Aerith and her Faith

[The Witch]

So, in the game, Aerith prays then angels assist her in battle, one of her limit breaks is known as "Great Gospel" and she also loves to live in a church. The word Gospel is associated with Christianity or the Bible--

does that mean Aerith is of Christian faith?

Please don't bash religion, I just wanna know if anyone's ever noticed this before. I bring it up because fans usually try to act as if there's no religion in the story-line of this game, when there obviously is.

For instance, instead of the people in the FFVII world believing in a God, fans make characters call out things like this; "Oh, Gaia!" or "Oh, my gaia"--which is weird... seeing how the game seems to focus on a religion the real world has.

 

[Trismegistus]

Yeah, I've noticed. But I really don't think it was Christianity per se. I don't know... maybe the developers borrowed elements from the Christian faith to express the classical notions of good vs. evil in a rather coherent manner. But yeah, it was rather intriguing.

 

[CassinoChips]

The word "gospel" is not the sole property of the Christian faith. I think FF7, and particularly Aeris, has a spiritual connotation, but not necessarily a dogmatically religious one. It's more shamanistic in nature (ha), so I would equate it more with a Native American-style nature worship than a religion in the Westernized sense of the word.

 

[The Witch]

Hmm, possibly. I never knew why they made it Gospel, though. That's only associated with Christians.

The word "gospel" is not the sole property of the Christian faith. I think FF7, and particularly Aeris, has a spiritual connotation, but not necessarily a dogmatically religious one. It's more shamanistic in nature (ha), so I would equate it more with a Native American-style nature worship than a religion in the Westernized sense of the word.

Nah, man. It's associated with Christianity/Catholicism
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Gospel

But you're right Aerith does have a strong spiritual connection--but she's also seen praying to God, having Angels come to her side, lives in a church, and also uses things with the word "gospel"--I think she was supposed to be seen as that.

Not to mention, the angels that come to her aide after she prays are Christian/Bible styled angels.

So...

YES! Aerith's a Christian! *happy dance*

 

[Ultima Snake]

yeah i have noticed this too and i feel that there is a little religion within final fantasy VII. For example as you mentioned Sky+Earth there is a church and Aerith goes there a lot, the attack of Great Gospel and there is one other thing when it comes to the centra/ancients. When you think about it there are numerous religions that talk about a long journey to find the promised land and Christianity is one of them. Was the centra and idea of showing Christianity or other religions?

 

[The Witch]

Yes, exactly. It seems pretty clear how heavy the Christian beliefs are in this game. Aerith is even associated with the lily--a flower that represents the Virgin Mary.

 

[Terra Branford]

I agree.

Lots of religious views. No other religion besides that branching off of the Bible (Christianity, Jewish religion and Catholics) really have Angels, churches like ours and Gospel. The Gospel is only Christianity. She prays when she wants, and loads of other religions don't allow you to pray when you want. So cut those out and then see if another religion has Christian styled Angels or Christian styled churches.

Well by other "branches" of Judaism/Abrahamic branches, the Muslim religion has Angels, but they are no where near the way they are described and shown, in FF7. Angels in Muslim religion don't do as they want, they don't have a will. Allah commands what they do.

In the Jewish religion, Angels are like Christian angels, since Christians used the Hebrew/Jewish angel. So maybe she's not a Christian, but this?

She can't possible be part of Zoroastrianism, angels aren't like how they are shown in FF7 either. You can always rule out Sikhism as well....Wait, maybe Sikism. Their Angels are much like they are in the game and in FF7, not entirely, but much like it.

I always believed she was Christian, but with a connection to the planet as well. Hey, sometimes I feel a connection with the planet. lol

(sounded crazy at the end )

 

[The Witch]

Good points, but she is associated with a Christian/Catholic church, and she also uses something involved in the "gospel"--a pure sign of christianity.

 

[Rydrum2112]

I don't think she is christian. A ton things in this game steal things (words, symbols, Names) from other religions, so anyone could make the claim that such and such is from X religion.

Here are some other reasons, 1st Gospel means "good news" or "good tidings" not necessarily always associated with christianity, also it can mean what should be taken as true.


2nd. The people who created the game are Japanese (not a very christian country, I think its something like under 2% are christian).

3rd. These are translations into english, so this is someone else's interpretation of what was originally intended.


I think it is most of this game should be seen as allegorical.

As for the faith I think its pretty obvious- she has faith in her friends.

 

[Abstract Debauchery]

Actually, I'm surprised to see no one has brought this up before. Many games borrow things from many different religions.

In the Dragon Quest series, you have to save at churches. The symbol resembles a cross, and the dress of the priests are heavily borrowed from the Catholic faith. However, the "God" was in fact a "Goddess".

Breath of Fire 2 requires you to save at a church. The religion is based off of Christianity, and even goes on to play a major roll in the game. The player finds that the religion is corrupt, and is used as a front to wipe out an old religion where they worshiped Dragons as Gods.

The Xenosaga series is literally dripping in Christianity. One of the main characters turns out to be the reincarnation of Mary Magdalene. There are characters that represent Testaments, and loads of other things.

The Shin Megami Tensei series, as well as the Persona Series, combine Japanese Mythology, Roman Mythology, Greek Mythology, Viking Mythology, Christianity, and more into the game.

So all in all, I'm not the least bit surprised they did so in FFVII. However, it could easily be said her God is a Peanut Butter monster that she just calls God. XD

All in all, this has been done in very many games. But, it does seem as if you've already made up your mind on the subject, so in all reality, there really is no need to bring up a counterargument.

 

[Sir Kenneth]

After playing FF X-2, I have assumed that the church in Final Fantasy VII is an off shoot of sorts of the church of Yevon in Final Fantasy X. Christian imagery (the church and such) I believe was just used because it is imagery that most people would be familiar with and would thus make it easier for people to buy into without too much ellaboration on the part of the game's creators.

 

[Rydia]

No Aerith is not christian. FF7 just borrowed influences from christianity as well as other religions in other games. The life stream itself sound like something from an asian religion.

Christianity does not exist in the FF7 world.

 

[Terra Branford]

@Rydrum2112:

The Gospel in 7 is associated and activated to show Christian/Jewish/Catholic Angels. They are in the form of Christian Angels and is even called "The Gospel". "The Gospel" is Christian, gospel is this.

1st:
n.1. often Gospel The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus and the Apostles, which is the central content of Christian revelation.
2. a. Gospel Bible One of the first four New Testament books, describing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and recording his teaching.
b. A similar narrative.

2:
3. often Gospel A lection from any of the first four New Testament books included as part of a religious service.
4. A teaching or doctrine of a religious teacher.
5. Music Gospel music.
6. Something, such as an idea or principle, accepted as unquestionably true: My parents' rules were gospel.

3:
adj.1. often Gospel Of or in accordance with the Gospel; evangelical.
2. Of or relating to gospel music.
gospel [ˈgɒspəl]n1. Also called gospel truth an unquestionable truth to take someone's word as gospel
2. a doctrine maintained to be of great importance
3. (Music) Black religious music originating in the churches of the Southern states of the United States
4. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) the message or doctrine of a religious teacher
5. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms)a. the story of Christ's life and teachings as narrated in the Gospels
b. the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ
c. (as modifier) the gospel story

3/4:
Gospel [ˈgɒspəl]n1. (Christian Religious Writings / Bible) any of the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John 2. (Christianity / Ecclesiastical Terms) a reading from one of these in a religious service

The gospel of which you speak, is separate and is spelled "gospel" unless its at the start of a sentence. "The Gospel" is used and spelled exactly like the Christian "The Gospel". If they had meant "gospel" they wouldn't have a: brought down Abrahamic Angels. b: make a point in both America and Japanese, to say "The Gospel" and not "gospel". Again, two separate words. Its called "heteronym". Its definitely not a homonym, that's for sure.

Actually, they are the same names in Japanese. In Japanese, its "The Gospel" not "gospel".

So, you think because the nation doesn't have enough Christians, its impossible Aerith is one or that the creators couldn't have possibly make her one, or want her one? Whaaa? I suppose in a all Jewish city there aren't and can't be ever, any Christians right? Whaaa?

Faith in friends doesn't require you pray in a Christian/Catholic church, call on Christian Angels or use Christian methods. :9 So no, she has a faith, but its not in friends (not saying she doesn't have faith them, its not a religious faith, which is what the game was going for), because she prays to something, not to her friends.

@Raistlin Majere:
But Dragon Quest is Dragon Quest, not FF7. Yes, I get what you had meant. I don't know about you, but goddess and gods exist in Christian religion. In fact, the Bible sort of makes it seem like they are "smaller" branches of gods. There are different gods. "God" and "god". I'm a Christian and I believe in goddesses and gods. That doesn't take away from Christianity at all.

So you brought up FoF2 to talk about the elimination of Christianity (I hope not....)?

It still had Christianity, yes? Because of the church and how Catholics and Christians have churches? Churches, The Gospel, Angels (in this style), how she prayed points directly to Christianity at the moment of the original game.

Actually, I love to gather new ideas and try to figure them out, or learn new things. I was hoping for a nifty debate without it turning bad against a certain something or something at all.

@Sir Kenneth:
Churches belong to the branches off of Abrahamic (is tired, ignore if I spelled wrong lol) Religions: Christianity, Jewish and Catholicism. Well, cut Jewish religion out because they aren't churches in Jewish religion. They could be any other branch of religion because Churches are only for Catholics and Christians. So going to the extent of making her pray in a church, calling it a church, having her call The Gospel, calling upon Christian Angels and all that is Christian, makes her a Christian, or at least has far too much Christian in her.

Its not a stretch or illogical to call Aerith a Christian because all of the evidence. The flower, guys? The church? The Gospel? The Christian Angels? Her praying method? Anyone other religion has a time that much be obeyed to pray, and I don't if they wanted it to reach to all religions, or a mixture, they wouldn't have picked so many Christian ways. >.>

@Rydia:
Other religions? Whaa? No, as evidence shows, Christianity (or Catholics) is the only one the story and her character, have taken from and have been doing. I gave an elimination list of religions earlier, it does not draw from any other religion besides Christians/Catholics and maybe Jewish religion. Again though, churches, the virgin flower that goes with Virgin Mary, The Gospel, the Christian Angels, the Christian praying method and...let's see, what else? >.>

You cannot pinpoint any of it to any other religion besides Abrahamic Religions: Christians, Catholics and Jewish. Nothing else.

As someone mentioned, the only slightly not Christian thing in the game, is the Native American feel of connection the planet. They had a end point at somewhere though, right? lol

 

[Abstract Debauchery]

@Raistlin Majere:
But Dragon Quest is Dragon Quest, not FF7. Yes, I get what you had meant. I don't know about you, but goddess and gods exist in Christian religion. In fact, the Bible sort of makes it seem like they are "smaller" branches of gods. There are different gods. "God" and "god". I'm a Christian and I believe in goddesses and gods. That doesn't take away from Christianity at all.

Only using it as an example, my dear.

I'm Atheist myself, but I would like to think that if there was a God, she would be Female.

So you brought up FoF2 to talk about the elimination of Christianity (I hope not....)?

Oh no, quite the other way around. The religion in BoF2 was simply a front for something much more dark and sinister that was pushing away people that would worship the Dragons as Gods. I was only bringing those up as an example of how common Christian based themes are in vidya games. XD

It still had Christianity, yes? Because of the church and how Catholics and Christians have churches? Churches, The Gospel, Angels (in this style), how she prayed points directly to Christianity at the moment of the original game.

I've only played through FFVII twice, and to be honest, I rather hated it. The last time I played it was in 2001, so I can't say I remember what you're talking about. I mean, it's very possible that she's Christian, but I personally don't believe it myself. It's just borrowing Christian themes, like the majority of RPG's tend to do nowdays.

Actually, I love to gather new ideas and try to figure them out, or learn new things. I was hoping for a nifty debate without it turning bad against a certain something or something at all.

Indeed.

 

[Exoskeleton]

Has anyone even questioned whether it's Satanism? She was clearly devilishly beautiful lol

But think about it. Satanism uses churches and Gospels....They just include alot of killing and blood. Didn't Aerith beat up on innocent animals and people? Just how many creatures did she slay for gil? How many sinful acts did she aid others in killing of innocents. And her prayers had magic. Zomg she had "angels" help her in battle...Are they really angels or evil minions?

 

[Terra Branford]

Only using it as an example, my dear.

I'm Atheist myself, but I would like to think that if there was a God, she would be Female.

I know lol I was just saying, different games, different points and stories. ^,^

Well, I don't know about other Religions, but I think my God is both

Oh no, quite the other way around. The religion in BoF2 was simply a front for something much more dark and sinister that was pushing away people that would worship the Dragons as Gods. I was only bringing those up as an example of how common Christian based themes are in vidya games. XD

Ah, sorry, sometimes its really hard for me to understand the simplest of things at night 'cause I run on nothing >.>

I've only played through FFVII twice, and to be honest, I rather hated it. The last time I played it was in 2001, so I can't say I remember what you're talking about. I mean, it's very possible that she's Christian, but I personally don't believe it myself. It's just borrowing Christian themes, like the majority of RPG's tend to do nowdays.

I don't hate 7 much, I like it, but I don't like it. To me, its a "eh". I've played through it three times exactly, and that's all, although I've completed it completly lol

Indeed.

Indeed is indeed, my good sir.

Has anyone even questioned whether it's Satanism? She was clearly devilishly beautiful lol

:hurr hurr

 

[GalaxyFlare]

No Aerith is not christian.

Amen Rids! the girl has it right!

If you need to affiliate Aeris/Aerith with Christianity for what ever reasons thats your choice, but it does not make it true unless stated in FFVII, anything you add to the gsme outside of the creators vision........is just individual belief.

There is no "god" in FFVII, and the life stream is not a religion, its more of away of life.

 

[CassinoChips]

Connotation and denotation are two separate things. Yes, the connotation of the word "gospel" is Christian in the Western world. The denotation of the word, however, doesn't necessarily have to equate to Christianity.

Just because the G in Gospel is capitalized doesn't mean it's related to the "The Gospel." All of the limit breaks for all characters are capitalized. Vincent's limit break is Chaos. Does that mean he's an anarchist? Not necessarily.

There is apparent Christian imagery in the game, certainly. But I failed to see any reference to the one thing that makes a person a Christian: Jesus Harold Christ himself.

 

[Terra Branford]

@GalaxyFlare:
We don't "need" to do anything. Did we say it had to? No. We're just discussing it. Why do people have to come in and make it so bashful?

I don't get why it has to happen. :facepalm

If evidence isn't enough to you or you just don't care, why are you even bothering to post just to say that we are "wrong"?
I guess you'll say religion isn't in 10 as well. :giggles
(if you do...wow.)

Connotation and denotation are two separate things. Yes, the connotation of the word "gospel" is Christian in the Western world. The denotation of the word, however, doesn't necessarily have to equate to Christianity.

Just because the G in Gospel is capitalized doesn't mean it's related to the "The Gospel." All of the limit breaks for all characters are capitalized. Vincent's limit break is Chaos. Does that mean he's an anarchist? Not necessarily.

There is apparent Christian imagery in the game, certainly. But I failed to see any reference to the one thing that makes a person a Christian: Jesus Harold Christ himself.

No, "The Gospel" is Christian and gospel is different entirely and you trying to say they are the same, is entirely wrong. As I mentioned before, its a "heteronym" not a connotation or a denotation. Its a Heteronym. There are huge differences you are missing....

I'm sorry...were you paying attention to my post? Because I don't think you were. "The Gospel" is separate.

As I said before, "Great Gospel" is how it is in the game and "The Gospel" is Christian (keep in note that not only the start of the name of the limit is capitalized, but "Gospel" is as well and only referring to the Abrahamic Religions branching off of Jewish religion, is "Gospel" not "gospel".).

Gospel and "The Gospel" are two separate words and meanings and making the slight change of the capitalization to both words in the sentences gives it is meaning and separation, which is why they go to the lengths of making sure they distinguish the two. I guess I can't explain it any better than I did before or the word itself -- I'll leave it up to you to figure out the rest.

Just because the G in Gospel is capitalized doesn't mean it's related to the "The Gospel." All of the limit breaks for all characters are capitalized. Vincent's limit break is Chaos. Does that mean he's an anarchist? Not necessarily.

I don't think you understand what a "Heteronym" is. Its not that its capitalized that it is Christian. You are missing the point and the meaning behind it by thinking its Christian simply because its capitalized.

Yea, and my name is capitalized. Of course their limits are capitalized, they are supposed, as GRAMMAR calls it just like grammar (or I'm trying to at least tell you this) calls for the difference between gospel and "The Gospel". which is the gosh darn point of altering the word itself.

You know to be honest here....I can't take you seriously when you are appear as a Christian hater (I've seen it and how you type and respond to Christian subjects speaks for itself), so anything you say is really...what's the word? Biased -- yes, extremely biased. At least I'm looking at it objectively. There are branches of Abrahamic religion, or maybe its Sakhism, or maybe its entirely different and is Native American religion. Instead of just "No, no, no, no notnochristianimnotlisteningimnotlistening!" maybe you can offer something up instead of biased hate?

But sure, if you guys don't see "The Gospel" as Christian, "gospel" is:
gospel (Not "The Gospel")-- is a writing that describes the life, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The word is primarily used to refer to the four canonical gospels: the Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke and Gospel of John although it is also used for non-canonical writings such as the Gospel of Thomas. The term "gospel" refers also to the message itself of the four gospels or of the whole New Testament.

Christian term, Christian word, Christian definition -- Christian everything.

------
​

She summons Christian/Catholic/Jewish angels. They have halos and her limit is "Great Gospel." There's the distinguishing again in grammar and usage. Notice how they make a point in distinguishing that its of The Gospel heritage. "Great Gospel". Its grammar, you can't deny grammar simply because you want to, and you certainly can't think its something its not, like a connotation or denotation.


edit:
links restored and links added to the Wikipedia definition of "gospel".

 

[CassinoChips]

If grammar requires that it be capitalized, how can it being capitalized be used as evidence that it's related to Christianity? It can't. That's circular logic. The premise of that argument is flawed by its very nature.

Secondly, I don't hate Christians or Christianity simply because they're Christian or because it's Christianity. I grew up Catholic. The vast majority of my family are practicing Catholics. I live in the South. Everybody I know is Christian. To be anti-Christian for the hell of it is ludicrous, and frankly, I'd rather you not impugn my character in such a manner.

Regardless, my personal beliefs about Christianity have nothing to do with my argument, or the information contained therein. Ad hominem attacks are a logical fallacy. Argue the information, not the source.

And finally, until you show me evidence of Aeris worshipping Jesus, she's not Christian. She simply appears in a game that borrows from Christian imagery.