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Board Game Faith

Written by: Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    © 2024 Kevin Taylor
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Episodes
  • Episode 54: Sam Macdonald on Game Design and Faith

    Episode 54: Sam Macdonald on Game Design and Faith
    May 5 2024
    Sam Macdonald of Garphill Games discusses his religious journey and board game philosophy. Sam explores the connections between board game design and religious faith, especially in the areas of community, self-expression, rules, fun, and the joy of discovery. We also take a stab at potential games based on Biblical stories. Takeaways Game design can reflect the heart of God by promoting fellowship, agency, following rules, and having fun. The Art of Discovery in games, with hidden gems and Easter eggs, can create a sense of enjoyment and excitement for players. Game design can provide opportunities for players to express themselves creatively and explore different strategies. Following rules in games and in life can lead to a more peaceful and joyful experience. The intersection of games and faith offers unique opportunities for exploration and growth. Finding new strategies and paths to victory in board games can be a fun and rewarding experience. The Bible contains hidden meanings and connections between passages that can be discovered through deep reading and study. Games can facilitate fellowship and problem-solving, providing a safe environment to solve problems and feel a sense of mastery. The art of discovery can also be found in reading scriptures, where the Holy Spirit can illuminate truth to the reader. Designing biblical-themed games can be challenging, as it's important to balance creating enjoyable experiences with conveying a message. 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) Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 53: The Spirit of Play

    Episode 53: The Spirit of Play
    Apr 21 2024
    The conversation explores the idea that faith is often associated with restrictions and limitations, but it should actually set us free. The Spirit of God works through play and games to bring about freedom. The conversation also touches on the article 'Play and Freedom, Patterns of Life and the Spirit' by Simeon Zahl, which discusses the tension between law and grace in Protestant Christianity. It highlights the need to understand the freedom that comes with the Spirit and the danger of idolizing past patterns of faith. The conversation also delves into the popular notion of destiny and how it can hinder the freedom of the Spirit. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the concept of play and its relationship to grace and work. They explore the idea that play is an attitude and an activity that brings joy, freedom, and creativity. They emphasize the importance of play in living a meaningful life and how it can help us overcome the burden of seriousness and unrealistic expectations. They also announce a transition in the podcast to focus on the intersection of play and meaning, with the new name 'Play Saves the World.' Soundbites "What if the point of faith is to set us free for something better?" "The Spirit of God makes freedom a reality through play and games." "Is grace something that removes us from the law or empowers us to keep the law?" "The spirit is playful, meaning that it causes joy and delight." "Play is grace that expresses itself through play." "Play is the overcoming of unnecessary obstacles." Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Faith and Freedom 07:30 The Tension Between Law and Grace 13:25 The Freedom of the Spirit 27:56 The Spirit of Play and Freedom 34:17 The Unimportance of Play's Goals and Purposes 45:45 Play as an Attitude to Life Takeaways Faith should set us free rather than restrict us. The Spirit of God works through play and games to bring about freedom. There is a tension between law and grace in Protestant Christianity. Idolizing past patterns of faith can hinder the freedom of the Spirit. The popular notion of destiny can limit our understanding of the freedom of the Spirit. Play is an attitude and an activity that brings joy, freedom, and creativity. Play helps us overcome the burden of seriousness and unrealistic expectations. Play is an essential part of living a meaningful life and being fully human. The concept of play can be applied to various aspects of life, not just board games. The podcast will transition to focus on the intersection of play and human flourishing, with the new name 'Play Saves the World.'
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    57 mins
  • Episode 52: Stages in Board Game Collecting

    Episode 52: Stages in Board Game Collecting
    Apr 7 2024
    We explore the concept of seasons in the context of board gaming and life, and discuss the origins of the phrase "this too shall pass" and its relevance to the changing nature of emotions and experiences. Daniel and Kevin share their personal gaming stages and how their approach to board games has evolved over time. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of selectivity and finding contentment in the games we already own. We discuss their evolving gaming preferences and the stages of faith. We explore the enjoyment of lighter and quicker games, the appreciation for simple solo games, and the adaptation to changing gaming preferences. We also draw parallels between stages of faith and stages of gaming, reflecting on the journey from zealousness to a holistic approach. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the continued enjoyment of games and the avoidance of jadedness. Takeaways Gaming preferences can evolve over time, with a shift towards lighter and quicker games. Simple solo games can provide a peaceful and meditative experience. Adapting to changing gaming preferences and finding enjoyment in different types of games is important. There are parallels between stages of faith and stages of gaming, with a journey from zealousness to a holistic approach. Continued enjoyment of games requires avoiding jadedness and appreciating the role of play in the larger human experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:01 The Origins of the Topic 03:02 The Concept of Seasons 04:22 The Story of "This Too Shall Pass" 06:21 The Wisdom of Ecclesiastes 09:17 Personal Gaming Stages 12:22 Discovering Board Game Geek 13:34 The Magic of Board Games 15:17 Rediscovering the Magic 24:16 Transition to Selectivity 28:02 Realizing the Need for Selectivity 30:12 Preference for Lighter and Quicker Games 30:57 Enjoyment of Simple Solo Games 33:18 Adapting to Changing Gaming Preferences 36:18 Appreciation for Game Setup and Learning 37:35 Stages of Faith and Stages of Gaming 46:15 Connecting Games to Life and Faith 49:07 Reflections on Becoming the Person You Once Judged 53:08 Continued Enjoyment of Games and Avoiding Jadedness 57:13 Upcoming Episode: Book Club and Special Announcement Daniel's stages/approaches of gaming Trusting - You just trust what others tell you (games are for kids) Zealous - You dig deep into the particular details and embrace them and defending them as world-defining. (Tell others about types of games.) Sectarian - This thing unites and defines your particular people. (You find your peeps and you celebrate what makes your group unique.) Personal - You own this thing for yourself. You question it, make it your own. (Finding your own gaming style; doesn't have to be like others.) Connecting - You see how this thing is connected to other things. It doesn't exist in a vacuum. (How do games relate to other things in life.) Holistic - This thing is just part of a larger whole. (Gaming is part of a the larger mystery of life) NEXT TIME - Book Club: Simeon Zahl Article, "Play and Freedom: Patterns of Life in the Spirit" 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) Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
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    59 mins
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