Dragon Age: Inquisiton?

[SpeakKindly]

Right and if I said all Christians are just knock-off Mithraists and called it my opinion, most people on these boards would still be ready to fight. Unbelievable. Talk about a large plank in the collective’s eye. You’re free to arrogantly put down other people’s hobbies and interests just long as it’s in the name of religion?

Yeah, that’s fair.

To be honest, I don’t think that poster was trying to be as arrogant as you seem to think. Even though I disagree with the suggestion of giving up games he gave me, I think he meant well. It looks like you’re taking a bit too much offense to his suggestion though.

Obviously that poster believes that he should be totally focused only on God, but I’d say that is partially true. We should prioritize God first, always, but not necessarily at the expense of the rest of our life, including fun times for the sake of fun alone.

We can’t be relatable if we’re not living a life that is appealing to people we’re supposed to love. Jesus was relatable, the saints are relatable, Pope Francis is relatable. We’re supposed to be holy, but not isolated from the rest of regular human activities.

As for the game in question, I’m interested in it, but I want that poster to know it’s not at the sake of my love for God. Of course.

Let’s all calm down, please.

 

[John_Savage]

It sounds like he awoke something in you. Calm down. He’s just saying that in his experience, video games can be detrimental to faith. Can’t that be true for many people?

No, scorning them as a distraction is. I ask again: Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be off praying the Rosary instead of bullying gamers with your unwanted opinions?

LOL! An ad hom is defined by its irrelevance to the topic. Since you’re so bent on discussing just how wonderful it is to have no worldly distraction, you should log off, never visit CAF again, and stop wasting your time lambasting other people’s hobbies.

You want to revisit a Christian era where so-called ‘distractions’ were never invented. I ask you again, why then are you wasting time here? You think you’re being constructive preaching to me? HAHAHAHAH! Please, just go back to your prayers. You’re not convincing anyone here. I doubt God would be pleased if His little follower though that the best way to serve Him was to insult fellow human beings through their hobbies.

This thread was about a particular video game series, not about your personal views on why all video games are a waste of time. If anyone should be dictating logical fallacies here, it should be me.

You came here with an irrelevant sweep against the gaming hobby and all hobbies in general. Don’t tell me about ad homs when your entire presence lives up to the definition.

Yep. You think you’re being true to God because that’s what you think you’re being attacked for. Not the fact that you’re being obnoxious. Words in your mouth? Hardly, because that’s really what you’re saying. Everything’s free game for you to disrespect just long as I’m not crossing myself and reciting 150 Hail Marys.

Thou shalt not bear false witness remember?



You claim to be innocent of judging yet you just judged swaths of entire people, including gamers, including me. You are a hypocrite and have no right to talk of having God at the center of one’s life. Because if you’re any indication, I’d rather not!

One can hold a different view without necessarily exhibiting the condescending, spiritually arrogant tone that’s clearly reeking from your posts. Shall I demonstrate?

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

These aren’t different views. These are sweeping, pompous, and presumptuous remarks about other people’s hobbies. You make no attempt to not only hide your distaste but even insist that everyone shares it!

I’ve been on these forums long enough to know that people who think like you, who believe that the only life worth living is to eat and drink a religion, are the very people responsible for turning people off from whatever God you want us to worship. Your so-called enemy ‘modernism’ isn’t winning because of decadent faithful. It’s losing because people like you make for the worst examples for it.

Heck, you even admit at your own puritanical leanings and you expect me to believe you when you say you’re only ‘sharing a different view’? You’re not sharing a different view. You’re shoving it and setting yourself up holier than the Pope by making a mandate to everyone to start living like its 1014.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

It sounds like he awoke something in you.

Yep. It’s the guy who just heard another religious person blaming all the ills of the world on video games, TV, and everything to do with the 21st century.

He’s just saying that in his experience, video games can that be detrimental to faith.

An allergy to peanuts doesn’t entitle you to tell everyone that peanuts are bad.

Can’t that be true for many people?

No.

 

[Robyn_p]

Does playing videogames in any way further your relationship with god? Are there more constructive things you could be doing with your time?

I just wanted to point out that this is really a false dilemma according to the Church. Things don’t have to necessarily be explicitly about God or lead you closer to him for them to be good.

Simple entertainment, too, has a value of its own. It lightens the burden of daily problems and it occupies men’s leisure. The wide variety of productions that the media offer for these hours of leisure is in fact a remarkable service to mankind. But recipients should exercise self-control. (Communio et Progressio 52)

Entertainment for its own sake is a good thing. God wants us to enjoy what he created. He also wants us to express ourselves with fiction and art. That’s why he gave us an imagination. It’s not a defect.

 

[SpeakKindly]

I just wanted to point out that this is really a false dilemma according to the Church. Things don’t have to necessarily be explicitly about God or lead you closer to him for them to be good.

Simple entertainment, too, has a value of its own. It lightens the burden of daily problems and it occupies men’s leisure. The wide variety of productions that the media offer for these hours of leisure is in fact a remarkable service to mankind. But recipients should exercise self-control. (Communio et Progressio 52)

Entertainment for its own sake is a good thing. God wants us to enjoy what he created. He also wants us to express ourselves with fiction and art. That’s why he gave us an imagination. It’s not a defect.

Thank you.

I know I’d hope that the architects, artists, and writers that produce great works that are beautiful, but not explicitly religious in nature, have fun like we do looking at and reading those things. I know I do, and sometimes things do make me more thankful to be alive, even if I’m not even in a religious setting. Life would be mostly boring without culture and leisure.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

What would Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Ignatius Loyola, or even St. Francis of Assisi say about a game such as Magic: The Gathering:

Well, they’re totally control players, no doubt. A little too much aggro and they’re not gonna have a good day. I find that with Aquinas, you’ve got to aggressively mulligan down to no more than two lands in your opening hand. Hit your drops every turn and send the burn straight to his dome, because you’re not going to have any targets for that.

You know these are the types of guys that are packing Wrath of God effects (obviously) and that’s difficult to get around in any format, but any kind of recursion is going to give them problems… stuff with persist/undying is especially useful there.

If we’re talking standard, a card like Night Howler is gonna help you out. It’s an X/X horror creature with power and toughness equal to the amount of creatures in all graveyards, but he has bestow for 4. So what you’re gonna do is pop that down on whatever 2 or 3 drop you’re running and then all of the sudden they’re plain out of luck. What are they going to do to that? Kill everything in play, Augustine? Be my guest, because Howler’s going to rip you to shreds next turn.

So that would be my guide to defeating people like Saint Augustine, Aquinas, etc. Should be easy enough to do if saints are the only players in your meta, but you gotta watch out for the more mid-range saints because of all the Geist of Saint Traft/Angel creature token shenanigans they favor.

 

[Robyn_p]

Thank you.

I know I’d hope that the architects, artists, and writers that produce great works that are beautiful, but not explicitly religious in nature, have fun like we do looking at and reading those things. I know I do, and sometimes things do make me more thankful to be alive, even if I’m not even in a religious setting. Life would be mostly boring without culture and leisure.

Yep. Exactly.

I think sadly a lot of Catholics, especially in America, have bought into a really…Calvinist view of art and culture. It’s Calvinism that is austere and practical. Catholic culture has always been the exact opposite. The middle ages weren’t all dreary and serious like most movies portray it. Yeah, it was a difficult life, but there was also a lot of room for entertainment back then. They had art, music, food, carnivals, games, plays and worship all mingled together in different ways. The feast days in the Church were holidays and times to celebrate. Their culture was vibrant. They weren’t against having fun because they knew the physical world was fundamentally good and not opposed to religion or God.

But anyways, back to the actual topic. How is the game so far? I was thinking of maybe getting it but the second one was pretty disappointing to me, so I’m a little hesitant to spend sixty bucks on it…

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

But anyways, back to the actual topic. How is the game so far? I was thinking of maybe getting it but the second one was pretty disappointing to me, so I’m a little hesitant to spend sixty bucks on it…

According to this review, it’s awesome but falls prey to the so-called ‘crafting craze’ among recent RPGs. Then again, even the review concedes that it’s a matter of taste. (I’m actually of the mind that crafting can be a pretty awesome experience if the farming bit was toned down but my experience in Monster Hunter is better off in another thread. )

Personally, I wish I had the money to even buy the PC needed to play the game… or maybe just a PS4. Ah well, Imma be content with my DS (for now ).

Wish I could try out some of those mage spells though. The Rift and Necromancy specializations look pretty sweet. :hypno:

 

[AMFV]

Does playing videogames in any way further your relationship with god?

Yes. One can find God in everything.

Are there more constructive things you could be doing with your time?

Probably, but if I spend all of my time doing constructive things, I’ll burn out, and that’ll be worse in the long run.

Honestly I have to admit that I am slightly puritanical in dealings with culture but I believe that it is honestly a much better alternative to devote more time to god than to immerse yourself if the man made constructs that only serve to divert us from our faith.

One can find God in all of the things that are in your life. Furthermore the things that can make one person grow in faith may not be the same things.

For example, I find American football to be a means of unhealthy vicarious fulfillment. The point where you actually like watching football more than going to mass is one example of idolatry.

Well for some people, Football is certainly an idol, American or otherwise. I would certainly believe that for you, Video Games might be primarily unhealthy. Certainly, Video games to the point where one is no longer going to mass is unhealthy. But the same things don’t bring everybody to sin.

ALL activities can lead one to put things above God. Even going to mass, if you make it a matter of your pride, rather than out of communion with God, that would be causing sin. It’s important to note that I’m not alleging that, in your case, but it can certainly happen.

Our god is what we value most in life and involvement in the world just allows us to construct a god in the same way the Israelites constructed the golden calf.

Yes, but the Golden Calf isn’t the same for everybody.

My goal in life is to actively serve others, eliminate unneeded indulgences from my life, and study catholic theology.

Good for you! But the things that make one able to function and therefore better serve others can be helpful for that sort of thing.

 

[Faxero]

Right and if I said all Christians are just knock-off Mithraists and called it my opinion, most people on these boards would still be ready to fight. Unbelievable. Talk about a large plank in the collective’s eye. You’re free to arrogantly put down other people’s hobbies and interests just long as it’s in the name of religion?

Yeah, that’s fair.

Sorry. That wasn’t my intent, but this is the internet, after all.

 

[Kurisu35712]

This turned out to be a lot more interesting than expected.

Most definitely. Another thread for the subscriptions list!

To (name removed by moderator)ut my two cents. I don’t think FJBSJ was targeting you, Wanderer. Nor do I think he necessarily meant that all video games are evil and should be shunned. As you said, “An allergy to peanuts doesn’t entitle you to tell everyone that peanuts are bad.” Likewise, having no allergy to peanuts doesn’t entitle you to eat them next to that person. But I agree with your sentiment here. If video games are sinful, I’m afraid I’ll need to schedule a confession ASAP.

That being said, some video games do have objectionable content. Naturally, most entertainment does. Whether it is something you need to reject is based on your own outlook and ability to handle that kind of stuff. I have no problem with most games, and frankly I’ve found myself wanting to play Dragon Age myself, but at the moment I’m a bit preoccupied with Wolf Among Us, Pokemon, and replaying Assassin’s Creed II so I can learn the layout of Florence before I go off for study abroad. Not to mention my Mabinogi addiction, seeing as they have an update planned for December.

Likewise, as an architecture student, I’ve never found an issue with man-made objects and forms of entertainment. I’m running renderings for an architecture project right now. Just as with movies, anime, books, etc. video games can and often do have engaging characters, stories, and experiences that can teach empathy, friendship, and whatnot. Not to mention, they’re far more interactive than just a movie.

If you choose to give up video games, that’s a perfectly respectable choice. But I wouldn’t go so far as to say anything that isn’t explicitly to do is some kind of unnecessary indulgence. For every bad message you find in a game, you can probably find at least 2 good ones.

 

[Robyn_p]

According to this review, it’s awesome but falls prey to the so-called ‘crafting craze’ among recent RPGs. Then again, even the review concedes that it’s a matter of taste. (I’m actually of the mind that crafting can be a pretty awesome experience if the farming bit was toned down but my experience in Monster Hunter is better off in another thread. )

Personally, I wish I had the money to even buy the PC needed to play the game… or maybe just a PS4. Ah well, Imma be content with my DS (for now ).

Wish I could try out some of those mage spells though. The Rift and Necromancy specializations look pretty sweet. :hypno:

Cool. Glad to hear it’s gotten good reviews. I don’t mind crafting all that much either so it sounds like it might be fun.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

To (name removed by moderator)ut my two cents. I don’t think FJBSJ was targeting you, Wanderer. Nor do I think he necessarily meant that all video games are evil and should be shunned.

Actually, he did.

**As someone who is struggling with Videogame addiction, believe me when I say just give up all the videogames.**They often have messages counter to the faith and playing them produces no fruit. Honestly the same can be said about most television.

But setting that aside, this isn’t really the first time I’ve had to contend with religious people imposing such views on gamers. People wonder why the youth are fleeing in droves and the only ones returning wind up sounding like well, you know. points up

Cool. Glad to hear it’s gotten good reviews. I don’t mind crafting all that much either so it sounds like it might be fun.

When you extend to essentially building your own castle/garrison, it really makes for a nice package. I’m not sure how the reviewer would’ve defined RPG. But for me, I certainly feel the essence of the term when I’m adventuring, gathering up stuff, and having my own place to crash.

 

[JackieO123]

@LostWanderer: I stand with you when it comes to videogames; many things are fine as long as there is moderation. Something that I think many of your attackers don’t understand.is that videogames, like cinema, are a form of art; a form of Human expression that can either be benign or malign. As for your previous comments; don’t give up on the Church just because a few people are particularly militant in their beliefs. Catholics disagree all the time.

Edit: Just realized I necro’d the thread.

 

[BlessedMamaKate]

As someone who is struggling with Videogame addiction, believe me when I say just give up all the videogames. They often have messages counter to the faith and playing them produces no fruit. Honestly the same can be said about most television.

I also struggle with video game addiction. My issue, not the gaming company or other players. No one is trying to take down Blizzard , Sony or EA here. I’m unsure if Dragon Age is an MMO, but those were the games that I had issue with because they had no ending. I couldn’t moderate my playtime, so for me it was best to stop. If someone can play and strike a balance that pleases themselves, their family, and their. God - then Game On. If you can’t, perhaps it’s quitting time. No amount of CBT or prayer allowed me to find a balance, so delete the games I did. If that strikes a nerve or angers someone, I’m sorry but that’s on them.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

If that strikes a nerve or angers someone, I’m sorry but that’s on them.

The difference between you and the other guy is that you’re openly admitting that you can’t strike this balance whereas other people can. Furthermore, you’re not exactly calling people to sacrifice something on the count of their incapacity. Finally, there’s a difference between not being all too hot about what’s mainstream and making sweeping, overgeneralizing remarks about video games and pop culture in general.

For one thing, I’m hardly jumping down on your throat now am I?

 

[C794]

I wanted to address some of the initial concerns from the first post.

Sex: this is an entirely optional part of the game that can easily be avoided. The game makes it clear that certain dialogue choices will lead down this path and it is easy to choose something else. A romance isn’t forced on you nor are you penalized for avoiding one. In past games, someone who did choose a romance, could say no to sex and still have the game consider it a completed romance. I did it twice and it worked fine. You do loose some affection points with that character, but it’s easy to make up for this. Also, I have heard that the new game has some romances that don’t have sex scenes at all; although whether or not the new ones are still skipable is unknown to me. Now if someone did accidentally initiate this scene it is easy to constantly press the skip scene button and turn off the TV before you see anything. Furthermore, from what I’ve heard these could harldy be considered sex scenes and are more similar to what could be scene on TV (disregarding more explicit examples like Game of Thrones). In the first game, I’ve been told, the characters had underwear on.

Portrayal of religion: this is something I’ve debated with myself about, but as a whole I don’t think the game is overly negative about it; I’m positive that the developers don’t have a message about religion being bad. They emphasize choice a lot, and so they want the players to determine who is right. The reason the religion resembles the Catholic Church is because the game is a medieval fantasy and so the religious institution is fallowing that setting. The purpose isn’t to speak about the Catholic Church.

While the primary religion has done things that are wrong, it also is shown to have done a lot of good. The background information for Inquisition involve that leader of the religion calling a conclave in order to peacefully resolve a conflict. Also, in the second game, where people working for the Chantry were show doing the most wrong, it was the Grand Cleric who seemed most likely to find a peaceful solution – at least according to my interpretation. This can’t justify the oppression of the mages, but I think it shows that the game doesn’t have a message that organized religion is bad. I actually get the impression, that the Chantry is the most true religion in the game’s setting – not necessarily in action, but their mythology seems to line up with pre-established lore the best --, but this is left open for interpretation.

 

[Nate8080]

The difference between you and the other guy is that you’re openly admitting that you can’t strike this balance whereas other people can. Furthermore, you’re not exactly calling people to sacrifice something on the count of their incapacity. Finally, there’s a difference between not being all too hot about what’s mainstream and making sweeping, overgeneralizing remarks about video games and pop culture in general.

For one thing, I’m hardly jumping down on your throat now am I?

Lost, don’t engage these people on the topic of video games. As long as you aren’t engaging in sex scenes (which is practically porno) or spending 8 hours a day in front of the computer then you aren’t breaking any Church rules. Any other objections will be mostly the older generation being whiny about useless points and nothing other than personal opinion. I am a devout Catholic and an avid gamer, I feel no need to justify my desire to play moderately wholesome games on a regular basis to anyone. I wouldn’t attempt it in your case either…all you will find is old men, women, and priests giving you their biased opinions as to why video games are a waste of time rather than an enjoyable activity and a stress reliever. In short, don’t ask Catholics about their opinions concerning video games in general, because as long as you are staying out of A rated games, that’s all they have, opinions…

 

[SilverLight]

I think the game is fine. I still need to play it though. If they did not put the gay/bi thing in it would be a problem possibly. The game creators have to think about everyone when making the game. It’s just a game to me really.

 

[xNoOnex]

What are your thoughts on this game?

I’m not too well versed in the lore of the game, but I do think there are parallels between the inquisitions related to Catholicism, and this game. I think you’re investigating/dealing with issues related to your character in the game, and can choose to do a few things to prisoners (like kill, keep, set free, etc).

There’s a group that’s probably a representation of the Church call the Chantry (sp?), but it’s oppressive of mages apparently.

As for as morality in the game, I’m a bit turned off on the ability to have sex scenes (let alone a gay/bi romance option), but I believe those are just optional things to do.

Thoughts? I’ve heard the game is addicting.

The sex scenes are completely optional, as are romances in general. And you really can’t stumble into them either. You know when you’re entering them. Two characters, Josephine and Solas, has romances with no sex scenes. In fact, there’s not even implications that the relationship is sexual.

As for the Chantry, one can argue that its oppressive to mages, but mages in the setting can lose control of their power and become demons. (Obviously, not the player character or his allies, but it happens in lore.) So while there’s very really oppression, its justified. And the games about trying to fix it.

While there’s some bad religious characters, there’s also some good ones.

Something that might be unsettling to some Catholics, however, is the main antagonist. He makes some claims about the Maker (the games version of God), however, they are unconfirmed and its very likely they are disillusions. The game doesn’t state either way, as the writers have said its largely an issue of faith. (I.E.: They don’t want to offend anyone, either way, since they have a varied fanbase so they are not saying anything.)