This is one of those videos where I appreciate the sentiment but not the execution.
Do you think that this video reinforces stereotypes that non-Christians have towards people of faith?
Did you watch the whole thing?
Faith
Inside: A relationship built on trust
StandardI really enjoyed this piece by my friend Josh, via Gamechurch. Can’t wait to play this on my PS4, August 23rd.
They’re looking for you, little boy. The masked men just released their hounds. You run. The bloodthirsty dogs close the distance between you and a cliff. Just as the dog’s teeth lunge for your foot, you jump off the cliff. Let me pause right here. You have no idea what’s at the bottom of this cliff. You’re completely at the whim of the game designer. Knowing there’s no other option, you simply trust the creator.
NIrV Minecrafters Bible
StandardThe NIrV Minecrafters Bible is a Biblical recipe mixing faith and fandom. This Bible features a solid hardcover to hold up against any Creeper or Zombie attack. The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) makes for an easy read. 24 Minecraft-themed pages highlight Biblical stories and offer short in-game objectives to complete.
But all is not well at the Minecraft Crafting Table. Missing ingredients such as:
- Durable pages
- Helpful reading plans
- Highlighted verses
- Daily Devotions
- Chronologies/Maps
All reveal a subpar product. A quick cash-in that shows no respect to the Biblical reader nor respect to the player. Zondervan is selling a plain no-frills Bible with a minimal (24 page) Minecraft makeover.
Zondervan should have gone the extra mile. Including actual study material and embracing Minecraft through trivia and in-game tips. If done well, this could have been an amazing tool. Instead, the NIrV Minecrafters Bible is a damaged wood sword. Beckoning clueless parents and grandparents to pick it up.
Save your money. Invest in something that will last and further real life and in-game adventures.
I was given a copy of this book by BookLook Bloggers. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Joe and the God who helps
StandardJoe, over at Theology Gaming, writes about Dark Souls and community. You can read more here.
There’s a life lesson in here somewhere. How many times in my own life have I set out with unwavering determination to accomplish a thing, armed only with my own knowledge and experience? More frequently than not those experiences serve to remind me that I don’t know as much as I thought I did. It’s certainly not that I think I know it all; I just think I know enough.
From Across the Net – “Christian Games Done Right: That Dragon, Cancer”
StandardNelson knocks it out of the park with his piece titled “Christian Games Done Right: That Dragon, Cancer“.
…I want to tackle how I feel this title has been tragically misrepresented by the games media. And as a result, those who might have benefited most from playing it were turned away.
That Dragon, Cancer is not the story of Joel’s tragic death. It’s the story of his life. The difference may seem small, but it is extremely important, because it defines the very way you approach the game.
That Dragon Cancer drove me to prayer
StandardTabitha and I experienced That Dragon Cancer together. With Wyatt tucked away in bed for the night, we hooked the laptop up to the television. Light’s dimmed, we entered the world of the Green family. The musical score comforts like a warm blanket. The woods around full of promise and wonder. In this setting we meet the Green’s son, Joel, who is feeding a duck. Joel laughs, a lot. After a transitional time at the playground, we meet the dragon of this story, cancer.
Cancer, represented in jagged distorted shapes of hate. Always lurking like a monster in the night. Howls reverberating as a heartbeat of a sick boy.
That Dragon Cancer is a series of vignettes, brief flashes of hope and dark nightmares. Narrated at times by Ryan and Amy Green, we follow their family on their journey with Joel. Tabitha and I appreciated the depth of honesty in Amy’s comments on doubt. Doubt is normal, she says. A contrast to the modern Church whispering “hush” in such moments.
No matter how dire the situation became. No matter how hard Amy and Ryan prayed, their faith stood out to us. A faith that allows for questions, doubts, and even fears. Media, as a whole, has a hard time portraying faith. The video game medium allows for an unknown level of intimacy. Allowing us to partake, in some small way, in the Green’s suffering. I’m thankful for that.
As the game ended, I found myself in a contemplative mood. That Dragon Cancer reminded me of my need to pray. I prayed for Amy, Ryan, and their family. I fell asleep only to wake up sometime later. Praying over life, direction, and meaning.
I would like to thank Ryan and Amy for being real. For sharing Joel’s life and opening up their family to the world.
Title: That Dragon, Cancer
Developer: Numinous Games
Platforms: PC, Mac, OUYA
Reviews on: PC
MSRP: $14.99
*A review copy was provided for this review.
Thank You for Joining Me
Standard“How many people do you know who actually read your blog?”
“A whole lot more than you would think.”
When I write, I try to push aside thoughts of who is reading this blog. I write:
- As an exercise to improve written skill
- To clarify thoughts
- To share my life with the greater world
- In the hopes that someone, somewhere out there, is able to see that they are not alone. We all share similar thoughts, feelings, the human experience. I just happen to expose my musings in a public manner. Good or bad.
Yesterday evening, I was at Men’s Bible Study at my church. One of the guys–hi, Jeremy!–admitted that he reads my blog. He told the group that you never know what you might find here. He couldn’t be more right.
Thought I would take a moment and thank you, the reader. Thank you for joining me on this blogging journey. Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to visit with me. You never know what you might find here. But I can promise you, that you’ll find 100% me. At the junction point of faith, fatherhood, and video games.
Until next time.
