cmastro,

Wasn't offensive in the least, cmastro. You had a right to ask a question. Let me see if I can answer it.
As Christians, it is actually our duty to have everything we do reflect God. That does not mean others cannot have their own beliefs; we are simply attempting to honor our Father in heaven, like He wishes everyone to. So if blessed finds the Virtual Villagers games uncomfortable for her to play because of the villagers worshipping idols and practicing magic, even though you and I don't have a problem with it, remember there are different ways for us Christians to honor God and I believe this is hers. (Correct me if I'm wrong, blessed.)
So that's it, cmastro. I respect your feelings on this matter and I didn't take offense.
Be seeing ya,
Girl4God

P.S. Good luck with the astronaut training! That is so cool.

I'm glad, (and thanks). I understand where you are coming from.
How christians *want* to embrace 'God' in all aspects of their life.
I guess I had trouble understanding her mindset when confronted with a fictional game, in which, human belief systems have not entered.
It really shows the world, where each little place can have totally separate religions, each with the passion to believe theirs is the best.
Its not like you can go to India or somewhere and demand that they all turn to christianity while you visit there hahahahaha.

P.S Thanks

I don't mean to be offensive (PM me if you are mad about what I wrote so I can apologize) but this is my opinion:

1. If you don't like the game, don't play it. No one is forcing you to play.
2. If you like the pictures and music and game play but don't like the religious content, you can request a mod on one of the Game Forums. Some of the other users know how to make mods.
3. An alternative suggestion is using your imagination and pretending that the temple and idol was built for the god that you believe in.
4. OR just accept the game as it is and play it.

123isolagirl

P.S. I have a religion too. But I enjoy VV as much as the other VV fans.

Wow! Funny, I was just telling my dad how games are becoming more and more religious, and how this one new game's entire goal (to remain nameless) is to rebuild a temple with a bunch of pagan idols and have your people worship it. I was pleased to see someone else note that in this forum. However, I never expected what occurred in response. My religion? Irrelevant. My opinion on what has already been said? Also irrelevant. In fact, blessed said a few things, was almost attacked, and then lectured repeatedly. The lectures, in fact, looked cut and paste, and I don't blame her for saying "That's pretty much what I said, only in many, many more words." and then not visiting the forum again. Possible solution (I won't mention what has already been said, that has already been done repeatedly)? You could very easily leave religion out by making the entire puzzle to build a butterfly atrium, a rock garden, or discover some ancient village's use for toilet seats. Ridiculous? To some perhaps. But what will be remembered 20 years from now, another remake of King's Quest, Space Quest, or a breeding simulation with little variance? I plan on buying the VV5 btw.

I assume you refer to VV1 here, as the others don't have a temple. That is not the game's "entire purpose". In fact rebuilding the temple is the 11th out of the 16 puzzles in the game.

Here is a quote, from Arthur himself, on the subject of religion in the game(s). It can be found in this thread.

My beliefs are my own as everyone's should be. But to me these forums were meant as a place to get technical help, game help from other gamers and the developers, for game stories and art. make suggestions for future games etc. While all of us are entitled to our own beliefs and opinions it does not necessarily mean we have to air them. I respect the beliefs and opinions of all who have posted in this thread but I think the time has come to end it, lock it or whatever as there is nothing I or anyone else can say one way or another that hasn't been said by some one else already.

I will however voice an opinion which is....This is only a game not real life.....It is meant to be fun and entertaining and while it runs in real time it is not meant to emulate real life.....

At least that is my take on it.

You can add Atheist/Buddhist to that list. I do not believe in a God, but I do believe that there should be some sort of code that I should try to live up to. I choose the basic tenants of Buddhism, although I wouldn't presume to tell you which code you should follow. I could have just as easily chosen The Bushido, or The Five Rings, or Plato's Republic.

Atheists tend to be as offended as any religious group with the insertion of religion where it shouldn't really belong, such as the opening of the sessions of Congress (USA), or secular games like this series. I don't like taking part in public prayers, for example, any more than I would like being referred to a shaman for my toothache. If I felt as though this game was trying to force me into a religion, even a made-up one, I wouldn't play it.

I have never had any problem with either statue, rain dancing, any temple or similar structure, the Golden Child, or the ghost story in VV3. I don't consider it a religion per se, more of a culture or a fantasy, no different than Neil Gaiman's novels. I've barely scratched the surface in VV4, but I'd be shocked if I was offended by any pagan overtones.

My thought is that if you do not enjoy a game, do not play it. Any reason will do, be it boring game play, graphics, overall experience, lack of challenge, or any other reason that you could come up with. If you do enjoy the game, play it. It should be that simple.

I don't see it as a religion but trying to get the heatens to believe in the player. Think about it are you god? No you are just a human. The villagers are trying to get the heathens to believe in someone who will care for them and who will love them and thats the player. I do love them they are like real family to me.