Is Assassin's Creed OK?

[CatholicMan2412]

I ask you, please read this whole first post, before you reply. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Anthony. I posted this under Popular Media, because this thread speaks about a Popular Video game series. If this isn’t the right place, could someone redirect me? Thanks.

Today, I want to talk to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Note how I said talk, not ask. Because today, I will be asking, but I will also be informing about the controversial games, Assassin’s Creed.

The whole purpose of this thread is to get a YES or NO on playing Assassin’s Creed (or AC) as a whole. I mean, the series. Maybe skipping one, playing them all, etc. As you may know, the AC series touches the Catholic Church, and in certain cases is blasphemous. That’s the only real concerning fact here, because there’s hardly any sins that cannot be simulated in this game. As a reminder, blasphemous things and sexual things must not be simulated in entertainment. A local priest told me however, that violence CAN be simulated, as long as it’s not too graphic. And I’ve played an Assassin’s Creed game, and it wasn’t very intense. But we’re not here to talk about the violence. We’re here to talk about the blasphemies.

So let’s get started. What’s the concept of the series? You go back in time, and play as your ancestors, and experience the way the world truly was. The main objective however is to take the role of the Assassins, who fight for peace with free will and fight the Knights of Templars, who desire peace through control.

Quick update just in case you’re forgetting, the Knights of Templar were a group of soldiers officially endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church. That right there is a Red Alarm for me, and it should be for any good Catholic.

So, I must ask you, considering it’s a story, and I know it’s fake, and I still pray to the Templars, and respect them, would it be sinful to fight them in a game? Mortal or venial?

Moving on, released in 2007, the first Assassin’s Creed game is titled, you guessed it, Assassin’s Creed. Skipping minor details, you must kill several Templars in the Holy Land, during the time of the Third Crusade.

RED ALARM.

Now, I’m not 100 percent sure about this, but basically, in the world of the games, there’s a different God, maybe multiple Gods. That could be okay, considering it’s just a fictional story. A priest once told me in confession, something like that would be okay, as long as I know it’s totally false. It’s like a fable. There are stories about Zeus, and other Greek Gods, that are in Catholic schools.

The major thing that makes Assassin’s Creed (first game, not the series necessarily) blasphemous is that, for the game to make sense, you must rely on the fact, that Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to Earth, as a false prophet and has no powers…wow…those Blasphemers.

So obviously, for that fact right there, the first Assassin’s Creed game cannot be played, because you’d be participating in a game that denounces the Catholic faith. Evil. Pure evil. No joke.

So maybe Assassin’s Creed II is better? Maybe in the second game, they got rid of the blasphemies…nope. In the second one you have the mission to kill the Successor of Saint Peter, the Holy Father…

You end up not killing him, BUT STILL! THE INTENTION! THE FACT THAT YOU MUST! MAKING A JOKE, OUT OF THE HOLY FATHER, AND TRYING TO TURN IT INTO ENTERTAINMENT! NO WAY CAN THIS GAME BE PLAYED!

If it’s not clear enough, the first two Assassin’s Creed Games are totally Blasphemous, and cannot be played. If you have played them, please know you are in mortal sin for those two shocking facts. If you were unaware, in some cases, it may be venial. But please go to confession, and confess this if you have not. If you think it is NOT a sin, you are in error, and must change.

So you’re probably wondering…why’d you make this Thread then? To talk about these games you can’t play? Well, yes actually. I’ve seen many Catholics say it’s okay to play these games, and because they don’t know those facts, believe they are okay.

Continued below.

 

[CatholicMan2412]

Continued from above.

All of this said, let’s take a look at the other Assassin’s Creed Games. They are listed in order of their release.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood: Takes place right after II, and has similar events. Solid NO.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations: I really can’t say for sure on this one, but I know it takes place in this time, so probably Blasphemous.

Assassin’s Creed III: This is the main reason I made this topic, because Assassin’s Creed III is the first in its series, that doesn’t really blaspheme the Catholic Church. In this title, you play as a person in the American Revolution. Unfortunately, you still fight Templars. But nothing else really against the Church. Like another thing in Assassin’s Creed II, you must assassinate Papal Guards! Unacceptable! But things like that are not found in Assassin’s Creed III. My question to you, IS ASSASSIN’S CREED III OKAY TO PLAY? I actually have this game, and I’m playing it, because there’s no directly blasphemous content. So is fighting the Templars ok? Yes, you do kill them, but not graphically, and I would never do that in real life. And nothing in these games would cause me to sin. And if they ever did (which will never happen) I would stop, and never touch them again, or at least until I mature.

Now, there’s several others in the series, but you know what? They changed! Now they’re pirates, French revolution, taking place in Paris, etc. As far as I know however, there is still fighting Templars, but nothing like listen earlier above (the one about the Pope, or Our Lord) So is that okay? If so, would that make the rest of them here, okay? If it would be sinful to play them, Mortal or Venial?

So the whole real message here is, is it OK to play Assassin’s Creed III forward, as they no longer do the evil things the first ones did? Sorry if the numerical is confusing you.

So there’s a long thread, that I need your help on. Please help me, as I do NOT want to sin against Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would be more than glad, to not play them if they are sinful.

As a final note, the other content it has that would be questionable is very minor. Trust me. And even if it isn’t, I’ll never forget that a priest once said. He and a few other priests would gather and watch movies, and if there was anything questionable (not blasphemous) they would “Brace yourselves!”

God Bless You All, I will pray for every single one of you!

 

[Rhubarb]

One of my favorite TV programs has a pretty catchy theme. It doesn’t QUITE fit, but I think it’s appropriate. The best line is as follows:

"If you wonder how Joel eats or breaths, or other science facts.

Just say to yourself ‘it’s just a show, I should really just relax’."

 

[CatholicMan2412]

One of my favorite TV programs has a pretty catchy theme. It doesn’t QUITE fit, but I think it’s appropriate. The best line is as follows:

"If you wonder how Joel eats or breaths, or other science facts.

Just say to yourself ‘it’s just a show, I should really just relax’."

I would be willing to relax, but internal salvation could be at steak here. Never relax in matters like this. The first two are not okay. Can’t play those. No relaxation.

 

[xNoOnex]

The Templar, in Assassin’s Creed, are not the historical Knights Templar. They predate the founding of the actual order and it draws heavily on conspiracy theory. I don’t know anyone who would think they are.

Not to mention the whole “you are in mortal sin for playing a videogame” seems like it’s more fitting of protestant fundamentalism that Catholicism. Especially since in general, I take the content of video games about as seriously as I take the content of the horror movies I watched with occult themes, like Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things and the Omen. That’s to say, I don’t take them seriously at all, since I’m an adult that understands fiction isn’t reality.

 

[MT1926]

The Templar, in Assassin’s Creed, are not the historical Knights Templar. They predate the founding of the actual order and it draws heavily on conspiracy theory. I don’t know anyone who would think they are.

Not to mention the whole “you are in mortal sin for playing a videogame” seems like it’s more fitting of protestant fundamentalism that Catholicism. Especially since in general, I take the content of video games about as seriously as I take the content of the horror movies I watched with occult themes, like Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things and the Omen. That’s to say, I don’t take them seriously at all, since I’m an adult that understands fiction isn’t reality.

I agree. It is mind numbing fiction. I have found games a good way to blow off some steam, and to take my mind off of the stress of the day. Seeing that the game is rated mature I am guessing you are at least 17 and should be old enough to be at an age of reason, so should be able to tell the difference.

PS…If you can’t tell the difference in the first 3 games you shouldn’t be playing the newer games, because they still relate back to the original games and I believe have flashbacks or references back to the original games.

 

[Billy112]

The Church doesn’t really say anything about what sorts of media we consume, but it can be assumed from other moral teaching that it should not be an occasion of sin for us. Benedictine monks in the middle ages copied down things such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid, which are full of sex and violence. I’m not partial to that kind of thing myself, however.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=13588&highlight=imperfect+works

This is about film, but this should help you out.

 

[CatholicMan2412]

The Templar, in Assassin’s Creed, are not the historical Knights Templar. They predate the founding of the actual order and it draws heavily on conspiracy theory. I don’t know anyone who would think they are.

Not to mention the whole “you are in mortal sin for playing a videogame” seems like it’s more fitting of protestant fundamentalism that Catholicism. Especially since in general, I take the content of video games about as seriously as I take the content of the horror movies I watched with occult themes, like Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things and the Omen. That’s to say, I don’t take them seriously at all, since I’m an adult that understands fiction isn’t reality.

I’m pretty sure they are supposed the be the Knights of Templar, considering they look similar, have the name Templar, and in the first few game are in the Holy Land.

I’m not trying to start a fight, but when you said that it seems like a protestant, I just wanted to remind you: that’s something many heretics have said to defend themselves. Think about it: there’s two sins that MUST NOT be simulated. Blasphemy and sex. Blasphemy is found in the first few AC games.

Even if you know it’s false, a good Catholic would never partake in the simulation of blasphemy. It would be a grave mortal sin.

 

[CatholicMan2412]

PS…If you can’t tell the difference in the first 3 games you shouldn’t be playing the newer games, because they still relate back to the original games and I believe have flashbacks or references back to the original games.

I played Assassin’s Creed 3, and there was only a minor reference. As long as those major events from the first few aren’t present, I really don’t find it bad.

 

[CatholicMan2412]

The Church doesn’t really say anything about what sorts of media we consume, but it can be assumed from other moral teaching that it should not be an occasion of sin for us. Benedictine monks in the middle ages copied down things such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid, which are full of sex and violence. I’m not partial to that kind of thing myself, however.

There are two sins that cannot be simulated, blasphemy and sex. The reason, is because blasphemy is directly against God, whether serious, or in act (because it still speaks). The reason sex cannot be simulated, is because it can tempt people who see it. For example, let’s say a scene in a movie or game has two characters doing sexual acts. Anyone who watches it, could receive sexual pleasure from it, or could be tempted to bad actions.

As for the Odyssey? And the Benedictine monks? Well, I’ve actually read a shorten version of the Odyssey, which did not have much sex at all. I believe there is a part, where it’s implied there are rapes, but it never gets into detail.

Also, remember it’s probably okay if in a movie a couple kisses. But it’s not okay, if a couple has sex.

God Bless!

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

At a cinematic screening of a film and all the more so when reading the published text of a story, one can look aside or skim over a bit if one chooses.

I’ve not played video games but there is probably a degree of individual engagement, making it advisable to be a little more cautious, just a nuance to add to your deliberations.

 

[anon67074017]

It’s okay. It is just a video game based on history.

 

[xNoOnex]

I’m pretty sure they are supposed the be the Knights of Templar, considering they look similar, have the name Templar, and in the first few game are in the Holy Land.

I’m not trying to start a fight, but when you said that it seems like a protestant, I just wanted to remind you: that’s something many heretics have said to defend themselves. Think about it: there’s two sins that MUST NOT be simulated. Blasphemy and sex. Blasphemy is found in the first few AC games.

Even if you know it’s false, a good Catholic would never partake in the simulation of blasphemy. It would be a grave mortal sin.

The historical Knights Templar were disbanded in 1312, yet even in the first game, it was clear that the Templar still existed in the shadows in near future. Not to mention, their agenda even in the first game was contrary to their real world agenda and the teachings of the Church.

As for the pope you assassinate in the second game, while you can argue that its tasteless to use a historical figure in a work of fiction, Alexander VI wasn’t exactly considered the most righteous of popes. He used the power of the papacy to rise his illegitimate children to comfortable positions and his successor went as far as saying he disgraced the Church like no other before him. Either way, it would be hard to call that blasphemy since it’s not directed towards God or even the church as a whole, but a man.

I’m also going to assume that you’re a layperson, not a member of the clergy, with all do respect, you’re really not in position to imply that someone else is a heretic or not. If you’re not comfortable playing the games, that’s fine. But you’re judging other people and how things can effect them.

 

[CatholicMan2412]

As for the pope you assassinate in the second game, while you can argue that its tasteless to use a historical figure in a work of fiction, Alexander VI wasn’t exactly considered the most righteous of popes. He used the power of the papacy to rise his illegitimate children to comfortable positions and his successor went as far as saying he disgraced the Church like no other before him. Either way, it would be hard to call that blasphemy since it’s not directed towards God or even the church as a whole, but a man.

Well, to begin in the first game, it still claims Our Lord as a false prophet. So that alone is a red flag. The fact that they blaspheme the divinity of Our Lord is unacceptable, and anyone who knowingly partakes in a game like this, commits mortal sin.

As for the assassination of the Holy Father, it does not matter if he was a bad man or not. He still represents the Office of Successor of Saint Peter, an authority instituted by Christ Himself, that is more than human, as it is accompanied by the super-natural grace of infallibility. The fact that an attempt would be made on the life of Vicar of Christ is startlingly sacrilegious.

I’m also going to assume that you’re a layperson, not a member of the clergy, with all do respect, you’re really not in position to imply that someone else is a heretic or not. If you’re not comfortable playing the games, that’s fine. But you’re judging other people and how things can effect them.

Well, as a layperson I agree that I don’t have the full authority to deal with heresy, and nor do I try to portray myself as I do. That said, every good Catholic has the not only the right, but also the obligation to defend the Faith of Jesus Christ, and when I see something that is contrary to that same faith, I will mention that it is risky territory. No I am not judging the person as a formal heretic like and most people have good intentions, but I certainly will judge according to my conscience as a Catholic. Certainly trying to help out of error is far more charitable than “not judging” and leaving them in their error.

To get more on point, my question is, now that we know the first few are wrong, I wanted to get your opinion if the games that are unrelated are okay to play. That’s my entire objective.

God Bless You.

 

[Elmawa]

Generally speaking, playing video games, or watching movies, or reading books etc which promote sex and/or violence is considered at least a venial sin. Specifically that is found in my examination of conscience book under “you shall not kill”. The Assassins Creed games certainly do promote violence over all since the protagonists all use…well, assassination, to solve just about any and all problems they come across, not to mention all the guards you kill along the way to your target just for fun/convenience.

I would also say that the first 4 assassins creed games aught to be “no plays” for any Christian, especially Catholics because of the direct attacks on Catholicism. I played every assassins creed game up to number “4”, actually the 6th release in the main story-line games. And the first times through the Altair and Ezio games I wasn’t really all that involved in my faith and the games didn’t affect me all that much, I didn’t really like the references to Catholicism but I just shrugged it off and played. The one where you have to assassinate the Pope was somewhat more uncomfortable but I was in the mindset that “it’s just a game so, whatever”. But over the years as I grew in faith I also grew increasingly uncomfortable each time I replayed these games, the last time I played the Pope one it just about made me sick. But I still thought, “it’s a game, it’s not like I’d ever really do this OR condone it”. But I did bring it to my confessor a couple months ago, it’d been a while since I last played but it’d recently come up in my conscience and I wanted to ask. I don’t recall for certain right now if he said playing that part of the game was a mortal sin, but he did say that it was sinful and probably a more serious one, I remember him cringing a bit when I told him who the target had been.

Fact is though that it does matter what we watch or read, this stuff gets into our psyche and desensitizes us to various sins and shapes our thinking, (violence, occult, sexual perversion, discrimination, sexism, racism, etc…) when it’s presented in such a way that it seems morally ambiguous or “gray” , or even good. The same examination booklet I have also says that playing Dungeons and Dragons and similar games is a sin, this is because it simulates some occult practices which even though its all “fantasy” still has a negative effect on us.

Look under the category of venial sins for “you shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” and you see things like," Using the names of Mary, a Saint, the Pope or other sacred persons irreverently", “Telling bad jokes about sacred persons or objects”, “Speaking badly of the Church”, “Inappropriate or irreverent use of Scripture” etc… maybe you don’t do these things yourself, but the AC games do and the effect this can have is to make either you or members of your household who might be watching you play more susceptible to committing them. The previous were all venial sins, but “destroying the innocence or another by seducing them or introducing them to immorality” is a mortal one, so is “intentionally placing temptation before the weak (this CAN include yourself)”, blasphemy is also mortal and so is “involvement in false or pagan worship” (which btw includes such “innocuous” things as ouija boards, palm reading, fortune reading, astrology etc) , and “serious slander or insult of a sacred person or object”. Those last four may not be something any of you actually do in real life, but willingly exposing yourself to things that simulate it or regularly being around people who behave this way can make you more likely to do so and as such you should avoid these “near occasions of sin”

Part of nurturing your faith life does have to eventually mean that you start to take notice of and care about what you expose yourself to in terms of videos/movies, games, books, music etc…for the mere fact that you don’t want to grow more de-sensitized to sin, you should be seeking to grow more aware of your sins and thus seeking ways to avoid temptation and corruption all together. We are all meant to seek saint-hood, so sometimes I ask myself if this is something I can picture helping or hindering me in that pursuit, and while some things come up neutral in my judgement, there are definitely things that come up as hindrances when you take the time to reflect on what God might think of them. And, ultimately that’s what should matter the most, does this please God? Or does this not please God? If God were sitting here next to me, would he watch/play/read this with me? What would he have to say about it?

 

[adamhovey1988]

Continued from above.

All of this said, let’s take a look at the other Assassin’s Creed Games. They are listed in order of their release.

Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood: Takes place right after II, and has similar events. Solid NO.

Assassin’s Creed Revelations: I really can’t say for sure on this one, but I know it takes place in this time, so probably Blasphemous.

Assassin’s Creed III: This is the main reason I made this topic, because Assassin’s Creed III is the first in its series, that doesn’t really blaspheme the Catholic Church. In this title, you play as a person in the American Revolution. Unfortunately, you still fight Templars. But nothing else really against the Church. Like another thing in Assassin’s Creed II, you must assassinate Papal Guards! Unacceptable! But things like that are not found in Assassin’s Creed III. My question to you, IS ASSASSIN’S CREED III OKAY TO PLAY? I actually have this game, and I’m playing it, because there’s no directly blasphemous content. So is fighting the Templars ok? Yes, you do kill them, but not graphically, and I would never do that in real life. And nothing in these games would cause me to sin. And if they ever did (which will never happen) I would stop, and never touch them again, or at least until I mature.

Now, there’s several others in the series, but you know what? They changed! Now they’re pirates, French revolution, taking place in Paris, etc. As far as I know however, there is still fighting Templars, but nothing like listen earlier above (the one about the Pope, or Our Lord) So is that okay? If so, would that make the rest of them here, okay? If it would be sinful to play them, Mortal or Venial?

So the whole real message here is, is it OK to play Assassin’s Creed III forward, as they no longer do the evil things the first ones did? Sorry if the numerical is confusing you.

So there’s a long thread, that I need your help on. Please help me, as I do NOT want to sin against Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I would be more than glad, to not play them if they are sinful.

As a final note, the other content it has that would be questionable is very minor. Trust me. And even if it isn’t, I’ll never forget that a priest once said. He and a few other priests would gather and watch movies, and if there was anything questionable (not blasphemous) they would “Brace yourselves!”

God Bless You All, I will pray for every single one of you!

I suppose if the series had a sticker that said “Not historically accurate”.

 

[MT1926]

I suppose if the series had a sticker that said “Not historically accurate”.

It does the beginning of the game says something like "this work of fiction was created by a multicultural team of varying ethnic and religious backgrounds ".

 

[minion]

It does the beginning of the game says something like "this work of fiction was created by a multicultural team of varying ethnic and religious backgrounds ".

probably just covering their behinds in case they make a game where you assassinate Muhammad or something.