Christianity Today this month published an excellent and insightful article by Emily Hunter McGowin titled “The Gospel According to Dungeons & Dragons.”

The article contrasts D&D with other hobbies, describes roleplaying, and concludes by saying:

I’ve concluded that not only is D&D not demonic, but it is also potentially formative for good in many ways.

Most Christians can appreciate the fantasy aspect of D&D. They know of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L’Engle, and they understand that fantasy literature can be a unique vehicle for wonder, virtue, and faith.

Fantasy is inherently eschatological because it assumes from the start that the world as it currently exists is not necessarily the world as it must be. It allows us to explore ultimate questions about what is good, true, and beautiful through an alternate reality.

EMILY HUNTER MCGOWIN writing in “Christianity today”

McGowen goes on to discuss how the game can improve social skills:

… learning to see the world through the eyes of another is also crucial to the formation of compassion and empathy.

As you play alongside other characters, you become more practiced in skills like communication, boundary setting, problem solving, conflict resolution, and more—all of which I’ve witnessed grow in myself and my own children over the past couple years. And each of these skills is a crucial aspect of learning to be human beings and faithful members of the body of Christ.

EMILY HUNTER MCGOWIN writing in “Christianity today”

The article also says:

D&D offers Christians much that is good and character building, both as human beings living in the world and as members of Christ’s body.

EMILY HUNTER MCGOWIN writing in “Christianity today”

Read the full article here.