Board Game Faith: Recent Episodes
Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor
We explore the intersection of board games, religious faith, and spirituality with the verve and ironic hilarity of the 21st century. The co-hosts are Christian pastors who ask, what does it mean theologically that we as humans like to play games? Be ready for deep thoughts, dad jokes, and board game obsession.
Join us as we explore the vibrant world of board game conventions, featuring insights from the inaugural Omaha Gaming Convention, highlights of diverse games played, and the inspiring stories of community and inclusion. Discover how these events foster creativity, diversity, and faith in the gaming community.
Discover the top board game accessories that enhance your gaming experience! From essential organizers to fun upgrades, we cover it all in this episode of Play Saves the World.
Key takeaways:
Learn about the best accessories to elevate your board game nights.
Find out how to keep your games organized and easy to set up.
Explore unique upgrades that can make your favorite games even better.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Top Board Game Accessories
02:00 Salsa Bowls
05:00 Self Adhesive Tape
08:00 Dice Trays
10:00 Card Holders
12:00 Board Game Geek
15:00 BG Stats App
18:00 Cloth Drawstring Bags
20:00 Neoprene Playmats
25:00 Upgraded Components
30:00 Board Game Inserts
35:00 Bonus Accessories
What's your favorite board game accessory? Drop it in the comments!
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BoardGames #GamingAccessories #PlaySavesTheWorld
Kevin discusses his experience at the 2026 Geekway to the West board game convention, highlighting new games he encountered and played. We both explore a variety of board games, from Welsh seaside village building to Japanese train games, television station management, and more.
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Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to New Games Roundup
- 05:59 New Games at Geekway
- 11:12 Networks Primetime: Running a Television Station
- 17:26 Up or Down: Building Elevators
- 22:28 Orloge: Building the Clock in Prague
We discuss our top 10 animal-themed board games, including a shadow animal game list and the real animal game list. Will your favorite game make the cut? What did we miss?
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The games offer educational and thematic values. Some focus on animal rescue, set collection, card management, area control, and ecosystem simulation.
Chapters
- 00:00 Opening Mayhem
- 26:49 Introduction to Animal-Themed Games
- 33:07 Gloomhaven and Animal Characters
- 38:28 Wingspan and Bird Collection
- 46:22 Cascadia and Pacific Northwest Wildlife
We offer our top 5 lists of games that surprised us the most.
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Daniel and Kevin discuss the unexpected elements and experiences of these games, highlighting their unique features and gameplay. The conversation explores surprising and transformative board games that have defied expectations, leading to a shift in perspective and a newfound appreciation for the gaming experience. There are personal stories and insights about each game, highlighting the unexpected elements that made them stand out.
The conversation explores the intersection of play, theology, and womanism, highlighting the role of play in Lakisha's life and its connection to her theological journey. Lakisha shares her definition of play as an embodied aesthetic experience and a cultural expression, and discusses womanism as an expansive and inclusive approach to feminism. The chapters cover Lakisha's background, her journey with play and theology, the intersection of play and theology, and an introduction to womanism. The conversation delves into the metaphorical use of double dutch in theological exploration, emphasizing the historical context and practical application of play practices. It also addresses the theological significance of play, the benefits of play in self-care and community care, and the pushback against play in theological and pastoral contexts.
Takeaways
- Play as an embodied aesthetic experience and a cultural expression
- Womanism as an expansive and inclusive approach to feminism Embracing play as a lens for theological exploration
- The importance of play in self-care and community care
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
- 05:15 Lakisha's Journey with Play and Theology
- 11:16 Finding God and Self in Play
- 16:39 Defining Play and Womanism
- 21:46 Introduction to Womanism
- 26:49 Double Dutch as a Metaphor
- 37:28 Pushback Against Play
We discuss the absence of tabletop games in the Bible (eeeek!) – and the presence of randomization and game-like elements.
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We talk about the Biblical, game-like practices of casting lots, the significance of Urim and Thummim, and the game-like nature of the parable of the talents.
There is a playfulness in the Bible, and the idea of control and randomization in religious and secular contexts. We note the parallels between games, war strategy, and life, as well as the gamification of life and the playfulness in ritualized meals. We also touch on the themes of order from chaos, playing a different game, and the game of being born again.
Chapters
- 00:00 Game-Like Elements in the Bible
- 26:12 Gamification of Life
- 32:10 Children and Playful Rule-Breaking
- 40:20 Order from Chaos
How do board games become acts of devotion? We delve into the intersection of spirituality, identity, and agency within the context of gaming. Games facilitate introspection, connection, and exploration of different identities. The conversation explores the role-playing aspect of board games and its impact on personal experiences and connections. board games and religion include symbolism with emotional and transformative power.
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Takeaways
- Board games and role-playing games offer opportunities for introspection, connection, and exploration of different identities.
- Gaming experiences provide a space for encountering chance, agency, and systemic understanding, contributing to devotional-style experiences. Role-playing in board games goes beyond game mechanics, allowing players to inhabit roles and evoke powerful emotions.
- Board games serve as a platform for exploring personal experiences, connecting with others, and engaging with symbolism and religious themes.
In this episode of Play Saves the World, Daniel and Kevin explore the intersection of spirituality and board games, discussing six spiritual realities that emerge from play. They delve into the definitions of play, its importance in fostering community, grace, agency, education, freedom, and presence, and how these elements contribute to a life-giving spirituality. The conversation reflects on the evolving understanding of play over three and a half years of podcasting, emphasizing the joy and connection that board games can bring to individuals and communities.
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Takeaways
Play is a voluntary activity that fosters community.
Engaging in play nurtures a sense of belonging.
Grace is an essential aspect of play, emphasizing self-worth.
Play encourages agency and the ability to make choices.
Educational elements in games can shape our understanding of history and society.
Freedom in play allows for exploration and creativity.
Presence in play helps us focus on the moment and connect with others.
Play is inherently rewarding and provides joy.
The act of play can serve as a meditative practice.
Board games can bridge generational gaps and foster interconnection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Realities of Board Games
02:12 Defining Play and Its Importance
13:54 Spiritual Realities of Play
18:44 Sense of Belonging and Community
19:18 Grace and Self-Worth in Play
24:47 The Divine Nature of Play
26:59 Agency and Choice in Spirituality
29:47 The Educational Value of Play
35:53 Freedom Through Play
42:23 The Importance of Presence in Play
Context Held at Glen Eyrie in Colorado Springs, next to Garden of Gods 5 days and 4 nights Sponsored by Office of Congregational Excellence of the Missouri Annual Conference of United Methodist Church About 33 participants - mostly clergy, but some lay persons as well The fourth of a series of spiritual formation retreats known as “Soul Connections” - this one was on the theme of “Enchantment” Stayed in a lodge, ate meals in the castle, hiked through surrounding hills and mountains Asked me to lead three 2-hour sessions on “Theology of Play” Day 1 - Introduction to Play Bernard Suits’ definition of game – “the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles” Talked about my own journey into gaming Research into gaming Games and play are essentially the same thing Play has been an essential part of the human condition (including adults) since the beginning of history Theologians interested in play too! Play as salvation Played “Just One” Reflect on how games help us be present to each other, gives us sense of agency Play as grace Parker Palmer - Play as sign of calling - asked folks to reflect Day 2 - Barriers to Play Told them Monopoly history If play is so good for us, why are we resistant to it? Told story of Bernard Suits' The Grasshopper except for the ending - including haunting dream Historical roots of barriers to play Reformation, Age of Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution “Earning” salvation was replaced with “proving” salvation Being productive was sign of virtue; being unproductive was sign of immorality “Morality of achievement” - Moltmann Turns human into cogs in machines “Pushback on idea of play as work which we want to do. Someone shared story of “workaholic” who said “my work is my play.” Played Wits & Wagers - reflection Reflection on Genesis 3:1-6 - Adam & Eve & serpent Sin was thinking we didn’t need God or anyone else. We could prove our worth through our achievement. The greatest barrier to play is “practical atheism” - the belief that we can’t rely on God, not really. We have to prove our worth and value by achieving and producing. Ending of the Grasshopper - everything is unnecessary from a utopian point of view (or cosmic scale), so all is play Day 3 - Toward a Playful Life 2 tools to help us move toward a playful life: Sabbath - Looked at the book The Sabbath by Joshua Abraham Heschel Sabbath hallows time like temples hallow space Just as a Sabbath is the end unto itself (not to “recharge”), so too is play. It is not in service to work. Jane McGonigal - Reality is Broken The opposite of work is not play, it is despair, hopelessness. Work is about having agency. So work is just play we want to do. So how can we make work more into something we want to do - gamification of life! How will world view us if we move toward a playful life? 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Holy Fool Tradition Filling out “Character Creation Sheet” - make your own Holy Fool Self (Mandi Hutchinson) General Reflections 1. Made me wonder whether it would be helpful to lay out 3 terms, not just 2: 1. Play - voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles 2. Work - obligatory attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles 3. Rest - refraining from both of the above 2. More barriers to play for women than men 3. Character sheets - some were reluctant. Maybe pass out the day before to get people time to work on it. 4. Wits & Wagers didn’t quite work as well as I hoped. Would replace next time with the Mind. 5. What seemed to resonate with people: 1. Suits’ definition of games 2. Ending of Grasshopper - everything is unnecessary 3. Play as calling WE WANT TO DO THIS MORE! If you would like Kevin or Daniel or both to teach about the theology of play on your context, or serve as a resource in any other way, please let us know!
Who doesn't like a list? Everyone has a top 10 list of best games of all time, right? So we get in on the action, but our list has SPIRITUAL TRUTHS and SCRIPTURE REFERENCES! Take that YouTube Influencers. And we announce the awesome winners to our #boardgamefaith contest on Instagram! Remember to photograph yourself at your place of worship, with your favorite board game(s), and post it to instagram #boardgamefaith so we can recognize you in a future episode! CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ).
Jamey Stegmaier reflects on his early experiences with board games, his Catholic upbringing, and his employment at the Catholic Student Center at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. The culture and values from his religious background and experiences have impacted his board game design. "At Stonemaier Games, we try really, really hard to make our games accessible, inclusive, and to treat other people the way that we wanna be treated. And a lot of those are philosophies that you see in a lot of different religions." CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ).
Alice is the author of several books. http://aliceconnor.com/#about-the-author. She also writes for Daily Worker Placement, including a series titled “Playing at Religion”, and co-hosts the podcast "Table Talk." Defining a Religiously Themed Game Your definition: “One whose theme is primarily but not exclusively exploring the practice, history, or theology of any religion or spiritual tradition.” Some examples 1. The Settlers of Zarahemla 2. Ierusalem: Anno Domini 3. Ezra and Nehemiah (forthcoming) 4. Nicaea What Makes a Great Religious-Themed Game? It succeeds at what it’s trying to do. It explores its theme complexly and appropriately for its weight. It is joyous. It comforts the player and/or exhorts them to a higher good. Your hypothesis: “Games that tend to intend to convince the player of something tend to be worse than games that play in the space.” What are Our Top 3 Religiously Themed Games? Kevin: Frostpunk, Freedom: The Underground Railroad, Sleeping Gods Daniel: Red Cathedral, Biblios, Heaven & Ale Alice: Acts of the Evangelists, Nuns on the Run, Zen Tiles
REMINDER ABOUT OUR CONTEST “SHOW US YOUR BOARD GAME FAITH” # BOARDGAMEFAITH on IG, by June 30th 2023! Cool prizes! Like us, subscribe to us, we are on YouTube and podcast networks, and check out our newsletter! And wash our cars and trim our hedges! Jürgen Moltmann, born 1926, German Reformed theologian who is Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the University of Tübingen and is known for his books such as the Theology of Hope, The Crucified God, God in Creation, and Theology of Play. Drafted 1943 to fight for Nazi Germany, surrendered in 1945 and was a POW in Belgium, became a Christian, and then was a POW in Scotland and England, then went home in 1948, earned a doctorate from the University of Göttingen in 1952, was a pastor and a professor. Today, the first major section of the book, which is a "Holy Grail" of theological game studies out now out of print, pages 1-14. It’s dense, bruh! From another time period. Theme 1: Is it moral to play games in a hurting world? Psalm 126: When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter. Happiness, joy, and laughter, are all connected to FREEDOM. A freedom in joy and play. Human Beings are “the first liberated being in creation” – Moltmann is using a phrase from Herder, an 18th century German poet and philosopher. “These sketches seek to reassert the value of aesthetic joy against the absolute claims of ethics.” Not a laughter that is forced or from despair, or from mocking others, or cynical, or snobbish sarcasm. But true laughter. But is it moral to laugh with joy in a hurting world? "Does it not seem that the...revival of play...in the affluent West is forced and outright unnatural as long as there are...hells on earth? Homo ludens and the redemption of our right to happiness, fun, and games appear to be fine--but for those who can afford them. To all others they must appear in bad taste." (2) "My commitment to be miserable does nothing to relieve the suffering of others. If anything, it increases the amount of suffering in the world." Moltmann responds to the morality of gaming in a suffering world by maintaining that this book is not addressed to those who ignore suffering, but to those who are in the midst of it or who are on the precipice of despair because of it. "When...I dare to talk about the enjoyment of our freedom and our pleasure in playing games, I am not addressing myself to those who are incapable of feeling.... I am turning to those who are mourning and suffering with others, who are protesting and feeling oppressed by the excess of evil in their society, who are weighed down by their own impotence so that they are ready to despair or seek to forget." (2) Playing games is not about the denial of suffering, but the transformation of it. Theme 2: Are games about freedom, or oppression? Is this only for the privileged? Is laughter a distraction from suffering, or a form of liberation? “Religion is the opiate of the people" (Marx), _panem et circenses _bread and circuses for the ancient Romans. Does this apply to games too? Are games a way to make us better workers, we forget our misery if we have some distraction? Like_ Hunger Games_ were for the districts and Panem. Moltmann then argues that both political revolutions and theological reformations ultimately fail to bring true freedom. He is critical of both the right and the left on this point. In the preface, he is critical of the "absolute claims of ethics" by both conservative "pharisees" and revolutionary "zealots." He is also critical of how such movements use games and play as "relief valves" for the masses, to allow them a little simulation of freedom so that they are more willing to submit to control again. The game Trajan is a great example of this. You have to meet your people's needs or you are punished, and the 3 needs are bread, religion, and games. Games are seen as a means to end: they help us to "recharge" and "blow off steam" so that we can go back to being good workers again, and so that we can submit to the prevailing cultural ethic again. This is a deficient view of games. Yet, Moltmann says that even a deficient view of the value of games is better than not valuing games at all. Moltmann maintains that real revolutions to liberate humanity have to begin not be changing how we work and organize ourselves, but changing how we play. (12) He says we do not play games to escape the past and present (as society would have believe), but to empower us to envision a better future. Real games are about the future, not the past. How ? "Games...afford us an opportunity to experiment with free expression and with new human relationships." (13) Games and play also help to free us the control of fear. How have we personally experienced this? How have games helped to anticipate a better future for us?
Define Ameritrash and Euro, what is the experience like, how do they work? The promise and problem of player elimination (Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Risk) Direct versus indirect competition Excitement of “dudes on a map” Ameritrash risk and explosive moments, Interaction, luck, can be mean War gaming is a variant (and how board games began) – Root! Root! Root! Euro is more about resource management (Tapestry, Caracassonne, Wingspan, Feast for Odin) How are they good for the soul? Euro stresses planning, focus, no player elimination, safe themes Focus on bettering self not putting others down; models helpful skills for today’s world; encourages non-dualistic thinking Ameritrash stresses conflict, high stakes, sweet victories and moments, possibly fun defeats, good memories ** Our contest ends June 15! You can be entered to win some awesome prizes by posting a photo of yourself and a favorite game at your place of worship on Instagram with the hastag #boardgamefaith. CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/)
Adrian Adamescu is a chemist (with a PhD in Chemistry) and board game designer (Sagrada, Dice Theme Park, 7 Summits, Speakeasy Blues, Creatures & Cupcakes). We interview him about growing up in Romania and Germany, an important family friend, and his faith experiences that have shaped him today as a father and board game designer. CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe us Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact us Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ).
OPENING GAME - Rock-Paper-Scissors/Roshambo CELEBRATION - Had first newsletter this week! INTRO TO MAIN TOPIC - what is an action selection game? GrenadierBG on Discord recommends Adam in Wales video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob5KswRrah4&t=847s) MAIN TOPIC - Spiritual Lessons from Action Selection Games Taking initiative can be important. Taking actions can deny resources to others. Taking actions can also provide opportunities for others. You cannot control what others do. You can only control yourself. You must do what is urgent and important in action selection, which is a great human time management lesson. NEXT EPISODE: Adrian Adamescu, designer of Sagrada, Dice Theme Park, 7 Summits, Titanic Board Game CALL TO ACTION: - Subscribe to our newsletter (https://buttondown.email/BoardGameFaith) - Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/) - interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) - Discord us Discord (https://discord.gg/MRqDXEJZ). Send us a video or audio introducing yourself and clapping in a creative way to get an episode started
INTRO IMPROV GAME: Characters in a classic Spaghetti Western film play the game Lord of the Rings: Journey in Middle Earth (currently #97 on Board Game Geek). Apologies for our ridicuous accents! Jane McGonigal's book Reality is Broken describes what we learn about human happiness through understanding the impact of games on human neurology and psychology. Human enjoy goals, rules, obstacles, a feedback system, and voluntary participation. The point of a game isn't always to win but to establish flow. "The opposite of play isn't work. It's depression" (p. 28, quoting Brian Sutton-Smith). GAME BREAK: Games that Have Surprised Us The most enduring human happiness is generated within (intrinsic), not from extrinsic things such as money and power. Through satisfying work, the hope of success, social connections, and meaningful contributions we are at our happiest, and games provide exactly these things. We will discuss Reality is Broken chapters 10-13 in 2023! We are launching a biweekly newsletter!! General news, more about upcoming episode, media we're into (music, movies, books), and an opportunity to get to know you. To sign up, please click on link in our linktree, or email us at boardgamefaith@gmail.com, or info@boardgamefaith.com Next episode: Spiritual Lessons of Action Selection Games
How do board games intersect with Orthodox Jewish religious and family life? We discuss how Sabbath observance impacts Alex's work, family life, and board game hobby, and how the Sabbath is defined and practiced for him and his synagogue. Be sure to check out Alex's excellent YouTube channel, BoardGameCo (https://youtube.com/boardgameco). NEXT EPISODE: We discuss Jane McGonagal's Reality is Broken chapters 1 and 2. We're glad to have you read along with us, but this homework is totally optional and can be ignored! What do you think? Post your thoughts, responses, and questions on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) and Discord (https://discord.gg/RTpwD9V2). Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/posts).
Cold Opening: Through the Ages on a Doomed Spaceship OPENING GAME - Location: A doomed spaceship (from “www.can-i-get-a.com”). Game: Through the Ages - A New Story of Civilization – (#12 on BGG!) main topic Defining magic circles and liminal spaces, and how they relate to religious practice and faith. scriptures referenced Genesis 28:10-16 NEXT EPISODE: Interview with Alex Radcliffe of BoardGameCo on Youtube, and now Chief Marketing Officer at GameFound. Also, if you are interested, start reading McGonagal's Reality is Broken for our upcoming discussion!
Kevin torments Daniel with a homebrewed Push Your Luck game based on Star Wars and Weird Al trivia (NOTE WE HAVE CHAPTER MARKERS NOW!). We then define push your luck games and glean some wisdom from these games: learning to take risks is good (and even Biblical, see Matthew 25:14-30); we can better understand ourselves and our comfort level with risk; we can learn to take smart risks instead of reckless ones; luck can be inclusive because everyone has a chance to win; we can't take luck personally; luck can build community. What do you think? Post your thoughts, responses, and questions on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) and Discord (https://discord.gg/RTpwD9V2). Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/posts).
The goal of the Center for Play and Exploration is to encourage adults to be more curious, more divergent in their thinking, and empowered to fail. Dave argues that curiosity and imagination are ways to dismantle anxiety and fear. We respond to listener feedback and speculate whether God does indeed play dice with the universe, because creation is God's joyful act of play. Post your thoughts, responses, and questions on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) and Discord (https://discord.gg/RTpwD9V2).
What would it mean to think of life as a game? Are games merely pastimes between serious endeavors, or is it an approach to life oriented around unnecessary obstacles and enjoyment? We touch on ideas about the meaning of life, happiness, and life as something useful versus life as something to be enjoyed. Human flourishing is ultimately found in graceful abundance, in which all we can ever really do is pursue meaningful activities (and play games). Perhaps God does indeed play dice with the universe. Join us our Discord here (https://discord.gg/zPnwy5J4).
Daniel and Kevin tackle the obvious question: is wining the point of playing games? How does a desire to win relate to the desire to have an enjoyable gaming experience, and what spiritual realities are present when we strive to be humble and gracious at a gaming table where the object is to win the game? We consider that games might be training us to win over other people, instead of being more loving and kind. Does love exclude winning? Yet much of life is about improvement, and even heaven must include aspects of winning and loss. Some board games use different mechanics and win conditions such as "sandbox" and "kingmaker" type games, and others are social deduction games where players deceive and lie. How do the words of Jesus (the last shall be first) relate to ideas of winning and losing?
Rev. Chelsey Hillyer joins us to chat about creating accessibility around board games so everyone is welcome to be themselves, find satisfaction with their game play, and empowered to have fun. How do board games and play in general create accessibility so everyone is welcome to be themselves? Games are partly about winning, but also about being satisfied with your game play and everyone being able to have a good time. We discuss ADHD-Inattentive and neurodiversity, play as protest, and games that create deep presence and community. We share thoughts on parenting, Geoff Englestein's book GameTek, play as a fundamental part of human life and a fundamental human right, play as a protest against hierarchy and monetary valuation, the films Life Is Beautiful and Jojo Rabbit, and we recommend the games Pandemic, No Thanks, Azul, A Gentle Rain, and Charterstone as particularly accessible games. Follow Chelsey Hillyer through her website, Amateur Efforts (https://amateurefforts.com). Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/), learn more about us at boardgamefaith.com (https://boardgamefaith.com), and interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/).
We make a new attempt at an episode opening – an improv skit with pirates playing Carcassone! We discuss Carcassone a bit, lionize the word "eschew" and life points in general, and wrestle with Bernard Suits' definition of a game: "the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles" (p. 43). Games require buy-in from participants who must agree to its rules, desire to best their competitors, and strive to be efficient within the games required inefficiencies. So how appropriate is it to conceive of God engaging in play and games? Kevin attempts to quote the Quran in thinking through God's delight in obstacles and complexities, and Daniel points to delight and grace. Shout out to @jtaultesq on Instagram for correctly identifying Concept in our Instagram quiz! linktr.ee/boardgamefaith patreon.com/boardgamefaith
What can, and should, board teach us? We explore didactic board games that have a message, and what sort of indirect messages board games can also give us. We discuss Caverna, Bibleopoly, the forgotten didactic orgins of Monopoly, magic circles, and the controversial game Train. Join us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith) and Patreon (https://patreon.com/boardgamefaith).
Our very first guest! Ali Karar (@karar2k) joins us to discuss hobby board gaming as a Muslim in Saudi Arabia. We discuss board games as a catalyst for socializing, religious limits to board games, and the role of board games in families. Ali discusses his transition from video games to board gaming, board gaming cafes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Islam's traditional prohibition aginst dice because of its association with gambling. We cap it all off by listing our most beloved games and praising Clap On technology.
Toothsome questions abound. Are $5K board gaming tables worth it? Are there deeper implications of Clap-On technology? And what do we make of Bernard Suits' book The Grasshopper ch. 1, where the Grasshopper gladly dies in the winter for having played too many games? Can one game on the Sabbath, and why aren't there more games in the Bible?
After naming some recently revisited games, Daniel discusses some lessons learned at a recent conference on play. Is play essential to the human experience? How can we games be more inclusive? How does play shape our early childhood in important ways, and can this include Minecraft? The discussion moves into play as a means of grace, and that play according to rules might be an analogy of grace and law. Pop culture jokes include the clap-on lamp from the 80s, and dad jokes include a can of diced tomatoes that secretly contains bookoo dice. Next episode: the book The Grasshopper by Bernard Suits. And a happy Easter, Passover, and Ramadan!
Daniel & Kevin have … a list show! We trade our top 3 ways that board games can be spiritual and authentically human. Our lists are different, but not completely, and then there's a bonus round for a bit of hilarity. Let's hear it for new board game burps. (Also, the game Kevin cannot think of during the podcast is This War of Mine.) Many thanks to Eljiah Hilty for our theme music.
To what extent does entering the magic circle of a game, where humans play games and temporarily care about bits and bobs, define our humanity? How do games impact people of religious faith?