The D&D Controversy

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In the 1980s, a fundamentalist attack on D&D began. Centered around a high school D&D club, this attack called into question the game’s references to biblical events, including the resurrection and walking on water. It also challenged the game’s use of terms associated with the New Age. A Kansas evangelical minister even raised funds to burn copies of the game.

The controversy became a national topic. The story of the steam tunnel became a fad and became a part of the media. The resulting controversy was followed by numerous challenges from high school D&D clubs. Pat Robertson, a televangelist and co-founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, made the case against the game, citing news reports relating to violent murders and suicides and the role of fantasy in mental health.