Too far…

Recently, several board games have come to my attention that push the boundaries of my faith, provoking deep reflections and stirring inner conflict. There are those that simply blatantly declare the opposite of all that’s good, challenging moralities and values I hold dear. What truly hurts is not the titles themselves, but what they represent and how readily the community clings to these things as not just a controversial titles and themes, but as an integral part of a life philosophy. It is concerning to see how these games are embraced, often without critical thought, and how they can influence perceptions and attitudes toward morality. As I observe this phenomenon, I can’t help but ponder the implications for societal values and the messages that are being reinforced, which further blurs the lines between entertainment and ethical considerations.

I won’t be naming the titles I take exception to for two reasons: firstly, I’d like to avoid the Streisand effect by drawing attention to the very items I am speaking out against, which could inadvertently amplify their exposure rather than diminish it. This principle is particularly relevant in an age where a vocal minority often has the power to create a much louder conversation than the majority. Secondly, I feel like giving these things a presence just leads to an opportunity for that minority to get on a soapbox, vocalizing their criticisms and insults toward what they perceive as Christian beliefs or values. This, in turn, distracts from more constructive discussions and creates an environment where meaningful engagement is overshadowed by negativity and division, detracting from the core message I wish to convey.

Truth of the matter is there is a way for two things to be true. I can have faith in Christ and the world can suck as well; this duality is part of the human experience, reflecting the complexities we all navigate daily. Whatever happened to accepting people the way they are, allowing their flaws and strengths to coexist without judgment? We don’t have to accommodate every belief people have to love them genuinely; love can flourish within diversity without needing to erase our differences. I’ve been known to say there is a difference between being kind and being nice, but you do need to pick one, as it’s vital to choose the path that resonates with your authentic self. Choosing to be kind often reflects a deeper understanding of others, empowering us to foster genuine connections, even when faced with contrasting opinions or lifestyles. We do not however need to be nice and take every belief held dear by every person we meet and pretend it’s what we ourselves need to believe. to be a kind person.

Unfortunately, though, we Christians have made mistakes in the past (just like every other group), and these errors have often caused harm to others and tarnished the image of our faith. Hate groups have also dirtied His name and we largely let them, allowing their misguided agendas to drown out the true message of love, compassion, and forgiveness that Christianity stands for. This makes it hard to convey those very messages. Even worse is the vocal minority’s focus on those mistakes while ignoring their own shortcomings, which creates an echo chamber that hinders productive dialogue and mutual understanding. Instead of engaging in self-reflection and seeking to learn from our Lord and Savior, many choose to point fingers and cast blame, thereby missing the fundamental lessons we learn from Christ: the importance of humility, grace, and the call to love one another, even in our imperfections. By acknowledging our past missteps, we can strive to embody the principles of our faith more authentically and work towards healing the divisions caused by those who misrepresent our beliefs.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:3-5

In other words, stay in your lane and be a bit more gentle in your rebukes. To me, this points more to allowing people to ask for the guidance of Christ than having it imposed upon them. We can’t expect non-believers to live this way as they may find the source suspect, so why are we shocked by rejection if we ourselves do the opposite? You cannot expect to simply speak into a stranger’s life without first earning the permission to do so. Building a relationship based on trust and understanding lays the groundwork for meaningful conversations about faith. Nor can we expect to simply throw a string of proselytization at individuals who never asked for it; this approach often leads to more resistance than openness. Instead, we should aim to cultivate a dialogue that respects personal boundaries and encourages curiosity. He goes on to say, embracing the idea that genuine interactions pave the way for transformative experiences.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Revelation 3:20

See how it doesn’t say “I’ma bust through the wall like the Kool-Aid Man and make you eat with me? There is a time to bust in and help (like if a building’s on fire), but is this really the time? In moments of urgency, decisive action can be lifesaving, such as when someone is in immediate danger and needs intervention. However, not every situation calls for such an aggressive approach; it’s essential to recognize the appropriate moments for intervention and support. While the imagery of bursting through a wall is humorous and vivid, the reality is that patience and understanding often yield better results in social interactions. So, when considering whether to assert oneself forcefully, one must weigh the circumstances and the potential reactions of those involved, ultimately striving for a balance between assertiveness and empathy.

So who is it that’s gone too far? Pushed too hard? The gaming industry and its occasional antagonism to Christianity? Christianity with its occasional antagonism towards controversy? Yes, these are significant questions that merit deeper reflection. No one said this walk would be easy. Now I walk the tightrope between being called a bigot by the very people I mean to minister to and being labeled a lukewarm Christian by my peers because I’m not “tough enough” to bring people out of a lost world and into the light of Christ. However, consider this: If your child is playing in the street, do you aggressively run out, bodily pick them up, and throw them onto the terrace, or do you rather use your words to gently guide them out of danger? It’s a delicate balance. While firmness can sometimes be necessary, it’s crucial to approach the situation with love and empathy. Rather than alienating those we wish to reach, we should aim to understand their perspective and draw them toward a place of safety, demonstrating the compassion that embodies the essence of our faith. The challenge lies in navigating this path without losing sight of our values or the mission we hold dear.