Gaming in the Gospel: When one more turn just isn’t enough.

NEBTHOS
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Video Games
  • Updated Weekly

Join author Magic Dave Wright and Dave Calvert (And other Daves!) for a stage-by-stage walkthrough of what it means to be a Christian in the world of modern and retro gaming. Based on the book Gaming in the Gospel, this podcast is a deep dive into the "Stages" of the gamer's soul. Welcome Home Traveler www.gaminginthegospel.com

Episodes

  1. May 25

    Gaming in the Gospel: The Secret Level - Episode 010

    Join Magic Dave and Dave Klingler for a deep-dive conversation on the biggest controversies in competitive gaming, the emotional side of speedrunning, and the ethics of Christian game development.In this episode of Gaming in the Gospel: The Secret Level, we put on our investigative hats to deliver a hot take on the infamous Billy Mitchell controversy from the King of Kong documentary and talk through what it takes to get a speedrun world record on one of the hardest NES games ever, Battletoads. Plus, hear a truly personal story of dedication behind the Earthworm Jim Special Edition world record.Discover the "Klingler Wingler" strategy, a necessary workaround for the impossible second-to-last level of the Battletoads 2-player mode.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro & Welcome1:45 The Billy Mitchell Controversy: King of Kong Hot Take12:30 Why I Speedran Earthworm Jim SE for World Record25:00 The Impossible Challenge: Battletoads 2-Player World Record Attempt38:15 The "Klingler Wingler" Battletoads Strategy Revealed45:00 Game Development Update: Solanimus Games & One Name Alone ProjectTopics Covered:Billy Mitchell & King of Kong: Re-examining the allegations of cheating, the MAME debate, and how the documentary created a villain narrative. Is he really gaming's biggest cheater? We dive into his Donkey Kong and perfect Pac-Man scores. Earthworm Jim Speedrunning: Dave Klingler shares the deeply personal, emotional reason behind his multi-year journey to achieve the world record for Earthworm Jim Special Edition (PC), dedicating the pursuit to his late brother. Battletoads 2-Player: Discussing the extreme difficulty and coordination needed to take on the 100% two-player speedrun world record with a friend, including the secret "Klingler Wingler" workaround. Game Development Ethics: Get an update on Solanimus Games and the "One Name Alone Project," a monetization model that uses faith-based, interactive Bible verses as an ethical alternative to mobile video ads. We also plug the community platform, Multiplayer Local (mpl.gg).After posting this video David Klingler got the World Record in BattleToads 2player! Check it out here!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlKry9GhVJE&list=PLr36YCBzsNtjzVYwLnodRI3bNuMybC3qw*Support NEBTHOS*-Books📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-in-the-gospel📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-within-Games🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com-Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    48 min

  2. May 18

    Gaming in the Gospel: The Meta Gaming Story - Episode 009

    📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-in-the-gospel📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-within🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com-Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Dive into the meta story of the book Gaming in the Gospel! Hosts David Calvert and author Dave Wright reveal the video game inspirations (like Ender's Game and The Great Divorce) behind the book's narrative "Easter egg."Learn about the three ultimate challenges that conclude the book—life-altering questions designed to test a gamer's commitment to Christ:The Smartphone Test (Stumbling block)The Social Media Idol (Heavier swing)The Ultimate Sacrifice (Do you love Jesus more than gaming?)The Daves stress the need for wise counsel and the Holy Spirit's power to face these high-stakes questions. Plus, get a preview of the audio book design and future retro PC content!Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    31 min

  3. May 11

    Gaming in the Gospel: Natural 20 - Episode 008

    Gaming in the Gospel: Natural 20 - Episode 008In the final chapter of the book, Gaming in the Gospel, we hit a Natural 20! Join David Calvert and author Dave Wright as they dive into Chapter 8 and explore the meaning behind that iconic D&D phrase.This episode is a critical capstone for the series, discussing how gamers can pursue Christ with every part of their being. We recap the entire book's journey, from wrestling with overindulgence and killing time to understanding why we constantly try to fill The Void with unfulfilling distractions. Most importantly, we talk about the powerful, simple prayer to help us stop throwing things into the void and start traversing the void by pursuing Jesus.We also get into some great Easter Eggs, including:Reflections on the "Satanic Panic" of the 80s and the initial fears around games like Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). A look back at the groundbreaking adventure game Myst and why it was an "escape room before it was a thing." This conversation helps land the plane on the entire argument: games are not the issue—they are a mirror reflecting our deepest longings. Learn how to turn that longing toward the one thing that can truly satisfy us: the glory of Christ.Find the BookGrab your copy of the book Gaming in the Gospel on Amazon (Kindle, Paperback, and Audiobook are available!) www.gaminginthegospel.comStay ConnectedSubscribe to NEBTHOS for more episodes of the Gaming in the Gospel podcast! -Books📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-in-the-gospel📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-within-Games🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com-Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    30 min

  4. May 4

    Gaming in the Gospel: Slappers Only! - Episode 007

    The Dave's are back... but with a new Dave! David Klingler! Discussing chapter 007 of Gaming in the Gospel... Slappers Only! (in reference to classic game mode of the N64 007 GoldenEye) The Dave's talk about their memories of LAN parties of the Past and most recently the LAN Party at the Playthrough Convention 2025 at the Raleigh Convention Center! Where they hosted a Quake3 Tournament where the previous Quake II champion FORTE sweep the tournament once again! Also discussing all the labels we put on ourselves as well as all the labels others put on us. We all need a crew people we can confide in, let us know in the comments what's worked for you as you try to build community.Connect with David Klingler at  @Solanimus  *Support NEBTHOS*-Books📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-in-the-gospel📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-within-Games🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com-Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    41 min

  5. Apr 27

    Gaming in the Gospel : The DarkSide - Episode 006

    Episode 006 of Gaming in the Gospel tackles one of the most difficult chapters in the book: the relationship between gaming and pornography. In this challenging and vulnerable episode, David Calvert and Dave Wright discuss the "Dark Side" of gaming: the link between binging video games and pornography. They explore the concept of "Insta-Canyons"—deeply ingrained habits formed in the brain—and how high-dopamine activities like gaming can lead to a cycle of shame and spiritual restlessness. The hosts emphasize that this struggle is ultimately an issue of worship and offer a roadmap toward "sexual integrity" and healing through the Gospel.David Calvert and Dave Wright dive into the physiological, psychological, and spiritual factors that connect these two behaviors. From the "afterburners" of hormone-driven habits to the "Insta-Canyons" of our thought patterns, they break down why we often do the things we don't want to do (Romans 7). This episode moves beyond "purity culture" baggage to focus on sexual integrity—a journey of honesty, repentance, and finding true satisfaction in Christ rather than a digital void.Key Topics & Actionable Steps:The Dopamine Connection: Understanding how binging games can prime the brain for other addictive behaviors.Defining Sexual Integrity: Why this term offers more hope and less shame than traditional "purity" labels.The "How to Stop" Roadmap: Practical tools for recovery, including:Confession, Repentance, and Accountability.Cutting out the source and changing your physical environment.The role of fasting, prayer, and memorizing Scripture.Addressing the chemical balance of the body through diet and exercise.The importance of professional therapy for addressing underlying trauma.The Hope of the Gospel: Reminding listeners that no matter the struggle, Jesus is ready to meet you with love and grace.Content Advisory: Discussing Pornography Addiction *Support NEBTHOS*-Books📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-in-the-gospel📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-within-Games🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com-Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    56 min

  6. Apr 20

    Gaming in the Gospel : I got a bad feeling about this - Episode 005

    In Episode 005 of Gaming in the Gospel, "I Got a Bad Feeling About This," hosts David Calvert and Dave Wright tackle the "shiny object syndrome" of modern technology through the lens of faith.Drawing from the famous Star Wars quote and nostalgic memories of early flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator and TIE Fighter, the Daves explore how our pursuit of the "next big thing"—from the latest iPhone to high-fidelity graphics—often reveals a deeper spiritual restlessness. They discuss the transition of life-changing tech into "paperweights," the subtle trap of covetousness in a digital age, and how to find lasting contentment in the Gospel rather than the next upgrade.Key Highlights:Nostalgic Gaming: Flying out of Chicago in early flight sims and pushing PCs to their breaking points.The "Shiny Object" Trap: Reflecting on the evolution of the iPhone and the cycle of tech obsolescence.Faith & Contentment: Identifying and repenting of envy and "tech-covetousness."Everyday Spirituality: Using our devices to connect with Scripture vs. getting lost in the scroll.Join the conversation: How do you balance your love for new tech with guarding your heart against envy? Let us know in the comments!*Support NEBTHOS*-Books📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-in-the-gospel📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-within-Games🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com-Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    44 min

  7. Apr 13

    Gaming in the Gospel : Knee Deep in the Dead - Episode 004

    In this episode of Gaming in the Gospel, hosts David Calvert and Dave Wright dive into Chapter 4: "Knee Deep in the Dead." Using the iconic first episode of Doom as a backdrop, they explore the complex relationship between faith, video game violence, and the human heart. The discussion covers the historical backlash against "ultraviolent" games like Doom and Wolfenstein, the concept of player agency in controversial levels (like Modern Warfare 2's "No Russian"), and how to guard your heart while navigating boundary-pushing content. Whether you're a parent, a gamer, or a ministry leader, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how to apply the lens of the Gospel to the virtual worlds we inhabit. Key Topics: The Doom Legacy: Reflecting on the 90s PC gaming era and the "Satanic Panic."Agency and Ethics: How choices in video games reflect our internal values.Parenting and Gaming: Practical advice for talking to kids about game content and violence.Happiness vs. Joy: Identifying the "void" we often try to fill with entertainment.Spiritual Reflection: Using a 1-10 scale to evaluate your own media boundaries and heart condition.Support NEBTHOSBooks📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-i...📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-wi...Games🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.comMerch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/Connect & About NEBTHOS🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    46 min

  8. Apr 6

    Gaming in the Gospel : Q2dm1 The Edge - Episode 003

    In Episode 3 of Gaming in the Gospel, Dave Wright and David Calvert dive into Chapter 3 of the book, "The Edge," and its deep connection to the classic Quake 2 deathmatch map, Q2DM1. This discussion goes beyond Quake and explores how games, community, and even the simple act of consumption can become "idols" we throw into the void within our souls—a concept rooted in the human desire for connection with God. Listen as they share nostalgic college LAN party stories (including epic Halo sessions and running cables out of dorm windows!) and pivot to a powerful theological analogy. Discover the early influence of the Quake engine on modern FPS titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty, and reflect on hard questions about your spiritual health, happiness, and the things you use to fill that "God-shaped hole." Be sure to check out the book Gaming in the Gospel on Amazon, available on Kindle and as an audiobook! If this episode resonated with you, hit the Like button and share it with a friend who loves gaming and deep conversation! Let us know in the comments: What is the biggest "thing" you've caught yourself throwing into the void recently? #GamingintheGospel #Quake2 #Halo #LANParty #ChristianGaming #TheVoid #FPSHistory #NEBTHOS Cast: Dave Wright ‪@nebthos‬ David Calvert Produced by ‪@evanstaehle‬ Audio by Will Oliver GitG Intro music by TheMennis Support NEBTHOS Books 📘 Gaming in the Gospel - ⁠https://www.gaminginthegospel.com⁠ 📗 Sound in the Gospel - ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-i...⁠ 📔 Fire Within - ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-wi...⁠ Games 🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - ⁠https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com⁠- Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe ⁠https://shop.nebthos.com/⁠ Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 ⁠https://www.nebthos.com⁠ | ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/about⁠

    42 min

  9. Mar 30

    Gaming in the Gospel: Outta Time Units - Episode 002

    Welcome to Chapter 2 of Gaming in the Gospel, where Dave Wright and David Calvert tackle the fundamental question every gamer must ask: Are you killing time or just passing time? In this episode, we explore the difference between using video games as a pastime (restoration and refreshing) versus an escape or distraction. The guys share their own confessions, from hours spent on classics like Star Wars: Dark Forces and XCOM to later console binges on Halo and Mass Effect. This discussion is a crucial self-evaluation for any gamer struggling with time management or binging culture. We dive into the physical, mental, and relational ramifications of prolonged play and look at the questions from the book designed to help you bring mindfulness and discipline to your hobby. Plus, a special news alert about a new Star Wars game from the veteran XCOM developers! If you want to move from escaping to engaging, hit the subscribe button! Subscribe to NEBTHOS for more episodes! We release new discussions every week, challenging the way we engage with video games and faith. Don't miss the upcoming Episode 3! Cast: Dave Wright ‪@nebthos‬ David Calvert Audio by Will Oliver Produced by ‪@evanstaehle‬ GitG Intro music by TheMennis Support NEBTHOS Books 📘 Gaming in the Gospel - ⁠https://www.gaminginthegospel.com⁠ 📗 Sound in the Gospel - ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-i...⁠ 📔 Fire Within - ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-wi...⁠ Games 🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - ⁠https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com⁠- Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe ⁠https://shop.nebthos.com/⁠ Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 ⁠https://www.nebthos.com⁠ | ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/about⁠

    35 min

  10. Mar 24

    Gaming in the Gospel: Back to the Future Past - Episode 001

    Welcome to the first episode of Gaming in the Gospel, where Dave Wright and David Calvert dive into Chapter 1, "Back to the Future Past," a deep-dive into gaming culture, binging culture, and finding discipline in how we consume media.Why do we rush to finish a $60 AAA game in one sitting? The discussion kicks off with an iconic NES childhood story about quickly beating Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers, and explores how modern technology—from smartphones to streaming—has conditioned us to be impatient, and always hunting for the next dopamine hit.The guys explore philosophical ideas like the impact of our posture (from the book Thumbelina), the profound, yet unsettling, quote from Ernest Klein's Ready Player One, and the difference between simply consuming video games versus truly beholding them as an art form.If you've ever struggled to pull yourself away from a game like XCOM or City Skylines, or want to think more deeply about your gaming time limits, this discussion will help you self-evaluate your habits.Subscribe for more episodes! We release new discussions every week, challenging the way we engage with video games and faith. Hit the subscribe button and the notification bell so you don't miss next week's discussion: "Out of Time Units." Cast: Dave Wright ‪@nebthos‬ David Calvert Produced by ‪@evanstaehle‬ GitG Intro music by TheMennis Support NEBTHOS Books 📘 Gaming in the Gospel - https://www.gaminginthegospel.com 📗 Sound in the Gospel - https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-i... 📔 Fire Within - https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-wi... Games 🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com- Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe https://shop.nebthos.com/ Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 https://www.nebthos.com | https://www.nebthos.com/about

    40 min

  11. Mar 24

    Gaming in the Gospel: Who is Magic Dave? - Episode 000

    Dive into the very first episode of the Gaming in the Gospel podcast! Host David Calvert interviews author Dave Wright (aka Magic Dave) to introduce the person behind the book and the podcast. Dave shares his personal journey, from almost becoming a history teacher to becoming an expert sound guy—and how he finally merged his passion for video games with his Christian faith. This introductory episode explores Dave’s deep history with gaming, from the IBM PC Junior to modern consoles, and reveals his motivation for writing Gaming in the Gospel. Learn why this book and podcast aren't about condemning games, but about applying the principles of the Gospel to every area of a gamer's life—especially challenging issues like digital idolatry and the pursuit of happiness. Join the conversation! Leave a comment with your own gaming story or what you'd like to hear in future episodes. Cast: Dave Wright ‪@nebthos‬ David Calvert Produced by ‪@evanstaehle‬ GitG Intro music by TheMennis Support NEBTHOS Books 📘 Gaming in the Gospel - ⁠https://www.gaminginthegospel.com⁠ 📗 Sound in the Gospel - ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/books/sound-i...⁠ 📔 Fire Within - ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/books/fire-wi...⁠ Games 🎴 The Secret of John Nebthos Card Game - ⁠https://www.thesecretofjohnnebthos.com⁠- Merch & T-Shirts📦 NEBTHOS Shoppe ⁠https://shop.nebthos.com/⁠ Connect & About NEBTHOS:🌎 ⁠https://www.nebthos.com⁠ | ⁠https://www.nebthos.com/about⁠

    33 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Join author Magic Dave Wright and Dave Calvert (And other Daves!) for a stage-by-stage walkthrough of what it means to be a Christian in the world of modern and retro gaming. Based on the book Gaming in the Gospel, this podcast is a deep dive into the "Stages" of the gamer's soul. Welcome Home Traveler www.gaminginthegospel.com

Information