Work

Pretending to be a believer: on understanding religious fictionalism as a role-playing game

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: According to religious fictionalism, a non-believer can participate in religious life by playing a game of make-believe. Considering how games of make-believe build on imagination and pretence, I argue that religious fictionalism requires the non-believing participant to engage in role-playing. Turning to the literature on role-playing games, I demonstrate how religious fictionalism conforms to a qualified definition of such games. I also explore the theoretical consequences of adopting the role-playing perspective, by considering its impact on two key issues concerning religious fictionalism.

Source: Religious Studies

DOI: 10.1017/s0034412522000312

Author: Carl-Johan Palmqvist

Institution: Lund University

Language: English

Topic: Study and Philosophy of Religion

Subfield: Philosophy

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,255

Funder: Lunds Universitet