Max says:
"That's one thing that really bugs me about AD&D. That's why I prefer Battletech!"
Revelation 3:14-16, Phillipians 2: 5-8
Psalm 82
"So, because you are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth(Revelation 3:16)."
I'm didn't think I would be writing about Dungeons and Dragons
again, but I have found another problem with it. Although I like the
game system, I cannot accept its religious philosophy.
I've never actually played a real D&D game, but I've read the
manuals thoroughly. Of course, the main problems are that it deals a
lot with sorcery, with summoning, and demons. They have books on gods
and goddesses and demons. But I think their philosophies are even
worse.
I already talked about how the TSR people believe that there can
be a neutral territory in the struggle between good and evil, but
there are also some other concepts I forgot to mention.
First, in the standard roleplaying manual, they have a philosophy
that every person who believes in any religion can go to their own
religion's heaven. The Norse go to Valhalla, the Buddhists go to the
seventh heaven, or whatever, and the Christians go to their heaven.
But as Christians, we can never believe this. In our short,
fleeting lives, we cannot afford to be so dualistic. There is only one
heaven. And if you don't believe that this heaven is only for
believers in Christ, then maybe Christianity isn't for you.
Phillipians 2:9-11 says that Christ's name is above all other names,
and that every knee should bow to Christ. Clearly, this makes no room
for Buddha, or Odin or any other god but The God and his son Jesus
Christ. If we do not accept this, we will never be good witnesses for
Christ. There are Hindus, Atheists and Muslims who are being taught
lies about Jesus. If we really accept the dualism of Dungeons and
Dragons as a spiritual truth, the great commission would have no
meaning.
Second, the manuals go over the idea of `advancement' to godhood.
According to the writers, a person may fight many battles and attain
the rank of demigod, and after fighting other gods, may become into a
supreme being. Clearly, this is also against biblical teachings.
Phillipians 2:5-8 says that we should be humble like Christ, and not
see equality with God as being something to be grasped.
So think about the games you play, and what they really mean. It's
okay to have fun, but be careful that your fun doesn't weaken your
faith. Test the spirits to see if they come from God or Satan.
Dear Jesus, I dedicate my spirit to your word. I often struggle
between two masters, but you are the only true master of my life. I
renounce all the other gods in my life, money, fame, and other things
which cause me to waver in my faith. Lord, keep me strong in your word
and enrich my spiritual soil so that I may bear the fruits of your
spirit. Grant me the discernment and wisdom to test the spirits in
this world, so that I may not be deceived by the evil one, and help me
to gain a greater passion and enthusiasm for your word. Amen.