Actually Deism might survive. There are things built into the universe that we can never know or experience. A singularity comes to mind. If you have a singularity in your future, you don’t have a future. So what goes on there can’t ever really be known. And the precursor to the Big Bang is pretty much unknowable too. Anytime you have an unknown you have room for religion, and Deism is perhaps the most tractable of religions.
Christianity is certainly the longest running blood cult in the history of mankind, but it would take a real shot in the nabs the minute another intelligent species is found. They kind of forgot to write that in as a possibility.

I agree; no need for an argument (that is, flame-war ) I see your point. There probably won't be much religion, and probably not of the same sort as we have today. Still, there would be at least a few who still practice some sort of religion.

Can't the modern faith in science be looked on as a form of religion, or a surrogate for it? I believe in science (if that's not a tautology!) but I know b****r all about it really, general principles and some details i grasp, but do i know anything more than Discovery Channel gleanings about nuclear physics, genetics, etc. So what's my confidence in science based other than an "irrational" faith in something more powerul than me that i don't really understand?

Ancient Egyptian religion lasted an awfully long time, long after Egypt had ceased to be an independent and powerful state, well into Roman times. Greek and Roman religion only appears to be gone, many aspects of their religious philosophy were absorbed into Christianity in various forms, as were many of their festival days. Christmas for example is derived from the Annual festival of Saturnalia and also more directly the celebration of the rebirth of Helios Mithras Unconquered Sun which in itself is another form of the ancient Midwinter Solstice festival. The idea of the Logos, the divine Word of God, was debated in Greek philosophy long before Jesus was born (in Sept. 4BC wasn't it?)

Plus the rural pagan religions never really died out, many of the traditions and feasts survive to this day, maypoles and well-dressings for example. And if people are still celebrating them, and aren't they still being worshipped even if indirectly?

so i find it hard to see that religion will die out in 800 years time, it will still be there in some form.

..you think you're done with the past; but the past isn't done with you..

Before I get on to the rest of my post, I just want to say this is exactly the kind of discussion that scifi games should facilitate. Nature of Humanity past, present, future and all that rot. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Tawakalna is exactly right. But pagan religions live through Christianity in more than just forms. The idea of a trinity - many aspects of a single divine essence - is Neo-Platonic. It's also Egyptian - the cult of Isis treated that goddess as the single manifistation of all divinity, which could also be worshipped in more precise aspects of local deites. Many Christian saints are in fact anthropomorphized pagan gods.

So the particulars of a religion change. The themes, rituals, and expressions are more or less constant.

And I don't know about Deism catching on. It had a shot, it didn't hold. Most people today don't know what Deism is. In any case, I think it's better described as a philosophy or method rather than religion. People don't want intellectual strain with their religions. They aren't looking for questions and uncertainties. Religion bridges those things so people can live life anyway.



Edited by - Cynicism Inc. on 20-06-2003 04:58:18

I was going to mention the triune nature of the Divinity but didn't dare, I thought it was going too far. Nothing like a bit of Neo-Platonism on a Friday night, is there? I saw that Pico della Mirandola down the pub the other night, he was with his mate, that Plotinus fella.

..you think you're done with the past; but the past isn't done with you..

of course there would be religion but do you think that there going to base a game on religion i dont think so !!!! thats just like playing a fighting game but you dont fight in the game!!!

Hmm...now i think of it...when one dies, their spirit becomes a star. Then when the star dies out, their spirit is returned into a body form...

not really a religion, more of a belief...

All human cultures have a system of beliefs of one sort or another which could be classified as a religion. This has been the case since recorded history and there is no reason to believe that something which we appear to be "hard wired" for will ever change. Even those cultures which have apparently outlawed religion have attempted to replace that belief system with one based upon the "State' rather than an outside source. It is still a belief system. Where it isnt given, mankind creates a belief system to suit the time and the tempo. Maybe rocks believe in earth, earth may believe in rocks, I know my dogs believe in food.

dont worry, be happy

actually there are lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of games where religion, or at least mythology, are major themes. And priests are pretty much essential in AoE. And Retros were well worked into Privateer (as has been mentioned) Don't forget Shogun:Total War, where the whole balance of the game changes if you become a Christian (or don't)

..you think you're done with the past; but the past isn't done with you..

TheJkWhoSaysNi for you science is the way. Then look up the quote by Einstein. It goes something like this: "The more I delve into the science of the universe, the more I believe in a higher being."

I don't recall the exact words, but that's the essence of it.

Spectre

Einstein had a Deist perspective as do many physicists. Hawking comes to mind as well. Most Americans are not aware that the countries founding fathers were Deists, not Christians. When they used the word “god” in the Constitution they were NOT talking about the god in the bible. Deism is easier for an enlightened person to buy into.

I'm only an ignorant "limey" but weren't America's founding fathers a load of Freemasons as well? Hence the all-seeing eye pyramid and other masonic imagery on dollar notes oops sorry bills.

Will there still be Freemason's 800yrs on in space? Of course! Who do you think the Sleeper Ships were built for?

..you think you're done with the past; but the past isn't done with you..

well it is just a game but, the only real supreme being they need to worry about is the one they call out as the last thing to go through their minds, is the same as the dear hit by the 18 wheeller,.....................his a*s..

Zeta-13 (space for rent)

What is Deism?

As for the game, when you get killed in the game you should have a God figure asking you if you want to live or go toward the Windows desktop. And no I don't mean Bill Gates.

Spectre

Edited by - Spectre-Man on 21-06-2003 00:30:23