Dungeons Dragons: A Gateway to Spiritual Exploration and Faith
Various things affect faith, but in my experience, Dungeons Dragons (DD) falls more in the not so much category. It does, however, offer unique opportunities for spiritual exploration and discussions with my peers, which have sometimes led to personal growth and changes in religious practices.
Defining Religious Beliefs
When I discuss religious people, I consider it to include those who actively practice their faith, such as priests, deacons, rabbis, and devout followers. I personally identify as Catholic and attend weekly Mass despite the occasional missed service due to unforeseen circumstances. My life is deeply intertwined with the teachings and traditions of the Church. If you are interested in discussing what it means to live a faith-based life, you are welcome to engage with me in Catholic spaces on Quora.
While I do not call myself a religious person, it is evident that my faith plays a significant role in my life. Others who were not involved in religious activities previously may have found DD as a catalyst to reconnect with their faith. For instance, one friend I learned DD from became an Orthodox Deacon. Another took on a role as a youth minister. Even those who did not attend church before, due to various reasons, have resumed their faith practices upon marriage and having children. While a few of us have remained non-religious, I live in Georgia, part of the Bible Belt, where being non-religious is seen as an outlier.
The Influence of DD on Faith
My personal journey with DD began in the 1980s when I was in Catholic grade school. We spent most of lunch and recess playing the game. One memorable event involved planning a school dance, which, when interrupted by our DD session, led to us being reprimanded. Even then, the religious Sisters supported our activities, educating themselves on DD amid the satanic panic of the time.
They saw DD as a valuable opportunity to discuss mythology and compare the legends and lore it included with the teachings of the Church and the character of Satan himself. We delved into discussions about the real demons of the world versus those found in DD lore. These conversations were not only educational but also spiritually enriching. Many of these lessons are still passed on to my children as they learn to play DD and understand the complexities of what it means to live a faith-based life.
The Current Landscape
Today, in my office, my advanced DD books sit alongside my Bible on the bookshelf. These books, like the sacred texts, generate thoughtful and meaningful conversations. I do not believe that DD has directly affected my faith, but it has certainly created numerous opportunities to discuss and explore my faith with others. These games have been a platform for sharing and reinforcing the values and teachings of faith that have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Whether you are curious about the impact of DD on faith or simply want to engage in thoughtful discussions about religious and spiritual matters, I welcome your insights and perspectives. Join me in exploring the intersection of faith and fantasy in the realm of Dungeons Dragons.