7c+Debbie

Assignment 7c I am a bit hesitant to make this claim because of my limited understanding of the very complex world of WOW, but the lack of presence of a Higher Power would seem to be the difference in a prayer in that realm and Tefilat HaDerech. The magical abilities of both monsters and other characters takes the forefront in the game, not a Supreme Being to whom we are praying for protection, safety, and peace on our path.In fact, while humans gather round their ruler to defend the realm, it is a king that they are rallying round, not battling for G-d inspired reasons. And, while peace may lay at the end of that path, the players of this game are not praying for it immediately--it simply wouldn't be much of a game if there were too much peace too soon.

If there were to be a prayer along the journey of WOW, it occurs to me that it would be something more along the theology of the Reconstructionist movement. One might pray to be among a community of pray-ers..(or players.) The community that one finds in WOW is what seems to bring people back, but there is no personal God that helps one along the way. The behavior itself along the journey is what is meaningful, and the search is worthwhile even if one doesn't feel there is an Ultimate Being shaping the events that are transpiring. I In the article this week about the learning conversations in WOW the authors point to the emotions and positive environment for asking questions and learning about the moral aspects of behavior in the game. There is also reference to the competitive spirit that incites real passion in the players. It would be a stretch to label these social interests as sacred, but they are the closest things to the holy that I think WOW has.

Debbie