Religion in Video Games

PikiGeek: As video games grow as an art form, they inevitably begin to attempt to tackle deeper subject matter. Religion is a deeply polarizing topic that sparks a mixture of controversy and fascination, which is ripe for any author of fiction to take advantage of due to the inherent conflict and tensions. However, due to the controversy that surrounds the subject, many shy away from the sensitive topic in fear of a backlash; if they do approach it, it’s often do so in a very superficial manner. We have seen this reaction recently in Nintendo’s decision to reject the Binding of Isaac due to its religious content.

[Chaostar]

The censorship that follows any controversial issue, in any art form, is sickening. In western society we value freedom of speech highly but when certain religious organisations, with far too much political influence, come across something that opposes their views they attempt to stifle that very freedom. You don't see free-thinking Atheists trying to ban the Narnia movies because of their sickeningly obvious Christian messages.

If it REALLY is so important to protect the ears of sensitive cry-babies the world over then the double standard needs to stop. If you ban anti-religious content then so must pro-religious content be banned. In my ideal world the freedom of speech we value so much would carry enough substance to render such action unnecessary.

Nintendo lost a little of my respect when they blocked the Binding of Isaac, it's a little like giving in to terrorism.

[TheFirstClassic]

Actually some atheists will do the same thing, like how some people want to prevent you from saying merry christmas because it is a christian holiday. Some people say it would make atheists feel uncomfortable. A lot of political correctness.

This kind of thing happens on both ends.

[M83_]

Really?! I'm an atheist but I would never tell someone not to say merry Christmas for the sake of political correctness. If I were to do that I would be just as bad as those fanatically religious people that force their views on others.
I see christmas as nothing more than a tradition where we all get to gether pig out , exchange presents and get pissed. I don't look for the religious aspects of anything, and it's more enjoyable if you don't.

[Bimkoblerutso]

Seriously, how can you even SUGGEST that (some) atheists aren't guilty of the same crap? Atheists are constantly attempting to get any public mention of God stricken from just about everything. The "moment of prayer/silence" in schools has been contested.

Hell, back when I was in High School, students were restricted from carrying bibles around in school because a freshman atheist complained.

The hypocrisy embarrasses me a little bit as an atheist. Not that the religious front isn't just as ridiculous...

[AWBrawler]

As a Christian, I can tell ya, the stuff fanatical atheist do pale greatly in comparison to the crap our fundamentalist do.
Just Saying......

[_Aarix_]

Why would you keep a bible around school? Im struggling just to keep up in chemistry. Anyway dont accuse athiest in general of causing crap like that. Thats like saying all christians prance around with hateful signs whenever the westboro baptists churcj does it. Religion gets the plus side when phrases like "under god" is nicefully put in the pledge of allience considering how the person who made it was very careful in not adding any religious dialogue but As of 1954, i hath to annoyingly quiet myself for those 2 words. Athiests dont get as much fairness as religious people so i refuse to accept the fact that we cause much of a dent in religious problems we have.

[Sidewinder-]

All they gotta say is

"this game was made by people with a bunch of beliefs"

Then it's ok. They can go to town with their ideas.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a Christian and I'm an up and coming game developer. Can't wait to start my Christian game company.

[SandwichHammock]

You're an up and coming game developer so you've taken computing theory and all that jazz ... AND a Christian?
So God and his boy Jesus are all about the 1s and 0s and the transistors that are starting to reach atomic size levels?

Science and theology are like water and oil, they just don't mix in my book. But there is you, like many others, that put both in a blender for their entire life, continuously hitting the pulse button in hopes that on some very basic level, it'll mix. Sir, you are just as bad as pro lifers that are for the death penalty.

I'll give you one thing though, from a business perspective, that market is not very tapped. Call of Jebus III: Shotgunning the unbelievers. Preorder now for the bible cannon unlock!

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

"You're an up and coming game developer so you've taken computing theory and all that jazz ... AND a Christian?"

Yes. And I'm working with a team that's making a game that we're going to put on the Android Market hopefully this year.

"Science and theology are like water and oil, they just don't mix in my book."

Science was ORIGINALLY a theological tool. Science is basically the study of how our world operates. Before it became dominated by secularism the philosophy of science was based off of this concept:

"Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." -Romans 1:19-20

Basically, to understand God you study his creation, which is basically what science is. Christians have largely influenced science both past and present. Famous Christians like Galileo, Newton, Joule, Pasteur and many others are known as the fathers of their respective fields. So to say that theology and science don't mix is rather ignorant of both of their histories. My question though is what does this have to do with me being a game developer?

"Sir, you are just as bad as pro lifers that are for the death penalty."

Bad? Bad according to who? I'm assuming you're an Atheist or at least a moral relativist. In either case who are you to determine what is good or bad? You have no standard to say such a thing. Good and bad is just a matter of opinion to you. And if it's just a matter of everyone's opinion then who are you to impose your opinion on me? What is it that Atheists are always saying? Opinions are like cocks? Everyone has one, don't wave it around in public and don't shove it down people's throats? I suppose that only applies to Theists though right?

Listen. I can deal with you not accepting the Christian truth but when you go around randomly attacking people it gives you and your faith (Atheism) a bad name.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

"Absolute faith in God and in Eternity, and a conviction that the power for good given to us in this world will be continued beyond it, were feelings which pervaded his whole life; the virtues of the gospel had ever been present to him. Full of respect for the form of religion which had been that of his forefathers, he came simply to it and naturally for spiritual help in these last weeks of his life." -Louis Pasteur

"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo

“We account the scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy. I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever.” - Isaac Newton

“I prefer to believe those writers who get their throats cut for what they write.” (referring to Christians) - Pascal

“We must not build on the sands of an uncertain and everchanging science…but upon the rock of inspired Scriptures.” -Sir Ambrose Flemming (Electrical Engineer i.e. scientist)

Yet Science and Theology don't mix...

[Scrupuless]

Your a religious fundamentalist, who believes the the earth is 10 000 years old and that Noahs arc was real. In reality that's all that need to be said on the topic of religion and science. However I will elaborate on that sentiment, if a scientific theory such as evolution is in direct contradiction to your fanatical view. Without even a semblance of a shame you will will believe what your bible says over the scientific theory. Now someone like you will naturally, after having accepted, that, of course the biblical version is correct, will look to fit "evidence" into your misguided views. You named some religious scientist, however you might fail to recognize one thing they have in common they are all dead and long past their prime. In todays world, most scientist are agnostic atheist, and the minority are religious. Here is a recent study of belief vs disbelief within the current scientific community link and stats below.

http://www.stephenjaygould....

Belief in personal God 1914 1933 1998
Personal belief 27.7 15 7.0
Personal disbelief 52.7 68 72.2
Doubt or agnosticism 20.9 17 20.8

Belief in human immort 1914 1933 1998
Personal belief 35.2 18 7.9
Personal disbelief 25.4 53 76.7
Doubt or agnosticism 43.7 29 23.3

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

Listen, I dont feel like addressing all your flaws (including your ad hominem attacks, your belief that evolution is a scientific theory, and your grammar). I'm just gonna leave you with this: If you believe you are the product of random chance processes then, your beliefs are the utmost fanatical. To believe that a being with this much complexity design and order is little more than sarandipity is absurd - especially since this process has never been seen or reproduced in a lab (i.e. not science). Do you also believe that Mount Rushmore came from wind erosion? Why not try throwing some dynamite into a junk yard and see if you can blow yourself up a nice hummer. Yet the human body which is infinitely more complex, and the universe in general was just a happy accident eh? SMH what are the odds?

You can believe that you're an accident all you want, but there is a God in heaven that loves you that says otherwise. I'm gonna go randomly throw some paint on a canvas and see if I can recreate the Mona Lisa.

[Scrupuless]

The difference between you and me, I don't claim to know how we got here, our origin. You claim you know based on no evidence what so ever. Your claims that I believe we are accidents are false, I don't claim to know. The difference between people like you and me, when it comes to this topic is simple. You need an answer, a clean, easy to understand, all knowing answer. You found your answer in a fairy tale. I have accepted that answer is currently unknowable. One thing, however that can be said for sure, your christian god is not real, its made up. That is not to say their are no god, gods, or creator, or perhaps just random acts of atoms. Don't assume because i dont believe in your christian god that you know what I believe, you do not. I am saying your belief in your one true god is a false belief. Your belief that the world is 10 thousand years is old is wrong, your belief in the story of noahs arc is a false one. Your disbelief in the scientific theory of evolution is wrong as well. My mind is open and yours is closed, you think you know the meaning of life, our origin, and our destination. Guess what, your most likely wrong, the sooner you realize this the sooner you can start living a full life not dictated by antiquated morays set forth by desert dwelling tribes 2000 years ago. Not that you do live by the bible, you live by parts of the bible. What of the parts in where it tells you to stone children who talk back to their parents, or the part where it is okay to marry a rape victim to her raper, in order to restore her honor, what of those parts.

Don't throw stones when you live in a glass house, this is my response to your critique of my grammar. I at no point personally attacked you, and I would ask that you point out where i did in my original post. If you could please elaborate on how my belief in the scientific theory of evolution is absurd I would appreciate it.

[Scrupuless]

you blocked me after sending this to me, rather uncouth of you, so here it is for all to see and my response to boot.

ExgamerLegends1d ago Block
Also
I felt it necessary to address your link. Just a heads up, the next time you cite an article (and I mean no harm when I say this.) Please make sure it's up to date. Your survey is 14 years old. Not only that but it was only conducted among 1000 scientists who only live in America and only scientists from the natural fields of science. Here's something a bit more mondern.

http://christiancadre.blogs...

My response

This survey still finds me the in the right and you in the wrong even taken at face value. The other thing to note is that belief specifically in your christian god drops drastically between the general public and scientist surveyed. The smarter you are the more likely you are to realize that christianity is nonsense. Face it your only christian because you grow up in a christian area, when you were reaching for straws (searching for the meaning of life) this is the one you were able to reach, it really is as simple as that.

[AWBrawler]

Yeah, Tales of Symphonia already tackled religion. This is old news.

[NYC_Gamer]

I don't care about religion in video games long as it shows both sides of belief.I've never been the religious type myself though.