most religious people would demonstrate the same common courtesy.


you sir areing to hell!

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#15
TheLostGenius

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 Doubt it was intentional. More like coincidence.

#16
SlyMC182

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antagonist99 wrote...

People reading too much into stuff. This thread is full of them.

That aside, I am one of those religion-hating people. The thing is, I usually keep my opinion to myself unless prompted to do otherwise. I wish most religious people would demonstrate the same common courtesy.



I hate no one.

#17
SlyMC182

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samurai crusade wrote...

And the Reapers attacking in March will coincide with the Mayan appocolypse of 2012.

It's a great marketing tool. But I highly doubt the writers at Bioware sat down and cross-referenced their Bibles when creating the game. (other than the obvious references to Legion).





I do not think the writers at Bioware locked themselves in a room pouring over the Bible to use it as a reference for there games. But I do think there are certain religious themes of destruction, lose and redemptions that resonate thought time, and have meaning for some people. We see these thoughts echoed in other works of science fiction such as Star Wars. I think writer tap into these themes, sometimes even unknowingly to give a certain power and weight to the writings. And that is all I am saying. I think many misunderstand. My post was not meant to proselytize. And it is not a statement of religious faith. It is only meant to be my personal opinion about things I have seen in Mass Effect and other works of fiction I have read.

#18
Shepard the Leper

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Prom001 wrote...

I agree, then again most fairy tales have Religious imagery and so many modern tales have that too.


Can you explain the difference between fairy tales and religious (fairy) tales?

@ the OP. I think you've posted in the wrong (sub) forum ;)

Anyway,  I agree with Prom001 in that most stories have drawn inspiration from others (including the Bible). I, however, disagree about the Satanic comparison. AFAIK, the Reapers are not "sadistic killers". Their aim is not to destroy the galaxy, but to "preserve" the "circle of life". Yes, that means loads of people are going to die, but how is that different to the God in the Old Testament? Didn't He wipe out nearly all life except Noah and his ark? To start over with a clean sheet?

#19
Dreadwing 67

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I think you could draw on similarities. Do I think that was the intention, not a chance.

When you get down to it,  almost no idea nowadays is truly unique or one of a kind. There will always be similarities, its how it's used that makes it different.

Modifié par Dreadwing 67, 22 février 2012 - 02:50 .


#20
SlyMC182

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Shepard the Leper wrote...

Prom001 wrote...

I agree, then again most fairy tales have Religious imagery and so many modern tales have that too.


Can you explain the difference between fairy tales and religious (fairy) tales?

@ the OP. I think you've posted in the wrong (sub) forum ;)

Anyway,  I agree with Prom001 in that most stories have drawn inspiration from others (including the Bible). I, however, disagree about the Satanic comparison. AFAIK, the Reapers are not "sadistic killers". Their aim is not to destroy the galaxy, but to "preserve" the "circle of life". Yes, that means loads of people are going to die, but how is that different to the God in the Old Testament? Didn't He wipe out nearly all life except Noah and his ark? To start over with a clean sheet?



Oops. You are correct. This should have been under the general discussion forum. I guess I did not read the header closely enough before I posted. Oh well.

#21
Eudaemonium

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There are several references to Judaism and Christianity in ME2, setting aside the fact Shepard dies and comes back to life and has twelve disciples. The quests and achievements are often biblically-themed or named. Miranda's 'The Prodigal', Legion's 'A House Divided', Thane's 'Cat's in the Cradle' (Achievement) and 'Sins of the Father' (Quest). Those are all quite deliberate. You could even, at a push, point out that the Human-Reaper is initially hanging like Jesus on the cross, representing humanity's salvation through destruction.

#22
Supersomething

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Meh the symbolism is there if you want it to be. Me? I just see a bunch of nasty machines that are waiting to be killed and everyone that isn't me is too incompetent to do anything about them :P.

#23
Random citizen

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OMG the bible talks about wine, and my shep served him and Liara wine in his cabin.
What does it all mean?!!

Alright I am out of here.

#24
Drimberly

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Quickly! Lock the thread! Anyway lots of games will draw from religious symbolism - its a very powerful force. Makes sesne ME does as well.

#25
Taleroth

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Maybe Shepard is Jesus. And he is in purgatory.