Are the religious themes alienating?

[Pirateguybrush]

Seeking opinions from those non-religious types out there. I'm very interested in taking this feels trip, but I'm not overly keen on a two hour sermon. I've read that Ryan and his family are very religious and this comes through in the game, but is it heavy-handed enough to spoil the experience for someone who doesn't have any interest in being preached to? I ask because every review I've read has mentioned this element as a very significant one, so I'd like to know how it's handled.

[Pirateguybrush]

Thanks Kain, but I'm looking for feedback from people who have actually played it. Every review I've read mentions this.

[Steppenwolf]

At the end most people either devote their lives to religion or poke their eyes out, cut their ears off and if that's not enough, blow their head off.

Quote from the game's website:

"Ryan and Amy’s greatest aspiration is to raise their four incredible sons (Caleb age 7, Isaac age 5, Joel age 4, and Elijah age 2) to love God and to love others without fear."

[Xyyth]

If I was the author, I'd disable this forum. Too many hatemongers hating on everything. Church might actually do you some good in the long run.

[Pirateguybrush]

I mean no disrespect, and I'm not trolling. I have no problem with religious people, I'm just not interested in being preached to.

[Steppenwolf]

I editted in the quote, sorry. So basically yeah the family is really into religion, just look at the kids' names, and their life goal. To be honest I don't understand why they'd be so upset about their kid's death if they are religious, don't they believe that he is hanging out with Jesus and being all happy?

[Pirateguybrush]

Let's not start that debate, please. People are going to want to respond to that comment. Let's not allow this to get ugly.

[Steppenwolf]

Originally posted by king of memes:

by buying this game you literally finance two maniacs who want to bring up their kids in a christiand tradition, which is essentially child abuse

I agree and that's what put me off, as well. Who'd name their children like that? And then declare that their children will be devoting their lives to their parents' religious beliefs? That's brainwashing right there, and I'd not like to have been raised up in a family like that. This is why I have no intentions of supporting such behaviour.

[Cosmic]

Considering I've played it and not a single other person in this thread has...

It does touch on religion yes but its not in your face, it's more about asking that age all question of... Why.

I'm not religious.

[Pirateguybrush]

Hey York, thanks for actually giving an answer. It would be great to get a few more opinions on it as well.

Anyone who hasn't played it, please take it elsewhere.

[Very profreshional]

It's only alienating if you already hold a grudge. Games like this are all about taking the chance to see the world through someone else's point of view.

[Pirateguybrush]

Johnny, your games list indicates you don't own it?

[Very profreshional]

Originally posted by Pirateguybrush:

Johnny, your games list indicates you don't own it?

Followed it for a long time, about to buy it now so I can sit down with the wife later on and play through it together!

[hyj85]

This thread made me cringe!

[Chris]

Originally posted by Pirateguybrush:

I've read that Ryan and his family are very religious and this comes through in the game, but is it heavy-handed enough to spoil the experience for someone who doesn't have any interest in being preached to?

I was wondering about this too. Knowing how irreligious the internet can be, I'm sure the thread will help others make a better-informed decision. It could have been just a bit more affable, though. Nevertheless, thank you for asking. (Those inciting dispute are part of a larger problem.)

[retcon]

As an atheist who is understanding of others' beliefs, I found the religious themes to be sincere to who the family truly are. It did diminish my connection with them somewhat because I simply don't believe in the same things, so maybe it didn't hit as hard. But if you have sympathy and respect for the beliefs of others then I think you'll still find there's a great experience to be had here, just be prepared to see a family with a lot of faith in God, there's nothing wrong with that.