Scott Compton Jun-28-93 10:57AM D+D and Catholisicm Results... D+D or known as Dungeons an

Scott Compton
Jun-28-93 10:57AM
D&D and Catholisicm Results...

Organization: Stanford University, California
From: galahad@leland.Stanford.EDU (Scott Compton)
Message-ID: <1993Jun28.185717.3281@leland.stanford.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.atheism


      D&D or known as Dungeons and Dragons came under political
fire by many christian groups in the mid-1980's after a few events
that happened in the mass-media.  One of these events occurred on
the CBS broadcasting of 60 minutes that tried (attempted) to
link D&D with satanic rituals as well as the suicidal death
of a teenager that was obsessed with the game.  Since that time,
the mass of society read articles in the newspapers and
religious rags about how this game was corruptive.  Those
in society who did play the game knew that it was simply that--
a game.  But for those who were ignorant, it bred immitation,
and before long, D&D became banned in MANY religious christian
communities, as well as with other religious groups as well.
The religious pressure was also felt in schools where the
separation of church and state was 'suppose' to be upheld.
But many junior high and High Schools banned the game, and
made it an offense to play it at school, even during lunch
breaks (Virginia & South Carolina I believe).  So with
the mass-media brainwashing beliefs, D&D kind of dwindled
out.  AD&D and AD&D 2nd edition became more popular as well
as countless other RPGs.  These games also came under fire
from mostly fundimental christian groups that were really
caught up with devil belief.  However, other non-profit
organizations such as CAR-PGa and GAMA gathered enough
information to start blocking these groups.

Religions against D&D:  Christianity is the major force against
role-playing games, especially those games which contain Gods,
Deities, Myths, Pentagrams (symbols), spells (and their evil
components), demons, devils, monsters, or necromancy.  However,
other religious groups also oppose D&D.  The many cases that
have been documented are some-few Catholic groups as well
as Mormons.  These Catholic and Mormon cases vary from indi-
vidual to individual; moreover, all of Catholism and Mormonism
does not take a solid stance on an issue so trivial as a game.
Ex-Catholics and ex-mormons have stated that they have felt
pressure from their religion to not take part in playing such
games.  The same is true of many christians and ex-christians
where they still feel pressure to not play D&D or RPGs.  This
pressure usually stems from their parents, and their parents
often use religion as their backing to have their kids stop
playing.  Thus, it is implicit, subtle, and even if the Pope,
a priest, a minister, or preacher does not outright say that
the game should not be played, the word eventually gets around
via gossip and peer pressure.  Christianity also does not
take a broad stance against RPGs as well, but the peer
pressure against playing the game is far stronger in
those circles.  Some churches have gone as far to ban
the game, while other christian establishments actually
let their followers play the game within church walls (God
forbid!).  The D&D problem is far worse here in the United
States than other countries as well.  In Australia, England
and in Germany, it is known that the game is not in opposition.
Most likely, this is due to the media-slander on the game
in the US in the 1980's.  There has been little or no
slander in countries abroad.

Hence, when evaluating whether or not a certain religion will
oppose D&D, one needs to take into account what each religious
group accepts and disbelieves.  Thus, many fundimental christian
groups believe that ONE god exists as well as the devil.  Since
there is a broad selection of gods, demons, and devils, they
take the game as a serious and personal threat.  If one was
to view Catholisicm, one would have to look at each individual
church to see what how the particular community feels on the
matter.  If you are in the deep-south, and the town you are
living in is bible-thumping, most likely, the game will be
looked down upon compared to a place like San Fransisco.
Other religions that do not have anything to do with the
Bible, such as Muslims and Hindu's actually stand behind
D&D, for the most part, 100%.  This is not earth-shattering
news since most of the information within the game has
mostly christian and western-based myths (with a few
exceptions of course).

OVerall, RPGs are finally coming to a point in the bulk of
society that is accpetable.  This is probably due to one's
experience playing the game-- If you have played it, you will
know nothing is wrong.  Moreover, this is an issue of ignorance
and those that oppose it based on gossip are simply that.

Scotty