Hi Laura,
Thanks for the question.
You said:
- If we know it is pretend and do not practice magic or devil works in real life, is such role-playing is still evil?
It depends.
As Catholics, we look to the Saints as models of virtue and holiness to follow.
That said, for this or any similar question, ask yourself:
- WWStTAD?
- What Would St. Thomas Aquinas Do?
- Would St. Thomas Aquinas role-play a magical creature just because it is pretend and not real?
I don't think so.
That said, while I have not been involved in any role-playing like you are describing, I have played other on-line video games that follow a similar pattern. There is no doctrinal Yes, or No answer to this question as it is a matter of prudential judgment.
In my opinion, it's a question of whether it damages or desensitizes you and your Christian morals or values. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a firm understanding of my Catholic faith?
- Do I practice what I preach when I call myself a Catholic?
- Do I renew my covenant every Sunday with the Lord at Mass?
- Do I go to Confession on a regular basis, like once a month?
- Do I pray daily/regularly?
Our behavior can be easily swayed into a unhealthy spirituality if we are not sacramentally grounded in the faith with a good prayer life.
In a college or university setting it can be very easy to rationalize such behavior as not sinful. Because your questions are similar to those we have received on video games, I've pulled these web postings from our database in the hope they may provide additional help and advice:
You said:
- Also, on a similar note, is it evil to write fantasy stories if there are evil characters in the book?
My book is a fantasy one and my evil character is a devil who has magic.
Sounds to me, you are looking for an approval on a decision you have already made. Personally,
I can't condone writing fantasy stories with evil characters in the book, though my colleagues may see it differently.
I hope this helps,
Mike
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