I have always struggled with the concept of entertainment, especially when it comes to Christian Entertainment (if there is or can be such a thing). Wikipedia, that wonderfully definitive source for all knowledge in the universe (if you asked them), says that, "Entertainment is an amusement or diversion intended to hold the attention of an audience or its participants." However, Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness".

How can we seek first if our attention is being held by entertainment?

Solomon (or whomever wrote Ecclesiates) felt similarly, as in Ecclesiastes 2:1, "I thought in my heart, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.' But that also proved to be meaningless."

Again, we can look unto Jesus' own example. In his time there were many forms of entertainment available. Sports, Theaters, Street Corner Performers, and of course houses of ill repute that Jesus wouldn't be caught dead in. Yet the Bible never mentions Jesus taking part in any form of 'idle entertainment'. Here is where the difference between entertainment and recreation should be made.

Recreation comes from the Latin recreatio, which means "restoration to health" (according to merriam-webster's dictionary). The official definition goes on to say, "refreshment of strength and spirits after work" (it also says 'diversion', but stick with me here). Jesus, as I mentioned, wasn't into diversions, but he was into resting and restoration.

In Mark 6:31 we see this, "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them (the disciples), 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" *Paranthetical added for clarification.

We also well know the stories about Jesus going into people's homes and eating with them. He did it as a form of "social recreation" that had other benefits for the kingdom as well. Not only was he able to give his disciples rest, but he was also able to share stories with them and whomever else was around, demonstrating in the way he lived how others should act, and likely bringing more sheep into his fold. Today, we often refer to this tactic as 'relationship-based evangelism', and it is one of the most preferred means of evangelism amongst the emerging generation today, according to a Barna Research Poll.

So, from this short discourse which doesn't cover all the points but sort of glosses over many of them, we can infer two extremes. Either a) All entertainment is sin and no one should ever indulge in any of it; or b) All entertainment is acceptable as long as you indulge in it with others to whom you can witness to, or if it simply helps you to "restore your health" after a long day of work. Obviously, neither of these extremes are completely true, and therefore must be seen as false. The middle ground is what we must seek after.

My 'Christian Definition': Entertainment or recreation, if it can be used to encourage relationship-based evangelism or to promote the restoration or creation of health (such as sports), while simultaneously not being a hindrance or stumbling block upon a believer or unbeliever's life, can be considered to be acceptable in moderation until such a time as a wiser person or the leading of the Holy Spirit direct you to the truth of its unhealthiness (if it is indeed truly unhealthy).

For example: For some, casual TV or movie watching (if the content is not of a vulgar or perverse nature) could be perfectly acceptable, while for others (who may view even casual watching to be a stumbling block) it may not. In the end, as with many issues of daily life, the decision is truly between the believer and God, and it is the task of other believers not to judge that believer's decision, but to try and understand it, and for those in spiritual authority to educate the body as to what is truly right and proper in the eyes of God, in accordance with His word.

Alright, so there's still a lot that you could learn about ARGs, and there's probably a lot I could teach, but what's the point of learning or teaching if it doesn't bring about action. That being said, consider this your

CALL TO ACTION!!!

Right. In the forums you'll find two new discussion topics concerning ARGs. One, labeled appropriately enough "ARG Discussion", will be for you to discuss ARGs: what you like, what you don't, news and resources, links, and especially any questions about ARGs you may have.

The second forum topic "ARG Development", is also conspicuously titled. In this forum we will actively work towards developing a Christian ARG, most likely the first of its kind. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to contribute to this forum, and rest assured, no idea is too crazy. Please see this forum topic for more details if you are interested.

Finally, my last "call to action" talking point revolves around numbers and participation. It's true that Seek First is still in its beginning stages, and there is not really a number of regular visitors or members. In order for this ARG concept to be developed fully, we will need as many people as possible to help the project out. I'm going to do my part at off-site member development, but if you or anyone you know have a brain and a desire to use it, get involved and help out.

You'll not only help to develop a powerful ministry tool, you'll also help Seek First to grow, which in turn will help other ministry tools to develop and grow. It is win-win people.

Peace.

EDIT: And just so you don't worry, there will be plenty more ARG Blog posts in the future, too.

Wikipedia, the definitive source for all knowledge in the universe (or darn near, anyways), defines Alternate Reality Games as such: "A cross media game that deliberately blurs the line between the in-game and out-of-game experiences. While games may primarily be centered around online resources, often events that happen inside the game reality will 'reach out' into the players' lives in order to bring them together." Follow the link above to the full definition, including links to other helpful resources.

So now we have found, through my last post, that ARGs have the potential to involve a great number of people. We also now know, thanks to Wikipedia, that ARGs have the potential to bring people together, helping them to form cooperative communities. These seem to me like positive aspects that could greatly benefit a Christian ARG.

I will be covering aspects of a number of ARGs in the future, but if you just can't wait, I recommend heading to ARGN's website. The Alternate Reality Gaming Network is a sort of news site/blog for all things ARG. Here you will find links to a number of ARG resources, as well as to a few currently-running ARGs.

I recognize that this is only but a taste of what is to come, but as we rev up ARG coverage, please be patient as we develop more content.

ARGs, or Alternate Reality Games, are quickly becoming a viable genre of entertainment, not to mention a quickly booming marketing platform. So what are ARGs, and why should you care?

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