Many months ago, maybe even several years, I discussed the subject of magic in video games and Magic the Gathering with RA and others. I appreciated the advice and wisdom I received, so I'm coming back for more, but with maybe a tougher presentation.
A number of recent circumstances have caused me to think through the game Magic the Gathering, a game I really enjoy playing with my buddies now and then, mostly for the strategy and competition. In that game, as many of you are well aware, there is a lot of "magic." Go figure. The simple question is this: Should a Christian play games where you use magic and sorcery and all the rest?
To focus the question, allow me to construct an argument why I'm beginning to wonder if doing any of this stuff is sin. Here's why in a nutshell. Three points:
One: The elements of Magic the Gathering are, to greater and lesser degrees, connected with concepts/themes in reality that are undoubtedly sinful. You summon shamans, for example, witches, and sorcerers. These persons/creatures reflect ideas in our world. One also employs the use of some of their peculiar items, such as totems, staffs with skulls and arcane language, magical scrolls, etc.
Two: In order to summon these creatures, you utilize something called mana, which has roots in paganism. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mana
Three: Lastly, you play sorcery spells and cast enchantments of all sorts and flavors. One example would be scrying, which is strongly prohibited by the Lord.
Now if we agree that these three elements are rooted in concepts that one finds in our world/history, and if we agree that the real thing is sinful and detestable, then how can playing a game with these themes be appropriate for a Christian? Allow me to amplify the point slightly. If we are to have the mind of Christ, and if Christ hates these things (the things in the real world), then shouldn't our attitude reflect Christ's, and we would therefore shy away from such themes, or at least put the burden of proof on those who would say they are merely fantasy and don't share any substantial connection to the concepts that are evil? Moreover, to continue to sharpen the point, didn't the Lord drive out nations that practiced such things, and didn't He command His people to separate from such things?
So isn't there a face value argument for staying away from these things by virtue of the conceptual nearness and therefore their detestable nature.
Now one would be correct to point out conscience in all of this, but I'm preceding that by asking whether or not this is sinful for all Christians, period. My conscience would be quite clear if the following points outlined above could be adequately answered. So anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Oh, wait. I need to mention that I read the point Dr. Frame made about hearing and hearkening. That's a good distinction. I appreciated that. But does that really apply here? How can it when you are playing the character in a game or when you are supposed to be the wizard in Magic the Gathering "casting the spells."
Thanks,
Austin
P.S. I love fantasy. Don't get me wrong. I really don't want to give up playing the occasional Oblivion or Magic the Gathering or whatever. And sure, I admire Lord of the Rings. But are these things (video games/Magic the Gathering) different because they name the virtual characters (like shaman, or mana, or whatever)? But then again, didn't Gandolf's mentor scry? And wouldn't he have taught that to Gandolf? So in a sense, the argument would apply to Lord of the Rings, no? How can one sanctify scrying? Or how can one justifiably use sorcery when God said, "Let there not be found among you a sorcerer, etc.)?
Ok, I'll stop rambling.




