The eight most disconcerting words in the world, am I right? However, I think I’ve come here to put out a legitimate point. Whereas pixelpunk took from the Old Testament to drive his point home, mine, using the New Testament, will use a different approach. You see, I believe the messages of Jesus have an undeniable truth that transcends religion. I will start with addressing the problem of elitism which is near inherent in gamers. To answer this, Luke 14:8-11should suffice.

When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host; and the host who invited both of you may come and say to you, 'Give this person your place,' and then in disgrace you would start to take the lowest place. But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

A simple lesson, if I say so myself. Those who believe themselves superior only have until they are met by those who are superior to them to be shamed. On the opposite side, those who belittle themselves and downplay their accomplishments or status can only be brought up through the admiration of others. In this way we must treat those who act like this. Those who are haughty should be condemned for their behavior in an appropriate manner. Nothing overtly insulting but communicates that such actions are in poor taste. One way to try and stomp elitism is to stop judgment. Elitist often judge indiscriminately against the newer populace. To counter this I must bring up an oft quoted phrase from Matthew 7:1-2

[b]“Judge not lest ye be judged, for you shall be judged in the same way that you judge others.”[/b]



Too many derogatory comments are derived from judgment. Judgment for inexperience, for a lack of skill or etiquette, these are all things that bring people apart. To stop judging is to stop making a distance between yourself and others. To accept people no matter how they are. This is a perfect tie in to my next section, dealing with others with love and patience. Let’s start with Mark 12:31.

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

Now, even I once noticed the irony if you think of it in terms of how certain deranged people treat themselves, but Jesus is going on the basis that you’re probably not a masochist. The message is simple. You like treating yourself nicely, right? The same treatment should be done unto others. Treat your fellow community member as if what you are saying was to be directed at yourself. Would you want to tell yourself to STFU and the like? I would hope not. To extrapolate this further, I go to Matthew 5: 44.

“But now I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”



I would include more into this portion but I would like to leave as little mentions of God out of the scripture I use so it can stay neutral as an overall philosophical teaching rather than a religious one. Regardless, it’s really a tough idea, right? Thinking about the times I’ve seen people insult me and have the only response be to lash back out against them, they’re innumerable. You see, this is because it’s easy. To turn a phrase, patience is a virtue, one found little of on the internet. It’s almost too easy to respond when someone insults you to tell them to STFU or GTFO, it’s almost tied to human nature. However, the people cannot behave any better if their animosity is met with further animosity, whether it through matching insults or bans. I believe bans are no good solution. They give time for people to either accept their faults or let their indignation stir within them, and I’m pretty sure we all know which one is prevalent. Cue Matthew 5:38-39

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too.”

Now, some people are genuinely angry, but for many, antagonizing is a game. We all know of trolls, we can’t let them rule us. If someone tells you “You suck” or something to that extent, either ignore them, or hey why not even throw them a curveball, tell them they’re right. The worst they can do is slap your other cheek and continue to deride you. Anyone who sees those comments would have to be equally cruel to find you in any fault, unlike what would happen if you also went into anger.

Even if you do not agree with Christianity I hope you would be able to put it aside to agree that the peace, understanding, and love that were inherent in Jesus’ words would be influential in bringing harmony to any community, whether in real life or in the little virtual alcove of Destructoid.com.