The Board Game Faith Newsletter, Issue 27
Hello, Board Game Faithful!
Kevin: Ack, there’s already Christmas music playing in the grocery store. Can I just confess to you all that I’m not really into holidays all that much. And, if you’re going to challenge me that Christmas is a Christian religious holiday and all, I would point out that Christmas as a holiday requiring so much time and energy is not in the Bible.
Daniel: Yeah, Christmas is way over-commercialized, but I have to admit that I still really dig it. I love the opportunity to play games with my family and have some time devoted just to them. Plus, even if it may feel hollow sometimes, there’s still something that feels incorruptably good about people singing “peace on earth, good will toward all.” All that being said, however, I can get tired of the music after a while too.
Behind the Episodes
Daniel: In the weeks ahead we will be talking with a seminary (“pastor school”) about ways that Board Game Faith could possibly support their initiative to nurture clergy health through play. We’ll let you know what comes of it!
Coming Up
Kevin: I’m excited about our upcoming episode on the Enneagram and game mechanics. It’s going to be a neat dive into how games tell you something about yourself, your psyche, and your religious emphases. The Enneagram is a really useful concept, if you’re not familiar with it then check it out online! (There’s lots of resources out there, so just use “Mr Google” as one Boomer used to call it.)
Games We're All About Right Now
Kevin: My oldest son and I are determined to beat Frostpunk. DETERMINED. And so far, our wishes and dreams are crushed. So we have 3 metrics here: hopes, intelligence, and fortitude.
Daniel: After participating in the crowd-funding behind Sub Terra II: Inferno’s Edge several years ago, it was wonderful to receive it in the mail recently. It’s a fun and cooperative tile exploration game which I really enjoy, but gee whiz is it hard! All of the games I have played so far have ended the same: with every explorer flat on their backs and out of the game (see above).
Spirituality
Kevin: I’m enjoying doing the 3 Good Things exercise. It’s playing the long game of your mental and spiritual health but it’s worth it. Three Good Things
Daniel: Along some similar lines, I also highly recommend a video from Brother David Steindl-Rast on gratefulness. Steinl-Rast is one of my favorite authors and a contagiously enthusiastic proponent for the power of gratefulness to make the world better. You can find the video here: A Good Day
Media We're Digging Right Now
Kevin: I started the old Legion TV show (2017, based on a Marvel character) years ago but couldn’t get into it. But then started it over recently and I know now that I was wrong and it is awesome. I love the themes and ideas, and it’s terrific how much you have to think and work to watch the show because of its visual complexity. They definitely mess with the medium because of the message about mental illness.
Daniel: Our two young adult children returned home for a few days during a recent holiday weekend. Our family group activity during their stay? All four us playing Minecraft on the family server. My wife, son, and daughter are all Minecraft aficionados. Me? Not so much. I just can’t seem to play it for more than 5 minutes without being killed by a Creeper or by falling off a cliff. This weekend, however, I discovered the safety of tunneling out mines and putting up torches every few feet. I spent my weekend in digital underground tunnels (see below) while my family built soaring structures above ground, but I didn’t mind much.
Remembering Jenn
Daniel: A dear friend and supporter of Board Game Faith died suddenly after a brief illness this past week. Jenn was one of the very first listeners to our podcast, played games at our home, and would consistently like virtually every BGF post on Instagram (you can still find her account at @zemirawen). Much more than that, Jenn was a dear wife to Joel and amazing mom to Liam and Eva. She was funny and creative, and brought joy everywhere she went. We love you and will miss you, Jenn. The Lord hold you and your family.
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!