How a former video game designer found his calling in the Jesuit order while writing theology for a blockbuster video game
Shane Liesegang had it all in the early 2000s – a successful career in video game design, a vibrant social life, and the sunny backdrop of Los Angeles. But beneath the surface, anger simmered within him. Frustrated with the daily traffic on the infamous 405 highway, Liesegang realized he needed a change. Through small steps like counting to 10 and taking deep breaths, he managed to control his anger and develop empathy for others. This transformative experience set him on a spiritual quest, leading him to leave his career and join the Jesuits, the same religious order as Pope Francis. Little did he know that his journey would come full circle, as he was later asked to write the core texts for a space religion in the blockbuster video game Starfield. This is the remarkable story of Shane Liesegang’s unexpected journey from video games to the Jesuits.
1: A Nerd’s Path to Video Game Design
Growing up as a self-proclaimed “pretty big nerd,” Liesegang was immersed in video games and school plays. In college, he studied psychology and computer science, eventually realizing his passion for storytelling and character development. Armed with a unique combination of skills, he entered the video game industry, working for renowned companies like Electronic Arts and Bethesda.
2: A Spiritual Awakening
Religion was not a significant part of Liesegang’s life until a transformative experience on the 405 highway in Los Angeles. Seeking solace, he found a welcoming Catholic community at St. Monica’s parish, where he discovered a spiritual connection that resonated deeply. This newfound faith sparked an interest in merging religion and video games, leading Liesegang to explore the Jesuit order and its teachings.
3: Joining the Jesuits
In 2015, Liesegang made the life-altering decision to join the Jesuits. He pursued graduate studies in philosophy at Fordham University and theology at Boston College. During this time, he also worked with refugees in Beirut, gaining insight into potential future ministries. Liesegang’s background in video games occasionally surprises his fellow Jesuits, but he finds ways to connect his past experiences to his work with college students.
4: Writing Theology for Starfield
Liesegang’s unique blend of skills and experiences led to an unexpected opportunity – writing the core texts for a religion featured in the video game Starfield. As players explore the game’s universe, they encounter the Sanctum Universum, a religion that emphasizes the mystical experiences and superpowers granted by artifacts. Liesegang’s familiarity with liturgical language and rituals proved invaluable in crafting the theology for this fictional faith.
5: The Intersection of Video Games and Ministry
While Liesegang remains open to future video game projects, he sees his true calling lying elsewhere. He does not aim to create explicitly Christian video games but believes that video games can shape his ministry. Drawing from his experience as a designer, Liesegang recognizes the power of individuals to impact and change systems, both in fictional worlds and the real one. His work on Starfield has sparked discussions about the role of video games in ministry and the Jesuit tradition of engaging in the arts.
Conclusion:
Shane Liesegang’s journey from video games to the Jesuits exemplifies the unexpected paths that life can take. Through a spiritual awakening and a commitment to personal growth, Liesegang found a calling that combines his passion for storytelling with his desire to impact others’ lives. As he continues his theological studies and explores future ministries, Liesegang’s experience in the video game industry will undoubtedly shape his approach to engaging with the world and fostering spiritual connections. Ultimately, his story reminds us of the transformative power of self-reflection and the potential for unexpected journeys to lead us to our true purpose.
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