Christianity

Christianity is a pre-War religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, practiced both before and after the Great War.The Courier: "Salvation? From what, the wasteland?"Daniel: "A spiritual wasteland, yes. We believe that before this life, our souls existed elsewhere. And after we die, our souls will leave this world. During our time here, we have the burden of choice. The choices we make determine where we go in the spirit world, and how we will face judgment. New Canaanites believe, as many once did, that God was made flesh here on Earth as a man named Jesus Christ. He sacrificed his life to save us. Every sin, every terrible thing that you, me, or any one of us have done for all time, was washed away by his blood. We just have to accept his love. That's why we visit the tribes, to spread the good news. For all we know, we New Canaanites may be all that remains of Christ's followers."(Daniel's dialogue) There exist several branches of Christianity, including Catholicism, Protestantism, Mormonism, Pentecostalism,Hopesmarch Pentecostal church and Anabaptist sects like the Amish.
==Background==
Christianity is still practiced across the former post-War United States. The ruins of churches can be found across the wasteland, while new Christian groups found after the war include Saint Monica's Church in Rivet City, who revere Saint Monica, and the Abbey of the Road, a Christian monastery somewhere west of the Commonwealth. Mormonism is still practiced by the New Canaanites in Utah and other areas in the Mojave Desert region.
==Repurposing of elements of Christianity==
* The Children of the Cathedral were a cult that resided in a cathedral in downtown Boneyard. They used many Christian terms, such as Baptism, as euphemisms to obfuscate their FEV experiments and power structure.
* The Followers of the Apocalypse, a humanitarian organization, use a Christian cross as their symbol. Despite that, the group is entirely secular.
* The Church of the Children of Atom heavily borrows from Christianity in its use of language, and the church in Megaton resembles a Christian church. Their leaders are called "confessors," which is a term derived from Christianity, especially denominations such as Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, which refers to any priest who is able to hear confessions and provide absolution for all sins.
** The Apostles of the Eternal Light lean even harder into the aesthetic, styling their bunker as a "monastery," and affecting a biblical cadence when speaking. Their obsession with holy water is also an appropriated Christian concept.
* The Cult of the Mothman inhabit formerly Christian churches, and build new spaces in their likeness. They can also occasionally be seen wearing pre-war pastor's vestments.
* The Brotherhood of Steel around the time of 2297, have taken many customs of Catholicism and repurposed them for their own rites and rituals, such as the use of censors and the chanting of Latin.
==Mentions==
===Christian characters===
* Jack Smith tells the Lone Wanderer that the families in Andale are "perfectly happy good Christian people."The Lone Wanderer: "Well... okay... whatever works for you."Jack Smith: "Now, I know what you're thinking, and don't bother. We're perfectly happy good Christian people here, and we've been that way for 200 years. All the men work hard to put food on the table and all the women work hard to make nice homes for us. That's the way it should be. This is America, and I'll be damned if I let some Chinese Commies ruin that with a few bombs!"(Jack Smith's dialogue)
* Diego of Saint Monica's Church is said to be Catholic in the Fallout 3 Official Game Guide.Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition p.69: "DiegoDiego, 18, is Father Clifford's assistant. He came to Rivet City a few years ago with his father but was abandoned. Father Clifford took Diego in, and the two have become like father and son. Diego assists Father Clifford with his church work and wants to be a priest when he gets older. He has strong feelings for Angela and spends much of his free time with her. However, he is also a devoted Catholic. Because she is only 16, he does everything he can to keep his feelings secret, although Angela sees right through him."(Fallout 3 Official Game Guide Game of the Year Edition Wasteland Census)
* Scavengers will mention Jesus while expressing shock at the destruction of Megaton.Scavenger: "I was on my way to Megaton to do some trading when I heard someone had blown it off the map. Jesus!"()
* Three Dog will mention Jesus four times throughout his broadcasts. Twice upon completing The Waters of Life,Galaxy News Radio once should the player reach the Good Karma level 18 "Wasteland Savior"Galaxy News Radio and once should the player reach the Evil Karma level 11 "Capitol Crimelord".Galaxy News Radio
* Marcella is a missionary to Point Lookout who mentions JesusMarcella: ""(Marcella's dialogue) and recites scripture from memory at length.
* O'Hanrahan, a private in the New California Republic Army, mentions Jesus.O'Hanrahan: "It sure is nice to see everybody working together like family. Maybe now the baby Jesus won't cry his self to sleep every night."(O'Hanrahan's dialogue)The Courier: "How'd you end up in the Army?"O'Hanrahan: "Well, as it turns out, we had a string of bad harvests a few years back. Pa said he couldn't afford to feed but three youngins, or we'd starve. As the biggest one it was my job to go join the Army so's my sisters could eat and so's we wouldn't all be killed by raiders and Jesus would love us. It's all right, I guess. I don't like all the fighting we gotta do, though."(O'Hanrahan's dialogue) 
* Dennis Crocker ends his letter to the Courier asking to meet with them by saying "God bless the New California Republic," invoking the common phrase "God bless America."Ambassador Crocker's note
* Joshua Graham is a Mormon from New Canaan who details his faith and other religious beliefs.The Courier: "Pray? God? What are you talking about?"Joshua Graham: "I am a New Canaanite. We believe we are the heirs of a spiritual tradition given to our ancestors thousands of years ago. We have made and kept covenants with our Lord, God, to honor his laws. In exchange, we are promised eternal salvation after this life. A day will come when our Lord returns to judge us all. Until then, we must honor his laws and start others along the path of salvation if we can. That's why we trade with others and work the tribes. We have more than food and medicine to offer. Good news is our most valuable commodity."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)The Courier: "Huh. If you say so."Joshua Graham: "Whether there is a God or not, his existence doesn't depend on what you believe or what I say. There is much to be skeptical of in this world, so it no longer surprises me to learn how many people don't really believe in anything. But I believe that our Lord was made flesh as Jesus Christ and died to redeem me. And you. And the Sorrows. Even the White Legs. Everyone."(Joshua Graham's dialogue) 
* Daniel is a Christian missionary living among the tribes with Joshua Graham, and the Courier can learn about his views on the religion.
* Reverend Delbert Winters was a minister who lent his church in Flatwoods to the Responders after the Great War.Survivor story: Rev. Delbert Winters
* Caleb Fisher was born and raised among the Amish.A Vault Dweller: "Are you a religious man, Fisher?"Caleb Fisher: "Once upon a time. I was born and raised Amish. It's hard to shake what you're brought up to believe since birth, no matter how bad this world turns."A Vault Dweller: "How do you go from Amish to here?"Caleb Fisher: "After the war, my faith... wavered. Anyone could understand that. But to some in my community, it vindicated them. They believed their survival meant they walked the true path. I couldn't be among that mind set, so I used Rumspringa as my chance to leave."(Caleb Fisher's dialogue)
* Dontrelle Haines, whose younger brother has died and is himself dying of cancer, is a Christian and says that "the good book" has brought him comfort in recent years amid hard times.A Vault Dweller: "[Intelligence 4+] If you're on borrowed time, it seems only reasonable to give me your supplies."Dontrelle Haines: "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. I believe that's first Timothy, chapter six, verse seven. The good book has brought me comfort these past few years. Maybe I can give you something that'll do the same. This is supposed to help with radiation. Won't do me much good now, so here, you take it."(Dontrelle Haines' dialogue) 
* Ava Rose is a Christian woman who mentions the Holy Spirit.
* Father Donald is a Christian priest from Cold Water.Fallout Tactics character description: "Name: Father Donald. // Role: A preacher in the little chapel. // Background: Father Donald is a drunk who is trying to give a sermon on the evils of gambling. He isn't doing a very good job."(MIS 17 Speech.txt)
* The evangelist brain is one of eight brains that are wired to the Calculator, and mentions Jesus.MIS 26 Speech.txt#TV evangelist
===The Bible===
The Bible, the main text of Christianity, is mentioned or quoted on several occasions.
* Merk in Shady Sands quotes Job 28:18 by saying "the price of wisdom is above rubies."Merk: "{175}{}{"The price of wisdom is above rubies."}"(Scmerk.msg)
* A grave in Golgotha contains the text "The children of Israel wanted bread and the Lord sent them manna," which is a direct quote of Exodus 16:31-34.Golgotha grave inscriptions: "{357}{}{"The children of Israel wanted bread and the Lord sent them manna, old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, and the Devil sent him Anna."}"(ZiGenGrv.msg)
* John Cassidy makes a reference to the "good book" and mentions that he did not know that the Garden of Eden came in a kit.The Chosen One: "{295}{}{We're looking for a GECK - a Garden of Eden Creation Kit. My village needs it to restore their crops.}"John Cassidy: "{298}{}{Them things come in kits now, huh? Man, the good book don't mention that, does it? Well, all right then. Let's get hunting.}"(John Cassidy's dialogue)
* Catherine, the mother of the Lone Wanderer, had a favorite Bible verse, Revelation 21:6. James has it framed and will share its backstory.James: " No point in wasting time. Let's get to work. There's much to be done."(James' dialogue)
* Confessor Cromwell of the Church of the Children of Atom starts his preaching with "Behold! He is coming with the clouds!" This is a direct quote of Revelation 1:7 that the Children of Atom appear to have repurposed for their messaging.Cromwell: "Behold! He is coming with the clouds! And every eye shall be blind with his glory! Every ear shall be stricken deaf to hear the thunder of his voice!"(Cromwell's dialogue)
* Jack Smith quotes Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, lest ye be judged."The Lone Wanderer: "Yes, and I saw what you're hiding in there, you sick bastard!"Jack Smith: "I'm disappointed in you stranger -- so quick to judge us. Did you ever stop to think that I have a family to support here? Judge not, lest ye be judged as the good book says. Honestly, how many people have you killed? The only difference between us is that that I'm bringing home the bacon for my family."(Jack Smith's dialogue)
* The unmarked quest 300 Pieces of Silver is a reference to Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver.
* Marcella can recite several passages from the bible to the Lone Wanderer when asked.
** Marcella herself invokes several Bible verses in dialogue, including 1 Corinthians 15:52,The Lone Wanderer: "Scripture?"Marcella: "Scripture - the world as told in the Bible. Would you like to hear a verse?"The Lone Wanderer: "I'd like to hear a passage."Marcella: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall rise again incorruptible. And we shall be changed."(Marcella's dialogue) John 1:4-5,The Lone Wanderer: "Could you recite a passage?"Marcella: "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it."(Marcella's dialogue) and John 16:33.The Lone Wanderer: "Could you recite a passage?"Marcella: "I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."(Marcella's dialogue)
** John 8:12 is written in Marcella's journal, reading, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness, but shall have the light of life, John 8:12."Disaster relief outpost terminal entries; Marcella's terminal
** The Lone Wanderer can ask her about Revelation 21:6, which she will be enthused about.The Lone Wanderer: "My mother had a favorite passage from the Bible. Revelation 21:6 - recognize it?"Marcella: "Of course! "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." So lovely. Selflessness like that is a rare commodity these days. I can see why that particular passage inspired her."(Marcella's dialogue)
* The quest Render Unto Caesar quotes Matthew 22:21 where Jesus instructs his followers to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's."
* Revelation 9:6 is mentioned on the signage of the Searchlight west church.Searchlight Church sign
* The name of the New Vegas Strip casino Gomorrah is a reference to the biblical city. An employee of the casino, Cachino, mentions two characters from the city's biblical story in dialogue.The Courier: "What can you tell me about Gomorrah?"Cachino: "I banged Lot's wife and licked her salty ass. The fuck do I look like? I'm the one asking the questions here. Now tell me why you been droppin' my name before I get some muscle over here and we find a private place to talk."(Cachino's dialogue)
* Arcade Gannon quotes the Bible in certain conversations.
** During The White Wash, he can paraphrase part of Genesis 22:7, where Isaac asks Abraham "where is the lamb," in reference to the Courier's action of executing Tom Anderson to not link his actions to the Westside locals.The Courier: "[Intelligence 7] It's cleaner this way, without bringing NCR in. No connecting Anderson back to the locals."Arcade Gannon: "That's a grim deal to make. But when it came down to it, it's the same choice he made. Not all sacrifices are made by the willing. But where is the lamb for this burnt offering?"(Arcade Gannon's dialogue)
** When asked about his work with the Followers of the Apocalypse, Arcade can quote Ecclesiastes 1:9, both in Latin and in English.The Courier: "You don't sound too enthusiastic about it."Arcade Gannon: "I'm enthusiastic about helping people, but "The Courier: "Nihi-what?"Arcade Gannon: "Oh. "There is nothing new under the sun." If agave and mesquite were that miraculous, the locals would have figured it out a few thousand years ago."(Arcade Gannon's dialogue)
* Joshua Graham references several biblical parables, themes, and rites of passage when speaking with the Courier, including that of the prodigal son, forgiveness, and baptism.The Courier: "How did you survive?"Joshua Graham: "I survived because the fire inside burned brighter than the fire around me. I fell down into that dark chasm, but the flame burned on and on. The next morning, I woke up and crawled out of the northern edge of the Grand Canyon, that cursed place. It took me three months to reach New Canaan. It was as though the prodigal son had returned. They welcomed me like I had never left, never done anything to shame them. The fire that had kept me alive was love. Their love. God's love. I will never be able to repay the debt I owe to them, but I must try."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)The Courier: "This conversation just got pretty dark. What was that about happy... dashing the little ones?"Joshua Graham: "Happy are those who do the work of the Lord. Zion belongs to God and the people of God. It is a natural temple and monument to his glory. When our Lord entered the temple and found it polluted by money-changers and beasts, did he them to leave? Did he cry? Did he simply walk away? No. He them out. It is one thing to forgive a slap across my cheek, but an insult to the Lord requires... no, it correction."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)The Courier: "Ha ha ha! Wait... you don't actually believe that, do you?"Joshua Graham: "I know it may be hard for you to accept or even to understand. In my heart, I believe that though I am a sinner, I have been saved. And I believe there is something beyond this rock and this air and this water around us, something more that is waiting for us. I have been baptized twice, once in water, once in flame. I will carry the fire of the holy spirit inside until I stand before my Lord for judgment."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)
** When commenting on his counterpart missionary Daniel, Graham mentions four of the Twelve Apostles, as well as the prophet Moses and another biblical figure, Cain.The Courier: "You'll get no argument from me. These White Legs are human garbage."Joshua Graham: "They're still God's children, but if they turn against their brothers and sisters, won't listen to reason... If they pollute the Lord's temples on Earth, like Zion, who are we to stand by and let them continue? Daniel does not yet see things the way we do. He is the John to our Matthew and Mark. When you have a moment, speak with him. There may still be time to save Zion from the White Legs, to keep God's children here, in this living temple."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)The Courier: "And what kind of tribe is that?"Joshua Graham: "God told Moses that the tribes of Cain would not be welcome in Zion. The White Legs are as close as I have seen, beyond hope, beyond redemption. But if the Sorrows die in a state of ignorance, their salvation may be delayed as well, passing from life in this world to a spiritual prison. We have a responsibility to protect this place and those who have come to dwell in it. If you feel the same way, speak with Daniel. There may yet be time to save Zion from those who are too ignorant to understand what they have come to destroy."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)The Courier: "Hmm. Okay."Joshua Graham: "You're not so certain. Fair enough. We all have doubts. Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. But you can be a Thomas for now. Fight the White Legs enough and you'll see the truth. I just hope that by the time you understand, there will still be time to convince Daniel that we have to fight for Zion to save it, and the Sorrows."(Joshua Graham's dialogue)
** Graham quotes the Bible directly several times in dialogue, most prominently Psalm 137.Joshua Graham: "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem who said, "Raze it, raze it, even to the foundation." O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed. Happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones. Do you know what it means?"(Joshua Graham's dialogue) 
** Graham's unique weapon is named A Light Shining in Darkness, which is a reference to John 1:5. It has the verse inscribed in Greek on the sides of the gun, reading "καὶ τὸ φῶς ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ φαίνει" on the right side and "καὶ ἡ σκοτία αὐτὸ οὐ κατέλαβεν" on the left, which translates to "and the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."John 1:5
* Scripture, a Bible, can be acquired as an in-game item.
* Blind Diode Jefferson mentions the biblical city of Jericho, specifically the Battle of Jericho in which the Israelites used horns to bring down the walls of Jericho.The Courier: "What's your purpose here?"Blind Diode Jefferson: "Dig, I'm-a acoustical wizard, kid. Ol' Doc Mo used me to prototype his sonic weapon designs. Get me a good sample base to work from and I can whip up a wave that makes Jericho look like a kazoo."(Blind Diode Jefferson's dialogue)
* If the Courier is aligned with Mr. House, Ulysses will compare the Courier to Judas' betrayal of Jesus for "twenty-nine less coins."Ulysses: " You and that Chip - deserve each other, twenty-nine less coins than other traitors have carried, if history's true. Now see the road the Old World paves... and what the lights of New Vegas promise, if they haven't blinded your eyes."(Ulysses' dialogue)
* Pastor Clements is Diamond City's serving priest at the All Faiths Chapel. He makes a reference to the parable of the Good Samaritan.The Sole Survivor: "Nick Valentine, huh? What's his story?"Clements: " "(Pastor Clements' dialogue)
* Jesus Sunday quotes John 3:15, "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life present in him" in his dying moments, shortly after having murdered his brother.Jesus Sunday's holotape - Part 5
* Dontrelle Haines may quote 1 Timothy 6:7 from the Bible, stating "for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
* Wizard's Fortune #15 paraphrases Matthew 5:5 as "Blessed are the children for they will inherit a scorched earth."
* William, a fictional character in the A Better Life Underground radio play, calls another character, Ben, a "Judas" for plotting his death, referencing Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ.A Better Life Underground
* In the episode "The Head," during a conversation with the Ghoul, Lucy MacLean insists upon abiding by the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." This phrasing of the Golden Rule is derived from Matthew 7:12 of the Bible. The Ghoul responds by saying that the wasteland has its own Golden Rule: "Thou shalt get sidetracked by bullshit every Goddamn time."Fallout TV series: "The Head" (34:33)
* In the Vault Seller's Survival Guide episode "Follow Your No's!," Bud Askins cites the example of Lot's wife from the Holy Bible, "Vault-Tec Edition," as an example of how to convert a customer who refuses to leave behind the Old World.
* Attis quotes a modified Revelation 13:7, saying, "And it was given unto the beast to make war with the saints, to overcome them... and power was given him over all kindreds and tongues and nations." In the Bible, "the beast" is replaced by "him" instead.
* The Vault Dweller mentions Cain is named after the first murderer.
===Other===
* Various pre-War churches can be seen throughout the series.
* Hopesmarch Pentecostal church refers to Pentecostalism, a Protestant Christian movement.
* Saint Monica's Church is a post-war Catholic church which reveres a post-War saint.
* The East Boston Preparatory School was founded by the Catholic Church as a religious academy, but was eventually repurposed by activists long before the Great War to be a secular school for East Boston's immigrants.Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Collector's Edition p. 340: "[4.24] EAST BOSTON PREPARATORY SCHOOLThe Catholic Church founded East Boston Prep as religious preparatory school. As the priesthood and church funding declined, local activists took over the school as a secular institution serving the immigrant population in East Boston. The school was eventually abandoned during an economic downturn before the war. The "Traders Welcome" and other encouraging signs may be placed to coax the unwary: This location has been set up as a reeducation camp to recruit new Raiders."(Fallout 4 Vault Dweller's Survival Guide Map)
* First Friends Church, an unmarked location in Charleston, is a pre-War Quaker church known in-world for its fusion core powered bells.
* Modoc has a small church, which is used for the player's marriage to Miria or Davin. The sanctuary contains wall crosses, a functioning screen, and a baptistry. The post-War construction of Modoc implies that the church was constructed for religious use by the residents. Jo, the mayor and sheriff of the town, officiates the wedding.
==Behind the scenes==
* Golgotha, the local graveyard of New Reno, is named after the site of Jesus' crucifixion. The location also has a crossroads that forms a cross.
* Joshua Sawyer stated that the New Canaanites use the King James Version of the Bible.Anonymous: "I really love all your games in particular Fallout but i have a question why all Citations from Bible in Fallout 3 and Honest hearts are from King James Bible?"Joshua Sawyer: "I can't speak for the F3 development team, but the KJV Bible is what the New Canaanites use."(Joshua Sawyer on Formspring: 2011-06-12)
==Gallery==
KarmaF3.png| Karma icons from Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, featuring Christian iconography
Messiah.png| Vault Boy as Jesus from the Messiah achievement
Lifegiver.png|Lifegiver perk icon depicting Jesus
Versetext.png| Revelation 21:6 framed
FO3 Revelation 216 endslide.jpg| Ending slide with Revelation 21:6
Revelation9-6.jpg| Revelation 9:6 in Searchlight
FNV Searchlight church sign.png| Revelation 9:6 in Searchlight
Gomorrah day time.png| Gomorrah
YangtzeMemorialFront.jpg| Yangtze Memorial, featuring a Christian cross
JoshuaGrahamBible.png| Joshua Graham in the Sorrows camp
JoshuaGrahamBible2.png| A closer look
A Light Shining in Darkness 02.png| A Light Shining in Darkness
Scripture.png| Scripture
==References==
Non-game
Non-canon
Category:Religions
de:Christentum
zh:基督教
pt:Cristianismo
ru:Христианство