Board Game Faith Daniel Hilty & Kevin Taylor

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.


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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.


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Links:
Sam Macdonald - YouTubeGarphill GamesS J Macdonald | Board Game Designer | BoardGameGeekGenesis 14 BSB

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.'
Links:
Colonoscopy prep: Liquid-only diets unnecessary, GI doctor saysPlay and Freedom: Patterns of Life in the Spirit - Zahl - 2024 - International Journal of Systematic Theology - Wiley Online Library

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"


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In this episode of Board Game Faith, we discuss the topic of role play, both in games and in real life. We explore the benefits and risks of role play and dive into a video from the YouTube Channel @PeopleMakeGames about the popular role-playing game Jubensha in China, with its deep character development and commitment involved in role-playing games and share personal experiences with role play. We also highlight the power of role play in building empathy and connection with others.


In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the social dynamics of playing Jubensha and the emotional dimensions of role-playing games. They explore the idea that playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers. They also discuss the satisfaction of solving logic deduction puzzles and the self-discovery that can come from playing a role. The hosts delve into the topic of violence in games and the different reactions to murder versus assault. They question why murder is often seen as acceptable entertainment while other forms of violence are not. The conversation ends with a discussion on the potential marginalization of women's experiences in gaming and the need for further exploration of these topics. In this conversation, Daniel and Kevin discuss the benefits of role-playing in games and in everyday life. They explore the idea of assuming different roles and how it can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding. They also touch on the potential threats to games, such as increasing state interference and censorship. The conversation delves into the parallels between role-playing in games and in religious life, highlighting the idea of playing our best selves and the potential for personal transformation. They also mention the use of role-playing in therapy and the positive impact it can have. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of role-playing and its potential for building community and personal development.


Takeaways


We all play different roles every day, whether it's in games or in real life.
Role-playing games involve deep character development and commitment, allowing players to - explore different personas and motivations.
Role play can be a powerful tool for building empathy and connection with others.
The popular role-playing game Jubensha in China has gained massive popularity and has many dedicated shops.
There are both benefits and risks associated with role play, and it's important to approach it with intention and awareness. Playing Jubensha creates a sense of connection and intimacy among players, even with strangers.
Role-playing games provide satisfaction through solving logic deduction puzzles and self-discovery.
There is a discrepancy in society's acceptance of murder as entertainment compared to other forms of violence.
The marginalization of women's experiences in gaming may be reflected in the different reactions to murder versus assault. Role-playing in games and in everyday life can lead to personal growth, catharsis, and self-understanding.
Increasing state interference and censorship pose threats to games and their appreciation in different parts of the world.
Role-playing in religious life can help individuals play their best selves and foster personal transformation.
Role-playing can be used in therapy as a therapeutic tool.
Role-playing has the potential to build community and create positive social connections.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Roles We Play in Life
01:19 Welcome to Board Game Faith
12:37 Personal Experiences with Role-Playing Games
15:59 Benefits of Role-Playing Games
27:45 The Cozy Murder Genre
28:22 The Comfort of Murder
29:28 The Acceptance of Murder as Entertainment
32:12 The Role of Conflict and Risqué Elements in Fiction
33:21 The Influence of Patriarchy on the Perception of Violence
34:48 State Interference and Censorship in Role-Playing Games
36:25 The Benefits of Role-Playing in Everyday Life
40:10 The G

In this episode, Rev. Dr. Casey Sigmon, Professor of Preaching and Worship at St. Paul School of Theology, discusses the importance of play and imagination in combating burnout and enhancing preaching. She shares her background in film and theater and how it influenced her approach to worship. Casey also introduces the Pause/Play Center for Clergy Renewal, which focuses on providing rest and healing for pastors. The conversation highlights the power of well-preached sermons and the need for pastors to prioritize their own well-being, the importance of taking a leap of faith in preaching, and the connection between imagination and play. The conversation explores the resistance to play and the counter-cultural nature of play. Casey shares her favorite games, Killer Bunnies and Cards Against Humanity, and discusses shows that are not good until they're suddenly good.


Takeaways


Burnout is common among those in caring roles, and play can be a transformative tool to combat it.
Imagination is a crucial aspect of preaching and worship, allowing for creativity and connection with the audience.
The Pause/Play Center for Clergy Renewal provides a space for pastors to rest, heal, and develop new habits for preaching and pastoral care.
Well-preached sermons that engage the imagination and connect with the human condition have a greater impact on listeners.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Burnout and the Power of Play
03:14 Special Episode Milestones
06:43 Guest Introduction: Casey Sigman
08:03 Casey's Background and Journey
13:14 Influence of Film and Music Videos
21:39 The Creation of the Paws Play Center
25:06 The Importance of Imagination
27:31 The Impact of Well-Preached Sermons
29:25 The Importance of Taking a Leap of Faith in Preaching
33:04 The Connection Between Imagination and Play
37:25 The Pause Play Center and Its Offerings
44:32 Resistance to Play and the Counter-Cultural Nature of Play
49:07 Why People Are Unaware of Their Need for Play
53:02 Favorite Games: Killer Bunnies and Cards Against Humanity
56:03 Shows That Are Not Good Until They're Good
57:45 How to Connect with Casey and the Pause Play Center
Links:
Pause/Play CenterDr. Casey Sigmon - SPST