Band of Hope Family friendly christian guild.

Band of Hope is now recruiting on the Landroval server. We are a family friendly mostly christian gamer guild. We have a mature clean chat, website, guild forums, ventrillo, guild email, etc. Most of our current members come from 2 different christian WoW guilds. We still have an existing christian wow guild so we have formed a christian gamers alliance called HIS alliance. Check us out at www.hisguild.info . To become a member click "new user" at the top of the webpage and apply.

Good luck with your guild, and enjoy the game! Mature, friendly players are always welcome! :)

Welcome to the server.

Good luck to you and all your members and welcome!

I'm interested to know if you're planning on role-playing as Christians in the game, and if so how?

Well, depending on how one interprets Tolkien's framework, everyone who isn't in league with Sauron might technically be playing a "Christian" in game.

As per specific references to Christian doctrine, etc. that's both outside of lore and ooc, I'm guessing they'll do what the other Christian guilds have done and not reference it in game or IC.

BUT LET'S NOT GET TOO FAR IN DISCUSSING THIS, SHALL WE? :D

Best server in the game... Period

Nice to see that you chose it to make your fellowship on..

Good luck everyday in all your adventures

I didn't ask anyone to go in depth, I merely asked if and how.

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Originally Posted by Huzke

I didn't ask anyone to go in depth, I merely asked if and how.

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N/p! I just get a little skittish when "controversial" guilds post their info.

Nothin' personal. :cool:

Thematically, LotR is as Christian as they come ... Frodo's willing self-sacrifice to save the Shire being one obvious and primary example. (And Tolkien was quoted somewhere, I forget where now, as saying that Gandalf was an angel.)

So really, to role-play as a Christian in LOTRO all you have to do is be "in synch" with the spirit of the books (selflessness, nurture the world rather than exploit it, etc.), try to follow the will of "Eru Ilúvatar", and you're on the right track.

Good luck with the kinship!

-The Gneech :cool:

Hey that would be interesting. Sunday church in the shire. LoL :D

...I can see Michael W. Smith rolling up his Hobbit minstrel already.

I'd still rather hear from one of the actual members of the guild on how they view it and if they're going to role-play as Christians in game. More power to them if they do and I hope they have fun.

But in reply to thegneech, wouldn't that just be the simple values that Christianity exudes, rather than actually being Christian? I know a lot of Jewish people that are extremely nice and live within those values, but they'd likely set you straight if you told them it meant they had to be Christians.

Hmm... The Tolkien discussion forum might be a better place to discuss whether Tolkien intended for characters in LotR to be described as Christian or not. Or if his intentions were for the charcters to exude specifically Christian qualities.

Let's leave the recruitment thread a recruitment thread for the time being...

/kneels

/clasps hands

/bows to the Lord of the West - without trying to threaten anyone else's beliefs

Welcome to Landroval. It is a fairly clean (well except for me) and fun Roleplaying community.

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Originally Posted by thegneech

Thematically, LotR is as Christian as they come ... Frodo's willing self-sacrifice to save the Shire being one obvious and primary example. (And Tolkien was quoted somewhere, I forget where now, as saying that Gandalf was an angel.)

So really, to role-play as a Christian in LOTRO all you have to do is be "in synch" with the spirit of the books (selflessness, nurture the world rather than exploit it, etc.), try to follow the will of "Eru Ilúvatar", and you're on the right track.

Good luck with the kinship!

-The Gneech :cool:

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Tolkien himself was devoutly Christian. I don't think *he* specifically called Gandalf an angel; though many others have. And thus these ideals carry over into the books. I'm even a much nicer guy in this MMO than in most other RP experiences. Though the source material is not exclusive as he was also fascinated with northern european language and culture. Tyr's sacrifice of a hand for the safety of humanity, or Odin's suspension upon the Yggdrasil for spiritual knowledge also mirrors these themes. And so much of the source material was taken nearly exactly from the Norse Eddas and Finnish Kalevala myth cycles... even names like Frodo, Gandalf, Thorin, the dwarves in the hobbit, the Elvish language (even the word "elf") etc... were adapted as he recontextualized the myths to fit his vision. Which really is, thematically, very Christian.

This is a kinship recruitment thread please keep the topics of politics and religion to a minimum. :D

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Originally Posted by Saffron

This is a kinship recruitment thread please keep the topics of politics and religion to a minimum. :D

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Ahem! I AM a Christian and I might think of joining such a guild, so I'm asking for information on it.

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Originally Posted by Huzke

But in reply to thegneech, wouldn't that just be the simple values that Christianity exudes, rather than actually being Christian? I know a lot of Jewish people that are extremely nice and live within those values, but they'd likely set you straight if you told them it meant they had to be Christians.

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I wouldn't tell them such a thing! Not everything that swims is a fish, so to speak.

Almost every major religion that ever existed has extolled those values; my point was just that to do so would be the best way to express your faith (of whatever variety) within the context of the game.

-The Gneech :cool:

What a classy kinship name! I like it very much. Fits very well in the Middle Earth atmosphere. Will definitely be looking for info over on your boards.

See that's why I'm asking. I'd like to know in what capacity in the context of the game, as you put it, would role-playing a Christian be acceptable or fit. I don't have that sort of extensive knowledge of the Tolkien lore to say it doesnt' fit at all or could fit at all.

That's also why I said that just role-playing a good person wouldn't really be role-playing a Christian, rather just the values that are invilved with being a Christian.

See where I'm coming from now? I just want to know if and how they're going to pull it off. It'd be interesting and probably pretty fun.

I think the key is not so much roleplaying a Christian, but a place where Christian players, roleplayers or not, can commune. Those who do roleplay (myself included) would probably not be roleplaying a Christian since Arda/Middle Earth is a fictional place/period that takes place thousands of years before Christ. If I were to join such a guild, I'd still roleplay my characters as normal.

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Originally Posted by Huzke

See that's why I'm asking. I'd like to know in what capacity in the context of the game, as you put it, would role-playing a Christian be acceptable or fit. I don't have that sort of extensive knowledge of the Tolkien lore to say it doesnt' fit at all or could fit at all.

That's also why I said that just role-playing a good person wouldn't really be role-playing a Christian, rather just the values that are invilved with being a Christian.

See where I'm coming from now? I just want to know if and how they're going to pull it off. It'd be interesting and probably pretty fun.

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Fair enough. I suggest you PM the OP directly to continue this discussion, as the fact of the matter is, while we do allow the discussion of kinship recruitment here, we do not allow religious or political discussion on these forums. I understand it is a somewhat grey line, so feel free to PM a mod if you need clarification.

Thank you for your cooperation.

What's wrong with just asking for a little clarification so that other people wondering the same thing might be able to read the thread and get the same answer?

Wouldn't having such a standard for your forums prohibit using phrases like "gay-friendly" or "christian" when describing guilds for informational or recruitment purposes?

If not, then what's wrong with a little clarification?

Im very interested in this myself

yay, more kinships! Welcome to middle earth!

I wish I could form a kinship, but so far only 3 friends have agreed to play ;(

I'll look for you guys if I can.

hanna (h); sarn (d); narwain (m).

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Originally Posted by dasmoment

yay, more kinships! Welcome to middle earth!

I wish I could form a kinship, but so far only 3 friends have agreed to play ;(

I'll look for you guys if I can.

hanna (h); sarn (d); narwain (m).

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Well, you're halfway at the minimum requirement. :)

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Originally Posted by Huzke

I'd still rather hear from one of the actual members of the guild on how they view it and if they're going to role-play as Christians in game. More power to them if they do and I hope they have fun.

But in reply to thegneech, wouldn't that just be the simple values that Christianity exudes, rather than actually being Christian? I know a lot of Jewish people that are extremely nice and live within those values, but they'd likely set you straight if you told them it meant they had to be Christians.

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Ok let's not turn this into a holy war shall we.

LOTR is more Christian based if you look at it - not to detract from other religious values - but

Good vs Evil - no ability other than monster play to be evil and BTW who says monsters are evil - maybe just misunderstood.

Fellowship - an interesting term for grouping - has been used in christian get togethers for years

ANd what difference does it make if they role play christian or just want to have a guild of like minded individuals with christian values.

As in the words of the Beatles - "Let it Be"

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Originally Posted by Galoren

Tolkien himself was devoutly Christian. I don't think *he* specifically called Gandalf an angel; though many others have.

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Actually I know from having had this discussion a few years ago when the movies came out that Tolkien did indeed call Gandalf an "itinerant Angel".

Hopefully the Mods will consider that lore discussion and not religious discussion. :)

Anyway, good luck to this kinship and enjoy the game.

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Originally Posted by Arcaines

ANd what difference does it make if they role play christian or just want to have a guild of like minded individuals with christian values.

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This comes down to not a RELIGIOUS debate, but rather a TOLKIEN/LORE one. If you are roleplaying as a Christian, then you are roleplaying that somewhere in Middle-Earth, at some point, there was a Christ. How much of it will you bring over from the real world? Was this "Middle Earth Christ" born in a manger in Staddle? Crucified and persecuted by Mordor?

Do you see what I'm getting at? How far does it go?

This is important for roleplay. If your character and my character bump into each and talk, we're gonna have some very different views on certain points in history ... and I have the books to back up my claim. Things could get hairy and weird, and it would be difficult to RP with people who are not in your "alternate Middle Earth", in which Christ exists.

Do you see the problem? It's not a religious one, it's a problem of being able to interact with people in the same universe from an in-character stand point.

Why is this necessary? Isn't "Band of Hope Family friendly guild" good enough?
Why are you so insecure to have to do this? :(
Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it ... maybe I'll have to make a "people with one long toe nail guild" so we can huddle together and keep reassuring ourselves, that even while playing a game, our toenail length is A-OK.
Why do you have to bring this in to the game? I don't want your "RL" religion or politics in my game, and I won't bring mine in either.

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Originally Posted by MaclimesZero

This comes down to not a RELIGIOUS debate, but rather a TOLKIEN/LORE one.

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And looky here! An entire forum - dedicated to that purpose of discussing Tolkien and lore! :eek:

Amazing thing!

http://forums.lotro.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106

Let's let them recruit peacefully then, if we're agreed about some of these matters, eh?

:D

Have a good day... And Eru be with you!

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Originally Posted by MaclimesZero

This comes down to not a RELIGIOUS debate, but rather a TOLKIEN/LORE one. If you are roleplaying as a Christian, then you are roleplaying that somewhere in Middle-Earth, at some point, there was a Christ. How much of it will you bring over from the real world? Was this "Middle Earth Christ" born in a manger in Staddle? Crucified and persecuted by Mordor?

Do you see what I'm getting at? How far does it go?

This is important for roleplay. If your character and my character bump into each and talk, we're gonna have some very different views on certain points in history ... and I have the books to back up my claim. Things could get hairy and weird, and it would be difficult to RP with people who are not in your "alternate Middle Earth", in which Christ exists.

Do you see the problem? It's not a religious one, it's a problem of being able to interact with people in the same universe from an in-character stand point.

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However, this all subjective.

How the Lore is interpreted and how the characters will interact again are all subjective.

In the books it concentrated on a small section of the world who is to say that christianity was not present - man was there and thus you'd have some sort of religion - how I choose to RP even without a religious overtone can be totally contradictory to your view.

Again I state - what difference does it make - let it all be.

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Originally Posted by AstroCat

Why is this necessary? Isn't "Band of Hope Family friendly guild" good enough?
Why are you so insecure to have to do this? :(
Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it ... maybe I'll have to make a "people with one long toe nail guild" so we can huddle together and keep reassuring ourselves, that even while playing a game, our toenail length is A-OK.
Why do you have to bring this in to the game? I don't want your "RL" religion or politics in my game, and I won't bring mine in either.

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I understand your point, but it really makes little difference in the grand scheme of things what people base their kinships on. It's not like we're talking about a Christian or Gay "server".. yet some people are acting like this is what's happened. How many times are you actually likely to bump into these type of kinships ingame?

You have /ignore too if it upsets you too much. I personally am a Reiki Master with religious beliefs that some would akin to those of a Jedi :)

I'm just trying to say that people need to take a couple steps back from all of this nonsense and get back to having fun in the game. I also have /ooc /advice and /lff switched off until needed.

Good luck, guys :)

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Originally Posted by PastorInsanity

And looky here! An entire forum - dedicated to that purpose of discussing Tolkien and lore! :eek:

Amazing thing!

http://forums.lotro.com/forumdisplay.php?f=106

Let's let them recruit peacefully then, if we're agreed about some of these matters, eh?

:D

Have a good day... And Eru be with you!

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I wasn't arguing. Just opening up some interesting discourse. However, you are correct. That discussion should be in the Tolkien forum. In fact, I'm not sure you could have that discussion on the internet at all, since flames would sprout forth.

My apologies for the derailment! Good luck with everything!

Good luck with your kinship! A great basis and a great name. I think this kinship will do just fine on this server. :)

Huzke, I understand your reasoning for wanting clarification. However, don't you think asking for this clarification might be best on their kinship forum instead of here? I am pretty confident you will get a faster reply there then here.

I just feel as though you are trying to stir up a hornet's nest. If you truly want to know, listen to the moderator and PM them or go on their forum. Or just wait to see if they respond here. Just my two cents.

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Originally Posted by AstroCat

Why is this necessary? Isn't "Band of Hope Family friendly guild" good enough?
Why are you so insecure to have to do this? :(
Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it ... maybe I'll have to make a "people with one long toe nail guild" so we can huddle together and keep reassuring ourselves, that even while playing a game, our toenail length is A-OK.
Why do you have to bring this in to the game? I don't want your "RL" religion or politics in my game, and I won't bring mine in either.

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Lol well said. P.S. LOTR had nothing to do with Christianity. And any analogies you attempt to make about good vs evil and all that don't count because it was all done way before Christianity ever came about.

First of all, welcome to Landroval and good luck on recruitment for your kinship. I picked Landroval in the hopes of finding a more mature player base and I suspect that your guild members will fit that bill more so than the average MMO player. I have to admit, though, that there is some delicious irony in the fact that a gay kinship and a Christian kinship are both making Landroval their home. :)

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Originally Posted by Arcaines

Ok let's not turn this into a holy war shall we.

LOTR is more Christian based if you look at it - not to detract from other religious values - but

Good vs Evil - no ability other than monster play to be evil and BTW who says monsters are evil - maybe just misunderstood.

Fellowship - an interesting term for grouping - has been used in christian get togethers for years

ANd what difference does it make if they role play christian or just want to have a guild of like minded individuals with christian values.

As in the words of the Beatles - "Let it Be"

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Not to rain in your parade, but you can name those values for almost every religion. Those aren't just values that define Christianity.
Personally i have alot 'Values' that the Christians have, but i believe in: There is no God.

As far as i know there was once upon a time an unofficial rule... RL Politics and Religion do not belong in a Fantasy RPG, doesn't matter if it LARP, MMO or PnP is.

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Originally Posted by Saffron

This is a kinship recruitment thread please keep the topics of politics and religion to a minimum. :D

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Hey, guys. Let's let them recruit in peace, like the Devs have asked us to. If we want to debate the place of religion or any other out of game social affinity (such as the other notable thread in this forum), we should do it outside these kinship threads.

Band of Hope, good luck to you guys. I hope you find a good strong group of players that fit what you are looking for.

Blessings,

Elu.

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Originally Posted by Thomen

1.) Those aren't just values that define Christianity.


2.) As far as i know there was once upon a time an unofficial rule... RL Politics and Religion do not belong in a Fantasy RPG, doesn't matter if it LARP, MMO or PnP is.

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1.) guess you missed the part that says not to detract from other religions

2.) anything goes in any game by anyone - lest it be harrassment or abuse.

I wish them luck in recruiting - if I had not choosen another Kinship I would have definately looked into this one.

Good luck with this. Coming from a fellow Christian I have to say that this seems like an odd medium for faith-based social interaction, especially when the word "Bible" is censored.

EDITED.. dropping the Topic.

Good luck to you Guys, tho. =)

Good luck with your kinship! Wish you were on brandywine ah well ''' thats where I am :-)

Im really sorry that I havent checked back to my post here sooner. Been to busy enjoying the game, the server I'm on and the newly forming kinship. We don't mean to intimidate anyone with our advertisement as a "christian" guild.
By "christian" guild we mean most of our members come from a christian background and our faith is the thing that unites as as people in real life. Much like you may find in any other "like minded interest" guild. (Although we do not exclude non-christians as long as they acknowledge and arent offended by the topics that may come up in guild chat amongst other members and are willing to abide by the guild rules..see our alliance charter and guild application for details)

As for roleplay our members are free to roleplay their characters as they see fit. Will we be sharing Christ on public channels? No. as that is not the theme of the game/time period the game occurs in. Will we be sharing with each other what God has blessed us with in our lives in kinship chat? Prolly often. Will we play our characters in a way that would demonstrate how a christian should behave no matter what world they are in? I certainly hope so and expect that of our members .Just as we have chosen to ensure our guild name fits well in the theme of the world we play in so will our characters and kinship.

We are not in the game to be "bible thumping, overbearing, doorknockers" But we as christian players tend to enjoy these type games even more when we are with like minded players who share our values, beliefs, and desire for clean edifying chats in kinship. I have led a christian guild since the release of Daoc..with a current one still active in Wow and many of us planning to play here. And I can assure you we have never had a problem on any server we've been on. Our members who do roleplay are very creative and those that do choose to tie their faith into their characters and the game do so in a way that blends right into the game world. (If you'd like to see examples check out some of our character bios from wow and roleplay stories in our forums.) Will we have in game church services? Wouldnt be the first time. But I can assure you when we do they are fun roleplaying events that also tie into the game world. (Read the sermons forum to see some examples of past events.) We have a very unique guild with very wonderful people who are prolly the most mature gamers you have adventured with. And we all look forward to adventuring with all of you and driving back the forces that seek to destroy middle earth! If anyone has any specific questions about our kinship or alliance please feel free to pm me here or at our website www.hisguild.info . (I check our website daily so that is the best way to contact and ask questions.) Just click on the link for jazmina or sarai3. Or see me in game...jazmina or jazmyna..or possibly other spellings of the same name :)

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Originally Posted by Chatele

Good luck with your kinship! Wish you were on brandywine ah well ''' thats where I am :-)

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I'm on Brandywine...maybe we could start one there...

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Originally Posted by jazmina

Im really sorry that I havent checked back to my post here sooner. Been to busy enjoying the game, the server I'm on and the newly forming kinship. We don't mean to intimidate anyone with our advertisement as a "christian" guild.
By "christian" guild we mean most of our members come from a christian background and our faith is the thing that unites as as people in real life. Much like you may find in any other "like minded interest" guild. (Although we do not exclude non-christians as long as they acknowledge and arent offended by the topics that may come up in guild chat amongst other members and are willing to abide by the guild rules..see our alliance charter and guild application for details)

If anyone has any specific questions about our kinship or alliance please feel free to pm me here or at our website www.hisguild.info . (I check our website daily so that is the best way to contact and ask questions.) Just click on the link for jazmina or sarai3. Or see me in game...jazmina or jazmyna..or possibly other spellings of the same name :)

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Good Luck and many Blessings.

Just bumping the thread to make people aware that we are still recruiting.

I am interested and have a female lvl 14 elf hunter. I will try to contact Jazmyna IG. I'd better write the name down. My memory is not what it used to be. <wink>

I have one question, how can you call it a christian guild when this game stands for everything that the bible is against... the use of magic, the use of violence, and lets not forget Idle Hands are the devils playground, (you are playing a game therefore your hands are idle..) I am a very devout Christian but I will not bring my religion upon anyone nor force anyone to listen to it. "Thien Body is my fathers temple" that is all I have to say about that. I wish you all well but I really dislike the use of the word Christian with a game/guild that sounds to much like Jonestown... that was a Cult not a Christian camp.

/em glances at Thunderhorse with great confusion and consternation furrowing his countenance.

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Originally Posted by Thunderhorse

I have one question, how can you call it a christian guild when this game stands for everything that the bible is against... the use of magic, the use of violence, and lets not forget Idle Hands are the devils playground, (you are playing a game therefore your hands are idle..) I am a very devout Christian but I will not bring my religion upon anyone nor force anyone to listen to it. "Thien Body is my fathers temple" that is all I have to say about that. I wish you all well but I really dislike the use of the word Christian with a game/guild that sounds to much like Jonestown... that was a Cult not a Christian camp.

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For one I am not a christian, and this guild does not seem to be throwing their belief system down anyones neck.. They are just saying they are playing the game looking for like minded people.. To join their guild.

And your bringing your opinion in it.. Of what you think they are ....

So if your not interested don't join.. and don't make this a religious debate of what is right and wrong about them doing so...

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Originally Posted by jazmina

We are not in the game to be "bible thumping, overbearing, doorknockers" But we as christian players tend to enjoy these type games even more when we are with like minded players who share our values, beliefs, and desire for clean edifying chats in kinship.

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See, I know you don't mean for it to come off like this necessarily, but I have a serious problem with what you're saying here. That basically, it's not good enough that we all be human beings who love LOTR, but that we must have some sort of common values in RL outside of the game to make it worthwhile.

I think it's completely contrary to the spirit of the game and MMOs in general to form a guild with such a divisive message in what could be a healthy, vibrant, and diverse community. I think it's a mistake to isolate yourself from other people based on value judgments, particularly values which have no place in a fantasy game anyway.

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Originally Posted by Daedelous

See, I know you don't mean for it to come off like this necessarily, but I have a serious problem with what you're saying here. That basically, it's not good enough that we all be human beings who love LOTR, but that we must have some sort of common values in RL outside of the game to make it worthwhile.

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I certianly have had no intention of this thread becomming a christian/non christian bash thread. That is certainly not what we are about. Im sorry if the word christian flares up a bunch of opinions based a word rather then fact or experience. If you really wanna know what we are like check us out. I have never once said we exclude ourselves from non christians. In fact they are more then welcome. But I will not mislead them and I expect them to be clear what we expect before they even bother to fill out an application. This prevents me from having to remove members after theyve become members because "they werent aware swearing wasnt allowed, or dont understand why using the Lords name in vain might offend someone."

I don't recall telling anyone they HAD to join us or making anyone feel of less worth because they choose not to. I dont recall judging anyone else beliefs/values/ or preferences here. I am just advertising the availability of our kinship just like any other kinship here.

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Originally Posted by Daedelous

I think it's completely contrary to the spirit of the game and MMOs in general to form a guild with such a divisive message in what could be a healthy, vibrant, and diverse community. I think it's a mistake to isolate yourself from other people based on value judgments, particularly values which have no place in a fantasy game anyway..

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When we start throwing our opinions in and judging other kinships based on the type of kinship they are then why have kinships at all? If we are being divisive by having a kinship based on our own values that we choose to carry in and out of game then what about other kinships..like roleplaying kinships, pvp kinships, casual gamer kinships? Kinships formed by coworkers, school mates or groups of RL friends? Perhaps rather then many kinships we should have 1 massive socialist kinship where everyone has to play and be the same? As for my vaules... of all the mmorpgs I've played I personally feel my rl values fit very well into the spirit of LoTRO.

I have been playing online games since the days of muds. Any time you become involved with any sort of massive online multiplayer game social groups are formed. People enjoy interacting with social groups that fit their likes/dislikes and dont make them feel uncomfortable.

If you are a power gamer you are not going to enjoy being in a guild of casual players who seldom raid, group etc. If you are a pvper you are not going to join a kinship that only pve's. If you are a pure roleplayer you're not going to join a kinship that speeks in l33t speak all day. If you're a person with rl faith, beliefs, likes, dislikes..you are going to gravitate towards that. That is an element that makes the game more enjoyable for you. That is an element we choose to provide.

There are those of us who prefer to hang out in an environment online where we can chat with people about things in our real life. Some of us do not want to be in l33t speak guilds, or where its ok for our younger children who play to hear obscenities, sexual talk, etc, etc.\

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Originally Posted by Thunderhorse

I have one question, how can you call it a christian guild when this game stands for everything that the bible is against... the use of magic, the use of violence, and lets not forget Idle Hands are the devils playground, (you are playing a game therefore your hands are idle..) I am a very devout Christian but I will not bring my religion upon anyone nor force anyone to listen to it. "Thien Body is my fathers temple" that is all I have to say about that. I wish you all well but I really dislike the use of the word Christian with a game/guild that sounds to much like Jonestown... that was a Cult not a Christian camp..

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Perhaps if this is they way you understand God's word then you are in the wrong place yourself. Cults like Jonestown exist and have existed for 1 main reason. Legalism. People take select phrases from the bible without studying Gods word and understanding the entire passage, situation, environment etc it was used in. Thus they lose the heart of the message for the letter of the law. If you really study your bible you will learn that Jesus didnt hang out with the pharasees who were considered the rightious of the time. He was hanging with the tax collectors, the commoners, the sick and the cursed. As for the bible speaking against violence..not my bible. I recall reading about entire races being wiped out. Wars occuring, plagues etc. Many of them commanded by God himself. The events that occured during Moses times would not be considered magic but they would certainly be considered something unusual. And if I recall it was not only Jesus that drove out demons but also his disciples. So no as a christian I have no problem with the environment of the game. Nor do I have a problem acknowledging that I am a christian when I play these games. No reason to hide what I like or choose. That would be like hiding the fact you like the color orange cause it isnt popular. And I certainly don't see how my hands are idle when they are being used to uplift someone that day, encourage them during a hard time (rl and in game) uplift them or someone they are concerned about in in prayer, and providing fellowship to those who may not have any (in game in and in rl) As for not forcing anyone to listen to your religion (which is not what we are based on but our rather our common faith.) I think you've done a fine job of forcing those who read this forum to hear it here. (and I am sorry if Ive gone a tad to deep here myself)

I dont wish this to turn into a flame fest so from here on out I will not be replying to any more post questioning our existance, purpose etc. Please contact us at www.hisguild.info or pm me if you have any more questions. I look forward to adventuring with all of you in game.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jazmina

I certianly have had no intention of this thread becomming a christian/non christian bash thread. That is certainly not what we are about. Im sorry if the word christian flares up a bunch of opinions based a word rather then fact or experience. If you really wanna know what we are like check us out. I have never once said we exclude ourselves from non christians. In fact they are more then welcome. But I will not mislead them and I expect them to be clear what we expect before they even bother to fill out an application. This prevents me from having to remove members after theyve become members because "they werent aware swearing wasnt allowed, or dont understand why using the Lords name in vain might offend someone."

I don't recall telling anyone they HAD to join us or making anyone feel of less worth because they choose not to. I dont recall judging anyone else beliefs/values/ or preferences here. I am just advertising the availability of our kinship just like any other kinship here.



When we start throwing our opinions in and judging other kinships based on the type of kinship they are then why have kinships at all? If we are being divisive by having a kinship based on our own values that we choose to carry in and out of game then what about other kinships..like roleplaying kinships, pvp kinships, casual gamer kinships? Kinships formed by coworkers, school mates or groups of RL friends? Perhaps rather then many kinships we should have 1 massive socialist kinship where everyone has to play and be the same? As for my vaules... of all the mmorpgs I've played I personally feel my rl values fit very well into the spirit of LoTRO.

I have been playing online games since the days of muds. Any time you become involved with any sort of massive online multiplayer game social groups are formed. People enjoy interacting with social groups that fit their likes/dislikes and dont make them feel uncomfortable.

If you are a power gamer you are not going to enjoy being in a guild of casual players who seldom raid, group etc. If you are a pvper you are not going to join a kinship that only pve's. If you are a pure roleplayer you're not going to join a kinship that speeks in l33t speak all day. If you're a person with rl faith, beliefs, likes, dislikes..you are going to gravitate towards that. That is an element that makes the game more enjoyable for you. That is an element we choose to provide.

There are those of us who prefer to hang out in an environment online where we can chat with people about things in our real life. Some of us do not want to be in l33t speak guilds, or where its ok for our younger children who play to hear obscenities, sexual talk, etc, etc.\


Perhaps if this is they way you understand God's word then you are in the wrong place yourself. Cults like Jonestown exist and have existed for 1 main reason. Legalism. People take select phrases from the bible without studying Gods word and understanding the entire passage, situation, environment etc it was used in. Thus they lose the heart of the message for the letter of the law. If you really study your bible you will learn that Jesus didnt hang out with the pharasees who were considered the rightious of the time. He was hanging with the tax collectors, the commoners, the sick and the cursed. As for the bible speaking against violence..not my bible. I recall reading about entire races being wiped out. Wars occuring, plagues etc. Many of them commanded by God himself. The events that occured during Moses times would not be considered magic but they would certainly be considered something unusual. And if I recall it was not only Jesus that drove out demons but also his disciples. So no as a christian I have no problem with the environment of the game. Nor do I have a problem acknowledging that I am a christian when I play these games. No reason to hide what I like or choose. That would be like hiding the fact you like the color orange cause it isnt popular. And I certainly don't see how my hands are idle when they are being used to uplift someone that day, encourage them during a hard time (rl and in game) uplift them or someone they are concerned about in in prayer, and providing fellowship to those who may not have any (in game in and in rl) As for not forcing anyone to listen to your religion (which is not what we are based on but our rather our common faith.) I think you've done a fine job of forcing those who read this forum to hear it here. (and I am sorry if Ive gone a tad to deep here myself)

I dont wish this to turn into a flame fest so from here on out I will not be replying to any more post questioning our existance, purpose etc. Please contact us at www.hisguild.info or pm me if you have any more questions. I look forward to adventuring with all of you in game.

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Very well put! Everything I was thinking, you already said first and so much more. I have been in Band of Hope for over a week now and the people are just awesome. No one shoves anything down anyone's throat. It's a good fun wholesome guild with integrity and it's filled with people who share similar interests. A place I feel confortable allowing my daughter to eventually participate in with us.

Jazmina, don't ever let posts like these bring you down. The only direction we are going is UP! (pun intended)

So yeah, anyhow, let's get back to the SIMPLICITY of the original msg:

Band of Hope Family friendly christian guild.

"Band of Hope is now recruiting on the Landroval server. We are a family friendly mostly christian gamer guild. We have a mature clean chat, website, guild forums, ventrillo, guild email, etc. Most of our current members come from 2 different christian WoW guilds. We still have an existing christian wow guild so we have formed a christian gamers alliance called HIS alliance. Check us out at www.hisguild.info . To become a member click "new user" at the top of the webpage and apply."

All right guys -- let's watch out. I think we might be straining the TOS here. :o

I still need to find you in-game, Jaz!

Hmm...seems like the KotWL thread got a lot of quick mod help when the trolls showed up, why not this one?

Sounds like a cool guild. When I first read the OP, shoving a religion down peoples throats was the furthest thing from my mind. Just simply a guild looking to recruit family oriented individuals that don't have to listen to curse words flying around every second in guild chat or ventrilo. These people that insist on judging the motives of the guild are rediculous. They aren't breaking any rules here, so let them recruit who fits in their guild.

The maturity of the guild has already been proven from the OP replies here in this thread. I didn't see anyone flaming the "gay kinship" in their recruiting post. Why do it here. Everyone is different, so let them enjoy the game the way they like, as long as no rules are broken. And like Jazmina said, if you have specific questions about religion, etc. do it in PM's, so their friendly recruitment post doesn't get sacked.

Looking forward to some RP and adventuring with this guild.
Cheers!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Isaelee

The maturity of the guild has already been proven from the OP replies here in this thread. I didn't see anyone flaming the "gay kinship" in their recruiting post.

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If I may add on to Huzke's observation, one of the main reasons it doesn't seem like the Knights of the White Lady were flamed nearly as much is because the mods saw fit to remove many offending posts.

I'm glad you and others can see to the heart of why some would want to seek out others who share their beliefs in game. I hope we can all respect and understand this - without the help of moderators at that.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PastorInsanity

If I may add on to Huzke's observation, one of the main reasons it doesn't seem like the Knights of the White Lady were flamed nearly as much is because the mods saw fit to remove many offending posts.

I'm glad you and others can see to the heart of why some would want to seek out others who share their beliefs in game. I hope we can all respect and understand this - without the help of moderators at that.

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Must of been why I didn't see them. I wouldn't have a problem with mods deleting posts that detract from Kinships threads. The ones simply wanting to recruit new members wanting to enjoy the game with like minded folk.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PastorInsanity

Hmm... The Tolkien discussion forum might be a better place to discuss whether Tolkien intended for characters in LotR to be described as Christian or not. Or if his intentions were for the charcters to exude specifically Christian qualities.

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I think this might clear things up:

Quote:

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"The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision," wrote Tolkien in 1953. "The religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism."

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ref: http://www.nationalreview.com/flashb...ller121802.asp

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Isaelee

When I first read the OP, shoving a religion down peoples throats was the furthest thing from my mind.

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Truth be told, it was the first thing that entered my mind when I saw it. However the replies above changed my mind.

As to the gay-oriented guild, the fact of having to delete posts proves the need.

Finally, as to both, a person should be able to be in-game and have fun without having to deal with the petty prejudices and rudenesses of those who hold opinions about some aspect of their life. It is not as if those opinions have the slightest value in some objective way but they are nonetheless fuel for the worst inclinations of the human spirit. If groups advertise the safe-havens they have built it is only in the certainty that there are people seeking the shelter that they have labored to create.

Caelavin

Good luck with the kinship, I hope you find ways to ignore all the socio-drama.

Take care and welcome to Landroval!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Caelven

Finally, as to both, a person should be able to be in-game and have fun without having to deal with the petty prejudices and rudenesses of those who hold opinions about some aspect of their life. It is not as if those opinions have the slightest value in some objective way but they are nonetheless fuel for the worst inclinations of the human spirit. If groups advertise the safe-havens they have built it is only in the certainty that there are people seeking the shelter that they have labored to create.

Caelavin

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Well said.

*bumped* The kinship is growing steady but we will still be recruiting right through release. Stop by at www.hisguild.info and check us out. Hoping to start some roleplaying and kinship events soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zeruel

Lol well said. P.S. LOTR had nothing to do with Christianity. And any analogies you attempt to make about good vs evil and all that don't count because it was all done way before Christianity ever came about.

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I know this need to be on a different forum but I could not resist commenting.

Tolkien was a Christian and was close friends with C.S. Lewis who wrote Christian literature and The Chronicles Of Narnia and the Screwtape Letters. So even though it was not a direct story of Christianity, Christianity in Tolkiens life surely influenced his writing, as it did in C.S. Lewis's fanatasy stories. Although Tolkien did try to keep his christian influences in his stories, he wanted to bury them deep in the story so they would not be overbearing. C.S. lewis disagreed with him on this and wanted to project Christianity much stronger and this was one of the disputes they had between eachother. Yet they still remained friends. It was Tolkien that led C.S. Lewis to Christianity in the first place.Tolkien admitedly allowed Christian influence in his stories, he just kept it very subtle.

Great kinship, been in a few days. Hope to see others join, kinship chats been pretty quiet :-)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Grimparrot

Great kinship, been in a few days. Hope to see others join, kinship chats been pretty quiet :-)

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Depends what time of day it is. I also expect new additions with the retail release. Everyone has been great. This guild has a very strong presence in WoW (proven dedication by the leaders to the success of the group), and it's getting a steady rhythm of new members that will accelerate our momentum. =]

Congrats on the guild.

Bumping for all the new retail members.

I am not going to read this whole thread, so forgive me if this has already been said. In Middle Earth lore there is really no Bible or Christians, however Tolkien viewed Eru (The God of Middle Earth) as the Real God in Elvish. In a fictional sense of course.

Also, let me say I think this is a great idea for a guild!

Just doing my part to bump this post for my game family.

I am happy to see this guild and some of its fellow Christian guilds in the game. Especially since they've mentioned roleplay (Woot!). No there weren't Christians in Middle Earth, but the sense of values that a Christian guild would hold I believe can actually add to the atmosphere of the game, because those values would have existed in Middle Earth society. Some things we take quite casually in modern society were not such casual issues in Middle earth. Does that mean there were Christian elves? Nahh, though that's a cool point about the god of Middle earth being representative of the Biblical creator.

Glad to have you in the game. I just look at this guild and don't fear 'u noobs rp cuz u gtz pwned in pvp. u-owned cuz u gay!'. If they advertise that they're Christian, it just means they're held to a level of personal accountability that will ensure courteous playing : ). Props to Saffron for having watched these threads so well!

I am also interested in contacting you for possible guild membership. Is your forum name your in game name? please reply or PM.

Tal

yes my in game name is the same..alts are the same just spelled slightly different. Also to apply for membership just go to www.hisguild.info and click "new user" at the top of the page. That will take you to our kinship application. Looking forward to adventuring with all of you. Thanks for the words of encouragement and the support here. You guys are great.

bumped for those still seeking a kinship.

Bumpy! =)

Applied for Band of Hope Saturday morning under the account name Sasikii. Looking forward to meeting some of you in game!

Very very nice bunch of people. So bumping....:D

Osten Calóthol was fortunate to run into Sasiki, and a similarly named compatriot last eve as he ventured to explore the ruins of ancient Arnor near Combe.

It was a fortunate event, as Osten had heard throughout the Breelands of the Band of Hope whom they represented, and tales of their courtesy, valor, and devotion to the Lord of the West. Osten bowed deeply before Sasiki and Sasika, and asked where he might come to know more of their kinship's exploits. Rightly, they directed him to Jazmyna, the leader and founder of their kinship.

Jasmyna had heard of Osten and his compatriots, Hethrengel, Fenn and Britniel through various channels. The process of induction was swift and joyous. Now, Osten's fellowship had come into a larger companionship, and all were mirthful at this event, though many grim tides were received concerning the actions of the Blackwolds and goblin-men, ere the night was over.

(Glad to be in guys. See you all in game. Look for Osten, and my other main characters in my sig. Cheers, and "Eru" bless. :))

Bumpity bump goes the Dwarf, looking for new Brothers and Sisters to fight the forces of the Dark.

In this for a week, It's great kinship,
With my timezone GMT +8, there are still some members online here.

Hope more people will join and enjoy the game with us.

thats awesome, I love Jesus!

I wanted to say that it was a pleasure for me and my comrades to assist your guildmaster/founder and his fellowship in your unfortunate encounter with Svalfang last night. Sorry we melted back into the woods afterwards....couldn't stay and chat. :)

Bump goes the the thread. Seeking for more to fight the approaching shadow lest all light be extinguished.

Managed to read through all six pages and can only echo what others have said before me.

Welcome to Landroval. Eru's blessing upon you during these troubling times.

In your travels look for my friend, Greyborne the Hunter. He is looking for Band of Hope.

BrokenArrow

Bumped for today!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AstroCat

Why is this necessary? Isn't "Band of Hope Family friendly guild" good enough?
Why are you so insecure to have to do this? :(
Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it ... maybe I'll have to make a "people with one long toe nail guild" so we can huddle together and keep reassuring ourselves, that even while playing a game, our toenail length is A-OK.
Why do you have to bring this in to the game? I don't want your "RL" religion or politics in my game, and I won't bring mine in either.

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Bingo, we have a winner. This sums it up perfectly.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malichor

Bingo, we have a winner. This sums it up perfectly.

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The sentiment towards our beliefs that you types espouse in posts such as these are precisely why we want a specifically Christian friendly guild in the first place. In gaming culture, it should be obvious to everyone (especially those of you who go out of the way to hate on a Christian guild) that "Family Friendly" does not denote by any means "religious" or specifically "Christian" friendly.

But there I go feeding trolls again... :rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PastorInsanity

The sentiment towards our beliefs that you types espouse in posts such as these are precisely why we want a specifically Christian friendly guild in the first place. In gaming culture, it should be obvious to everyone (especially those of you who go out of the way to hate on a Christian guild) that "Family Friendly" does not denote by any means "religious" or specifically "Christian" friendly.

But there I go feeding trolls again... :rolleyes:

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It's not about hating on anything, I was raised as a Christian myself. Doesn't change the fact that it has nothing to do with the context of Middle-Earth. Please keep it out of the game.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malichor

It's not about hating on anything, I was raised as a Christian myself. Doesn't change the fact that it has nothing to do with the context of Middle-Earth. Please keep it out of the game.

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Nope. Sorry. Not disbanding, despite your polite wishes.

Don't join us if it bothers you so much, and have a nice day!

/bow

I'm not Christian, but where's the harm? I don't see why there's a problem. They're not trying to convert who isn't open to it, and they're not trying to eradicate anyone who believes other things.

Live and let live. Harm none. Become sugar. Don't be evil.

Bump for spreading the good word.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malichor

It's not about hating on anything, I was raised as a Christian myself. Doesn't change the fact that it has nothing to do with the context of Middle-Earth. Please keep it out of the game.

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:rolleyes:

Some people like to interact with the members of their kinship on a more personal level. If someone started talking about their wife or kids would you tell them to keep it out the game? If someone started a housewives or househusbands kinship would you tell them to keep it out the game?

We're social beings ,at some point someone is going to talk about something outside of the context of middle earth and these folks want to be with like minded individuals without fear that people like me will run screaming from the room when they mention god and religion. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DarkChyle

...these folks want to be with like minded individuals without fear that people like me will run screaming from the room when they mention god and religion. :D

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Oh noes!:eek:

*runs screaming from the room*

J/K

I don't think anyone should be silenced for what they believe, but that seems to be what a few of those opposed to this are wanting. Why?

Band of Hope doesn't sound like a non-LotRO organization. Because they're family oriented doesn't hurt anyone, but rather gives people another avenue to pursue versus many kinships that are not family oriented. Because they're Christian-friendly doesn't mean they ONLY accept Christians, but they would offer shelter for those who would like to have the option of discussing things with Christian-minded people without persecution.

Why would anyone not part of BoH's kinship insist on controlling what they say? Is anyone else affected by BoH? They're not threatening anyone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Malichor

It's not about hating on anything, I was raised as a Christian myself. Doesn't change the fact that it has nothing to do with the context of Middle-Earth. Please keep it out of the game.

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I'm guessing that English Literature isn't taught that much in school anymore.

While not as overt as C.S. Lewis' Narnia books, Tolkien's work has always been considered Christian, and if you want to get specific very Catholic.


But to get back on-topic, I'm looking for a kinship that's family friendly and would love to meet up with some of your members in-game. Do any of you play EST evenings? If so, please send Laydin a tell.

I am coming over to this server soon, will be looking you guys up for sure. Sounds like what I am looking for.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deanara

I am coming over to this server soon, will be looking you guys up for sure. Sounds like what I am looking for.

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We'd certainly be glad to have you! We're recruiting some great members each and every day. Come be a part of us! Check out the site/forums www.hisguild.info

Since the question keeps coming up as to why would we want a Christian friendly (we DO accept people who do not profess Christianity as a religion just to be clear) I thought I'd post something I wrote in my blog on Guildcafe a few days ago. As far as the "keep it out of my game" comments go, we haven't and will not bring it into "your game". By forming a kinship we can keep it in OUR game and out of yours.

Anyhow my blog post follows:

I have a secret that I have kept fairly well in the 18 years I have been playing nearly every type of what we now know of as MMORPG's. Starting back in the 1980's on MUD's and BBS door games (Tradewars FTW) through Asheron's Call 1 and 2, the plethora of other games listed in my gaming history, till now I have kept for the most part a big part of my life almost entirely to myself. I'm ashamed to say it was mostly because I didn't want to deal with the ridicule that many like myself experience in the gaming community.

I am an evangelical Christian. Technically I could qualify as a Fundamentalist even. Not only that, I hold a Bible degree, and have been ordained as a minister of the Gospel.

I know, I know, its shocking.

What prompted me to write this is a debate that recently played out in a remarkably civil manner as to the necessity of the presence of Christian guilds (kinships in this case). A lot of people feel, understandably, that to make a gaming group overtly Christian is not a good idea at best, and a form of bigotry at worst.

For the most part I have not participated in Christian guilds. Many of them I found to be really cheesy to tell the truth. But in LOTRO I found a good one, made a char on the server just to try it out, and was hooked.

You see my faith is a big part of my life. As much as you like to, when you are playing a MMO the least bit seriously, you are going to be spending a LOT of time with these people. Unfortunately, those of my faith have a bad reputation in the gaming community, nearly all of it deserved. From Chick Tracts depicting D&D as the front for a massive conspiracy to lure kids down the path to outright blood sacrifice and murder to whole websites being devoted to the "evils" of Harry Potter there are a LOT of Christian fruitcakes out there. And like it or not I get lumped in with them.

So to find a bunch of folks like myself and to be able to talk openly about going to church that Sunday, or being able to say I will pray for someone when they are having a problem without wincing to see if I will get a flame is, well, priceless.

I'm not in a Christian guild because I want to stand on a corner and preach the Bible at passing Dwarves, Elves and whatnot, I'm in a Christian guild because it allows me to be who I am without wondering if I'm irritating the tar out of someone.

And man, it is really really nice.

Why aren't the mods gutting this thread like the KotWL thread? These guys are just trying to have fun with like-minded people, leave them alone already.

I'm too lazy to read all these posts but I did read that last post by Grimparrot. I have a simple question that you can answer or not, up to you, I'm just curious.

I have always been curious why kinships or guilds would be created that where "this or that" friendly, gay friendly, Christian friendly, Kellogg Pop-tart friendly, whatever. I guess I've always figured that if you said you were "this or that friendly", it also implied that other guilds were then "not friendly" to that subject, i.e. all guilds are anti-gay or anti-Christian unless they specifically state they are friendly to that ideal.

Your kinship, being a "family friendly Christian" kinship, doesn't just mean that you're "family friendly", i.e. no bad language or talk that wouldn't be appropriate for children to hear, but you also talk about church, your religion, and topics such as that?

As far as I'm concerned you all can do whatever you want with your kinship as long as you don't bother anyone else (and more power too you), I was just wondering why someone would make a kinship that was "Christian" if they didn't actually talk about their religion within kinship chat.

I have never been in a "friendly" kinship or guild, but I've also never been in a guild that allowed members to bash on or grief someone based on their religion, or anything else. We never talked about religion in guild chat, and never allowed anyone to put religion down. So, unless a "Christian friendly" guild actually talks about being Christians, I don't see the difference between that guild and one that doesn't allow people to be ####### while they're a member.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Corpsearella

I'm too lazy to read all these posts but I did read that last post by Grimparrot. I have a simple question that you can answer or not, up to you, I'm just curious...

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I wouldn't equate family friendly and Christian friendly. Lots of kinships are family friendly. This whole game is to tell the truth. The server as a whole is wonderful that way.

I would say we as a kinship are both family friendly AND Christian friendly. Two different things.

And yes, I have felt hostility towards people of faith, particularly Christians in various gaming groups over the decade I have been playing these things. That isn't why I chose a Christian friendly kinship this time.

Our kinship chat is OOC. We are light RP, I stay in RP pretty much except OOC and Kinship chat. I do my best, but the occasional lol slips out. Im old, sue me :-) We just use kinship chat to organize stuff and just shoot the breeze. And yes, religious stuff comes up. Its not forced, but its not disallowed either. Its more about not having to avoid the topic of our faith more so than forcing it into the game. And anybody is welcome in our little band as long as they are willing to put up with us. :-)

Its not for everyone, never claimed it was.