I don't really feel like going into an in depth analysis or debate on this subject at the moment, but it was on my mind so I figured I'd say a thing or two about it.
My mother feels that face cards are of the devil. And yes, she will say it with that level of linguistic force. I personally am not necessarily one to side with this strict an opinion but I can relate certain aspects of the concept and agree on certain aspects.
Like the internet or money, I believe that things can be used for good or bad purposes. Face cards in and of themselves are not evil. Although, I wouldn't recommend debating that with my mother because let me tell you... that is one sure fire way to get on her bad side for a very long time. But I believe what face cards stood for in the days she grew up in is evil. Gambling, addiction, casino life... none of it is good. I also believe they were the video games of that generation. They encourage addictive behavior, and limit social skills when over indulged upon.
However, I believe that some card games encourage social interactions and can actually help people bond in a life-time setting. I enjoy a good game of Apples to Apples, or Pit because the social interaction is fun. I actually feel like I'm getting face time with my friends while playing those games... not getting face time with the institution of rules and strategy.
But growing up I took my mother's accusations very seriously. And whether or not I agreed with her I felt that it was important to respect her wishes. I grew up telling my friends I didn't play card games, so I never played. I have no mind for card games and those who have tried to teach me will testify that I'm definitely a slow learned and have never gotten past the point of being incompetent.
If caught in the mood... I'll try anything once. But if I don't enjoy it, or don't feel like the social interaction from the game is genuine, I won't play it again.
But as a general rule? I pretty much don't play card games. I dislike most all of them
3 comments:
"We hope faithful Latter-day Saints will not use the playing cards which are used for gambling, either with or without the gambling. As for the gambling, in connection with horse racing or games or sports, we firmly discourage such things." --Spencer W. Kimball 1974 "God will not be Mocked" This is a great talk with a lot of subjects covered.
Well that quote implies not using traditional face cards which makes sense if you take it in context with the doctrine to avoid the appearance of evil. But I think it's important to recognize that atleast in my opinion... that does not discount games such as Uno, or Pit.. and also in my opinion it doesn't mean playing some of the games originally intended for face cards with cards like Uno cards being substituted is necessarily bad (obviously not the betting games as the term "with or without gambling" implies.) I mean random other games like Egyptian Rats and such. Ya know? But of course... that's between each individual person and their own conscience.
I'm not sure which talk, or conference, but probably in the early 80's there was a talk given that addressed not playing "role playing games," such as Dungeons and Dragons. It was all the rage then, and Chad was pretty into it, and I played it with him. After the talk, Mom outlawed that also. More recently, Elder Bednar gave one on the current virtual reality games and online role playing games, and it really made me feel like the advice given 30 years ago was all the more wise. My inlaws see no problem with playing card games like Hearts, etc. A couple of years ago someone brought a poker game to a family get together and I was appalled. But it just made me feel like one thing can lead to another, and that I was grateful for the advice not to have face cards in the home. I guess we should delete the solitaire game off the computer :) It comes standard :)
PS. Did you hear that the new BYUI Center was dedicated last week? I think you can listen to some of it online.
Kathy
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