by Bradley Myers

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 16, 2009

Though it might be popular to hate and cast out what we don't understand, that should not be the way of a smart religious person today. Of the people that voted that D&D is satanic, just how many of them have actually played one of the 4 versions of the game? From the times of the Dungeons & Dragons 1st edition, the game itself has merely been a set of rules with a suggested backdrop of a medieval realm. In later editions, D&D even published books on how to create custom worlds to match the needs of the players. And yes, the rules let each and every facet of the gaming system be modified for the particular world that was desired. If for instance, the group didn't want to use magic in the world, it could be a non-magic campaign. Or if the group wanted to only solve mysteries instead of fighting, it could be an all discovery campaign. And even if the group wanted to have a one-god world, it could be a monotheistic campaign.

The game labeled as D&D is only a system to play in a made up world that the players can enjoy. From a physiological point of view D&D serves a purpose: it lets the imagination run free in a safe environment. And to those that might contest that it has led to harmful behavior by children acting out scenes of violence. I ask this question: where can the violence athletes exact throughout their lives be attributed? Perhaps it is stress of the game they play, or personal issues brought out by ever increasing pressure, who knows? But if one person can judge a system that intentionally breeds competition as benevolent and then shun a system that teaches the using of skills, cunning, and diplomacy to resolve situations, then society just might have a large problem at hand.

This game is a tool that can be utilized to awaken self confidence and decision making abilities. I have seen D&D used in counselors' offices to curb anxiety, emotionally timid behavior, and ADHD. Dungeon & Dragons, or any other "pen & paper" role-playing game is something that teaches self reliance and ingenuity. It doesn't have to involve swords and magic if the group of players doesn't want it to be that kind of game. D&D can even be a fun activity for small church youth groups that need to entice their young teens into attending each week. If the pastor wants, the campaign can be about finding a holy relic and returning it to the head church. Anything the group desires and can be thought of can be added or modified to fit the game. It is really a treasure to the western world. If some say that it is satanic, then they should remember what was said about television when it came out: "that they will rot your brain." Think about the computer you are sitting at right now and tell me if you still think a system as complex as Dungeons & Dragons is satanic?

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