Chess and the Christian

This post by Dennis, who is a USCF master chess player and a Christian asks whether or not a Christian can play chess and hold consistent Christian beliefs.  Like Dennis, I am a follower of Christ and a chess player.  Unlike Dennis, I'm not very good (I've never broken 1400 on the Internet chess club.).  In fact, I believe many of his concerns regarding chess stem from the fact that he tends to whip his opponents to a quivering pulp with his skill.  On the other hand, as one who often in a losing position within 5 moves, I am qualified to respond to the idea that being beat in chess is somehow unchristian.

I would approach the question this way: should I encourage my 4 year old son (as well as his sister and brother) to play chess?  My answer: absolutely.  I hope my children become interested in chess for a number of reasons:

1. Chess planning encourages rational thinking, the lack of which may be the greatest obstacle to the message of the Gospel in our culture today.  With our present post-modern culture everything is based on emotivism and experientialism.  Sitting down and having to actually think rationally about a plan of attack and defense is far better than having his emotional yum-yum of watching the latest Disney Movie.  I would also encourage my children to enjoy poetry, but rational thinking exercises would be important.
2. Chess is a great antithesis to the instant gratification of our present culture.  It takes time, effort, and talent to get better in chess, something that is not present in so many other activities that kids are involved in today.
3. I believe challenging someone across the board is an example of building them up as well as showing a loving character.  Pushing another being made in God's image to use his God given skills and manifestations of the Imago Dei (rational thought) is positive even if it occurs during a game.  This is true even if he does not win.  Actually, every beginner chess player knows that you learn more from your losses than from your victories.
4. I need to be able to beat someone consistently.  OK, I'm just kidding on this one.

Yes, chess playing, like so many other things can become a distraction and can invite arrogance (although my chess playing only encourages humility).  However, I believe it is a positive thing to encourage in our children.

HT: Dangerous Idea