Shane Liesegang’s unexpected path from video game designer to Jesuit priest
In the early 2000s, Shane Liesegang had it all: a successful career as a video game designer in sunny Los Angeles, a vibrant social life, and a seemingly fulfilling existence. However, beneath the surface, Liesegang was plagued by anger and a deep sense of dissatisfaction. One fateful day, stuck in traffic on the infamous 405 highway, Liesegang had an epiphany that would change the course of his life. This moment of realization led him on a spiritual quest, eventually leading him to leave the gaming industry and join the Jesuits, the religious order to which Pope Francis belongs. Now, Liesegang finds himself straddling two worlds, using his unique skills as a designer to explore the intersection of video games and spirituality.
A Journey from Anger to Understanding
Liesegang’s journey began with a simple realization – his anger at the world around him was futile. Through small changes in his perspective and approach, he learned to let go of his anger and find empathy for others. This newfound understanding propelled him on a spiritual quest, seeking deeper meaning and purpose in his life.
The Intersection of Video Games and Faith
While Liesegang had always been a self-proclaimed nerd and had a passion for video games, religion had never been a significant part of his life. However, as he delved deeper into his spiritual journey, he began to see the potential for merging his interests. Working in the gaming industry, Liesegang found himself involved in creating liturgical texts and rituals for the fictional religions featured in popular video games. This experience gave him a unique perspective on the language and cadence of religious rituals, sparking his curiosity about the role of faith in gaming.
A Calling to the Jesuits
Liesegang’s interest in religion and video games eventually led him to explore the Jesuits, a religious order known for their intellectual pursuits and engagement with the arts. Drawn to the Jesuit commitment to social justice and spirituality, Liesegang made the decision to join the order in 2015. He embarked on a journey of theological and philosophical studies, immersing himself in the Jesuit tradition and working with students to discern his future ministry.
Writing Theology for Starfield
One unexpected twist in Liesegang’s journey came when he was asked to write the core texts for a space religion featured in the blockbuster video game, Starfield. Drawing on his background in both video game design and theology, Liesegang crafted a theology for the Sanctum Universum, one of the game’s main religions. The faith’s texts, scattered throughout the game’s universe, explore philosophy and the search for transcendence. Liesegang’s work on Starfield raised questions about the role of video games in his future ministry.
The Future of Video Games and Ministry
While Liesegang does not see creating Christian video games as his calling, he acknowledges the potential for video games to shape his ministry. As a designer, he has learned to see fictional worlds as systems and characters as agents of change. He believes that if people created the world’s problems, they also have the power to make a positive impact. Liesegang’s unique perspective and expertise in video game design offer a fresh approach to addressing real-world issues through ministry.
Conclusion:
Shane Liesegang’s journey from video game designer to Jesuit priest is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the unexpected ways in which our passions and talents can intersect. His experience highlights the potential for video games to explore spirituality and engage players in philosophical and theological questions. As Liesegang continues to navigate the intersection of video games and faith, he brings a unique perspective to his ministry, using his skills to inspire change and foster empathy in both virtual and real-world contexts.
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