The Mad Cleric’s Manifesto

After a week of posting on MadCleric.com, I’ve started having some interesting interactions—and not just concerning my posts!  I’ve gotten some interesting questions about what this site is actually supposed to be.  What’s the point?  In an email dialogue with one of my favorite new writers over on MadAdventurers.com, I finally managed to put the goal of this site into words:

I want to help gamers see their own potential.

I spend time with other gamers whose life is very different from mine in its outer trappings.  Many are unhappy with their current lot in life, whether because of their status occupationally, relationally, financially, or otherwise.  It doesn’t concern me that the lives of gamers are not perfect.  Nobody’s life is perfect.  Unhappiness and challenging situations happen in all of our lives.

Here’s what concerns me: I think many gamers have begun believing the lies that non-gamers believe about gamers.  What do non-gamers say about us?  How do we get stereotyped?  They say that we’re ill-equipped to interact productively with the outside world.  That we’re losers.  That we have no future.  That our games are a pointless waste of time and money.  That romance and true productivity will always be out of reach for us.

But none of these things are true.

Did you read that and let it sink it?  If not, I’ll type it again: none of those things are true.  And I want to help you come to terms with that fact.  You can achieve the occupation, relationship, finances, or whatever it is that you want.  It may be really hard  work to achieve it—but you can.  It may require a different way of thinking about life—it will definitely require thinking differently about yourself!  What we’re talking about here is hope.  Hope is not wishful thinking.  Hope is being so sure of something that you’re willing to bet your life on it.  And hope is rooted in faith—believing a story that gives meaning and purpose to your life and to your world.

So this site is not strictly a religious site, though it will touch on matters of faith.  The point here is to give gamers a renewed sense of hope.  Especially for those who feel stuck or aimless.  What people have said for years about gamers—those things are untrue!  You can break the cycle and be the person you really want to be.  And I hope that you will join me in that process—that is, helping gamers win.

Give us your thoughts in the comments! What lies have you heard about gamers? How have you overcome them personally?