This is a new approach to the relationship religious studies and theology have with video games - one of the most important cultural artifacts of modern society and culture. Chicka analyses what influence video games have on our religions and Christian doctrines, and shows the impact this form of pop culture has on theological insight and positive ethical impact.
Like religion, players can engage in ritual actions together, they are given moral choices between good and evil in many story-focused video games; and Chicka carefully compares arguments that development of fan communities and religious communities mirror each other in important ways. Can theology help with analyzing seemingly non-religious culture as a means of realizing theological concepts that are often thought to be only found within the confines of religious institutions?
This book summarizes the current state of the field of video games and religion, and maps the similarities and differences in method that religious studies and theological scholars take to games.
