It’s time. After a month of pondering Final Fantasy XVI, a new lecture playthrough starts next week. Just like my FFXV class, whatever form this project will take begins with us playing together. Join my research as we think deeply about myth, faith, and human resolve. Here’s what you can expect:
PLOT ANALYSIS:
This will be the deepest, most intellectually stimulating analysis of Final Fantasy XVI available. Taught by an actual university professor of religion and video games, too! (Yours truly)
HYMNODY ASSESSMENT:
FFXVI boasts songs that double as both stirring soundtracks and hymns. Tapping into research of communal sacred music and hymnody, we’ll scrutinize lyrics as we infer meaning from music. (And maybe sing along?)
STRUGGLE STREAMS:
I’m playing through on heightened difficulty, Final Fantasy mode, and not very well. Come make fun of me and yell things like “Git gud” to help me improve my skills. Because, by God, we’re getting that platinum!
RELIGIOUS CRITIQUE FROM A RELIGIOUS PERSON
It’s tough to critique your own beliefs. However, this is a story about philosophy of religion, and it makes compelling assertions regarding the relationship among myth, dogma, and truth. As a religious person, I found it helped me reckon with a personal belief and a larger structure of religion. I’d like to share those findings to promote the best of religious traditions (and critique the worst) in an academic, while personal, examination.
CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH
This project may eventually take the form of an actual college class, a video series, or even a book. Whatever form it takes, I would love for you all to be conversation partners in the research. Share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions as we all contribute our unique voices to this project.
PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION CRASH COURSE
Invoking the work of diverse scholars, we’ll be exploring thoughts about religion and religious philosophy from across traditions, drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Karen Armstrong, Reza Aslan, Bart Ehrman, and more. Each scholar in some ways has shaped or reshaped my own perspectives. And if you don’t know these names, I can’t wait to introduce you!
LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE
Cliche title aside, I hope you’ll find our time together makes you smile, makes you think, and makes you want to be a better person. No matter who you are— students, followers, or chat— both my classroom and streams are a safe place for all people and perspectives to learn something new, connect with others, and engage in fruitful dialogue. Let’s have some fun!
All streams will start at 7pm Central Time, unless otherwise noted over on Twitch and Youtube. (The first stream on 9/5 will begin immediately following my appearance on the Resonant Arc podcast, starting at 6:30pm. Stream expected to begin around 8:30pm).
Editor-in-Chief of The Pixels, Wade (aka ProfNoctis) teaches and plays video games at the University of Alabama. His dissertation combined Judeo-Christian kingship and Final Fantasy XV. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, and Twitch.
