Warning: Game contains intense violence, very disturbing images, and very strong language throughout. Please use discretion when watching.
For these case studies, we will be looking at one specific game at a time (specifically its story), and hopefully I can guide you in how these games can actually deliver truth. Granted, they are by no means 100% true. I only wish to venerate games which tell a tale that borrows heavily from the Gospel, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in order to show you that there is more to video games than meets the eye.
Oh, and MAJOR SPOILERS for the entire game!
Games are meant to be played, so if you want the full experience, I suggest you play it first before reading this!!!!
For these case studies, we will be looking at one specific game at a time (specifically its story), and hopefully I can guide you in how these games can actually deliver truth. Granted, they are by no means 100% true. I only wish to venerate games which tell a tale that borrows heavily from the Gospel, whether intentionally or unintentionally, in order to show you that there is more to video games than meets the eye.
Oh, and MAJOR SPOILERS for the entire game!
Games are meant to be played, so if you want the full experience, I suggest you play it first before reading this!!!!
Jesus' teachings often seemed paradoxical to everyone who heard it.
One of the biggest paradoxes that come to mind is in Mark 8:35 (also in Matthew 16:25 and Luke 9:24), "'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it'" (ESV).
At the outset, it doesn't make much sense. But whether through an event, an experience or just thinking about it, you begin to see his teachings in full view.
And His words ring true.
Bioshock Infinite plays with this idea of paradox. And like all paradoxes, it can be extremely mindboggling when you first approach it. In fact, I may be so bold as to say that this game is like the movie Inception. It has plenty of action, the story can be confusing, and when you first see it, you leave with more questions than answers.
My goal is to mainly focus on the Christian aspect of the tale, which means I will be leaving a lot out in order to hone in on specific themes. Still, I would like to tell enough of the story for non-gamers to understand and appreciate the general plot of the game. This is a game best seen, so expect the videos to be longer than usual. I tried to cut out as much as I could, but a lot of the game is interconnected.
Nonetheless, I strongly believe it will be worth it in the end! If it's not, I will give you your money back. How's that?
Anyway, Bioshock Infinite is a paradox, especially with its Christian themes. The Christianity shown in the game is heretical, even cultish. Yet the themes speak of orthodoxy. In another way, the main writer, Ken Levine, is a staunch atheist, and has said so in countless interviews. Yet he and his team have produced one of the most Christian games out there (certainly better than Bible Fight).
In fact, this game is special not just because of what happens in the game, but the events that occurred during development. One of the employees of Irrational Games was a Christian and he got to share the gospel because he was deeply offended by the game he helped create.
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioshock-infinites-religious-themes-led-dev-to-consider-quitting/1100-6404620/
It certainly piqued my interest when I read about it. On one hand, the game might deeply offend me. Yet this artist defended the gospel and it "made the game better?" And by better, I mean that their talk made the VILLAIN more relatable? More interestingly, the artist chose to not resign from the studio because of this.
It almost seems contradictory. In some sense, a paradox...
Minor tangent: Ken Levine says in the article that he could connect to "a notion of forgiveness and what an important part that is of the New Testament and why Christ was such a revolutionary figure."
Hmmm.... C.S Lewis said something about merely thinking of Christ as a revolutionary figure...
"But what should we make of a man himself unrobbed and untrodden on, who announced that he forgave you for treading on other men's toes and stealing other men's money... A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic...or else he would be the Devil of Hell...or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God" (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, ch. 3).
Tangent over. Let's move on to the game itself, shall we?
One of the biggest paradoxes that come to mind is in Mark 8:35 (also in Matthew 16:25 and Luke 9:24), "'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it'" (ESV).
At the outset, it doesn't make much sense. But whether through an event, an experience or just thinking about it, you begin to see his teachings in full view.
And His words ring true.
Bioshock Infinite plays with this idea of paradox. And like all paradoxes, it can be extremely mindboggling when you first approach it. In fact, I may be so bold as to say that this game is like the movie Inception. It has plenty of action, the story can be confusing, and when you first see it, you leave with more questions than answers.
My goal is to mainly focus on the Christian aspect of the tale, which means I will be leaving a lot out in order to hone in on specific themes. Still, I would like to tell enough of the story for non-gamers to understand and appreciate the general plot of the game. This is a game best seen, so expect the videos to be longer than usual. I tried to cut out as much as I could, but a lot of the game is interconnected.
Nonetheless, I strongly believe it will be worth it in the end! If it's not, I will give you your money back. How's that?
Anyway, Bioshock Infinite is a paradox, especially with its Christian themes. The Christianity shown in the game is heretical, even cultish. Yet the themes speak of orthodoxy. In another way, the main writer, Ken Levine, is a staunch atheist, and has said so in countless interviews. Yet he and his team have produced one of the most Christian games out there (certainly better than Bible Fight).
In fact, this game is special not just because of what happens in the game, but the events that occurred during development. One of the employees of Irrational Games was a Christian and he got to share the gospel because he was deeply offended by the game he helped create.
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioshock-infinites-religious-themes-led-dev-to-consider-quitting/1100-6404620/
It certainly piqued my interest when I read about it. On one hand, the game might deeply offend me. Yet this artist defended the gospel and it "made the game better?" And by better, I mean that their talk made the VILLAIN more relatable? More interestingly, the artist chose to not resign from the studio because of this.
It almost seems contradictory. In some sense, a paradox...
Minor tangent: Ken Levine says in the article that he could connect to "a notion of forgiveness and what an important part that is of the New Testament and why Christ was such a revolutionary figure."
Hmmm.... C.S Lewis said something about merely thinking of Christ as a revolutionary figure...
"But what should we make of a man himself unrobbed and untrodden on, who announced that he forgave you for treading on other men's toes and stealing other men's money... A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic...or else he would be the Devil of Hell...or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God" (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, ch. 3).
Tangent over. Let's move on to the game itself, shall we?
"I don't know, brothers and sisters...but this one doesn't look clean to me." That's EXACTLY what you want to hear after baptism, right?
Welcome to Columbia, the City in the Sky!
Booker wakes up after his drowning/baptism inside the city, meeting all sorts of citizens. All of them see themselves as true Americans as they greatly revere (more like worship) the Founding Fathers. As you explore the city, you see lots of laughs, market booths, barbershop quartets, etc. It generally seems like a great place!
You further learn that the leader of the city is Zachary Hale Comstock, a prophet who united the people and brought them into the sky. He always seems to know the future.
Then, you meet the odd man and woman again from the beginning of the game. This time, they ask you to pick heads or tails on a coin.
Welcome to Columbia, the City in the Sky!
Booker wakes up after his drowning/baptism inside the city, meeting all sorts of citizens. All of them see themselves as true Americans as they greatly revere (more like worship) the Founding Fathers. As you explore the city, you see lots of laughs, market booths, barbershop quartets, etc. It generally seems like a great place!
You further learn that the leader of the city is Zachary Hale Comstock, a prophet who united the people and brought them into the sky. He always seems to know the future.
Then, you meet the odd man and woman again from the beginning of the game. This time, they ask you to pick heads or tails on a coin.
It always lands on heads? Strange... That goes against everything we've learned about in statistics! How does that work?
While walking around, you join a random lottery and you win! Come claim your prize!
While walking around, you join a random lottery and you win! Come claim your prize!
Everyone then makes it their patriotic duty to murder you on sight! This is when the game picks up and has you fight through hordes of enemies.
You eventually meet the famed Comstock on your way to find the girl.
You eventually meet the famed Comstock on your way to find the girl.
Your objective remains the same: "Bring us the girl and wipe away the debt."
You learn that the girl is confined in a pseudo "Statue of Liberty" and go to find her.
You learn that the girl is confined in a pseudo "Statue of Liberty" and go to find her.
So now that Elizabeth is freed, you need to find a way to escape.
You probably have several questions at this point. Hold on to them, for now. I will explain what I can in due time. I promise!
Many of Comstock's followers still attack on sight and try to bring the two of them in. For the first time, Elizabeth sees Booker (the player) gun down several people. She doesn't take it too well, naturally.
But she eventually sees the necessity and continues to help. It is around here where you learn a bit more about the characters. Booker explains that he is drowning in gambling debt that will be removed if he brings Elizabeth to New York. He also mentions that his wife and child died in childbirth.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, explains the "tears."
You probably have several questions at this point. Hold on to them, for now. I will explain what I can in due time. I promise!
Many of Comstock's followers still attack on sight and try to bring the two of them in. For the first time, Elizabeth sees Booker (the player) gun down several people. She doesn't take it too well, naturally.
But she eventually sees the necessity and continues to help. It is around here where you learn a bit more about the characters. Booker explains that he is drowning in gambling debt that will be removed if he brings Elizabeth to New York. He also mentions that his wife and child died in childbirth.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, explains the "tears."
Eventually, Booker and Elizabeth are captured by the Vox Populi, a terrorist group made up of minorities hell-bent on destroying Columbia. It is run by a woman named Daisy Fitzroy, who orders Booker to get her army some weapons. If he does, then she'll help him and Elizabeth escape.
They are told to go find Chen Lin, a person who is willing to help the Vox Populi. Unfortunately, Comstock's forces realize this and kill him.
They are told to go find Chen Lin, a person who is willing to help the Vox Populi. Unfortunately, Comstock's forces realize this and kill him.
By using Elizabeth's tear, the duo is able to go into a reality where Chen Lin is still alive!
"It's all a matter of perspective..." What is seemingly contradictory is actually paradoxical, which allows Elizabeth and Booker to push forward toward their goal.
Because Booker remembers the alternate timeline, he has contradicting memories. This causes him to have nosebleeds. Remember that.
The alternate timeline that Booker and Elizabeth end up in is one where the Vox Populi have their guns and are taking over, slaughtering anything that moves. Elizabeth is distraught at what their mission has brought about. She feels completely guilty.
Daisy Fitzroy contacts the duo and explains that the Booker DeWitt in her reality died as a martyr fighting for the Vox Populi. Seeing you walk around unharmed and alive angers her. Therefore, she commands her militia to attack you--the imposter--on sight, because "you complicate the narrative" (Lady, you have NO idea...).
You now essentially fight off two factions at once!
Still, you begin to see the atrocities caused by the Vox Populi, to the point where Booker states, "the only difference between Comstock and Fitzroy is how you spell the name." She's just as much of a zealot. She's just as much of a racist.
Eventually, you confront her.
(Go to 3:46 to skip the gameplay portion)
"It's all a matter of perspective..." What is seemingly contradictory is actually paradoxical, which allows Elizabeth and Booker to push forward toward their goal.
Because Booker remembers the alternate timeline, he has contradicting memories. This causes him to have nosebleeds. Remember that.
The alternate timeline that Booker and Elizabeth end up in is one where the Vox Populi have their guns and are taking over, slaughtering anything that moves. Elizabeth is distraught at what their mission has brought about. She feels completely guilty.
Daisy Fitzroy contacts the duo and explains that the Booker DeWitt in her reality died as a martyr fighting for the Vox Populi. Seeing you walk around unharmed and alive angers her. Therefore, she commands her militia to attack you--the imposter--on sight, because "you complicate the narrative" (Lady, you have NO idea...).
You now essentially fight off two factions at once!
Still, you begin to see the atrocities caused by the Vox Populi, to the point where Booker states, "the only difference between Comstock and Fitzroy is how you spell the name." She's just as much of a zealot. She's just as much of a racist.
Eventually, you confront her.
(Go to 3:46 to skip the gameplay portion)
After you crash land in the city, you meet the odd man and woman again, who say that Songbird can be controlled if you play the right musical notes on the right instrument. From here, Comstock gets desperate, so he siphons power from Elizabeth to try and bring Lady Comstock back, but she only returns as a half-alive ghost. Yes, a ghost.
I know it's complicated, but stay with me. We're almost home!
Elizabeth always had contempt for her mother. Earlier on in the game, we learn that Lady Comstock was the one who locked Elizabeth in the tower, because Elizabeth is not actually her child. However, a little investigation shows that Comstock had her murdered because she was not willing to lie to the public about Elizabeth.
With this info, Elizabeth is able to put the ghost of Lady Comstock to rest.
I know it's complicated, but stay with me. We're almost home!
Elizabeth always had contempt for her mother. Earlier on in the game, we learn that Lady Comstock was the one who locked Elizabeth in the tower, because Elizabeth is not actually her child. However, a little investigation shows that Comstock had her murdered because she was not willing to lie to the public about Elizabeth.
With this info, Elizabeth is able to put the ghost of Lady Comstock to rest.
Lady Comstock surrenders her attempt to live again. And is finally at peace.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Booker have more determination than ever to find and kill Comstock for everything he's done. Unfortunately, Songbird finds them.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Booker have more determination than ever to find and kill Comstock for everything he's done. Unfortunately, Songbird finds them.
As you ascend further and further up Comstock's house, you notice something is off. This doesn't seem to be 1912 anymore! What happened?!
As you reach the top, you have a revelation given by a somewhat familiar face.
As you reach the top, you have a revelation given by a somewhat familiar face.
So Comstock's seed, Elizabeth, will lose all hope over time and reign down fire on New York. Remember Comstock's prophecy: The Seed of the Prophet shall sit the throne and drown in flames the mountains of man. She is penitent, and gives a chance at true redemption...
"Yours... And hers..."
She sends you back to 1912 where young Elizabeth is held captive. You rescue her and give her the note from Old Elizabeth. The young version, now much more hardened by the killing, the torture, and the pain, wants to kill Comstock and destroy what's left of her tower, saying that it will unlock all of her abilities. The tower she was imprisoned in turns out to be a siphon that took her power so Comstock could see the future. Hence why he knew the coming of the "false shepherd" and Elizabeth's destiny to destroy New York.
Eventually, you confront Comstock, and he's not making sense.
"Yours... And hers..."
She sends you back to 1912 where young Elizabeth is held captive. You rescue her and give her the note from Old Elizabeth. The young version, now much more hardened by the killing, the torture, and the pain, wants to kill Comstock and destroy what's left of her tower, saying that it will unlock all of her abilities. The tower she was imprisoned in turns out to be a siphon that took her power so Comstock could see the future. Hence why he knew the coming of the "false shepherd" and Elizabeth's destiny to destroy New York.
Eventually, you confront Comstock, and he's not making sense.
With the help of Old Elizabeth's note, the duo is able to steal the correct instrument to control Songbird and bring down the "siphon" that is holding back Elizabeth's power. Once that is destroyed, all can be revealed. Yes, ALL of the questions that have been building up in your mind are given an answer! And the truth is quite shocking...
Before I jump in, I will let the game explain everything first.
Before I jump in, I will let the game explain everything first.
Does ANY of that make sense? No? Pfft. It didn't for me at first, either. But if we are going to see a wonderful Christian theme, I need you to understand it.
We are dealing with quantum mechanics--specifically the "multiverse theory". In this theory, there are many parallel universes that are like our own, but are not our own.
"Constants and variables," as the game likes to say. That is why the coin would always land on heads at the beginning. That was a constant in all of the universes.
Anyway, in their quest to kill Comstock, Elizabeth now sees that with these infinite worlds, killing Comstock in one world does not solve anything, as he is still alive in another.
Like Daisy Fitzroy said before she died, "you have to pull it up from the root."
The ending is more artistic than scientific in nature. And it is this artistry that paints a very paradoxical yet beautiful picture.
Booker and Elizabeth finally see the truth. The problem is deeper than the atrocities that Booker has done. It is deeper than the atrocities that Comstock has done.
The stain has seeped into Booker's very being.
He needs to die... completely and utterly.
Now, notice what the preacher said. "Are you ready to have your past erased? Are you ready to have your sins cleansed? Are you ready to be born again? Do you want to clean the slate, leave behind all you were before, and be born again in the blood of the lamb?"
The majority of what the preacher says is about Booker--what he so desperately wants. "The blood of the lamb" takes a backseat to the results.
Do you see the error in this? Both Booker and Comstock were trying to save their life in their own way.
Self-justification.
"For whoever would save his life will lose it..."
The circle remains unbroken whether the man goes through baptism or not, because the root of the problem still exists.
Then what is the solution to break the cycle?
By dying... completely and utterly.
Remember the first preacher at the very beginning of the game, who let you into the city? "I don't know brothers and sisters... but this one doesn't look clean to me."
If baptism symbolizes death and resurrection, then Booker could not just die once. No, he needed rebirth for all of his lives.
Booker finally realizes the harsh truth--just like Martin Walker in Spec Ops: The Line. Booker then does what he's refused to do for the entire game: surrender.
Like Lady Comstock, he too lived in a state that was more dead than alive. And also like Lady Comstock, he surrenders his attempt to live again. And he dies...
Once and for ALL...
"...but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mark 8:34, ESV).
And there are many videos and many articles discussing the ending and the meaning of this game, but practically all of them leave out what I believe to be the most important bit: the after-credits scene.
After the credits roll, we see Booker back in his house, with a strong hint that Anna is back in her crib as well.
He died to himself--all versions of himself. The stains are washed away...
True Redemption.
"Yours... And hers..."
The paradox Jesus spoke of is seen in full view.
And His words ring true...
We are dealing with quantum mechanics--specifically the "multiverse theory". In this theory, there are many parallel universes that are like our own, but are not our own.
"Constants and variables," as the game likes to say. That is why the coin would always land on heads at the beginning. That was a constant in all of the universes.
Anyway, in their quest to kill Comstock, Elizabeth now sees that with these infinite worlds, killing Comstock in one world does not solve anything, as he is still alive in another.
Like Daisy Fitzroy said before she died, "you have to pull it up from the root."
The ending is more artistic than scientific in nature. And it is this artistry that paints a very paradoxical yet beautiful picture.
Booker and Elizabeth finally see the truth. The problem is deeper than the atrocities that Booker has done. It is deeper than the atrocities that Comstock has done.
The stain has seeped into Booker's very being.
He needs to die... completely and utterly.
Now, notice what the preacher said. "Are you ready to have your past erased? Are you ready to have your sins cleansed? Are you ready to be born again? Do you want to clean the slate, leave behind all you were before, and be born again in the blood of the lamb?"
The majority of what the preacher says is about Booker--what he so desperately wants. "The blood of the lamb" takes a backseat to the results.
Do you see the error in this? Both Booker and Comstock were trying to save their life in their own way.
Self-justification.
"For whoever would save his life will lose it..."
The circle remains unbroken whether the man goes through baptism or not, because the root of the problem still exists.
Then what is the solution to break the cycle?
By dying... completely and utterly.
Remember the first preacher at the very beginning of the game, who let you into the city? "I don't know brothers and sisters... but this one doesn't look clean to me."
If baptism symbolizes death and resurrection, then Booker could not just die once. No, he needed rebirth for all of his lives.
Booker finally realizes the harsh truth--just like Martin Walker in Spec Ops: The Line. Booker then does what he's refused to do for the entire game: surrender.
Like Lady Comstock, he too lived in a state that was more dead than alive. And also like Lady Comstock, he surrenders his attempt to live again. And he dies...
Once and for ALL...
"...but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mark 8:34, ESV).
And there are many videos and many articles discussing the ending and the meaning of this game, but practically all of them leave out what I believe to be the most important bit: the after-credits scene.
After the credits roll, we see Booker back in his house, with a strong hint that Anna is back in her crib as well.
He died to himself--all versions of himself. The stains are washed away...
True Redemption.
"Yours... And hers..."
The paradox Jesus spoke of is seen in full view.
And His words ring true...
Thanks for reading my view on the game! But to further this "Paradox" theme, I found a separate yet equally valid viewpoint. Below is an article written by a pastor who also delved into this game's madness. His analysis is similar in some areas and different in others. I guess you could say there are... *puts on sunglasses*... "constants and variables!"
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioshock-infinite-baptism-of-the-human-heart/1100-6407174/
http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bioshock-infinite-baptism-of-the-human-heart/1100-6407174/