Religion is a sensitive discussion in general, so much so that the internet coined the term "flame wars" as an angry attack in the comment section between multiple users with different faiths and beliefs.
Most video games would rather avoid the subject altogether, but there's a few brave souls (or dark souls... no? Okay, I'll let myself out) who are willing to tackle the subject. To name a few:
Then, there are games like Bloodborne...
From Software, the makers of Bloodborne, decided to combine 19th century Europe, Christianity, and H.P. Lovecraft. I don't have a PlayStation 4, but all reviews put it as one of the best games of 2015.
From a developer who is infamous for subtle hints and discreetly hiding crucial elements of the lore, they are pretty heavy-handed in their view of the Christian faith.
Here's a small snippet from the Gamespot review by editor Kevin Van Ord:
"Bloodborne is not short of mysteries, but its narrative beats are inescapable, and its Christian themes are undeniable...From Software has crafted an extravagant religious parable that mirrors its game's death-and-resurrection mechanics.
The allegory isn't subtle: This is a third-person action role-playing game (or role-playing action game, depending on your view) featuring a cleric and a vicar among its bosses. Outside of this clear theming, the developing saga comes to life through the sights and sounds of its world. One of Bloodborne's many striking images is that of a massive crucified figure surrounded by single-minded worshippers which poison you when they attack."
Because I have not been able to play this game myself, I have not been able to find the specific enemy he is talking about in any bestiary online, so if you know the name of that enemy, please tell me! I am really curious!
To further add to his point, the reason Yharnam, the city in which the game is based, has gone to hell is because of the Healing Church, a religious order based on the power of blood healing. From what I gather, blood from the old gods could cure all wounds and ailments of mankind. Sadly, the blood slowly drove everyone mad and turned them into vicious, frightening monsters.
A few Christians have noticed this uh, subtlety, and have shown distaste in the game. Here's one blog I found:
Most video games would rather avoid the subject altogether, but there's a few brave souls (or dark souls... no? Okay, I'll let myself out) who are willing to tackle the subject. To name a few:
- The new-ish Rise of the Tomb Raider (without going too much into spoiler territory) has a prophet with miraculous power being hunted by a fanatical group known as "Trinity." The main antagonist even has his hands pierced like Christ and is seen praying to God in one particular scene.
- The popular Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game (or MMORPG) World of Warcraft has a Paladin class and a Priest class, which have abilities with religious connotations. For instance, the paladin (my main back in the day) has a move called "Divine Intervention" where you sacrifice yourself to save a member in the group from certain death.
- Then there are games like Shogun II: Total War that are historically based, so Christianity is very prevalent in the actual game. Should your shogun convert to the faith, he will lose all honor, riots will occur in the streets, and he will be ostracized by his fellow shoguns...but Europe supports you by giving you guns and cannons, so it works out!
Then, there are games like Bloodborne...
From Software, the makers of Bloodborne, decided to combine 19th century Europe, Christianity, and H.P. Lovecraft. I don't have a PlayStation 4, but all reviews put it as one of the best games of 2015.
From a developer who is infamous for subtle hints and discreetly hiding crucial elements of the lore, they are pretty heavy-handed in their view of the Christian faith.
Here's a small snippet from the Gamespot review by editor Kevin Van Ord:
"Bloodborne is not short of mysteries, but its narrative beats are inescapable, and its Christian themes are undeniable...From Software has crafted an extravagant religious parable that mirrors its game's death-and-resurrection mechanics.
The allegory isn't subtle: This is a third-person action role-playing game (or role-playing action game, depending on your view) featuring a cleric and a vicar among its bosses. Outside of this clear theming, the developing saga comes to life through the sights and sounds of its world. One of Bloodborne's many striking images is that of a massive crucified figure surrounded by single-minded worshippers which poison you when they attack."
Because I have not been able to play this game myself, I have not been able to find the specific enemy he is talking about in any bestiary online, so if you know the name of that enemy, please tell me! I am really curious!
To further add to his point, the reason Yharnam, the city in which the game is based, has gone to hell is because of the Healing Church, a religious order based on the power of blood healing. From what I gather, blood from the old gods could cure all wounds and ailments of mankind. Sadly, the blood slowly drove everyone mad and turned them into vicious, frightening monsters.
A few Christians have noticed this uh, subtlety, and have shown distaste in the game. Here's one blog I found:
https://digitalcrack.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/bloodborne-is-too-blasphemous-to-me-as-a-christian/
Whether you agree with him/her or not, the question remains: how should we Christians respond to this? Do we defend God? Boycott these games and "speak with our wallets"? Does 1 Corinthians 8:4-13 about food offered to idols apply here like it did with violence?
That's a hard one to answer. I mean, we put our hope in a good and holy God! Should we not defend His holy name? Are games that use religion--whether fake or real--blasphemous against Him? And are games that seemingly attack God worth our time?
Like many things, I feel it is complicated.
In an ideal world, it would be inspiring for Christians to band together and make a game (or multiple) that blatantly glorifies God to the masses in response to these questionably-themed games, similar to what Elijah did with his bull sacrifice challenge against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings chapter 18). The stage is set, and God demonstrates his magnificence as the prophets of Baal look like complete idiots!
Unfortunately, I doubt that will ever happen, given the current batch of Christian video games.
Like I said in the introduction to the blog: good intentions, sure. But have you seen what is out there?! It's scarier than Bloodborne...
Several games have you spread the gospel like in the famous (or infamous) game Left Behind: Eternal Forces. Other Christian games are educational and try to be more like interactive documentaries in order to stay as biblical as possible. These usually have very limited interactivity, making it not as fun, like Bible Champions: The Resurrection.
There's one game called Jesus Dress-Up where you adorn Jesus in different attire as he hangs on the cross which, I don't know about you all, greatly disturbs me (Look! It's slaughtered lamb Barbie!!!). And really, if this game were to stay as biblical as possible, your only choices pre-crucifixion would be a scarlet robe or a purple robe. Riveting.........
The best Christian game I played was called The Bible Game for Playstation 2. It was essentially a gameshow-type of game that resembled Mario Party, if you have ever played that. But it is not as good as Mario Party--not by a long shot! I think my enjoyment of the game speaks more about the people I was with than the actual game itself.
The weirdest Christian games (term used rather loosely) are the most interactive. Take Bible Fight for instance, a game in the same genre as Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. Yep. You saw that right... I'll let the game speak for itself:
"In the beginning, there was a contest of strength amongst the most prominent figures in scripture to determine the mightiest. The tale of this great rivalry was thought lost forever. Until now. Let there be Bible Fight!"
That's a hard one to answer. I mean, we put our hope in a good and holy God! Should we not defend His holy name? Are games that use religion--whether fake or real--blasphemous against Him? And are games that seemingly attack God worth our time?
Like many things, I feel it is complicated.
In an ideal world, it would be inspiring for Christians to band together and make a game (or multiple) that blatantly glorifies God to the masses in response to these questionably-themed games, similar to what Elijah did with his bull sacrifice challenge against the prophets of Baal (1 Kings chapter 18). The stage is set, and God demonstrates his magnificence as the prophets of Baal look like complete idiots!
Unfortunately, I doubt that will ever happen, given the current batch of Christian video games.
Like I said in the introduction to the blog: good intentions, sure. But have you seen what is out there?! It's scarier than Bloodborne...
Several games have you spread the gospel like in the famous (or infamous) game Left Behind: Eternal Forces. Other Christian games are educational and try to be more like interactive documentaries in order to stay as biblical as possible. These usually have very limited interactivity, making it not as fun, like Bible Champions: The Resurrection.
There's one game called Jesus Dress-Up where you adorn Jesus in different attire as he hangs on the cross which, I don't know about you all, greatly disturbs me (Look! It's slaughtered lamb Barbie!!!). And really, if this game were to stay as biblical as possible, your only choices pre-crucifixion would be a scarlet robe or a purple robe. Riveting.........
The best Christian game I played was called The Bible Game for Playstation 2. It was essentially a gameshow-type of game that resembled Mario Party, if you have ever played that. But it is not as good as Mario Party--not by a long shot! I think my enjoyment of the game speaks more about the people I was with than the actual game itself.
The weirdest Christian games (term used rather loosely) are the most interactive. Take Bible Fight for instance, a game in the same genre as Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. Yep. You saw that right... I'll let the game speak for itself:
"In the beginning, there was a contest of strength amongst the most prominent figures in scripture to determine the mightiest. The tale of this great rivalry was thought lost forever. Until now. Let there be Bible Fight!"
My reaction:
"Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day! Do not forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!" (Psalm 74:22-23, ESV).
The gospel loses something when we add this interactivity to it. Remember, video games ask us to lead the story onward. But this is God's story...not ours!
And that's the problem, in my opinion. At the root of Christianity is complete surrender to God, who stepped in and did what we could not. He graciously takes our burdens and bears them himself. The truest reality is that we ultimately did nothing for salvation!
And games are all about fantasy fulfillment. It gives us what we deeply desire: self-justification. We can finally be our own savior.
It is that idea, I believe, that pushes video games into becoming hostile toward God and religion.
For once, we can pretend like we don't need God. Or worse, that we can become God. Even in these Christian video games, we control God and/or His church, which is a roundabout way of justifying our own actions, decisions, and thoughts.
In fact, the very idea of God goes against our fulfillment of fantasies, because in some sense, we would rather be God than submit to one, regardless of His righteousness. Isn't that what Adam and Eve wanted? To have knowledge of good and evil like God?
All that to say, Christian video games... not a fan. I don't believe it is worth anyone's time.
So that leaves all the created religions in secular games. Do we just avoid these seemingly blasphemous renditions of God?
I don't think so.
Once again, let us look at Paul, who had to deal with many things in his day. This time, let us look at Acts 17:22-34 ESV.
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown God." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. yet he is actually not far from each one of us..."
Notice that Paul met the people where they were at. He first perceived his surroundings. Then, he was able to discuss and correct the blatantly false image of an unknown and far away god.
Therefore, I think it is important to be able to see the kinds of religions and gods that developers create and who they believe God to be or want Him to be. Or possibly their view of us Christians and how we might have wronged them in some way.
In order to meet people where they are at, we need to first step back and perceive. Whether it is true or not, Christians have a reputation to speak their minds far too quickly without listening to the skeptics, whereas Paul observed first and then spouted truth.
I'm not saying we need to "market" our faith better. Quite the opposite, actually. We are called to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16), but we can't do that unless we know where salt is needed and where light is needed. For instance, if we are salt near a wound, we cause unnecessary harm, but if we are light near a wound, then we expose it, which can lead to proper mending.
But don't feel like you are required to dive into all the different viewpoints of who God is and all interpretations of the faith. If Bloodborne is too blasphemous for you, then there is no shame in that. In my opinion, it is better to be safe than sorry in this regard, because if you don't have a firm grasp of truth, then it may be difficult for you to separate truth from perception.
One more note about Bloodborne. A crucial plot point hidden away deep within the game is that the Healing Church tried to create variations on the blood to enhance it, to further its effects. Obviously, this went horribly, horribly wrong.
To me, that changes my perspective on the tale. It may still be hostile to my faith, but maybe there is something to learn here... Or relearn...
I cannot add anything to the complete and full salvation that God graciously gave to me. Anything I change is a taint to the beauty and power of the gospel.
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus...
Next time, we will look at a game that, I believe, is perhaps one of the best Christian games out there...despite it seemingly attacking the faith.
The gospel loses something when we add this interactivity to it. Remember, video games ask us to lead the story onward. But this is God's story...not ours!
And that's the problem, in my opinion. At the root of Christianity is complete surrender to God, who stepped in and did what we could not. He graciously takes our burdens and bears them himself. The truest reality is that we ultimately did nothing for salvation!
And games are all about fantasy fulfillment. It gives us what we deeply desire: self-justification. We can finally be our own savior.
It is that idea, I believe, that pushes video games into becoming hostile toward God and religion.
For once, we can pretend like we don't need God. Or worse, that we can become God. Even in these Christian video games, we control God and/or His church, which is a roundabout way of justifying our own actions, decisions, and thoughts.
In fact, the very idea of God goes against our fulfillment of fantasies, because in some sense, we would rather be God than submit to one, regardless of His righteousness. Isn't that what Adam and Eve wanted? To have knowledge of good and evil like God?
All that to say, Christian video games... not a fan. I don't believe it is worth anyone's time.
So that leaves all the created religions in secular games. Do we just avoid these seemingly blasphemous renditions of God?
I don't think so.
Once again, let us look at Paul, who had to deal with many things in his day. This time, let us look at Acts 17:22-34 ESV.
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, "To the unknown God." What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. yet he is actually not far from each one of us..."
Notice that Paul met the people where they were at. He first perceived his surroundings. Then, he was able to discuss and correct the blatantly false image of an unknown and far away god.
Therefore, I think it is important to be able to see the kinds of religions and gods that developers create and who they believe God to be or want Him to be. Or possibly their view of us Christians and how we might have wronged them in some way.
In order to meet people where they are at, we need to first step back and perceive. Whether it is true or not, Christians have a reputation to speak their minds far too quickly without listening to the skeptics, whereas Paul observed first and then spouted truth.
I'm not saying we need to "market" our faith better. Quite the opposite, actually. We are called to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16), but we can't do that unless we know where salt is needed and where light is needed. For instance, if we are salt near a wound, we cause unnecessary harm, but if we are light near a wound, then we expose it, which can lead to proper mending.
But don't feel like you are required to dive into all the different viewpoints of who God is and all interpretations of the faith. If Bloodborne is too blasphemous for you, then there is no shame in that. In my opinion, it is better to be safe than sorry in this regard, because if you don't have a firm grasp of truth, then it may be difficult for you to separate truth from perception.
One more note about Bloodborne. A crucial plot point hidden away deep within the game is that the Healing Church tried to create variations on the blood to enhance it, to further its effects. Obviously, this went horribly, horribly wrong.
To me, that changes my perspective on the tale. It may still be hostile to my faith, but maybe there is something to learn here... Or relearn...
I cannot add anything to the complete and full salvation that God graciously gave to me. Anything I change is a taint to the beauty and power of the gospel.
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus...
Next time, we will look at a game that, I believe, is perhaps one of the best Christian games out there...despite it seemingly attacking the faith.