When my younger brother (Jim) passed away in
February of 1992, I inherited his copy of the game, A Question of Scruples: the Game of Moral Dilemmas (1984 High Game
Enterprise, Inc.).
My adaptation of the game description (on the
bottom of the box) goes like this:
1. You are buying a house from an old lady. She is asking
much too little. Do you tell her?
2. You give your lover an expensive gift, and break up a
month later. Do you ask for it back?
3. You and your best friend are looking for jobs in the same
field. You hear of an excellent, little known opportunity. Do you inform your
friend?
This game is based on moral dilemmas like those given
above. There are no right answers. The
most moral person doesn’t win, and lying is encouraged. A Question of Scruples is won by anticipating how other players will react, and then convincing
the other participants that you right.
Laughter and provocative questions are plentiful as you
get to know each other rather quickly. Any relationship (siblings, spouses,
friends, and parents) can all be surprised by truth (as someone else sees it).
Though there is eventually a winner, it is overshadowed
by all the fun everyone is having. All players know the right answers (what
they would do). No one feels stupid in this game as the atmosphere of A Question of Scruples tends to be exciting
and soothing.
This game is best played with four to eight in a living
room since there is no game board. There are 245 moral dilemma question cards,
10 blank cards (to create your own moral dilemmas), and so answer cards (yes,
no, or depends), and 15 ballot cards (pitchfork/halo).
We all have moral dilemmas, but rarely discuss them. A Question of Scruples is a winner that
allows for both entertainment and better knowledge (of each other).
I don’t remember
playing A Question of Scruples very often with Jim (or anyone
else). I can tell you that he was not happy with me when he discovered I had
written my own moral dilemmas on all the blank cards (in pen).
I can tell you that
the few times my principles have been tested that I have remained true to them
(as far as I can remember). Yet when I am emotionally pushed to the edge, I
tend to loudly blow up, and vehemently defend (what I perceive) are my rights.
In my fifties, I
struggle with family (and friends) offering me personal (and spiritual advice.
At about the time I think I got my life all figured out, the plot gets changed.
James 1:2-4 (MSG)
gives this profound advice on finding out the type of character qualities you
are made of:
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and
challenges come to you from all sides. You know that under pressure your
faith-life is forced to the open and shows it true colors. So don’t try to get
out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you can become mature and
well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
In times of painful
testing, it may be difficult to think first before you say (or type) that you
might later regret. The Almighty provides us with this important reminder in
Colossians 4:6 (MSG):
“Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the
best in others in conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.”
Where do you stand in
the midst of your important moral issues? How do you react to others when you
are being squeezed from all sides?
As a representative of Christianity, how do
you want others to view your testimony? If you need help, reach out and ask for
it right now. Don’t delay this important decision any longer.
 |
| My brother, Jimmy |
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