Blessed Are The Geek. Christian Gaming Content Creators and Digital Discipleship

Abstract

The exploration of how religious communities adapt to an increasing reliance on technology and the Internet to create, provide, and promote religiosity has long been a topic of concern within the field of digital religion. One of these adaptations is digital discipleship, which utilizes modern technology, online trends, and communities to spread the gospel in virtual spaces. As such, this project focuses on digital discipleship within gaming communities, specifically analyzing how Christian gaming content creators combine video games with their religious faith. As content creators, these individuals utilize video games as ways to spark conversations about Christianity, and to further their understanding of Biblical teachings that result in a closer spiritual connection. From initial observations, there is a difference in whether in creator uses video games to either further their own connection with their faith, or to introduce Christian beliefs to others that they encounter because of a shared interest in gaming. This rise in content creators that openly intertwine their faith with their gaming content shows in a shift the relationship between Christians and secular media, in that Christians are utilizing secular media for discipleship, rather than creating Christian versions of secular media.