Religion in the 22nd Century (Re: Ashley)
Alright.
So I'm brainstorming about Ashley's religious leanings, and getting nowhere by myself. As I understand, her remarks on the matter are that she believes in God and in heaven ("wherever that is."), and traditional religion appears to be waning among humans.
I got the impression that most people seem to write her off as simply Christian. But! I've also seen arguments that she could be Jewish or Islamic. And even if she were "simply Christian," there's a lot of variety of Christian to be had (or Jewish or Islamic for that matter). Not to mention other religions with monotheistic tenets.
In addition, as I understand it, religion in Mass Effect was kinda thrown for a loop when the Prothean ruins were discovered and all that. Perhaps she's part of a new religion (like some sort of united Deism)? Or a new sect? Or perhaps she simply believes in a higher power, sans the organized religion part?
Does anyone have any insight on this? Or headcanon of their own they might be willing to share?
Specifically, I'm trying to get a feel of how to write her religious side in general, but I suddenly feel totally lost. All I know is that I want to make it believable. I'm also trying to figure out what she might put on her dog tags, if dog tags still have a religious marker.
Important: I understand religion can be a hot topic. I'm not trying to start a serious religious or theological debate, I'm just trying to figure out what would work best with Ashley and what the religious climate might be in general. Please keep it respectful!
ETA: Thanks for all your input, guys! I'm (...slowly...) going through all this, but all of your insights are so very much appreciated! :)
So I'm brainstorming about Ashley's religious leanings, and getting nowhere by myself. As I understand, her remarks on the matter are that she believes in God and in heaven ("wherever that is."), and traditional religion appears to be waning among humans.
I got the impression that most people seem to write her off as simply Christian. But! I've also seen arguments that she could be Jewish or Islamic. And even if she were "simply Christian," there's a lot of variety of Christian to be had (or Jewish or Islamic for that matter). Not to mention other religions with monotheistic tenets.
In addition, as I understand it, religion in Mass Effect was kinda thrown for a loop when the Prothean ruins were discovered and all that. Perhaps she's part of a new religion (like some sort of united Deism)? Or a new sect? Or perhaps she simply believes in a higher power, sans the organized religion part?
Does anyone have any insight on this? Or headcanon of their own they might be willing to share?
Specifically, I'm trying to get a feel of how to write her religious side in general, but I suddenly feel totally lost. All I know is that I want to make it believable. I'm also trying to figure out what she might put on her dog tags, if dog tags still have a religious marker.
Important: I understand religion can be a hot topic. I'm not trying to start a serious religious or theological debate, I'm just trying to figure out what would work best with Ashley and what the religious climate might be in general. Please keep it respectful!
ETA: Thanks for all your input, guys! I'm (...slowly...) going through all this, but all of your insights are so very much appreciated! :)