Hey. I have a slight dilemma that I need help, mostly in explaining things to my parent's who are known for jumping to conclusions at the drop of a hat.
Boring, pointless background info in spoiler tags:
I am a college student that got into Magic: The Gathering watching some friends play the game and I found the art and gameplay to be fairly interesting, so I decided to get a rather cheap mono-black control deck which I got around August. I feel it's time to actually get new cards with some money I got for Christmas, but I need a credit card and I hate using mine for things beyond a self-imposed limit of $60 for recreational spending, $940 for rent, etc.
See I am part of this program for students with learning disabilities to help students live independently. I have some executive functioning disorder, anxiety disorder, and Asperger's Syndrome and I'm on the path of graduating from a top-rated community college and into a four-year institution. Thanks to some very nerdy (and cool) friends, I got into games based on DnD, yet I found the actual game to hurt my head. Still fun to create classes and campaigns though.
I am home for Christmas and got a check for whatever I desire or whatever along with some art supplies, clothes, gift cards, etc. I plan on spending a little bit of the money ($250) getting a Legacy Dredge deck, mainly because I love the playstyle. I hate using my card for non-essential purchases as I am conservative when it comes to money. Yet I want to use $250 out of a $1500 from my aunt to get a deck. The rest is going towards college.
Long story short, my hardcore Christian conservative parents think Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering is evil (on top of being "ridiculoudly expensive") and desire to see the cards. I am tempted to just say "screw it" and get a Burn deck and show them that. I need help explaining things to my parents in a way that they might accept.
I do like games like Magic that shift their metagame as often as this game does. While expensive, it's fun. I actually want to play some tournaments and have fun with friend and my mono-black control deck is getting a little boring. Yet, my parent's are known for jumping to conclusions quickly and being narrow-minded on things they have no understanding of. Part of me wants to press questions as to why they think Dungeons and Dragons is evil and go from there, yet when it comes to spoken word I tend to choke. Thus, I want to write it. Any ideas on what to say?
The lore and artwork is just window dressing for a game that let's you practice and improve math, reading comprehension and problem solving skills. My minister's son and I used to play D&D when I was growing up. Some crazy people play it. That doesn't mean that it makes people crazy.
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Spike cares more about the quantity of wins than the quality. For example, Spike plays ten games and wins nine of them. If Spike feels he should have won the tenth, he walks away unhappy.
The lore and artwork is just window dressing for a game that let's you practice and improve math, reading comprehension and problem solving skills. My minister's son and I used to play D&D when I was growing up. Some crazy people play it. That doesn't mean that it makes people crazy.
I don't think that'll fly, mainly because it would be odd for me to say that when I am in college.
We love our parents (or maybe not) but that doesn't make them all knowing or that they ALWAYS know what's best. It's hard to accept but some times our relatives have very closed minded views or even views that we don't agree with.
Look at it from their point of view. To them, they love their child but are worried he;s involved in something they're certain is related to demonic work. Maybe you think their thinking is close minded and wrong but they probably think the same as you in reverse.
MY HELP
Whatever you do, DON'T SHOW THEM THE DECK YOU PLAN ON BUYING! It doesn't matter if it's evil looking or angels.EDH
Buy the cheapest, friendliest pre-con deck you can find at walmart, sleeve it up and show them that. Why? Because they're going to burn the cards and try to ward the demons out of you! LOL. Seriously though, I wouldn't put it past them to destroy the deck the second they get their hands on it.
Put a bunch of angel and heaven and holy cards together. Tell them Magic: The Gathering is a way to help kids find the true love of Jesus Christ by making Angels and religion fun. Tell them that the point of the game is to use angels and prayers (and some math) to defeat demons.
Put a bunch of angel and heaven and holy cards together. Tell them Magic: The Gathering is a way to help kids find the true love of Jesus Christ by making Angels and religion fun. Tell them that the point of the game is to use angels and prayers (and some math) to defeat demons.
They'll think it's disgracing god to be "playing" with angels and using them to fight off demons. Who's playing the demons?!? What if you lose?!? There's a potential to lose against demons?!? OMG!!! WHAT IF HE CONCEDED TO DEMONS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Lol, going down an honest route is likely the best way the handle the situation until you can gauge their reaction. That's why I recommended a patsy deck to take the fall just in case things go sour. If you lie to them and they find out, they'll never trust you on the matter ever again. If you hid something physical from them (the deck you intend to keep) then how will they find out unless they search your dorm?
Put a bunch of angel and heaven and holy cards together. Tell them Magic: The Gathering is a way to help kids find the true love of Jesus Christ by making Angels and religion fun. Tell them that the point of the game is to use angels and prayers (and some math) to defeat demons.
I second that. Lie your ass off.
You can't win against some people, and Religious people are the top of that list.
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"If you don't wear your seatbelt, the police will shoot you in the head."
- To my youngest sister when she was 6.
Everyone knows that good luck and good game are such insincere terms that any man who does not connect his right hook with the offender's jaw on the very utterance of such a phrase is no man I would consider as such.
You are an adult and your decisions are yours. you're a good child, right? They will probably always judge this aspect of your life, and if you start obsessing, it will be a big deal. Just let them deal. you do what you enjoy. It's a great game for social interaction, math skills, and problem-solving. GL to you.
You know your parents better than any of us. How do you think they will react?
You might be able to be honest and explain to them that it's just a game but if they wont listen to anything reasonable than I would lie. I would pick and choose what to tell them and how much information to give away.
If your parents are hardcore religious and let that influence a lot of their everyday activities, and that interferes with what you would like to do, I assume you're not as hardcore as them. There are probably a lot of mundane secular activities that they oppose too (alcohol, sex, working on Sunday, etc.).
As with anything else, you can try to:
1) argue with them logically
2) lie to them
3) try to portray the best image possible
4) pretend you're not engaging in forbidden activity
5) be upfront but disregard them anyway
It's pretty complicated, depending on your relationship with your parents, but you're an adult now, and you're in the best position to decide what you should do. Ignore people who tell you to do something more extreme than you're comfortable with, but on the other hand, ignore those who are too judgmental of what you choose as well.
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Due to real-life obligations, I am taking a long break from Magic which may include missing the local Legacy GP. Apologies for not being able to keep my threads updated.
Yeah, Innistrad would be the wrong set to show them...
OH GOD! If you take my advice Wyrren, don't go out and buy an Innistrad Pre-con. Hell, I'll send you some ****ty deck made out of commons my self from under my bed!
Seriously, be completely honest with your parents about this.
1- You're spending money on a GAME. WOTC has done their best at making this a "Family-friendly" game as they can. Show them the mothership website if they push about this.
2- Be as transparent as possible with this. I do believe that you are a "good" person overall, and that you will not try to realistically cast dark rituals. Show them your deck, and the deck that you plan to spend money on. Let them know exactly how much each card cost you. That way if they feel like lighting $250 on fire, then they'll know how much exactly they're burning.
3- Have them come up with a game that has the same concepts of MTG, that costs less, and that gives you as much/more social interaction capabilities. If not, then hey... play MTG.
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"Failing to Find" Since March 2010.
Current Capt. of Team "Ju"
I play this:
Standard:
Rotation is coming...
Modern: GGGSTOMPY
ZOO (Goyf-less)
Legacy:
Brewing
EDH:
Too many to name.
My parents had the same reaction at first and they are pretty conservative (this was close to 13 years ago when I first became interested in Magic.) Granted, my parents are also rational and open-minded and trusted me to a certain extent, so I showed them the game and taught them how to play. They never became super hooked on it or even very interested in it, really, but after they saw how the game worked, they had no problem with me playing it, and even bought me Magic cards for Christmas or my birthday.
If you think they would be receptive to it, I'd make a couple of 40-card decks from a core set and just sit them down and teach them how to play. They might be receptive to that and they should definitely appreciate your honesty and transparency. To this day my parents still encourage me when I play in tournaments and what not and whenever there is a GP or another major tournament near where they live, they let me and my friends crash at their house. They're very supportive.
Asking out a girl is like trying to cast a first turn Necropotence. Sometimes the other player will have the Force of Will to say no. You shouldn't let that stop you from trying it.
Some of the greatest fantasy writers have been christians. Tolkien, c.s. Lewis, macdonald, lawhead, l'engle, Spencer, and I would throw Milton, Dante, and the Beowulf poet on that list. Fantasy has always been part of the vocabulary of Christian literature.
Second, you are an adult and have the right to spend your ruin money onk whatever you please.
Third, show them how to play the game because they think that playing the game means you literally engage in magic rituals and magic.
Fourth, you could be spending money on porn.
Fifth, it might not matter. At some point get your own place and follow Jesus on your own as he leads you.
They can email me. I've been deacon of Christian education at church and a preacher. Joelyguacamole at sbcglobal dot net. I would be happy to tryi and get them off your back. I know all the proof texts because i had to ride that train in thue eighties and nineties.
I have a student who plays magic and pokemon. He struggles with anxiety as well as ADHD and overall has difficulty with his social skills. His parents recognize the benefit of games like this to work on his skills in many areas.
I firmly believe you could frame this in a way that it's an extension on your work to better your executive functioning skills.
How ever it goes, I hope it's healthy, productive conversation.
Plains - John Avon - 230
Island - Jung Park - 235
Island - Vincent Proce - 237
Swamp - John Avon - 238
Mountain - John Avon - 242
Forest - John Avon - 246
I've worked for the past 3 years as the pastor of an on-campus college-age ministry at a fairly conservative Christian church at a totally non-conservative college (University of Oregon... Go Ducks!) and dealing with overzealous/overbearing parents is the worst part of my job. In general, they're terrified of ANYTHING new that their kids do when they're in college. If the parents are hardcore fundies, they'll be convinced that everything you're engaged in (healthy or not) is leading you astray. In my professional experience, the only think I know of that convinces these kind of parents that their kids are spiritually ok is seeing evidence that their kids are still living healthy lives that fit within their (ie the parents') brand of spirituality/religion.
In other words, if you're still (demonstrably) good with (and enthusiastic about) Jesus and not smoking crack, that's the thing that's most likely to convince them that your newfound hobbies and friends are ok.
If you're not meeting their religious expectations, then in all likelihood they'll look for anything and everything to blame for why that might be... even if you're living a perfectly healthy life and making good choices. (Sucks, but it's usually how I've seen this type of thing play out.)
My advice? Keep living life well and make good choices. You're an adult and you don't have to do their thing.
My sympathies to you, though. This type of thing is rough.
first off tell them there is no god. seriously, they cant prove it.
then show them beta demonic tutor and unholy strength, along with serra angel and baneslayer angel or something similar and explain how all of it is make believe.
edit: wrath of god and jihad are also cool to show to fanatics.
I'm going on record right now and stating that before the end of 2012 we will see foil dual lands in booster packs (The real, Alpha dual lands). You can quote me on that.
first off tell them there is no god. seriously, they cant prove it.
then show them beta demonic tutor and unholy strength, along with serra angel and baneslayer angel or something similar and explain how all of it is make believe.
edit: wrath of god and jihad are also cool to show to fanatics.
first off tell them there is no god. seriously, they cant prove it.
then show them beta demonic tutor and unholy strength, along with serra angel and baneslayer angel or something similar and explain how all of it is make believe.
edit: wrath of god and jihad are also cool to show to fanatics.
I don't think this would elicit the right reaction. Maybe an approach more like a promise not to go killing babies and performing satanic rituals would work better?
If you really want to 'convince them' tell them you like your stories not in the form of a 2000 year old bound amalgamation of wives tales but in the form of easily digestible text snippets on cards with pictures
Or just show them that you can separate reality from fiction, and that these game elements are only used to provide fancy mechanics for the game to use, and if anything the picture and themes are caricatures of these demonized ideas to add a point of ridiculousness.
You also might point them towards the books of Thessalonians, the book of Acts, and alll those silly parts of the Bible telling them not to judge. If that doesn't work tell them they're behaving like John Lithgow's character in Footloose; for some reason that always hits a nerve with Baby Boomers.
You also might point them towards the books of Thessalonians, the book of Acts, and alll those silly parts of the Bible telling them not to judge. If that doesn't work tell them they're behaving like John Lithgow's character in Footloose; for some reason that always hits a nerve with Baby Boomers.
This is a much better approach than what I hope is jokes about telling them "God doesn't exist".
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Boring, pointless background info in spoiler tags:
See I am part of this program for students with learning disabilities to help students live independently. I have some executive functioning disorder, anxiety disorder, and Asperger's Syndrome and I'm on the path of graduating from a top-rated community college and into a four-year institution. Thanks to some very nerdy (and cool) friends, I got into games based on DnD, yet I found the actual game to hurt my head. Still fun to create classes and campaigns though.
I am home for Christmas and got a check for whatever I desire or whatever along with some art supplies, clothes, gift cards, etc. I plan on spending a little bit of the money ($250) getting a Legacy Dredge deck, mainly because I love the playstyle. I hate using my card for non-essential purchases as I am conservative when it comes to money. Yet I want to use $250 out of a $1500 from my aunt to get a deck. The rest is going towards college.
Long story short, my hardcore Christian conservative parents think Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: The Gathering is evil (on top of being "ridiculoudly expensive") and desire to see the cards. I am tempted to just say "screw it" and get a Burn deck and show them that. I need help explaining things to my parents in a way that they might accept.
I do like games like Magic that shift their metagame as often as this game does. While expensive, it's fun. I actually want to play some tournaments and have fun with friend and my mono-black control deck is getting a little boring. Yet, my parent's are known for jumping to conclusions quickly and being narrow-minded on things they have no understanding of. Part of me wants to press questions as to why they think Dungeons and Dragons is evil and go from there, yet when it comes to spoken word I tend to choke. Thus, I want to write it. Any ideas on what to say?
That pretty much sums it up...
I don't think that'll fly, mainly because it would be odd for me to say that when I am in college.
Look at it from their point of view. To them, they love their child but are worried he;s involved in something they're certain is related to demonic work. Maybe you think their thinking is close minded and wrong but they probably think the same as you in reverse.
MY HELP
Whatever you do, DON'T SHOW THEM THE DECK YOU PLAN ON BUYING! It doesn't matter if it's evil looking or angels.EDH
Buy the cheapest, friendliest pre-con deck you can find at walmart, sleeve it up and show them that. Why? Because they're going to burn the cards and try to ward the demons out of you! LOL. Seriously though, I wouldn't put it past them to destroy the deck the second they get their hands on it.
How To Keep Your FOIL Cards From Curling: http://youtu.be/QTmubrS8VnI
The Best Deck Boxes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEwgLph_Pjk
The Best Binders: http://youtu.be/H5IauASYWjk
They'll think it's disgracing god to be "playing" with angels and using them to fight off demons. Who's playing the demons?!? What if you lose?!? There's a potential to lose against demons?!? OMG!!! WHAT IF HE CONCEDED TO DEMONS?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Lol, going down an honest route is likely the best way the handle the situation until you can gauge their reaction. That's why I recommended a patsy deck to take the fall just in case things go sour. If you lie to them and they find out, they'll never trust you on the matter ever again. If you hid something physical from them (the deck you intend to keep) then how will they find out unless they search your dorm?
... do they search your dorm, OP?
I second that. Lie your ass off.
You can't win against some people, and Religious people are the top of that list.
- To my youngest sister when she was 6.
You might be able to be honest and explain to them that it's just a game but if they wont listen to anything reasonable than I would lie. I would pick and choose what to tell them and how much information to give away.
If all else fail sacrifice a goat.
RBUThraximundarUBRRUNiv-Mizzet, the FiremindUR
BWGhost Council of OrzhovaWBWUBRGChild of AlaraGRBUW
WBRKaalia of the VastRBWGBSapling of ColfenorGB
As with anything else, you can try to:
1) argue with them logically
2) lie to them
3) try to portray the best image possible
4) pretend you're not engaging in forbidden activity
5) be upfront but disregard them anyway
It's pretty complicated, depending on your relationship with your parents, but you're an adult now, and you're in the best position to decide what you should do. Ignore people who tell you to do something more extreme than you're comfortable with, but on the other hand, ignore those who are too judgmental of what you choose as well.
Legacy
UWR Miracles UWR
GWB Maverick GWB
GB Elves GB
UBR ANT UBR
RG Combo Lands RG
Vintage
BUG BUG Fish BUG
Modern
GBW
Junk PodMagic: the BuylistingPull out some Lorwyn cards, like a Kithkin and Merfolk deck and show them the cards. Might think they are cute.
Then again there is always Pokemon...
OH GOD! If you take my advice Wyrren, don't go out and buy an Innistrad Pre-con. Hell, I'll send you some ****ty deck made out of commons my self from under my bed!
1- You're spending money on a GAME. WOTC has done their best at making this a "Family-friendly" game as they can. Show them the mothership website if they push about this.
2- Be as transparent as possible with this. I do believe that you are a "good" person overall, and that you will not try to realistically cast dark rituals. Show them your deck, and the deck that you plan to spend money on. Let them know exactly how much each card cost you. That way if they feel like lighting $250 on fire, then they'll know how much exactly they're burning.
3- Have them come up with a game that has the same concepts of MTG, that costs less, and that gives you as much/more social interaction capabilities. If not, then hey... play MTG.
Current Capt. of Team "Ju"
I play this:
Rotation is coming...
Modern: GGGSTOMPY
ZOO (Goyf-less)
Legacy:
Brewing
EDH:
Too many to name.
If you think they would be receptive to it, I'd make a couple of 40-card decks from a core set and just sit them down and teach them how to play. They might be receptive to that and they should definitely appreciate your honesty and transparency. To this day my parents still encourage me when I play in tournaments and what not and whenever there is a GP or another major tournament near where they live, they let me and my friends crash at their house. They're very supportive.
Level 1 DCI Judge
Check out my Commons Cube.
Second, you are an adult and have the right to spend your ruin money onk whatever you please.
Third, show them how to play the game because they think that playing the game means you literally engage in magic rituals and magic.
Fourth, you could be spending money on porn.
Fifth, it might not matter. At some point get your own place and follow Jesus on your own as he leads you.
They can email me. I've been deacon of Christian education at church and a preacher. Joelyguacamole at sbcglobal dot net. I would be happy to tryi and get them off your back. I know all the proof texts because i had to ride that train in thue eighties and nineties.
Cheers.
Guacamole.
I firmly believe you could frame this in a way that it's an extension on your work to better your executive functioning skills.
How ever it goes, I hope it's healthy, productive conversation.
I wish you luck.
http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=4832736
Trading 10 full art zen basics for 8 of yours!
I want
Plains - John Avon - 230
Island - Jung Park - 235
Island - Vincent Proce - 237
Swamp - John Avon - 238
Mountain - John Avon - 242
Forest - John Avon - 246
In other words, if you're still (demonstrably) good with (and enthusiastic about) Jesus and not smoking crack, that's the thing that's most likely to convince them that your newfound hobbies and friends are ok.
If you're not meeting their religious expectations, then in all likelihood they'll look for anything and everything to blame for why that might be... even if you're living a perfectly healthy life and making good choices. (Sucks, but it's usually how I've seen this type of thing play out.)
My advice? Keep living life well and make good choices. You're an adult and you don't have to do their thing.
My sympathies to you, though. This type of thing is rough.
then show them beta demonic tutor and unholy strength, along with serra angel and baneslayer angel or something similar and explain how all of it is make believe.
edit: wrath of god and jihad are also cool to show to fanatics.
I hope to... God, you're joking.
tee hee hee
To be honest, I hope he's not...
But it's terrible advice nonetheless.
I don't think this would elicit the right reaction. Maybe an approach more like a promise not to go killing babies and performing satanic rituals would work better?
LOL sigged!
Or just show them that you can separate reality from fiction, and that these game elements are only used to provide fancy mechanics for the game to use, and if anything the picture and themes are caricatures of these demonized ideas to add a point of ridiculousness.
This is a much better approach than what I hope is jokes about telling them "God doesn't exist".