School of Theology and Seminary Faculty Publications

Symbolized Reality: Liturgy and Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Disciplines

Liturgy and Worship | Religion

Abstract

Benjamin Durheim’s essay “Symbolized Reality” argues that table-top role-playing games (e.g., Dungeons and Dragons) provide a space for imaginative moral formation. These games provide players with an opportunity to experiment with different value systems, testing the impacts of virtues and vises in a fantasy space that can serve as a moral gymnasium. By creating spaces that allow practitioners to step out of everyday life and into stories, these rituals serve as liturgies that cultivate moral agents capable of navigating the challenges of everyday life.

From: Turnbloom, David Farina. “Religion Outside of Religion.” Liturgy 36 (4) (2021): 1–3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0458063X.2021.1990644

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