The Board Game Faith Newsletter, Issue 12
Hello, Board Game Faithful!
Kevin: I am attempting to NOT talk about the weather because (let’s face it) it’s the most universal human experience and the easiest thing to chat about. “It’s cold today!” “Loving this sunny weather!” So I’m definitely going to talk about something else. I do notice, though, how the weather affects me in recent years. (Could it be a postpandemic era thing? Maybe?) It didn’t used to happen, but now a few gloomy days and I am a grump. Fortunately it’s a nice sunny day today so I’m in a bright mood and ready to talk about something besides the weather.
Oh no.
Behind the Episodes
Daniel: It was an amazing delight to record our latest episode with Takuya Ono-san about board games and Buddhism. He has been deeply warm and generous with us in all of our interactions with him, both on- and off-air. It seems as if his generous spirit has meant a lot to our listeners too–the episode has been downloaded more in its first few days than any other of our episodes by that point. The same is true with views for the YouTube version of it!
Kevin: I second the great conversation with Takuya. Who knew that Japanese Buddhist monks can marry and have families, or that Buddhists have so many funerals? I learned so much. I was also amazed at the power of the internet that allows us to converse, record, and translate when necessary. We live in an age of marvels.
Coming Up
Daniel: In episode 27, we are seeing the return of “AV Club!,” an episode format in which we discuss some board game-related video available on the Internet. This time we’ll be reflecting on a recent panel discussion on the Home Ludens channel about the ethics of the theme of colonialism in board games. If you’d like to watch the video first before listening to our episode, you can find it here. I’m grateful to Kevin for suggesting we dedicate an episode to this important topic.
Kevin: I’m grateful that Daniel recognizes that I am right most of the time (like 50.5% of the time). Also – episode 27! Amazing! Who would have thought that a biweekly show on religion and board gaming would make it 13 months and still have a lot to say? We are so proud of this show, and we are having so much rewarding fun recording it.
Games We're All About Right Now
Daniel: Kristen and I have been enjoying Reiner Knizia’s My City. It’s a legacy game which begins with such a simple rule set that the addition of new restrictions each episode does not feel burdensome or unmanageable. Plus, each play is quick, which makes it easier to get the table. For all of these reasons–in addition to a real sense of a developing story across the episodes–we recommend the game happily.
Kevin: I have had my eye on My City, especially how the close personal friend of the show Ali Karar (@karar2k) recommended it so much. I am glad to say that my wife has been converted to Frosthaven and is now in the cult! I’m having a great time with that, as well as a recent impulse purchase of Frostpunk. What can I say, I am a sucker for stupidly big awesome and ambitious games that start with “Frost.”
Spirituality
Daniel: The coinciding of Ramadan and Lent has struck me this year. What does it mean that the two biggest faith traditions in the world not only have extended periods of self denial, but also that–sometimes at least (but not always!)–these two seasons can occupy some of the same space on the calendar? The fact that they fall at the same time this year is more a function of calendar than any kind of theological point, but I am grateful for these reminders in both faiths that there is more to spirituality and religion than just me.
Kevin: You know what’s historically sad? That two great world religions that coexisted pretty well for many centuries had to become so weirdly antagonistic. Yes, I’m looking at you, Christianity and Islam. We both believe in a just and merciful God, and in sacred texts with similar sacred stories. I think Muslims share even more with Baptists: no priests, no sacraments, no major religious iconography, and simple worship spaces that focus on prayer and worship. Thanks, Daniel, for highlighting how Ramadan and Lent, this year, coincide.
Media We're Digging Right Now
Kevin: The Mandalorian is glorious. They are hinting that Grogu might become a Mandalorian himself. A puppet squeezie Jedi Master Mandalorian!!! [I turn into a puddle of childlike joy.]
Daniel: We just finished watching the first (and currently only) season of The Bear on Hulu (US). The show is not for everyone, especially children: it contains copious amounts of foul language, and deals with difficult subjects such as suicide and substance abuse. Having said that, however, it was a show for us. Beyond offering a gritty glimpse into the inner workings of a commercial kitchen, the show also explores complex issues of redemption and forgiveness through consistently remarkable acting.
Thank You!
Thanks so much for being a part of the BGF community. We are grateful for each of you and the ways you make the world more awesome. And if you haven’t had a chance to tell us a little about yourself yet, we would love it if you could fill out this form please!