What do Video Games & Religion have in common?

Video games and religion? What do they have in common? The answer may be more similar than you think.

A child of the early 80's, I practically grew up with the personal computer around me. My dad was a programmer (part-time) but then launched into his own full-time computing business at the time. At that time, my only interest in the computer was to play video games or have it interact with me by responding to my input (if you remember command line prompting). However, I was also raised in a Judeo-Christian faith based on Herbert Amstrong's interpretations of the holy scriptures, which gave me a unique experience of Christianity that actually drew heavily on Jewish festivals and celebrations. Yet, in my past life, I never made the connection between the similarities between religion and video games until now.

My modern day journey into understanding video games came when I began my thesis looking at the idea of how folklore could inform the design of information retrieval systems. This initial topic of exploration led me to reading the book by Miller (2008) on digital storytelling. It was in Miller (2008) that I first learned that role playing video games can actually be traced back early interactive storytelling practices of religion including the participatory dramas of ancient pagan religions, where masks and costumes were used for role play to represent spirits or gods similar to how modern day avatars are applied as the embodiment or incarnation of entities from another world who are not actually present. Miller also mentions modern rituals such as the Jewish holiday of Passover and Halloween, noting similarities between people assuming roles not performed in real life and transitioning into worlds different from their own reality.

So getting back to the question, what do video games and religion have in common? Three main things:

1. Role-play
2. Symbols, icons and avatars
3. enactment and re-enactment 

So taking Miller's argument, religion with its rituals and ceremonies is the first precursor to modern video games. In essence, religion can be considered a video game played or enacted outside of the computer.

Let us take the faith(s) that I am most familiar with and intimate of: Judeo and Roman Christianity. There are countless icons, symbols and avatars in my religion. In essence these religious icons, symbols and avatars are real objects used to represent an idea or a reality, or to tell a narrative or story. Examples are:

fish - to remind us about our purpose and mission - to evangelize [or proselytise] and bring in people to God

cross/crucifix - to represent the rising Saviour, the idea of resurrection

bread  - for Christianity it is a symbol of fellowship

wine - symbol of joy (for the Jews) and symbol of blood (for Christians)

lighted candlestick - symbol of inspiration

matzah/matzo - bread of affliction (symbol of the body of Christ for Christians)

Role-playing games are not much different from religion as the same elements are very much present, namely:

• a narrative world or space - with rules, restrictions and limitations
• a central narrative underlying the game and its rituals
• symbols, icons and avatars 
• role-play and enactment

Current we are in the period [that is if you are reading this blog in March/April] of two festivals where both Christians and Jews will be involved in role-playing. Most Western Christian traditions will role-play the Lord's supper (and other events), and enact through symbols Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. My Jewish friends on the other hand, will enact historical Passover night in Egypt.

As to the narrative world or space, both Christianity and Judaism today construct elaborate spaces designed to facilitate their telling of Biblical and communal narratives. Both construct spaces and ascribe rules and restrictions and limitations to what can be done within the space and who gets to play what role within specific spaces. 

For example, while it is deemed unacceptable to snack "in  church" either during the ceremony or even after, it is perfectly acceptable to "snack" of the communion bread and grape juice during the narrative event enacting Communion.

Finally, both video games and religions have communities formed around their narratives and rituals.The conclusion, perhaps video games and religion are more similar than we think. Just a thought.


References:

Miller, C. H. (2008). Digital storytelling: A creator's guide to interactive entertainment (2nd ed.). Amsterdam; Boston: Focal Press/Elsevier.

Palm Sunday and Passover 2014 preparation reflection

So Passover 2014 begins April 14. As I attempt to lead my family (or household) in remembering and celebrating this feast, I want to share five thoughts that came to me as we prepared to remember Passover:

1. On Palm Sunday morning, respecting my wife's Christian tradition, we listened to a Bible reading on the events of Palm Sunday. As we listened to the readings prior to the main Palm Sunday event, I noticed the themes of Jesus sayings and teachings prior to his entry in Jerusalem. All the teachings and sayings recorded then seemed to have a reoccurring theme: that of getting rid of the things that separates one from God. Hence, the major idea of Passover preparation is to take time to think about what brings us closer to God and what separates us from him.
2. Cleaning through my refrigerator, I came across numerous vegetables that were abandoned or forgotten, including frozen vegetables. This inspired me to reflect that Passover is a good time to look back at our store house of food and see what we have wasted and make sure that we make good use of food that God provided us. To help do this, we should have a feast and invite friends, neighbours, loved ones or even strangers to help us eat the good food that God has provided us with, and celebrate and not forget his provision in the previous [old] year while we look forward to continuing provision for the new year.
3. Cleaning my refrigerator took the whole morning and I was basically tired and a bit sick after the activity. Despite my enthusiasm to do more, like vacuum and mop the whole house, my body could not meet the goals I set for Passover cleaning. This reminded me that my efforts to remember the Passover by doing some of the activities  in the Bible will always fall short, hence my need for Jesus as my Saviour. Essentially, all the good that I intend to do, cannot be done, because of the limitations in my body and flesh. Hence, I need a substitute who can help me do the will of God and help me to acquire his favour.
4. The matzah is really the "bread of affliction". My wife after eating matzah for an entire week for several years now, does not like the bread (or cracker). Whenever the Passover season comes and I acquire the bread, she reminds me of her horrible experiences and why she does not like the bread. For her, going without leavened products is more like a fast than a feast. I can empathize with her to some extent. Because Matzah is not the kind of food that you want to eat seven days straight. It is a bread that cuts. Because it lacks leaven, it is crunchy but can also lead to sore gums and cuts in the mouth (or lip). Nonetheless, the hardship of eating Matzah can remind us that we as Christians must share in the afflictions of Christ. (For Jews, the affliction is shared with their ancestors). To me the Passover experience reminds me that even though I might have freedom today, religious freedom is not guaranteed tomorrow. Just like how the Jews prospered in Joseph's time in Egypt, it only takes a few generations before your faith can be outlawed and your freedoms taken away. I see parallel today that the Western world, once the bedrock of [Western] Christianity is now becoming increasing secular. The results are, freedoms we used to enjoy are now being curtailed. Yet, the Passover experience reminds me that this is nothing new, and in fact, is promised by our Saviour. As Jesus says: In this world, we shall have sorrow (John 16:33). Hence, we must be prepared and prepare ourselves each Passover remembrance for this reality. We don't know when it may be illegal to be a Christian (for some in the East, this is already reality), but we must always contemplate this reality so that we can be reminded that even though we will be oppressed that God will deliver us as he did with the Hebrews under Pharaoh.
5. Finally, as I cleaned my refrigerator, I wondered if Passover was also a way of getting the Hebrews to practice the hygiene of cleaning their food storage houses once a year, so as to clear out bacteria and other contaminants of food. I not only removed expired food from my fridge, but also wiped away much of the scum that made me wonder how much bacteria lives in the fridge, despite the cold temperature. I can only imagine that the Hebrews in leaving Egypt, without fridge technology, had to deal with hot temperatures associated with their food storage spaces that led to the breeding of fungi, mold and other micro-organisms. 

Finally, I share an insider's joke. My wife argued with me that I shouldn't wait once a year to do "spring cleaning" of the house. In fact, she suggested that we should be doing such activities at least every two weeks, so as to maintain the clean environment, rather than having a whole lot to do at one time. I shot back that God only cleansed his sanctuary once per year. :)

Does God really help those who help themselves? Some lessons from Psalm 107

There is a popular saying that "God helps those who help themselves". The mere popularity of this saying is evident in the fact that this proverb has its own Wikipedia page ("God helps those" 2014). However, this saying is not in the Biblical text. The question is, does God really help those who help themselves? My recent Bible study on Psalm 107 may be able to shed some light on this matter.


Psalm 107, in general, is a passage that describes the redeemed of the LORD. When I apply principles of literary or narrative analysis to the text, some interesting ideas emerge. While I shall not go into in-depth coverage here, I sum it all up to say that all the redeemed of the LORD encounter some event of misfortune, danger, affliction or crisis.

In fact, when I analyse the text, I see five groups of redeemed people:

1. Redeemed migrants/immigrants who get lost in deserted places where they cannot access food or water (verses 2-4).
2. Redeemed people who are prisoners either literally in chains or mentally as in depressed because they failed to listen to or rebelled against God's counsel or words (verses 10-16)
3. Redeemed people who are sick or afflicted because of their iniquities or sinful ways (verse 17-18)
4. Redeemed people who are business travelers (rich guys), who go to sea to conduct business and God decides to humble them by making their journey a scary one (verse 23-30)
5. Finally, there is a category of redeemed humble, hungry and poor folk, who become oppressed by princes or rulers or governments (verses 36-42).  

From these, I can see four main sources for troubling situations such as disasters. Human beings face troubling situations and circumstances because:

1. God created it. As in the vast earth with uninhabitable spaces through which the immigrants or migrants have to travel or in terms of the storm at sea that God used to scare business travelers and seamen .
2. God permits it. As in the case of the oppression by the princes of poor people, so that he can make the princes look bad and rescue the poor people
3. Our fault a). We do not listen to or rebel against God's counsel and word, as in the case of those redeemed who become prisoners.
4. Our fault b). We have sinful ways and iniquities that bring about diseases and problems upon us. In this regard, we may unintentionally or willfully do things that cause "hell" in our lives because we can't help sinning.

The good news though, is that despite all these sources for our troubles, when we are at our wits' end and have given up on our own ability to come out of the trouble, then God steps in. This he does so that he can get all the glory as the hero that saves us from our troubles. In the end all, God helps those who are in need, but only after they have exhausted all their efforts and call out to him for help.

References:

God helps those who help themselves. (2014, January 23). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 29, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=God_helps_those_who_help_themselves&oldid=591953194

Order My steps O' Lord (Original song post)

I continue to upload the songs that the Lord gives to me. This time I have musical accompaniment from http://www.recordingstudio.bz/. However, I need a microphone for clearer vocals. Plus my baby's voice was in the background.

Lyrics:

Order my steps O Lord,
and let me walk,
In the way that pleased you
Order my steps O Lord,
and lemme walk
In the way that's best to you


Keep me from temptation
Less I walk astray
Keep me in salvation,
let me walk in the blessed way

As I walk thru the earth i see
Things that appeal to me
Put in me enmity
Against my carnality

Here is the link to the vocal and instrumental. https://soundcloud.com/mark-shane-scale/order-my-steps

Idea for a Bible theme virtual world game

I have been continuing my online storytelling course and have moved to the module about storytelling in computer games. On a previous occasion on this very blog, I've blogged about the need to create a quality Bible-narrative game. Well, I've given some more thought to the merits of a well designed Bible themed game and have some ideas that I want to share.

First, before I walk you through my Bible-narrative themed game, I want to make it clear that a well-designed Bible game can prompt players to dig deeper into the Bible. I've spoken to gamers who have told me that when they've gotten really into a game, they become interested in researching the backstory behind the game. From my conversations with avid or serious gamers, I believe that a well narrated Bible video game can prompt users to want to know more about the Bible and the world(s) of the Bible.

That said, I now invite you to imagine with me a new Bible game: a Biblically based virtual world, lets say based in heaven (or the new earth).

So the setting of the game is in heaven or the new world that God has created where there is no evil. Where Satan has been forever banished. In this setting, the player can do certain actions that they cannot do in our real world such as fly, walk through solid objects and even walk on water. In addition, you can walk around and converse with other characters, some computer generated while others are online players like yourself. The computer generated characters will tell you their testimony of how they came to be saved and also ask about yours. (Obviously, some characters will be angels and will not have such testimonies)

In this world, you amass points by attempting to accomplish three goals:

1. Find and converse with historical Bible that are hidden throughout the world
2. Collect Bible mentioned artifacts or items such as (the 12 stones in the ephod of the high priest of Israel) scattered throughout the world
3. Answer Bible quiz questions correctly to unlock a new level in the game/world

End of imagination. Back to reality. So that is it for now, until I have something more compelling to say. But I am willing to consult and collaborate with anyone interested in creating such a Bible game universe. So just putting this out there.

God bless you.

"Kosher" Jewelry: The Biblical guidelines for adornment

Introduction:
There are generally two polarised views in Christianity regarding jewelry wearing. In one camp, persons argue that jewelry should not be worn any at all. Another camp says that it is what is in the inside that counts and that God does not care about the outside. But what does the Bible say about the matter. This year, God's direction to me is to go neither to the left, nor the right (don't get involved in extremes). As such, I decide to go with an open mind into the subject and study what the Bible actually says about this topic of jewelry wearing, rather than relying on the partisan arguments.

I must begin by indicating that based on my non-biblical or extra-biblical research on jewelry has mentioned that jewelry wearing seems to have originated from the practice of wearing amulets, or magic charms. For example in the book of Enoch, it is said that fallen angels taught women to adorn themselves with jewelry and even made the first jewelry (Enoch 8:1). Further sources such as the Jewish Encyclopedia suggest that 'all ornaments worn on the person seem to have been originally amulets' (Amulet, 2011). Another source, Cox (2011) cites a source without sufficient bibliographic detail that suggests that "it is possible that bracelets, anklets and rings may have at one time been amulets and to have participated in the general tendency for amulets to degenerate into ornaments (Regalia, ERE, Vol. 10, p. 637)". Jewish sources also indicate that the only jewelry that is Torah-approved is jewelry that carries the Word of God on hand or on the forehead as a reminder of our obligations to God and his covenant and promises. Catholic sources also indicate that the early church also adopted this idea. According to Hassett (1907) "following the example of Moses, who sought to turn the minds of the Jews from the superstitious emblems to which they were accustomed in Egypt, by substituting for them symbols of an elevating character, the Church, while forbidding amulets, permitted the use of emblems which would remind the bearers of some doctrine of Christianity".

These sources aside, we examine the Bible itself.

What the Bible says?
The Bible first of all does seem to permit the wearing of certain jewelry. It also states wear acceptable Biblical jewelry can be worn. According to the book of Proverbs, Biblical approved jewellery is worn around the head and neck (Proverbs 1:8-9; 3:1-3). Further, Deut. 6:4-9 suggests that hand or emblem on the forehead can be worn (specifically verse 8). In all of these scriptures, Biblically approved jewelry consists of written teachings or commandments that reminds us to be loyal and faithful to God. In general Biblically approved jewelry are things worn on our bodies to remind us and others of God's instructions. Any other jewellery wearing seems to be a form of idolatry. In Genesis 35:1-4, we see a unique story where jewelry was associated with idols and that part of the preparation to meet God required changing outward apparel including jewelry. Further, God discusses in the 10 commandments that we should not creates any grave images in the form of any thing (Exodus 20:4).  

Even in the approved jewelry wearing, there seems to be no allowance for earrings. Piercing of the flesh forbidden, except if one wishes to become a man's slave for life (Leviticus 19:28; Deut. 14:1-2; Exodus 21:6). In general the principle is that we are to wear on our clothing  things that honor God, including embroidery (Numbers 15:37-41). In principle, everything worn by a person is point to God and not self. Our bodies are not our own, and we are to use them to bring honour to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20). This is especially important as Christ, the head of the body has already been pierced and tattooed for our sins, we now as his body just need not to have any such marks upon us of our own doing, but bear in our bodies his image and likeness (1 Cor. 15:49).

Conclusion

Based on scripture, our adornment ought to be done in a way that solely glorifies God. We ought not to dress to be fashionable, but rather, we must dress to remind ourselves and others to be faithful to God. While we are God's earrings and jewels accentuating God and make him attractive to other people and nations, this does not mean we must dress as how the secular world defines "attractive". Based on the scriptural evidence, I tend to take the perspective that if we wear any jewelry or adornment, it should be text of scripture or Bible verses or words that reminds us of God. Further, if we wear any thing (whether bits of wood, bone, stone, or other natural objects), as the people of faith (or scripture) we should wear engravened or written scripture on these objects that refer us and others to God. However, to summarise, the guiding principle when putting on any clothing or object is: will this cause me and others to be faithful to God and his teachings.


References:

Amulet. In (2011). JewishEncyclopedia.com. Kopelman Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/1445-amulet

Cox, W. (2011). The origin of the wearing of earrings and jewellery in ancient times. Christian Churches of God. Paper No. 197. (Edition 2.0 19970405-20010215-20110511). Retrieved from http://www.ccg.org/english/s/p197.html

Hassett, M. (1907). Amulet. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01443a.htm

Pastors as modern day storytellers

I recently came across a Facebook post that said "The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds."

The saying seems like good secular wisdom to me and got me thinking about the negative rap that pastors and preachers of the 21st century are getting (for instance, the conversation around "Preachers of LA" and the mega pastors and televangelists that are said to be living as billionaires or rockstars). Even in my homeland of Jamaica, I have often heard negative remarks that the church is a 'money-making business' and that pastors are in it for the money.

So strong are these negative sentiments towards churches and pastors that there are people of these days that are of the opinion that we do not need churches or pastors. Pastors are viewed as dishonest men that tell fictional stories in exchange for people's money. While there are many pastors that have done wrong and abused the trust of the public, there is still a place in our contemporary society for storytellers that heal the souls of people with their stories.

It is evident that in every society and culture in ancient times, that humanity has had shamans, priests, bush doctors, oral historians and other storytellers who have told stories, preserved social history and healed people. This class of people have been with human beings since human society began, preserving the stories of human survival in a world of difficulty, crisis and danger. It is my view, that this human need has not changed even in an era of "scientific progress". Despite scientific and technological advances with the rise of professionals in medicine and psychology (our present day 'healers') that only treat us when our symptoms suggest that we are broken, human beings still need storytellers and healers that nurture our souls and spirit with wholesome stories. We need social history stories that tell us of human beings in the past who used their values and beliefs to get through terrible or difficult situations and circumstances.

I personally get the sense that at least once per week, human beings need to hear stories and narratives that help us make meaning about our present, while connecting it to our past as well as to a hopeful future. We need to hear what our ancestors went through and how they toughed out difficult times to build the foundations of what we have today. We need to hear what kept them going and how they overcame the obstacles to leave behind the legacy that we now enjoy.  We also need to know what future must we prepare for. What is the dream? What legacy are we to build on and leave for the next generation? Why are we even doing what we do and for whom?

These are the questions that I believe all people need answers. For without these answers, our current existence in meaningless and the future an uncertain and fearful one. We know not for certainty what lies ahead of us, but if we have storytellers and stories we can have hope, strength and courage to face the uncertainties of the future.

In this regard, I appreciate pastors. Pastors today (at least in the Western Christian world) are the last remnants of such storytellers. These storytellers have evolved and changed with human society and economy. Unfortunately, some have been corrupted by greed and exchange stories and healing for wealth and luxury rather than provide these for free. Yet, pastors, who are versed in historical texts and able to connect the present to both history and a prophetic future (especially the future as seen by the ancients and even the ancient storytellers and healers of the past) should be held in high esteem. To such pastors, give them their wages and let them help heal humanity and prepare us with the stories we need to get through our present challenges and prepare for future obstacles.