Dungeons and Dragons

Is it O.K. to play "Dungeons & Dragons"?

I can pass along a previous response to a similar question.

“We cannot say role playing games are wrong in and of themselves. They would fall into the area of what is called adiaphora, that is, things that Scripture does not command nor forbid.

“However, when it comes to Dungeons and Dragons, there are some issues that Christians would want to consider. In her book, The Truth About Dungeons and Dragons, Joan Hake Robie points out that besides promoting sex and violence, the game also dabbles with spirits and promotes the occult.

“Another book, Angels and Demons: Have Wings Will Travel, describes how the game works: ‘The key person is the Dungeon Master, who creates a dungeon. The goal of other players is to work their way through an elaborate maze filled with monsters and creatures in order to seize hidden treasure. To accomplish this, the players must resort to many different tactics, including murder, rape, and casting evil spells. Even though these actions are only imaginary, the players become acquainted with occult rituals and creatures’ (pp. 67, 68).

“Although some of these same elements may be found in other games, including some video games, the Christian will want to consider whether this is a best use of his or her leisure time. In Philippians 4:8 the apostle Paul tells us, ‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.’

“Another issue is that Dungeons and Dragons is sometimes the first step toward being involved in the occult. In the book, The Edge of Evil, Jerry Johnson warns, ‘Those who have come out of the occult tell us that Dungeons and Dragons is one of the most comprehensive and effective training manuals used to prepare young people for entrance into the occult (p. 106).

“As we use our Christian discretion in areas of entertainment, the wise thing is that we exercise good Christian judgment. This will serve us much better than compiling a list of acceptable or not acceptable games.”