Should Christians Watch the Dungeons & Dragons Movie?
The question of whether Christians should engage with media like the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) movie, “Honor Among Thieves,” is a nuanced one. There’s no simple yes or no answer, and the decision ultimately lies with each individual and their conscience. However, considering the various aspects of the movie, its source material, and Christian perspectives, we can arrive at an informed answer: Yes, a Christian can watch the D&D movie, but with discernment and careful consideration of its content and your own personal convictions. The movie, like the game itself, operates within a fantasy framework that may not align perfectly with a Christian worldview, yet it is not inherently anti-Christian. The critical factors are understanding the film’s themes, engaging with them thoughtfully, and deciding whether it aligns with your personal boundaries.
Understanding the Content
Fantasy World and Pagan Elements
The D&D universe is built on a high-fantasy foundation, often incorporating elements inspired by ancient mythologies and pantheons, including Celtic, Egyptian, Greek, and Norse. The movie reflects this, presenting a world where magic is a prevalent force and where deities are numerous and involved. This can seem like a pagan worldview, which can be a point of concern for some Christians. The key is to recognize that these are fictional representations and not endorsements of actual religious beliefs. The game’s deities are not presented as real or worthy of worship within the context of the game. They function within the game’s framework to provide narrative and mechanical elements, not spiritual or religious doctrine.
Violence and Language
“Honor Among Thieves” is rated PG-13 for fantasy action/violence and some language. It includes fight scenes, mentions of death, and some instances of swearing. While the violence isn’t overly graphic, there are moments of peril and depictions of fighting that might disturb younger or more sensitive viewers. The movie also has a limited amount of swearing, including the word “sh*t.” As a result, parental guidance is advisable, especially for those who are younger than the recommended age of 13. Christians should exercise discernment regarding what they expose themselves and their children to. It’s vital to consider personal standards regarding violence and language.
Moral Ambiguity
Like many stories of adventure, “Honor Among Thieves” features characters who are not perfectly virtuous. There is some moral ambiguity, with protagonists making less than ideal choices. However, the narrative doesn’t celebrate these morally gray characters but uses them to showcase character growth and the consequences of actions. The movie presents an opportunity to discuss moral principles and consequences with family members, fostering thoughtful engagement rather than blind acceptance.
Considering the Christian Perspective
Fiction as an Art Form
Fiction, in general, is a form of storytelling that can allow for moral exploration and character development. Many notable Christian writers, like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, employed fantasy to explore Christian themes and values. Just as these authors crafted worlds of good versus evil and incorporated moral lessons, the D&D movie uses a similar framework. Watching D&D should be approached as a form of fictional storytelling rather than literal theology.
Discernment and Personal Conviction
Ultimately, the decision of whether to watch the D&D movie comes down to personal discernment. Christians are called to be discerning in their media choices, filtering content through the lens of their faith and convictions. There is no universal standard, and what one Christian finds acceptable, another may not. Some Christians may find the movie’s pagan elements and moral ambiguity troublesome, while others might view it as harmless entertainment. It is essential to prayerfully consider your own comfort level and potential influence on your faith.
Focus on Positive Elements
The movie, despite its fantastical elements, also contains positive messages such as teamwork, friendship, overcoming adversity, and fighting for what’s right. These are principles that align with Christian values. Focusing on the positive aspects of the film can offer constructive insights rather than fixating solely on potential areas of concern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Dungeons & Dragons created by Christians?
Interestingly, yes. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, the creators of D&D, were both devout Christians. Gary Gygax was, at least for part of his life, a Jehovah’s Witness. Some argue that the game initially contained certain underlying Christian elements due to this influence.
2. Why does D&D have a negative reputation?
D&D has faced controversy in the past, with accusations of promoting Satanism, witchcraft, suicide, and other harmful practices. These accusations gained momentum in the 1980s, but they have been largely debunked. The game itself doesn’t endorse such behavior and instead offers a structured system of storytelling and role-playing.
3. Are there real religions in D&D?
The game uses fantasy interpretations of historical religions, such as Celtic, Egyptian, Greek, and Norse pantheons. However, these are divorced from their historical and religious contexts and used as a framework for in-game deities. They don’t represent actual religious beliefs or practices.
4. Is D&D movie appropriate for children?
The movie is rated PG-13, so it’s generally considered suitable for teenagers and older. Parents need to consider the movie’s action, violence, language, and some mature themes when deciding if it is appropriate for their younger children. Common Sense Media recommends it for kids over 12 years old.
5. Is there swearing in the D&D movie?
Yes, there is some swearing, including the word “sh*t”, which may not align with every family’s standards. While not excessive, it’s important for parents to be aware of it.
6. Can Christians play D&D the tabletop game?
Yes, absolutely. The game is just a form of storytelling and role-playing. While it includes magic and fantasy elements, it is not inherently harmful and can even be a source of creative and social development.
7. Does D&D teach anything positive?
Yes, D&D can teach problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and social-emotional learning skills. It provides a low-stakes environment to explore and learn these skills.
8. Is there anything inappropriate in D&D generally?
It depends on what you consider inappropriate. The game contains elements of fantasy violence and may contain mature themes in some campaigns. However, the game itself doesn’t promote harm and can be moderated as needed.
9. What is the religious symbolism used in D&D?
Holy symbols are used in the game as representations of deities, allowing clerics and paladins to focus their powers. These symbols are fictional and do not align with actual religious iconography.
10. Do Mormons play D&D?
Yes, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can play D&D. There is no prohibition against it. In fact, several well-known authors of D&D materials, like Tracy Hickman, are members of the church.
11. Are there demons in D&D?
Yes, demons are part of the fantasy world in D&D and are often used as antagonists for high-level adventures. However, they are fictional entities within the context of the game, not representations of actual demonic forces.
12. Does D&D promote a certain worldview?
D&D can be played from a variety of perspectives. Some campaigns may emphasize good versus evil, while others explore moral ambiguity. The core theme of D&D is narrative creation and collaborative storytelling.
13. Is there a connection between D&D and Stranger Things?
Yes, the show “Stranger Things” is heavily influenced by D&D, with characters actually playing the game and storylines reflecting its themes and monsters.
14. What is the D&D movie based on?
The movie “Honor Among Thieves” is based on the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game and is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.
15. Where do atheists go in D&D?
In the D&D cosmology, those without a patron deity are often placed into a realm called the Wall of the Faithless. However, this is a fictional concept, and the afterlife and beliefs about it can vary greatly depending on the DM and the campaign setting.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to watch the D&D movie is a personal one for Christians. It requires prayerful consideration, discernment, and an understanding of the movie’s themes and content. While the movie’s fantasy world might include elements that do not align with Christian doctrine, these should be viewed within the context of fiction. If you choose to engage with the D&D movie, approach it with critical thinking, focusing on positive values, and using it as an opportunity for discussion with family and friends. The film can be enjoyed responsibly, keeping your personal convictions and boundaries in mind.