Religion and Video Games

2006-02-01 16:01:31

#1

Not Entirely Sane: Member; +6|6890|Just Outside Seattle

I recently read in the American version of PC Gamer that Evangelical groups have members who have started clans and play on BF2 among other games, and run servers. During the time they are in game they (and the server) try to convince other players to convert to the Christian faith and pray with them. So what do you think?????

Personally I, don't have a problem with it but I can see how people might. I do think that its in bad taste since I've always been told that Christianity is a essentialy a peacefull religion and thus I think trying to convert people while they are in the middle of a video game that is about war, is not a good idea.

Last edited by Not Entirely Sane (2006-02-01 16:02:53)

2006-02-01 16:10:54

#2

boomshagalaga: Member; +1|6908

I see it as ok... but if they want to mix server rules and religion, or make an opinion thats one sided publicly, then HELL no.

2006-02-01 16:23:22

#3

mpsmith: Member; +5|6901

I doubt theres a significant number of people doing it. I doubt even more that its effective.

2006-02-01 16:36:03

#4

Scorpion0x17: can detect anyone's visible post count...; +691|6995|Cambridge (UK)

LOL cool - where are these servers - I want to go shoot some god botherers in the face!

2006-02-01 16:42:05

#5

TehSeraphim: Thread Ender; +58|6953|New Hampshire

So long as it's not part of the game thats released (i.e. your soldier kneels down and prays during battle or something) then theres no problem. If it's server based, they pay for it, and if you don't like it then you can leave. Simple.

2006-02-01 16:47:17

#6

Marconius: One-eyed Wonder Mod; +368|6923|San Francisco

It's all fine and good unless they Force people into their beliefs. It's just another gathering of people who share similar beliefs in a new medium. It's the same as if I started an Atheist server and had open freethought discussions with the people who played there (not During play, of course), plus it's the same concept as the 24/7 Karkand or City Only servers, where people who only love Karkand and/or city maps converge.

As long as they don't kick you out if you say "No, I'd rather play BF2 than talk about christianity" then it's fine.

2006-02-01 16:55:58

#7

BEE_Grim_Reaper: Member; +15|6936|Germany

Sorry for breaking the serious mood here.... but I just had a very disturbing vision.... Imagine the whole team of USMC is gathered, let's say, in Kharkand around the gas-station all facing to one center point to their commander.... all in crouching position except the latter one..... and one sneaky bastard of MEC Spec Ops sneaks up and throws the holy handgrenade of Antiochia (or something similar)..... I cannot stop grinning on that image

2006-02-01 16:56:27

#8

Horseman 77: Banned; +160|7066

How can you " FORCE " anyone to do anything online or in a Video game. If they kick you out of their server you'd have a problem ? You wouldn't just go to any other server? Let them do what they want if its "their's" Is the Real Issue that they are Christians?

Personally I'd like to tweak a server myself. One side has AA other has Air Superiority. Most recent wars were like that Not so balanced

2006-02-01 18:47:54

#9

atlvolunteer: PKMMMMMMMMMM; +27|7000|Atlanta, GA USA

I'd have to agree with Horseman on this. It is their server, so they technically have the right to be asshats. Although I think it would defeat the purpose if they are trying to convert people to christianity.
WHat I think would be funny would be for a bunch of people to go on there and start cussing in chat and stuff, and see how long it takes to get kicked!

2006-02-01 19:14:14

#10

2ndLt.Tucker: If you can read this, your already dead; +33|6911|Stillwater, Ok

BEE_Grim_Reaper wrote:
Sorry for breaking the serious mood here.... but I just had a very disturbing vision.... Imagine the whole team of USMC is gathered, let's say, in Kharkand around the gas-station all facing to one center point to their commander.... all in crouching position except the latter one..... and one sneaky bastard of MEC Spec Ops sneaks up and throws the holy handgrenade of Antiochia (or something similar)..... I cannot stop grinning on that image

Lol that would be funny and all but what about MEC forces? They stop in combat to pray 5 times in a round? Would lead to a crapload of casualties. I think since the chinese dont really have a religion so they would kill everyone. Damn communists.

2006-02-01 20:12:04

#11

Horseman 77: Banned; +160|7066

BEE_Grim_Reaper wrote:
Sorry for breaking the serious mood here.... but I just had a very disturbing vision.... Imagine the whole team of USMC is gathered, let's say, in Kharkand around the gas-station all facing to one center point to their commander.... all in crouching position except the latter one..... and one sneaky bastard of MEC Spec Ops sneaks up and throws the holy handgrenade of Antiochia (or something similar)..... I cannot stop grinning on that image

Better yet Imagine One guy tk;s them, Frags em all with a nade and runs to get the Jet.
Can you imagine the upheaval that would ensue. Funnier yet with Zero 4 letters words.

I might join a Christian Sever just to do it.

Jesus's Assassins --*JA*--

God's Hit men GHM

"Christian Death Squad Clan " the Vaunted -=<CDS>=- to those in the know.

" Kill em all, Then chat about God. "

2006-02-01 20:26:55

#12

Hessy<diablo>: Member; +0|6889

I've had two experiences on this matter

1. i was playing UT2004 great game but the microphone option sucked someone joined and used the speaking tool to preach which sucked because the obly way to get rid of it was to turn it off altogether so no sound

2. BF2 joined a christian server and played they were much nicer then any others i have played with.

i guess i really dont care as long as they don't try to force their opinions down your throat.

Hessy (im new, dont have a sig yet so i will sign like this)

2006-02-01 20:32:08

#13

Fuzzball_the_Shooter: The Photographer.; +81|6934|Central Valley,California

If they MAKE you pray, thats a problem. I wouldn't. They could ban me if they wanted to.

2006-02-01 23:15:49

#14

TrollmeaT: Aspiring Objectivist; +492|6901|Colorado

Religion & anything together is bad, for religion itself is the greatest divider of man today.

You see it doesnt matter who's right & who's wrong , its whats in your heart that matters.

2006-02-01 23:25:31

#15

BEE_Grim_Reaper: Member; +15|6936|Germany

2ndLt.Tucker wrote:
BEE_Grim_Reaper wrote:
Sorry for breaking the serious mood here.... but I just had a very disturbing vision.... Imagine the whole team of USMC is gathered, let's say, in Kharkand around the gas-station all facing to one center point to their commander.... all in crouching position except the latter one..... and one sneaky bastard of MEC Spec Ops sneaks up and throws the holy handgrenade of Antiochia (or something similar)..... I cannot stop grinning on that image
Lol that would be funny and all but what about MEC forces? They stop in combat to pray 5 times in a round? Would lead to a crapload of casualties. I think since the chinese dont really have a religion so they would kill everyone. Damn communists.

That brings me to another vision... imaging Mashtuur City... the Mosque.... the whole bunch of MEC troops crouching in a big square facing east and going prone from time to time... since this form of prayer can nearly be seen as dolphin diving, the only way to get rid of them would be a full blown arty strike.... as for the Chinese... they do have a religion... however that one is more or less done in solitude and contemplation... you would need a good sniper there...

2006-02-02 00:08:33

#16

BVC: Member; +325|6924

I don't like the thought of it at all, but if they pay for a server then its their right.

What about a Jehovah Witness server? You'd need a support/medic-like kit, one that can throw out issues of Watchtower and Awake!, and they'd have to go to the door of every building on karkand. Of course, there'd be no point in modelling in open buildings, as they'd all have the door slammed in their face anyway

2006-02-02 00:12:43

#17

notorious: Nay vee, bay bee.; +1,396|6976|The United Center

https://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2006/20060116h.jpg

2006-02-02 00:13:58

#18

SharkyMcshark: I'll take two; +132|7014|Perth, Western Australia

Hey, I think it would be funny. All the time they were bashing the bibnle you could be beating them!!

2006-02-02 07:32:21

#19

Agent_Dung_Bomb: Member; +302|6965|Salt Lake City

...I've always been told that Christianity is a essentialy a peacefull religion...

I hate to tell you this, but more of Christianity has been spread at the tip of a sword than by any other method.

2006-02-02 07:55:18

#20

B.Schuss: I'm back, baby... ( sort of ); +664|7070|Cologne, Germany

BF2 is too fast-paced to do much chatting anyway. And as others have said, if it bothers you much, you can still leave and play somewhere else.

But I must admit, the idea of christians getting a "christian" BF2 server is quite amusing. after all, it is a war game, and I had always thought the church is opposed to those.

2006-02-02 08:11:45

#21

DocZ: Member; +13|6917|Belgium

I don' mind.... If I find one praying on a server, I'll help him to find his maker..... and help him experience multiple resurrections

2006-02-02 10:05:38

#22

Not Entirely Sane: Member; +6|6890|Just Outside Seattle

Agent_Dung_Bomb wrote:
...I've always been told that Christianity is a essentialy a peacefull religion...
I hate to tell you this, but more of Christianity has been spread at the tip of a sword than by any other method.

I know that, what with the crusades and everything, but I've been told that the crusades and other such actions were the work of men, not god.

2006-02-02 10:29:09

#23

Kaosdad: Whisky Tango Foxtrot?; +201|6908|Broadlands, VA

This could lead to a whole new kit in BF2 - the Battlefield Chaplain. His kit would be the standard knife, side-arm and carbine. However, he would get the Holy Handgrenade of (Antioch/Mecca/Angkor Wat) (Thanks Grim!) and a "Religion Bag." If a team mate is critically wounded the Chaplain could run over, hold out the medic bag & perform "Last Rites." Becuase he is easing the suffering of the wounded, the wounded player re-spawns twice as fast.

The Holy Handgrenade has double the blast zone, but he only gets one per spawn. Except for the Handgrenade of Angkor Wat - that will induce a peaceful feeling of serenity and cause all within the "Blast Radius" to lay down their arms and meditate for 10 seconds. At the end would be a free-for-all for the dropped kits.

Also, the US Chaplain could hold the bag aloft to part especially deep water for a ground assualt.

The MEC Chaplain could hold the bag aloft & yell "JIHAD!!" causing all on his squad to sprint twice as fast for twice as long.

I'm at a loss for the PLA Chaplain. Sorry, I am not as familiar as I should be on far eastern culture (Damned Americans! It's all about US!).

Other than that faffery - are you asking about Christian/Jewish/Muslim run servers - or actually incorporating religion as a part of the game? Civ IV does just that with the founding & spreading of religion as a way to bolster win points.

Last edited by Kaosdad008 (2006-02-02 10:48:43)

2006-02-02 11:33:52

#24

Marconius: One-eyed Wonder Mod; +368|6923|San Francisco

Not Entirely Sane wrote:
Agent_Dung_Bomb wrote:
...I've always been told that Christianity is a essentialy a peacefull religion...
I hate to tell you this, but more of Christianity has been spread at the tip of a sword than by any other method.
I know that, what with the crusades and everything, but I've been told that the crusades and other such actions were the work of men, not god.

Crusades, The Inquisition, etc...all the work of men who had a deep devotion for their god and "thought" they were doing the right thing. When you can claim that "god said so" and get away with anything you want, and when people are too scared of you to disagree with you, watch how fast corruption can spread. It's not only christianity that is guilty of this, but it is by far one the largest and most influential religions that Has gotten away with it.
It's all fine and good for people to believe in that or whatever else they wish (or not to believe at all), but religion just needs to be checked and controlled once a religion starts to Force itself upon others. So let them have their servers. Just play and ignore them if you don't agree with what they are telling you, and be sure to cap a few flags while they are praying at the beginning of the round (I keed, I keed)

2006-02-02 12:09:22

#25

Dr.Death: Member; +0|6895

Hey, I always tell people that Battlefield is my "ersatz-religion"!

No joke here, the devotion involved is nearly religious, don't know about spiritual enlightenment though...

dOc

Last edited by Dr.Death (2006-02-02 12:12:42)

Yes	25%	25% - 27
No	74%	74% - 79
Total: 106

BF2S Forums Religion and Video Games

Poll

BEE_Grim_Reaper wrote:

BEE_Grim_Reaper wrote:

2ndLt.Tucker wrote:

BEE_Grim_Reaper wrote:

Agent_Dung_Bomb wrote:

Not Entirely Sane wrote:

Agent_Dung_Bomb wrote:

Board footer