It’s nothing huge, but I’ve just been a huge Halo buff since it came out. But I keep going over it whenever I have some free time.
In the first Spartan OPS episode, Sarah Palmer says, “If they wanna meet God, etc.”
Now, it was to my understanding that in the 26th century, most folks weren’t religious, at least in halo canon. It existed, but not to the extent it does in our time period. Now, keep an open mind here. I’m not decrying and demanding it be removed like a crazy anti-theist. And maybe it was just a spur of the moment peptalk.
But having fought them for most of the century, wouldn’t most soldiers know that they worship Forerunners and not actual gods? Maybe she didn’t… but even so, it’s just been bothering me. I think this is the first time the series has ever actually mentioned a modern deity in a game. Could be wrong though. Halo: CE might have a reference or two.
Based on the quote you provided, I think she’s just trying to do what Sarge did when he was still alive.
Johnson’s motivational speeches:
“Men, we led those dumb bugs out to the middle of nowhere to keep ‘em from gettin’ their filthy claws on Earth. But, we stumbled onto somethin’ they’re so hot for, that they’re scramblin’ over each other to get it. Well, I don’t care if it’s God’s own anti-son-of-a–Yoink- machine, or a giant hula hoop, we’re not gonna let 'em have it! What we will let 'em have is a belly full of lead, and a pool of their own blood to drown in! Am I right, Marines?”
“Usually the good Lord works in mysterious ways. But not today! This here is sixty-six tons of straight up, H-E-spewing dee-vine intervention! If God is love, then you can call me Cupid!”
Johnson had a way with words so most people didn’t even call out the seemingly religious aspect of his speeches. Palmer seems to be somewhat monotonous and just says things plainly.
"There’s only one God, ma’am. And I’m pretty sure he doesn’t dress like that!"
I can tell you one thing, in fiction too. These…Forerunners, they’re aliens. They wanna be Gods? loads gun Tell 'em to get in line.
The covenant believe the forerunners are their gods. And in order for them to meet them they have to die. Just like the way a lot of humans believe about their gods and religion. Can you see how that saying fits in? It’s not at all hard to understand.
And in the 26th century im sure religion would still exist, sgt Johnson even mentions god in one of his speeches in Halo ce.