Final Fantasy X – Gnosticism, Again

 

Gnosticism is a major source of inspiration for video game RPG stories, and Final Fantasy X is no exception to the rule.

Yuna is without a doubt a Sophia/world soul character, having the ability to summon powerful creatures (aeons, another Gnostic term) and to send the souls of departed people to the Far Plane. 

She is in direct conflict with the demiurge character, Sin (or Yu Yevon, as he is later revealed to be), who tries to keep a fake/dream Zanarkand in existence.

Yuna’s consort/savior is Tidus, and here things take a little different course, as Tidus is actually a dream of past citizens of the real Zanarkand, evoking the Hindu belief that the universe is the dream of Vishnu:

http://www.allabouthinduism.info/2013/03/08/vishnu-the-protector/

The Gnostic rejection of established religious forms is also present as Yuna and her company renounce the religion of Yevon, freeing them and others to ‘pursue happiness’ however they wish:

https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_X#Themes

There is also a telling reference to sports as religion (something familiar to most today – Super Bowl, World Cup, World Series, etc.).  Wakka at one point says,

 

This is the only time! The players fight with all their strength; the fans cheer for their favorite team. They forget pain, suffering... Only the game matters! That's why blitz has been around for so long. Least that's what I think.

 

--https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Blitzball

Also, there is this feature:

 

The blitzball salute, originally a gesture of respect and greeting in the past for a sport, becomes the Yevon faith's salute.

 

--https://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Final_Fantasy_X#Themes

But this still keeps us well within the Gnostic system, for outbursts of emotional enthusiasm (as a way of experiencing/uniting with the divine) are a key component of it:

https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2796&context=etd

Gnostic themes are frequently found in video games and modern movies, and this is probably not simply due to a lack of imagination in their creators.  It is more likely that it is yet another sign that the ‘mystery of iniquity’ (II Thessalonians 2:7) is growing stronger in the world; and that certain elites are using these themes to spread rebellion against the true God.

We will need something stronger than humanistic democracy, individual rights ideologies, and so on to defeat it.

Image via https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/197344-final-fantasy-x/images/21.

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Holy Ælfred the Great, King of England, South Patron, pray for us sinners at the Souð, unworthy though we are!

Anathema to the Union!