Daniel and Kevin explore the meaning of play for human flourishing – what it is, what it means, and how people create and maintain playful lives. We explore books, people, places, and ideas committed to engendering play in the midst of busy, working lives.
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Defining sin
What is sin in the Christian tradition?
What do we mean by “7 Deadly Sins”? 7 deadly sins: pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. Developed in the 300s with the Desert Fathers, especially Evagrius Ponticus. The 7 capital virtues were chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. In Dante’s Inferno there are 8 categories of sin: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, Treachery.
The Sins of Board Gaming
1 - It’s All About Winning (Pride and Wrath)
Winning as ontological end and not functional end (trading seriousness for delight)
Fraud and treachery were the worst sins in Dante’s mind
For games to work, you have to try to win, but winning is no more the point of games than framing is the point of a house or the engine is the point of a car
2 - It’s All About Owning (Greed and Envy)
Hyper consumption of games - materialism
How does this game fit in my collection?
This is not a cheap hobby (no hobby is cheap, in the end), so what fits in your budget and priorities?
I love the idea of a game swap or trade or market so you get some value out of them and they don’t clutter up your life (Marie Kondo)
Seeing ourselves first and foremost as consuming beings can rob us of delight and gratitude over what is before us. World in a cup of tea.
3 - It’s All About You Being Right (Pride)
Arrogance about different games (trading exclusion for inclusion) - tribalism. My games are better than your games. My people are better than your people. My god is better than your god.
Assumption that everyone should play games
4 - It’s All About You Being in Control (Pride)
Alpha player (trading control for agency)
5 - It’s All About You (Pride)
Putting the games over people - Buddhist concept of valuing people over principles
Flexing your games or knowledge
Putting principles over people - Buddhist teaching, Jesus tooTurning play into work
6 - People Not Taking Gaming Seriously (Sloth)
Bringing the wrong attitude to the table
Not respecting other’s property
Cheetos
Agreeing to play a game but not really focus on it
7 - Turning Play into Work?
The nature of sin is that it takes something and good and twists it
There’s more to life than games
Anything can become your god
Next Episode - Liz Davidson - Value of Solo Gaming
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Episode 101: What Is Work?
Episode 101
Sunday, June 16, 2024 • Duration 01:00:37
To define what play is, we have to define what work is.
(This isn’t all that unusual – scholars do it with secular vs. religious, or prose vs. poetry.)
Work or labor is intentional human activity to support our needs and wants, or those of others or our larger group.
Work is something we do for another purpose – it is 2-eyed, 1 eye to the activity itself and 1 to its outside result (payment, food, etc.).
It is a means to an end.
Work isn’t inherently bad. In the Bible it is implied that humans would work the earth before the Fall. Work is not a result of original sin, but original sin corrupts work, so that the ground is cursed, and there are thorns and thistles in our gardening. We will now sweat to make the bread we must eat.
In fact, work can be marvelous
- a sense of purpose and contribution and accomplishment
- The pleasure of your earned paycheck for your labor
- The ability to form and improve our world
- The freedom to engage in different kinds of work to support us
- The notion of vocation, that our work might be something God calls us to do with our time and energy
Work and play are not necessarily opposed to each other
Sometimes the distinction is said to be productivity, but this isn’t true (e.g., work day with nothing getting done versus Minecraft)
Jane McGonagal says that play is just work we enjoy
Brian Sutton-Smith: the opposite of work is depression
One person’s work can be another person’s play (e.g., computer programming, professional athletes, spreadsheets)
Work being play would be awesome!!!
But clearly work can be oppressive
Some forms of work are oppressive or dangerous – factories, or gig economy with no benefits and vulnerable employment
Being underpaid because your labor is set by supply and demand
You might hate your job but are stuck with it because you need the money
If you cannot work you will have no way to support yourself
You are vulnerable to work changing, being fired, AI
The instrumentalization of all things, including our time (Oliver Burkeman)
When we are only a cog in the machine, when we spend our days only in service to some other goal, then everything become a means to an end, and we never get to the end itself.
Such instrumentalization also generates a disturbing lack of presence. We are always lost in the future (or sometimes the past), which spiritual traditions (and psychology) tell us are often the causes of restlessness and fear: “do not worry about tomorrow” (Luke 12), Buddhism’s grounding the present
Protestant work ethic
A rather strange valuing of work due to Protestant ideas about grace, salvation, and human effort (since you are saved by grace alone but cannot know if you are truly among the elect who are saved, your best hope is to be a good worker in the vague hope that this indicates your salvation, but it cannot actually impact it)
As a result, we come to tie our sense of self worth and value to our work, to our productivity through work – so if you fail at work you fail at life. We value others based on their wealth and work habits
Martin Luther King Jr. tied the Protestant Work Ethic to racism and the exploitation of the poor (“We have deluded ourselves into believing the myth that capitalism grew and prospered out of the Protestant ethic of hard work and sacrifice. The fact is that capitalism was built on the exploitation and suffering of black slaves and continues to thrive on the exploitation of the poor—both black and white, here and abroad.”)
This impacts many Western Protestant cultures where one should stay extremely busy and complain about work a lot – don’t take vacation, let work consume you because it’s inherently good to work.
As a result, we can feel a profound lack of freedom, value, and agency.
The truth is: work is often overwhelming. It can be good. But it cannot save us. It is not our true purpose.
Episode 14: Judaism and Board Games, with Alex Radcliffe
Episode 14
Sunday, September 18, 2022 • Duration 46:49
How do board games intersect with Orthodox Jewish religious and family life? We discuss how Sabbath observance impacts Alex's work, family life, and board game hobby, and how the Sabbath is defined and practiced for him and his synagogue. Be sure to check out Alex's excellent YouTube channel, BoardGameCo (https://youtube.com/boardgameco).
NEXT EPISODE: We discuss Jane McGonagal's Reality is Broken chapters 1 and 2. We're glad to have you read along with us, but this homework is totally optional and can be ignored!
What do you think? Post your thoughts, responses, and questions on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/) and Discord (https://discord.gg/RTpwD9V2).
Support us on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/boardgamefaith/posts).
Episode 110: Top 10 Board Games for a Casual Game Group
Episode 110
Sunday, January 12, 2025 • Duration 01:04:43
Takeaways
Casual gaming should be accessible to all skill levels.
Games should have a low barrier to entry and quick setup.
Replayability is important for maintaining interest in games.
A mix of cooperative and competitive games is ideal.
Games should accommodate different group sizes.
Consider the time commitment for each game.
Games like Telestrations generate deep laughter and connection.
Incorporating themes can enhance the gaming experience.
Games can be a great way to engage in community settings.
The joy of gaming often comes from the shared experience rather than competition.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Casual Gaming Groups
01:59 Criteria for Selecting Board Games
05:27 Top 10 Board Games Overview
06:33 Game #10: Similo
08:57 Game #9: Anomia
15:19 Game #8: Quirkle
20:46 Game #7: Seven Wonders Architects
25:42 Game #6: Coup
29:14 Game #5: Codenames
36:04 Exploring Codenames: A Game of Strategy
38:23 Trio: The Joy of Simple Card Games
40:33 Secret Hitler: Deception and Strategy
44:56 Scout: A Unique Card Game Experience
47:16 Bananagrams: Fast-Paced Word Play
49:58 Telestrations: Laughter Through Drawing
54:52 Just One: Cooperative Clue-Giving
01:01:22 Honorable Mentions: Expanding the Game List
Episode 32: Ameritrash vs. Euro Board Games, which is better?
Episode 32
Sunday, June 11, 2023 • Duration 47:41
Define Ameritrash and Euro, what is the experience like, how do they work?
The promise and problem of player elimination (Monopoly, Chess, Checkers, Risk)
Direct versus indirect competition
Excitement of “dudes on a map”
Ameritrash risk and explosive moments, Interaction, luck, can be mean
War gaming is a variant (and how board games began) – Root! Root! Root!
Euro is more about resource management (Tapestry, Caracassonne, Wingspan, Feast for Odin)
How are they good for the soul?
Euro stresses planning, focus, no player elimination, safe themes
Focus on bettering self not putting others down; models helpful skills for today’s world; encourages non-dualistic thinking
Ameritrash stresses conflict, high stakes, sweet victories and moments, possibly fun defeats, good memories
** Our contest ends June 15! You can be entered to win some awesome prizes by posting a photo of yourself and a favorite game at your place of worship on Instagram with the hastag #boardgamefaith.
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Episode 6: Board Games that Teach
Episode 6
Sunday, May 29, 2022 • Duration 01:04:24
What can, and should, board teach us? We explore didactic board games that have a message, and what sort of indirect messages board games can also give us. We discuss Caverna, Bibleopoly, the forgotten didactic orgins of Monopoly, magic circles, and the controversial game Train.
Join us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith) and Patreon (https://patreon.com/boardgamefaith).
Episode 55: Live from the Geekway Gaming Convention!
Episode 55
Sunday, May 26, 2024 • Duration 18:01
Daniel and Kevin attended Geekway to the West in St. Charles, Missouri, and bring you this special episode filmed live with their 3,500 best friends. Some special guests join us, and then we share some favorite convention moments and games, along with some special announcements.
CALL TO ACTION
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Interact with us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/boardgamefaith/)
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Chat with us on Wavelength (iOS and MacOS and iPadOS only) (https://wavelength.app/invite/AGSmNhIYS5B#ABhy7aXOO04TO6HTS4lelw--)
Episode 52: Stages in Board Game Collecting
Episode 52
Sunday, April 7, 2024 • Duration 58:59
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
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Episode 49: Book Club: 4,000 Weeks
Episode 49
Sunday, February 25, 2024 • Duration 01:02:38
Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (2022) is our pick for our monthly book club. We loved how it made us think about our modern drive to master time and efficiency, and how this debilitates human happiness. Rethinking our lives and our use of time means more time for flourishing, games, and play, even if we don't get everything done (because we never will).
We explore the concept of time and our relationship with it, highlighting the illusion of time management and the artificiality of modern time. We also discuss the idea of embracing our limits and the futility of trying to battle against time. Overall, the book challenges the notion that we can control time and encourages a deeper reflection on how we spend our limited time on Earth. It delves into the flawed attempts to be efficient and the instrumentalization of time in modern society. The conversation also highlights the importance of living in the present moment and the dangers of constantly living for the future. It discusses the measurement of time and how it contributes to impatience and restlessness. The conversation draws from various spiritual traditions and emphasizes the need to let go of future expectations. It explores the joy of settling and the joy of missing out, as well as the pressure to choose a path and the depth of commitment. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of focusing on the next step rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. We emphasize the need to make time for play and challenge societal expectations that prioritize work over play. We explore the idea that play is an end in itself and can resist the Protestant work ethic. We also discuss the value of hobbies and the role of play in grounding us in the present moment. Finally, we reflect on the importance of using our time and talents well to make life more luminous for others.
Takeaways
Embrace the nature of time and avoid trying to make it something it's not.
Beware of the dangers of efficiency as an idol and the instrumentalization of time.
Learn to live in the present moment and let go of future expectations.
Develop a curiosity and openness towards challenges and problems.
Settle and commit to a path, finding joy in depth and commitment. Break down projects into smaller steps and focus on taking the next right step.
Make time for play and challenge societal expectations that prioritize work over play.
Recognize that play is an end in itself and can resist the Protestant work ethic.
Engage in hobbies and embrace the value of weird and unique interests.
Use your time and talents well to make life more luminous for others.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Battle with Time
03:13 Lent and Time
08:23 Animals and Time
11:27 The Illusion of Time Management
13:29 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
19:36 The Artificiality of Time
21:20 The Battle with Time
22:43 Embracing the Nature of Time
23:19 The Flawed Attempt of Efficiency
24:26 The Instrumentalization of Time
25:33 Living for the Future
26:37 The Present Moment
27:31 The Measurement of Time
28:38 Impatience and Restlessness
29:52 Expectations and Frustrations
30:50 Drawing from Spiritual Traditions
31:47 Letting Go of Future Expectations
32:28 The Joy of Settling
35:20 The Joy of Missing Out
36:42 The Pressure to Choose a Path
39:38 The Depth of Commitment
40:55 Focusing on the Next Step
41:47 Taking the Next Right Step
42:21 Breaking Down Projects into Smaller Steps
43:04 Making Time for Play
43:35 Play as an End in Itself
44:02 Letting Go of Societal Expectations
45:18 The Importance of Hobbies
46:16 The Present Moment in Play
47:26 Resisting the Protestant Work Ethic
48:37 The Value of AT-like Activities
49:24 Embracing Weird Hobbies
56:56 Using Time and Talents Well
CALL TO ACTION:
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Episode 24: 5 Spiritual Lessons from Cooperative Board Games
Episode 24
Sunday, February 19, 2023 • Duration 53:41
LISTENER HIGHLIGHT!
* Jim from Pennsylvania
MAIL BAG!
- Episode 21 feedback - So grateful to @CampingMeeple's (https://www.instagram.com/campingmeeple/) response to episode 21 - how to start a board game group: "We are trying to keep a Board game day happening more often at our church, but it was actually interesting listening to your last episode because it’s generally hobby people at ours and you were talking about card games and stuff a lot. I am a relatively newer convert to hobby games, but my addiction started at one of these events. Interestingly, I attended one a few years prior and it didn’t stick the same way. But just like you said it generally needs to be accessible games not heavy and the last time I brought my 10 year old."
- This episode - @Reengineerthegame (https://www.instagram.com/Reengineer_the_game/) offers this response to our question about spiritual lessons learned from cooperative games: "Humility is the first one that comes to mind. You can be humbled in competitive games by being out played but in cooperative games you can choose humility over being an “alpha player” or simply get beat by the game."
What is a cooperative game?
You win as a group against the board, and not against each other
You share information and ideas, and sometimes even resources
You have a shared objective (achieve a certain amount of goals)
You coordinate your moves and plan out as a group what to do
Note the original Monopoly game had 2 rules-sets, and the second one (that we don’t play anymore) was cooperative.
From Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooperative_board_game):
In 1903 Elizabeth Magie patented "The Landlord's Game", inspired by the principles and philosophy of Henry George. The Landlords' and designed as a protest against the monopolists of the time, the game is considered to be the game from which Monopoly was largely derived. In it, Magie had two rule-sets - the Monopoly rules, in which players all vied to accrue the largest revenue and crush their opponents, and a co-operative set. Her dualistic approach was a teaching tool meant to demonstrate that the co-operative rules were morally superior.
Spiritual Lessons
Learning to take turns and moves that help the group and not yourself.
Learning that diversity of gifts is important. Many cooperative games assign roles with special powers. Everyone has a different role to play. See 1 Corinthians 12 & Romans 12 in the Christian Bible.
Encouraging everyone to participate in a low-stress way; cooperative games allow players to give and receive advice on what to do in a turn.
The importance of trusting others' choices. Sometimes we have to let others fail in order to respect that actions and choices.
Individual achievement can feel different from communal achievement. A shared victory is much sweeter in the end, don’t you think?
NEXT EPISODE - KEVIN: REFLECTIONS ON TEACHING SPIRITUALITY & BOARD GAMES!
THANK YOU!
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