Of Games and God: A Christian Exploration of Video Games
"A must read for anyone with questions on the compatibility of the Christian faith and interactive entertainment""With solid research and intellectual curiosity, Kevin Schut dispels myths, debunks stereotypes, and offers an informed, levelheaded, and accessible analysis of a perplexing and contentious subject.Of Games and Godis a valuable resource that invites players and skeptics alike into a critical discussion of the dark spots and bright lights of interactive video games."--William D. Romanowski, author ofReforming Hollywood: How American Protestants Fought for Freedom at the Moviesand Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture"Of Games and Godprovides a balanced, research-driven perspective on the hugely influential video game industry. A must read for anyone with questions on the compatibility of the Christian faith and interactive entertainment."--Joseph M. Tringali, general manager at 5TH Cell, developer forScribblenautsandDrawn to Life"An engaging introduction to the topic of video games written for Christians, particularly those who have never considered the value of video games or those who wish to defend them as a worthy pastime. Balanced in its perspective, broad in its scope, and written for a general audience,Of Games and Godfills a niche that has long been waiting to be filled."--Mark J. P. Wolf, Concordia University Wisconsin; editor ofThe Medium of the Video Game"Gaming is a notoriously difficult topic to analyze and the relationship between gamers and churchgoers is typically less than cozy. Nevertheless Kevin Schut explores the problems and promise of today's dominant cultural medium with insight and understanding of both gamer and church cultures. Like it or not, gaming is a powerful vehicle for teaching values and ethics, and churches that ignore how gaming is speaking to their teens and young adults do so at their own peril. But with this great book, every gaming noob can speak l33t and grasp the relevant social trends at the same time."--Chris Skaggs, Soma Games"Outstanding read! If you're a gamer, media junkie, teacher, parent, or student, you need to read this book. Christians and non-Christians alike will find gems of truth throughout the book. Reading it is only the beginning of the conversation!"--Kelly Zmak, Infinite Game Publishing