Objection 1.
Nethack is based on elements common to all video games, such as goals, objectives, obstacles, and strategy, and is therefore a game.
Objection 2. Nethack requires electronic video, therefore it is a video game.
Objection 3. Nethack is entertaining, which is the essential attribute of video games.
On the contrary, it is written in Sacred Scripture "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." (Matthew 5:37)
I argue that purpose of a Lenten sacrifice of avoiding video games is a form of self-mortification, like other voluntary Lenten sacrifices, and is intended to accomplish two primary goals:
First, to focus one's mind away from material distractions and on Christ, who is at the center of the meaning of existence: like certain forms of Buddhist meditation practiced in monasteries in the East, where monks spend half their lives weaving elaborate rugs, only to spend the second half unweaving them, Nethack helps its practitioners release themselves from the bonds of materialism by teaching detachment from your work, since you could die at any time, lose all your stuff, and have to start over with nothing. Furthermore, the practitioner's perceived need for expensive goods such as 650-watt power supplies and 448-core video cards is entirely obviated.
Second, to allow time for meditation on the Sacred things: to this end, Nethack offers many opportunities for reflection on elements of Christ's life. The prolonged toil against forces of evil, descent into the lower levels of the game-world, inevitable death and rebirth, and eventual ascension and achievement of immortality are all clear metaphors for Christ's passion, death, resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven, winning for all mankind the opportunity for eternal life with the Father.
Thus we can see that Nethack is not a video game at all, but a prayerful and penitential form of meditation, and does not violate a Lenten sacrifice of video games.
Reply to Objection 1: The Lenten penance did not specify avoidance of achieving goals, working towards objectives, overcoming obstacles, or employing stratagems specifically. These are merely elements common to all video games, as well as real life. Avoiding all, or even any, of these actions would prohibit activities clearly not intended to be given up as sacrifice such as working at a job, paying bills, crossing the street, etc.
Reply to Objection 2: Board and card games require the brain to process visual information to be played, and some of these feature electronic elements such as Uno Attack and Monopoly City Edition, yet are clearly not considered to be video games. Therefore not all electronic games that are played visually are video games. Furthermore, Nethack lacks the visual elements assumed to be present in video games such as animated graphics. No one has ever described Zork was a video game. Visually, it entirely consists of letters, numbers and assorted other cryptic characters. Practicing Nethack is more like learning Greek or Russian than playing a game.
Reply to objection 3: Nethack is not entertaining.
