Interesting poem... I have heard rumors about people like this, but thankfully I haven't really had too much interaction with 'Christians' that are this extreme... As I am a Christian, I -almost- took offense at some of your statements, but I am glad that you mentioned that you realized that not all Christians react this way. *nods* I myself grew up in a Christian environment (for the most part) and I remember the many times that my family would watch sci-fi on TV (things like Star Trek, V, ect.). As I got older, I began reading things like Animorphs, but after a while came to realize that it had become somewhat of an obsession with me and stopped. In the last few years, I have read Lord of the Rings, watched the movies...even seen Star Wars and a few other sci-fi movies... I enjoy reading fiction more than nonfiction most of the time, including fanfics about SW and LotR.Why do I tell you this? Simply to demonstrate that Christians -can- and -do- enjoy sci-fi. An imagination -can- be a good thing (sometimes it can be used as an outlet to help you deal with real life), but it is a very -good- idea to be careful about what exactly one reads (and watches)... I myself have never done RPGs, but I know a few people that do and I sometimes wonder about their mental health...(lol) Also, I believe that one should be careful about what they do (as in what games they play, ect.)... Philippians 4:8 sets a pretty good standard for anyone to strive towards (even if it is extremely difficult, especially in today's society): "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Anyways, (sorry if this seems a little too long), there -are- a few things that I think -should- be avoided, but COME ON!! Your friend sounds as if she is attending a super-strict church of some kind one moment, a semi-strict one the next...not good... (As for the D&D part: I really wouldn't know, but I -have- heard stories...) Fiction is actually a very good thing, if taken in the right doses and helps to set the mind free to imagine things (so to speak). I read this poem, then I read some of the reviews...I guess I got a -little- carried away here, huh? *shrugs sheepishly* Oh well... The lines -do- need...something... *thinks* Perhaps a symbol of sort to separate portions of a rhyming line... Or something like that...

Anyways, not too bad on the writing... Perspectives, however, seem a little, well... *jogs off to see if -own- work (on fanfiction.net) needs anything before being posted*-JCPuzzler

I'm a Christian, but also a lover of fantasy, myth, folklore, tales of magic, etc. In my mind, reading about other culture's deities doesn't equate to worshipping said deities, and reading about magic doesn't equate to practicing magic. I can't really comment on RPGs, because I've only played one once, and even now I have no clue as to how they really work. All that to say, it sounds as though the girl you spoke to may have been either a bit leagalistic or a little over-zealous. I appreciate that you temper your statements about her with the acknowledgement that not all Christians are like her. You set forth your opinions in a straightforward manner, while being respectful of both your readers and your "opponent" (in the debate, that is.) I appreciate your diplomatic approach. My only suggestion is that you rearrange the lines so that they read a little more clearly. For example, you could divide the first line into two, the division falling between "explain" and "About". I think this would make the rhyme scheme clearer. Sorry to ramble on for so long. Kudos to you for a respectful poem on a somewhat touchy subject.

My only criticism has nothing to do with the poem but with the format. Shorter lines would make it a lot easier to read.
The poem was great. Oodles of good points! I would quote them all, but that would make this review painfully long.
By the way, thank you very much for reviewing my essay! I'm sorry I didn't mention non-religious ceremonies. I realize that those do exist and are quite common (if I ever get married, that will be what I want), but I was afraid the essay would become long and tedious if I tried to drag that into it. If I ever make it longer, I'll be sure to add that point of view. Thanks again for the constructive & intelligent criticism. ^_^
Blessed be!

I'm a Christian.
I used to moderate an RPG for the science fiction series V.
Theres a verse in the Bible that talks about not conforming to the pattern of this world. Its hard not to.
Theres churches out there who are very controlling of their members and try to keep them from what they think may harm them, but I have learned that it is more meaningful to learn from life firsthand. And if you're smothered, you'll just want to rebel anyway.

This is an interesting piece of work. Did you by any chance mention to her that JRR Tolkien was a Christian author and that the symbols represented in his work have Christian backrounds? I wonder what she would have said to that... :) I myself am a Christian and I find people like this girl are not very good representatives of the faith. I bet she's a wonderful girl and I applaude her for her devotion, but COME ON! People like this girl exhort opinions that turn people off to our faith. They go on and on about how "if you're not a Christian, you're going to Hell" and, instead of intriguing people, they disgust them and cause disinterest. I myself am disgusted when I hear this kind of talk!
Its never a good idea to be so biased in one's opinions--and this girl is definintely no exception. Single-mindedness is often caused by fear of the unknown. I believe that this girl was afraid to admit that you might be right and that she might have to use her IMAGINATION after all. Sci-fi isnt real, fantasy isn't real--thats why its in the FICTION section. If she's taking fiction writers seriously, she needs help. I agree with you in that we all need a vivid imagination--in the words of Albert Einstein: "Imagination is more important than knowledge."
-Aillil

I must agree with you. I am a Christian, and see nothing at all wrong with playing Final Fantasy (7, 8, 10, 10-2), Dungeons and Dragons (my mom used to be an avid fan), and such things as Age of Empires. So long as I know that it's not reality, I see nothing wrong with it. I mean, there are some things that I draw the line at (like I'm not going to just go around bedding every guy that I see or something...) But, on the whole I agree with you. Very good and well written!

its sunday... and about as close to religion as i'd like to be, but i'm not scared of a little theology, so i'll have my two-cents worth...

this was worth logging on for, i had a good giggle, thanks... i don't do rpg but love fantasy...and i've come across all of the misconceptions and assumptions that you've highlighted...

and i know yer not tarring everyone with the same brush here, but its true and what you've said is very true of christianity itself when taken literally...

but therein lies the humour for me, it is taken literally by so many ned flanders types, and it cracks me up that something so rooted in make believe has little room for make believe...

had a laugh at the response you got from this, brilliant...

xbearx- from the temple de ganja

I see your point, anybody who should be allowed to play RPG's should have a mature enough mindset to know the difference. Don't bother trying to convert your friend, for she still has some growing up to do.

1. I know very few Christians that would have a problem with 'anthropomorphic personifications And a disembodied brain'

2. Heh.

3. Yes, that is rather hypocritical. Anything can harm you if you let it.

4. I roleplay, and I read fantasy novels. I don't have a problem with Gods and Monsters, or Magic and Wonder. I have a problem with the occult. And I don't think roleplaying will -always- pull you into the occult.

5. Even if the games were evil (And sometimes they are, I'm sure), that doesn't mean the producers are evil. And even if they are evil themselves, that doesn't mean they're trying to corrupt innocent brains.

6. Whether or not they are true, I have heard many actual accounts of people who have killed other people bcause demons told them to, or something like that. I won't say that the games are entirely to blame, but even if those accounts aren't true there are some cases where they are dangerous.

7. Because alot of Christians -are- prudes, or they are ill informed, or they have personal experiences with it. Or maybe they're scared. Heh.

A very interesting topic. I like how you presented it.

I've never done any RPG's, but love to read sci-fiction and fantasy fiction. I have no idea why some (usually the pyschotic Christians) find it offensive. Can you believe they actually burned The Harry Potter books? Unbelievable!

People who don't know the difference between reality and fantasy should be led to the nuthouse or the church.

Very funny. I strongly dislike organized religion so I can understand where your coming from.

It's true. I found a book on barnesandnoble.com called "The Truth About Dungeons and Dragons" saying that the game was "evil," etc.

However, I play D&D, I taught a minister's daughter who is my friend to play D&D, and she didn't have a problem with it!

FYI, you might want to fix the lines in here.

Haha! Brilliance. Sheer brilliance.

Agree. Completely. Right-wing holier-than-thou "Christians" bug the heck out of me. However, as you said, not all Christians are like that.

My father is a Presbyterian (Christian) minister. I was baptized Christian, took my First Communion as a Christtian, and will be confirmed as a Christian in about eight months.

I played D&D every day for two weeks at summer camp with a group of friends that included three Atheists, two Christians, one Jew, one Muslim, and one Buddhist.

I am involved in at least 14 online RPGs - mostly dealing with polytheistic worlds.

I read books that deal with topics ranging from magic to necromancy to space travel to stories about Greek and Roman gods.

I am not a lying corrupt tool of Satan.

The lying corrupt tools of Satan are those who destroy others on the basis of their opinions and beliefs.

It does seem rather odd that fantasy should be thought of as unChristian. Both CS Lewis (Narnia) and Richard Adams (Watership Down) were/are very devout Christians, yet both wrote hugely successful fantasy stories. They clearly didn't see any conflict between the two.

Perhaps some of these people should read a little Joseph Campbell ("The Hero with a Thousand Faces"), and then try to say that the two cannot be mixed.

(Incidentally, your line breaks have gone a bit odd - if they were fixed, this would be much easier to read.)