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Hi /tg/
I'm a Quaker. How do I reconcile my religious practice of absolute non-violence with my gaming?
Am I insulting my faith by playing a combat character? Is the act of wargaming (that is to say, simulated violence) a violent act?
In addition if anybody is curious about the Quaker faith, I will be happy to answer questions.
>>
Easy, stop being a Quaker.
>>
No actual harm, no actual foul.
>>
Anon, being violent in a game does not mean you're violent in real life. The media might tell you it does, but that's just Fox and nobody listens to Fox. Just don't worry about it and get on with life.
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>>24678380
Squats and Oats motherfucker
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>>24678380
How many times do you eat oats in your average week? If you were to guess the quantity of oats you consume in a year, what would you guess it to be?
>>
Is this even a real question? No, strapping a tiny plastic gun onto your little plastic men and moving them towards the small plastic Zerg stand-ins is not a violent act.
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>>24678380
While religion is a lot of things, one thing it strives to do is to give people a moral and ethical structure to act upon. Actions are one thing, while thoughts and play are something entirely different. A game is a game. Simulated or pretend violence is hardly as real as true violence.
Wargaming, despite the name, isn't fundamentally different from chess, though less abstract. It's something that may be based thematically on violence, but based gameplay-wise on careful, deliberate thought and planning. By playing, you aren't being violent, but being thoughtful.

In short, no, I don't believe so. I could be wrong, because I don't know much about the quaker faith.
>>
We tell stories in order to understand the world.

Roleplaying games are one medium of storytelling. You create a character, and imagine how that character might act. Other players make characters of their own. Their interactions create the story.

Most people are not pacifists. Most people have some conditions under which they'd choose violent solutions.

Telling stories about violence will help you understand it, and thus help you understand how to make pacifism maximally compatible with the needs of people in real life.
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>>24678470
That said, if this isn't convincing to you, why not bring up the topic of storytelling, and writing stories about violence, at your next meeting?
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>>24678380
So, what do you dress like? And what village do you live in?
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>>24678380
Roleplay an oat seller.
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>>24678411
>>24678416
That's the viewpoint that I have been taking. And I guess that as an actor I am comfortable playing a violent role providing it moves the plot or the theme or the character forward in the arc.
Ultimately in gaming I am far more interested in narrative games as compared to dungeon crawls. The senseless violence toward even imaginary beasts still makes me uncomfortable, but if it's part of the plot and story that violence would be necessary or I am playing a character that would be violent then it's not so bad.
>>24678399
May as well tell someone not to be a humanist, or an egalitarian or a feminist or any other collection of philosophies and beliefs.
>>24678430
I eat oats perhaps once a week. And I'd guess I'd eat maybe... six to eight pounds of oats a year? I don't like them that much. I am also a Commonwealth Quaker so I don't dress like the image and I don't really practice like American Quakers do.
>>24678485
I dress mostly in second hand clothes, but I dress much like anybody else. Black jeans and a tee-shirt if I'm working in the garden or a weekend, collared shirt and dress pants if I'm at work.
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>>24678497
>May as well tell someone not to be a humanist, or an egalitarian or a feminist or any other collection of philosophies and beliefs.

We do that too.
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>>24678380
See >>24678411
It's not real violence. There's a big difference between fictional violence and real violence, despite what Fox News will tell you. Although it is possible to play a pacifist character, depending on the game system and how your GM runs the campaign.
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>>24678511
But humanists have a valid point...
>inb4 LEL ATHEISM SO EDGY
I agree about feminists though, women are legally equal now, they don't really serve a putpose.
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>>24678497
What is the your faith's opinion on alcohol, drugs, prostitution, and sex?
What is your personal opinion on all of those things?
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>>24678532
Do you really want to have this conversation?
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>>24678497
Beliefs are not sacred.

If you can't reconcile the fact that violence exists and that people can and do use it to solve certain problems, you should stay in your compound.
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>>24678380
Are you Orthodox, Gurneyite, Hicksite, or Wilburite?
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>>24678532
I'm an atheist because I was brought up that way. Same reason many religious people are religious. When you think about it, we're not really that different.
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>>24678497
Isn't calling yourself QuakerFriend being redundant?
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>>24678469
The chess analogy is an interesting one. Some far more conservative Quakers would not even play chess as the abstracted violence is still too much. Some don't even play adversarial games like Monopoly as the implied economic violence is too much.
I am considerably more 'liberal' (for lack of a better term) with my beliefs.
>>24678482
That's definitely a good idea, and one which I have thought about before. I mean, I'm not expecting an answer to this question on 4chan, but I find discussing things like this with people outside the Quaker faith to be extremely important.
>>24678460
It is a philosophical question for me. It's not the most important one, by any means, but the Quaker teachings demand absolute non violence and I feel that I would be happier leading a non-violent life.
>>24678532
Yeah come on, buddy. This doesn't need to be derailed into tumblr social justice bullshit.
>>24678537
A big part of the (Commonwealth) Quaker faith is personal responsibility and personal spiritual growth. There are many Quakers who believe in abstaining from mind-altering substances of any type. Likewise there are many who believe pre-marital sex and prostitution are immoral.
I believe in moderation. I drink a little, I'll have a few wines or beers with my dinner or during the games. I smoke some cannabis, as I like the way it makes me feel stupid. And I love having sex with my girlfriend. I think none of these things will damage a persons spiritual growth.
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>>24678559

If rationality defeated religiosity, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

lel, tumblr, /r/atheism, kikes did 9/11... am I missing any?
>>
it's fictional violence, so you should be safe. although I'm not a Quaker I figure as long as you can seperate fact, faith and fiction like most sane people that you should be fine.

If all else fails you can play a combat pacifist in most systems by focusing on non-lethal take downs and not starting fights without good reason like to save lives or in self defense.
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>>24678595
Personally, I wasn't raised atheist, but my parents never brought me up any particular way. They kept religious literature around of all sorts, and I read them when I was bored, but religion never clicked. I'm probably closer to agnostic than atheist.
I do try to respect other people's beliefs... but then again, I'm saying all this shit on 4chan of all places.
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>>24678612
>I think none of these things will damage a persons spiritual growth.

I agree. Most modern Christian faiths don't. They still buy (or quietly endorse) the Middle Ages ideal that life is suffering so we'll appreciate Heaven, and attempts to circumvent that like alcohol and dancing are inherently immoral.

Your particular subfaith is more chill than most, though. Never had a militant Quaker try to convert me.
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>>24678595
>raised atheist
Them Bible Belt feels :(
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>>24678380
>In addition if anybody is curious about the Quaker faith, I will be happy to answer questions.
I have a question. Why are you clinging to an antiquated system of morals?
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>>24678640
This. This is why I'm more likely to join you guys than another facet of Christianity. You don't demand that I join or burn in Hell.
>>24678649
That's Catholics you're thinking of.
>>
if it makes you uncomfortable, there are plenty of interesting games that are non-violent, and some that are at least not ultra-violent. In DnD, violence is cheap and easy, but other systems take battling more seriously which in turn discourages combat.
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>>24678628

The issue as I understand it (as an outsider) is that intentional depictions of violence in any light but negative constitutes glorification of the act, and that's a path to a fall.
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>>24678612

>Some far more conservative Quakers would not even play chess as the abstracted violence is still too much. Some don't even play adversarial games like Monopoly as the implied economic violence is too much.

Damn, no fun allowed.
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>>24678618
We can still try.
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>>24678661
No, Quakers and Catholics are similar. Both adhere to antiquated belief systems - it's really an argument of degree after that point.

Why would you join either?
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>>24678559
I'm not a fundie, buddy. I'm talking about my personal actions, not the actions of others.
>>24678588
The New Zealand Society of Friends is mostly Beanite, I think? Liberal Quakers, with a lot of personal freedom and humanism. I definitely don't believe in 'God' as a creator being, but that's for another thread.
>>24678603
That's rather the point.
>>24678649
You are thinking of the wrong religion, buddy. Quakers are pretty solidly modern in their ethics. I just believe moderation, modesty, non-violence and economic/ecologically sound living is the way to go.
>>24678668
That's precisely the thing. Thank you for clarifying these thoughts.
>>24678670
I no, rite?
>>24678661
Hell, some of us don't even believe in God. I don't think belief in God is even necessary to a spiritual growth.
>>24678667
Yep, our group plays a lot of CoC, so violence is ... rarer but more final than in DnD.
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>>24678701
Now you are clearly a scholar of theology. Tell us how the Quaker faith is clinging to an antiquated belief system.
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>>24678380
I personally view the non-violence I practice in everyday life as different from when I'm running or playing in a game simply.
In the game I am not me. I play a character, or several characters. These character may be violent, self-righteous, cowardly, strong, or women.
This does not mean I, as the player suddenly take on these characteristics. Especially not the woman part. That would be awkward and difficult to explain.

Would you say you would have any problems playing the role of Hamlet in a stage play? Personally, I wouldn't have a problem playing that role. Morally at least, I'm shit at memorizing lines.
If you don't have a problem playing a character that isn't like you in other ways, why should violence be any different? It's fictional and a part of both who the character you are playing is and a part of the conceit of the game.
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Shit, OP. Even John Dickinson saw the need for real violence and you're wringing your hands over imaginary violence?

Be more like John Dickinson.
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>>24678703
>moderation, modesty, non-violence and economic/ecologically sound living
Almost Buddhist.
I like you, OP. Let's be friends.
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>>24678717
Why don't you explain to me why it isn't. You did say you would answer questions.
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>>24678701
You say that as if age has any inherent value. Something being old does not preclude that thing having merit. If you want to argue against Quakerism, you should argue about the specific beliefs of Quakers. But you won't, since that would require actually learning what someone else thinks and why.
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>>24678742
Degrees of adherence, not age.
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>>24678661
>That's Catholics you're thinking of.
Shoot, you're right. Sorry, OP.
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>>24678752
That's not what "antiquated" means.
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>>24678380
Unitarian Universalist over here. Rock on, Quaker buddies.
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>>24678741
The statement itself is relative and subjective. You can't provide proof for or against it.
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>>24678763
Read my post again, slowly.
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>>24678741
man your a moron, I'm not even religious but I at least know Quakers are protestant
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>>24678727
>Simian warfare
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>>24678776
Then allow me to rephrase:

"What about Quakerism, the Quaker belief system, do you believe to be relevant in today's society."

Better?

>>24678788
Moron or not, my question still stands.
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>>24678741
Generally the one making claims is the one who should be proving thing breski.
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>>24678726

But that's the whole crux of this thread - his personal convictions versus a rationalization that thinking about violence, talking about violence, and enacting imaginary violence are not actual violence. Are the moral traditions of his faith right, and what he takes into himself will be reflected in his acts? Or Should he loosen up and acknowledge the clear delineation between fantasy and reality?

I got no answers; I'm a hedonist. I say you enjoy every moment to the fullest, lest you find yourself having run out.
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>>24678820
All the more reason for OP to answer my question.
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>>24678768

Also known as the Quiet Agnostics Social Club.
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>>24678833
No. You made a positive statement.
Therefore, the burden of proof falls on you.
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>>24678730
Buddhism has inspired me and lead me to a better personal growth. I would be a different person if I didn't have the Buddhist education that I do. We probably have very similar philosophical views, just mine is from a (reasonably new) Western tradition.
>>24678741
The core tenets and beliefs of the Society of Friends are debated and updated every year. The general view of the Bible is that it is a good moral education, but written by man for man and that it is in itself probably outdated. I don't think that a system of beliefs that is constantly updated for our times could be considered antiquated. Especially when we've dropped many of the beliefs that are legitimately outdated. However you probably think that anything older than fifty years is antiquated.
>>24678813
That's better.
I think the non-violence, religious freedom, freedom of thought, moderation, simpleness of living and tolerance are vital things for these times. I believe if everyone lived a bit more moderately, thought a bit more tolerantly and practiced non-violence in their lives they would be happier people.
Does that answer the question? Shall I elaborate further?
>>24678768
You are alright by me, homie.
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>>24678781
Okay, let me start again.

Your first assertion:
>Both Catholics and Quakers adhere to antiquated belief systems.
Your second assertion:
>The differences between Catholics and Quakers is based on degrees of adherence.

Given your tone throughout the thread (best described as /r/atheism-like), it's reasonable to assume that you were criticizing Quakerism because it is "antiquated." I don't really care about the differences between Catholics and Quakers at this point. You started out by asking the OP what it's like to have an "antiquated" belief system, using a very hostile tone. That's my key issue here. So I ask again: Why do you think age correlates to relative value?
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>>24678833

Except you're the one that made an assertion. Try again.
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Hi /tg/
I'm a Khornate Berserker. How do I reconcile my religious practice of absolute violence with my gaming?
Am I insulting my faith by playing a non-combat character? Is the act of diplomacy (that is to say, simulated peace) a peaceful act?
In addition if anybody is curious about blood, I will be happy to answer questions.
>>
OP ignore the dumb atheists, we're not all like that.
I haven't had any interactions with Quakers in real life so I don't know much except for the pacifism and the community, but I have with the Amish and they're pretty chill people despite wanting to ignore hunting laws because of their religion in my area.
If you're playing Pathfinder there are a lot of pacifist class archetypes to play as. other systems it's possible. Theoretically how would you react to zombies? non-violence or lifting the rule because they aren't human?
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>>24678843
Then I retract that statement. I lack the knowledge to prove it.

>>24678851
Please elaborate. What about the Bible do you consider good moral education? What are some examples of these "updates"?

>However you probably think that anything older than fifty years is antiquated.

Answer my above questions and I might own that statement.
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>>24678869
>Is the act of diplomacy (that is to say, simulated peace) a peaceful act?

Not if it gives Almighty Khorne his due in time. A skull today and a skull tomorrow is a poor substitute for a mountain of skulls next week.

>>24678898

Not Quakerbro, but would you like me to bury you in a few hundred direct quotations that have positive moral value in a modern society? And I guarantee I'm more atheist than thou. I simply know wisdom when I see it, no matter the source.
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>>24678898
Not the Quaker guy (also an atheist) but here we go.
honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"-Matthew 19:19 this was meant that you should treat others with respect and kindness that you give to yourself.
"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.-Matthew 7:12 This is like the other quote but is more universal if anything.
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."-Matthew 19:21 this is showing that if you want to be "perfect" or "righteous" that you must forgo material possessions and help those in need (also found in some other major religions such as Islam's pillar of charity, or Buddhism's concept of the eightfold path.)
I can get you more and not in the book of Matthew either.
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>>24678936
I have never, not once, claimed to be an atheist. I would prefer OP, who claims to be a source on the subject, to elaborate further.
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>>24678869
>mfw
>>24678861
Not to mention a painful ignorance of the reasons behind religious adherence. It's a pretty complex issue, and more than just 'belief inna Jesus'.
>>24678877
Zombies. Shit. I guess that personal survival trumps non-violence. I would rather fight than die, you know? Probably spend a fair bit of time meditating on my actions, if I could spend the time.
>>24678898
Sure, the bits of the bible that I believe are good moral education are as follows:
The parable of the Good Samaritan. Friendliness and the helping of those less fortunate than ourselves should be key and should transcend boundaries of nation or race.
The Parable of the money-lenders.
Economic violence is still violence, give people the ability to free themselves from economic shackles and they will be improved as people and citizens.
The Genesis/Garden of Eden.
Humans are a social animal, and that social need is an important part of our lives. Don't try and change that.
I think I could go on, but I probably won't.

Updates to the belief include activism towards rights for women, civil rights for different races, the acceptance (sometimes grudgingly) of scientific growth and the acceptance of homosexuality.
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>>24678869
diplomacy has the potential of psychological violence, you should be safe. just remember that periods of peace makes the violence more traumatic when you do it later.
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>>24678936
>I simply know wisdom when I see it
brofist.jpg
I'm a very much an atheist but nothing bothers more than when I see other people talking about the Bible like "FAKE BOOK, NO MERIT *LALALALALALA*"
I mean, come on
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>>24678956
Good examples all.

Would you elaborate on the Genesis story? Just curious.
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I'm proud of you, /tg/. You're surprisingly devoid of /pol/ today.
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also don't forget the ten commandments!

I'm pretty sure they are still good, not 100% though, i forgot half of them.
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>>24678834
pretty much yeah, it's just the church I grew up in
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>>24678954

So which antiquated belief system do you ascribe to?
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>>24678956
Well if Zombies might be fair game than All Flesh Must BE Eaten might be your cup of tea.
it's a fun and simple system to get into and it's one of my personal favorites.
If you take a look at it in like it I recommend buying the book but be sure to get the revised edition.
Pic Related.
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>>24678984
Eh, not all of them are really relevant, especially to a secular person. 1 thru 4 are all about honoring God, but hey, 6/10 ain't bad.
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>>24678986

UUs are the only people that would ever answer the question, "Is there a god?" with, "I don't know, but wouldn't it be nice if there was?" They're by and large optimistic agnostics.
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>>24678989
I see I've stepped on enough toes for this discussion to continue. In the interest of the thread, allow me to say the following:

I apologize for entering this forum in the brash manner I did. It was disingenuous of me to make claims I was unprepared to support.

Can we move on?
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>>24678973
I don't even believe Christ was a real person! I still read the Bible frequently.
>>24678979
Yeah sure. Adam was unfulfilled as an entirely spiritual being, as he was alone but for God. The creation of Eve allowed for his spiritual growth as a social animal, and allowed to share his experience as a spiritual animal with another.
>>24679018
... Wow. That's okay, friend. I'm more than happy to answer questions or debate if that is your goal though. My apologies for not typing phenomenally quickly.
>>
>>24679018

And also in the interest of not shitting in OP's thread, I shall stop being glib and combative.

I'm a big fan of all the religions that preach nonviolence and balance. They may have some other wacky facets, but they all seem to commonly endorse ways of living that result in contendedness and high quality of life for both self and community. Those actions and results, to me, are worth far more than any other minor quibble we may have on a point of theology or philosophy.
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>>24678936
with khorne and his skulls, is it the sum total of skulls that matter or regularly getting a few skulls? would khorne prefer one skull a day for a year, or no skulls until the end of the year then 365 of them?
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>>24679057
The majority of religions out there preach nonviolence and balance, or at least pretend to. What they define as nonviolence and balance is where the problems begin in my opinion.

>>24679038
Thank you for your responses. What is a spiritual being?
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>>24679018
>>24679038
>>24679057
Alright, everyone... Group hug!
In 3...
2...
1...
>>
>>24679038
>I don't even believe Christ was a real person!

He fits the profile of one of a goodly number of breakaway messianic and apocalyptic Jews in that era. So while Jesus-the-speaker-of-the-red-letter-bits may not be an historic person, he IS indicative of the kinds of rhetoric that was coming from the fringe Jewish community at that time. "His" teachings are very real, even if he's not.
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>>24679066
Khorne cares not from whence the blood flows, only that it flows. The only rule seems to be "Give me worthy skulls". Try to slip him a bag of child skulls and he'll sic the flesh hounds on you for being a wuss and trying to slip him the skulls of unworthy fighters.
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>>24679066

Khorne would prefer that you harvest the skulls when they are ripe for the taking. One does not dole out a skull a day, for there is no passion in that act, and it is the passion of bloodlust that feeds Khorne.

When you walk with Khorne, you won't need to ask which skulls to take or when blood should flow. You'll have all the answers inside you.
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>>24679085
I think a spiritual being is one whom is aware of their position in the universe, or at least learning more towards their position. 'Spiritual' in my mind is more a set of beliefs and practices that confirm your ideas about your place in the world, than a connection with a 'god'. I think the awe that one can feel when you consider the beauty of the world and the vast mechanics of natural selection or the age or the vastness that is all the universe is a spiritual experience, and as valid as any found in a church.
>>
Why are you asking us? We don't know your religion because we're not Quakers. Try asking your priest. A wargame or violent videogame should be even less of a deal than boxing or martial arts. So if you're too embarrassed to show your nerd-dom, ask about those.
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>>24679128
We don't really have priests. In addition I find it useful to speak to those outside the Society.
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>>24678380
Having simulated violence in some outlets often makes one more peaceful overall.

Like it or not humans are a warlike species, most pack animals engage in "War." on some scale.

Having an outlet for those natural urges is healthy.
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>>24679135
>I find it useful to speak to those outside the Society.
So...forgive me for asking this, because the discussion in the thread has been surprisingly good for late night/early morning /tg/, but what useful information would you have gleaned from a dozen 'ur a faget joo' responses?
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>>24679094
My laptop is pressed to my chest in a loving embrace.
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>>24679135
Really? Quakers have no clergy what-so-ever?

Either way, I wouldn't consider boxing or martial arts to be an act of actual violence. It's a sport. It's when you use that outside of a sport environment to beat the shit out of and maybe even kill the guy who gave you a weird face or whatever.
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>>24679148
Well, I'd have learned that /tg/ is even a worse place for discourse and debate than I thought.
Other than that, I would need to reconsider my position, talk to my gaming group and perhaps talk to the elders in the Society.
>>24679166
There are elders and recordkeepers and such, but no clergy as such. It's kinda the point about Quakerism, as there is no need for a person to come between yourself and God. In the Commonwealth it's reasonably egalitarian. Few have outright authority over others, and when they do it's in certain areas only.
Some American Evangelical Quaker groups do have a far more conventional religious structure.
I would argue that practice of martial arts and boxing is not a violent act, but the sport of them is a violent act, and even worse than random violence because it is tolerated and promoted.
>>
Not OP here. Britfag liberal quaker, similar belief structure.
I find the racist undertones in a lot of games much, much more bothering than the violence. It's why I stopped playing DnD, the 'it's an orc/dragon/kobald so it needs to die' thing really bothered me.
I play violent characters, as well as characters who are addicts (I mean, I play a LOT of vamp) all the time. Why? Partly because I know it's a game and it's harmless, and partly as a matter of self-exploration. If I put myself (say) into the mindset of somebody who WILL rob or cheat or whatever to get their next fix of blood, I can look at how I'd react to different situations. I've actually learned a lot about myself this way. There have been characters I've played who I've really despised, because they've done horrible things, but... it's me coming up with that. It's food for thought.

My advice is to keep a certain amount of distance between yourself and your characters, tbh. You gotta see it almost like a shakespearian tragedy these a re flawed people doing (often) bad things, but that doesn't stop it being an interesting story.

Also, you gotta chose the right games. One of the reasons I enjoy a lot of nWoD is because it has this 'violence will mess you up inside' thing. You play a violent character, and you WILL drop morality, and that WILL bite you in the ass. I enjoy it, at least.
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>>24679128
>A wargame or violent videogame

What are two things that Quakers shy away from? I'll take Society of Friends for $1000.

>boxing or martial arts

What are two things Quakers will never do? I'll take Society of Friends for $2000

>and it's the Daily Double
>Quakers have no clergy what-so-ever?

Not exactly. Some Quaker churches do have recognized pastors that coordinate and run services, and who regularly preach. They're still not seen in the singular role that traditional churches see their ministers, as a core Quaker belief is that all believers are priests.

More common are services that are scripted, but which have a variety of speakers. The more traditional way is a service of quiet contemplation where those who are moved by the spirit speak.
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>>24679166
Correct. It's pretty much entirely democratic. In the UK we have regular meets where any quaker can turn up and have an equal say.
Considering that, and that there aren't really 'structured' services, there's no need. Also, a lot of quakers would say that having specific clergy stifles you spiritually and leads to blind dogmaticism and pride- things we try to avoid.
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>>24679166
If we're talking about martial arts for Quakers, I'd go with Tai Chi, myself.
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>>24679223
depends where you are. I believe that's mor commen in the US, certainly in the UK it's pretty freeform.
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>>24679238

A lot of it is a direct response to what the original founders saw as the failings of Christianity in their era. Which, unsurprisingly, looks a lot like the failings of the church today - vainglory, dogmatism, hypocrisy, greed, and an excess obsession with sin and evil.
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>>24679251

I've only been to a few meetings in the US, and they went about like that - meetings. They had an agenda, usually a period of planned worship and praise, followed by a more freeform town hall style common discourse. I've seen at least one where someone had prepared comments, and one where there wasn't a lot of talking and people spoke from the cuff.
>>
>>24679212
Thanks for dropping by, friend.
Yeah, I play a bit more CoC and ToC than other games as they reward non-violence and punish violent actions. I'll keep in mind the personal growth/learning aspect too.
>>24679251
That's the biggest difference between Commonwealth Quakers and American Quakers.
>>24679272
as well as a dilution or loss of the Message of Christ. Priests must have personal agendas, and the pursuit of that agenda is detrimental to the spiritual growth of the congregation
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File: 1367917428435.pdf-(3.05 MB, PDF, 1366481737053.pdf)
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3.05 MB PDF
>>24679296
I'm just gonna recomend you this. It's pretty good.
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>>24679296
Seems to be a bit more of a deist influence in Colonial SoF.
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>>24679212
>I find the racist undertones in a lot of games much, much more bothering than the violence. It's why I stopped playing DnD, the 'it's an orc/dragon/kobald so it needs to die' thing really bothered me.

Must be awful to be such an oversensitive fag.
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>>24681226
slowpoke.jpg
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>>24679007
Yeah, that's one problem with the Bible. When it gives a good message, it's a really good message, but the rest of the time it's trying to tell me there's an all-powerful deity who expects to be taken seriously and gets pissed off if I touch myself at night.
>>
Go churn some butter, beardy
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>>24678380
If you need someone to explain the difference between fantasy and reality.... You're probably to dumb to understand anyway.

A game where you pretend to be violent, isn't real violence... It's /pretend/.
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>Quaker oats guy
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>>24678953
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpL2m6XJhQw
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>>24678661

>Be Christian, albeit self-described, never once tried the hell and damnation way of converting.

I find that merely giving it your best shot, helping people in need, and carefully explaining your beliefs does a better job than trying to scare someone into Christianity.

Then again, I consider myself a poor Christian and I was essentially at odds with my old church over a number of my views.
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>>24678973
>>24678936

>Atheists who sound like bros.

I wish there were more of you. I never truly understand why there can't be an agreement on the merits, at least, of both thought processes.

I would truly like to believe that it's really only the extremist/a small minority of belief holders whom we always hear or have negative incidents with.
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>>24678380
Hey OP,

I can tell you're probably getting a lot of flak for this thread, and, while I don't share your faith, I really like your gumption. Way to stick with your stuff.

That said, 4chan probably isn't full of the best religious counselors. As a Nondenominational Christian, I choose to take the belief that so long as I'm merely acting it out, and not harming anybody unnecessarily, and if it isn't changing my heart, (Like, for example, an erotic roleplay would. Even though that it only "pretend", it could cause me to stumble.)

Peace out, Quakerbro.
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>>24679194
/tg/ is usually a good place to discuss almost anything. We're probably the board that loves knowledge the most, whether it is useful or not, and, therefore, see the opportunity to have a nice conversation with a quaker/soldier/clown (pic related)/whatever as an opportunity to increase our WIS.

We do have a known problem with keeping focus and/or derailing threads (although most derailings intend to avoid such things as furry stuff) but you rarely see someone being rude, impolite or writing in terrible grammar aound these parts
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>>24678640
Yknow, I'm in a christian university with a ban on dancing, on the basis that it inspires lust. Everyone makes fun of it, because we still have dancing classes, we just call them "movement" or "choreography". The dean of music explains it like this: There's head dancing, and there's hip dancing. You know which one is which. I have not heard the theology of "fun is sin" preached...ever, as far as I remember. I've heard it refuted often.
>>
Hey there QuakerFriend(s), another non-denominational protestant here.

I have enormous admiration for the history and achievement of the Quakers, particularly in their refusal to employ violence. Quakers really seem to be the exception to so many of the awful excesses of organised religion.

From what I know of Quaker belief some strict opinions on the Testimony of Integrity don't allow for roleplaying. As in, you are being so honest that you would refuse to pretend to be another person.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testimony_of_Integrity

Fun fact: Quaker oats was never owned by Quakers. The business just used the Quaker name because, ironically, Quakers had a sterling reputation for honesty.
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>>24679038
Are you a christian? If christ wasn't a real person, I don't see what the point of christianity is, especially thinking of 1 corinthians 15:14-19.
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>>24682767
Aaaaannd 2 hours later, I notice that I forgot the image.
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OP, just play Engine Heart. It's OK because they're not alive.
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OP, Unitarian Universalist here, what do you guys think of us? Most other UU's that I've met admire the Quakers.
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>>24678380
You aren't hurting people in real life you screwy heretic, have fun.



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