Gaming and the Heroic Life: A Quest for Holiness in the Virtual World - Paperback
by Bobby Angel (Author), Blevins (Foreword by)
Video games fuel a fundamental human drive for adventure and greatness--whether it's an epic quest to slay zombies, a solo voyage to rescue the princess, or teaming up with a clan to defeat the final boss. But what if that same drive could shape more than just your gameplay--what if it could transform your whole life?
In Gaming and the Heroic Life, Bobby Angel, a lifelong gamer and Catholic speaker, challenges readers to see gaming not just as entertainment, but as preparation for a real-life adventure in virtue, courage, and purpose.
Drawing inspiration from Carlo Acutis--the first millennial saint who loved playing Halo, Super Mario, and Pokémon--Angel shows how gaming can train us to become saints in the digital age. This book is a map to becoming not only a better gamer but also a better person--someone who knows their purpose and identity as a child of God.
The book contains three levels:
- Level One explores why people love games and what games have to do with God.
- Level Two examines how the Easter eggs of truth, beauty, and goodness in games impact players and how they reflect our relationship with God.
- Level Three demonstrates how gaming can propel players AFK (away from keyboard) to live courageously in service to others.
With humor and heart, Angel shows how video games intersect with a life of faith in God--and how every gamer is called to holiness in both the virtual and real worlds.
Author Biography
Bobby Angel is a Catholic author, speaker, and mentor-in-training with the CatholicPsych Institute with more than twenty years of experience in ministry. He is the coauthor with his wife, Jackie, of Pray, Decide, & Don't Worry (also with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and Forever: A Catholic Devotional for Your Marriage. Angel contributed to the books Catholicism after Coronavirus, Wisdom and Wonder, and The New Apologetics.
He earned bachelor's degrees from the University of Florida and St. John Vianney College Seminary and master's degrees from the St. Vincent DePaul Regional Seminary and the Augustine Institute. He trained at the Theology of the Body Institute. He also worked as a certified firefighter and emergency medical technician.
Angel has spoken at NCYC, the Good News Conference, Life Teen retreats, and diocesan youth conferences. He is a regular on Bearded Blevins's Around the Halo on Twitch, on the Ascension Presents YouTube channel, and the God and Gaming video series with Fr. Blake Britton. He contributes to the National Catholic Register and served as a fellow of parish life at the Word on Fire Institute.
He lives with his family in the Dallas, Texas, area.
Jackieandbobby.com
Instagram: @bobby.angel
YouTube: https: //www.youtube.com/@jackieandbobby