I'm getting mixed answers on Dungeons and Dragons...is it okay for me as a Christian to play?

Question

I play dungeons and dragons on and off each weekend with a bunch of good christian guys from my school, but am still ridiculed as a christian for playing it...there is no ludeness or profanity in our games, but people (who happen to have a history of sueing for defimation of charcter) keep on telling me that it's a gateway to hell,and im only condeming myself if i continue to play...but i really enjoy, and i see nothing wrong with it. its just a bunch of christian guys playing a game...what sin is that?

Answer 1

They've been saying that about D&D ever since it started. The ONLY reason they can give for it, is that there are a multitude of Gods displayed in the game.... which rarely ever enter gaming, but they don't care about that. There's nothing wrong with playing a game... for the sake of playing a game. If they want to get technical, then they shouldn't play Monopoly either, as it encourages the Love of Money... which is the root of all evil. No more playing card games.... as cards, when they were first created, was for Divination... not playing a game.

The whole pick n choose crowd is usually not very intelligent when it comes to these types of things... and cry out at anything they personally don't like. I suggest telling them that if they don't like the game, then they shouldn't play it. But they shouldn't tell you such lies simply because they don't like the game.

Suing for defimation of character - and You're listening to these people?????????

It seems that many modern Christians take something that is fictional and try to make it seem like those who play it or created it are trying to say it's truth or trying to use it against them. They did it with D&D, Harry Potter, Da Vinci Code.... on and on, they continually attack things which are fictional. Unless they like the fictional game/book... like the Left Behind Series, which is quickly becoming common Christian Doctrine. Doesn't make much sense to me... I guess they have nothing better to do.

Answer 2

It's a game which uses the rolling of dice and imagination. Based on that alone the game cannot be considered to be anything but what it is - a simple game. What you do with this game though can be an entirely different matter.

Anyone can turn the simplest of game into something that will offend someone somewhere. I have played D&D and gone on quests to the 9th Plane of Hell, faced Avatars of ancient Gods and even faught against priests of Dieties. Was that a sin? I am sure that in some religion it was, but that in no way changed my enjoyment of the game and my understanding that by the end of the quest the world had not changed and neither had I.

Answer 3

When some religious people look at the Harry Potter books, whereas most of us see an entertaining adventure story, they see Satan hiding behind every page. When they see a movie like _Star Wars_ advertised and hear that some of the characters in the story believe in an all-powerful Force that isn't identified as their God, they condemn it as being of the Devil. These people have a tendency to see demons behind every tree and bush. Unless you really want to live that way, don't buy into their paranoid superstitious thinking. D&D is a game that allows you to use your imagination and creativity. So long as you remember that it's a game and don't let it become an obsession, I say enjoy yourself.

Answer 4

I used to be Christian and played D&D. I am an Atheist now. I don't think D&D made me an Atheist though.


Actually when I was a Christian this was a serious issue with me. I heard from various religous people that it was best to stay away from the influences of the game. They never really gave a good reason why though.


Did you know that Tracy Hickman is a fairly devout Mormon? He has some articles on the issue on his website. Even though he is a Mormon perhaps some of his essays may apply to your beliefs.

Answer 5

jedi_stigma,

I believe that if your faith is strong enough, you can play games, watch movies, and enjoy things in this life - that do not directly violate God's Law's (The Ten Commandments).

Dungeons and Dragons is only a 'gateway to hell' for those who get so into it, that they actually start becoming the characters they are playing. If you are just casually playing the game and not getting caught up in the fantasy play and making it a part of your reality - you are fine.

I enjoy horror movies, but I also know that everything happening in the film is pure fantasy; so it does not affect my values.

Answer 6

That's crazy - so funny! I'm Christian and I play...there's nothing occult about it. Would you say getting into a good game of monopoly would involve you with the occult or suicide??

Answer 7

The people who say it's wrong for you to play a game, or read a book, or study a particular subject because it will put you on a path to hell are just plain idiots. As a Christain you can do whatever you like, just don't sin, i.e. don't contradict Jesus' teaching in the New Testament. Do whatever else you like. Oh and continue to acknowledge God's existence.

Answer 8

You're condemning yourself to insomnia, pizza, Mountain Dew, and a backpack full of expensive books. But no Hell. If you take a look at the magic spells and the monsters in the books, you'll see that they're just words on paper, not real things. You can't summon a real demon by rolling a 20-sided die.

Answer 9

I don't see how it could be, you are just palying a game and using your imagination. Of course I am not christian so I have no idea of the ramifications of playing as a christian.

Personally, I don't think "GOD" would have a problem with people playing a fantasy game.

Answer 10

It's because some people live a life of pure ignorance and stupidity. Play all you want, it's fun. Just don't become obsessed with it, because obsession itself is unhealthy.