Settling Religious Issues
Spielboy's on-staff biblical scholar explores the religious Settlers variants
Joseph Anthony
Special to Spielboy
The Settlers franchise has exploded since the year the orginal Die Siedler Von Catan was released in 1995.
The game has been the inspiration for countless offshoots, including the Starfarers of Catan, Settlers of Catan card game, Settlers of the Stone Age, and the Cities & Knights and Seafarers expansions. Settlers has also inspired a pair of religious-themed variants, the Settlers of Canaan and the Settlers of Zarahemla. The former is published by Cactus Game Design, maker of Christian games such as Redemption and BibleMan. The latter being released by Inspiration Games, a company with roots in the Mormon community and future publisher of the Ark of the Covenant variant for the Carcassonne game.
This article addresses the following topics:
Settlers of Canaan
As summarized on page 2 of the Rulebook, the "time period of the game spans the time of Joshua's conquests of Canaan (Joshua), the turbulent years ruled by the judges (Judges) through the choosing of King David (I and II Samuel)."
Because of the nature and complexity of the biblical accounts, it is diffifcult to establish an exact chronology of this period. However, many biblical experts opt for the approximate date of 1225 B.C. for the entry into Canaan, and 1000 as the date of David's crowning of king.
The actual procedures during the game are concerned with "settling" the land of Canaan. "Resources" are acquired and then put to work building "cities", "settlements", and "roads". Historically, of course, such activities must have consumed a large part of the Israelites time and energies. But the irony is that the greater part of the biblical narrative is concerned with conquests: defeating enemies, destroying their cities, slaughtering these alien peoples who worship false gods. And herein lies the ultimate irony of the game: It is entitled "The Settlers of Canaan", but the events of this period in (biblical) history are usually referred to as the CONQUEST of Canaan. "Conquest" implies previous inhabitants to be conquered. But the game proceeds as if there were no previous inhabitants at all; as if Canaan is "virgin territory" needing only to be developed and built up for the first time by human inhabitants. In this light, it might not be too far off the mark to describe the game as a "whitewashing" of history.
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Another point regarding history/chronology: The bulk of the game concerns the period covered by Joshua and Judges — perhaps the first 50 years after the entry into Canaan. The accession of David (ca. 1000) therefore occurs about 175 years later. This means that having the early settlers purchase stones for the building of Jerusalem seems far-fetched. This is only a historical complaint, not a critique of the game's mechanisms.
Event Cards
The Event Cards refer to a variety of Biblical events in Canaan. However, they make many anachronistic references, as described below.
| Caleb's Blessing |
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Caleb's Blessing refers to an event that immediately preceded the conquest of Canaan. Moses sent spies to scout out the land of Canaan (west of the Jordan River) while the Israelites were still east of the Jordan. The spies reported back that Canaan was indeed a good and fertile land, but that the people living there were strong and their cities were well-fortified. The majority of the Israelites immediately balked at entering Canaan. But Caleb, one of the spies, insisted that they should invade. For this he was rewarded: whereas most of the generation of the Israelites who failed to trust in the Lord were not allowed to enter Canaan, Caleb was allowed to enter (Numbers 14:24). See also Joshua 14:6-15, where Joshua blesses Caleb and gives him Hebron for his inheritance. |
| Gibeonite Trickery |
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Joshua 9 relates the story that, when the Israelites were conquering Canaan, the inhabitants of Gibeon did not wish to be defeated and possibly wiped out as the other conquered peoples had been. Therefore, they pretended to come from a far country and said they wanted to enter into a covenant with the Israelites. The Israelites made the agreement, and only later discovered the deception. They kept their word, however, and the Gibeonites were spared. But as punishment for the deception, they were made "hewers of wood and drawers of water". |
| Deborah's Song |
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Deborah was one of the judges ("charismatic leaders") of Israel. Like many of the other judges in the period during and after the conquest, she emphasized the necessity of unity among Israel's tribes if they were to succeed in the conquest and subsequent colonization. "Deborah's song" refers to Joshua 5:1-31, which contains a poem generally regarded as one of the earliest Hebrew texts in existence. Its theme is the importance of God as the center of the Israelite's unity and a source of their victories over their enemies. |
| Korah's Rebellion |
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Numbers 16 relates the story of rebellion by a man named Korah and his relatives, which took place before the Israelites entered Canaan. The Korahites disputed the fact that priestly authority was given to certain people rather than spread throughout the Israelites as a whole. Moses refused to settle the issue, and asked God to intervene. The people came who before the Lord, Moses, and Aaron pleaded with God not to punish the whole people for the sin of a few, and God destroyed the rebels with fire. |
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| The other Events Cards are self-explanatory. The title "Priest" refers to the special group set aside to attend to worship and to the accouterments related thereunto. A "Prophet" is not so much a foreteller of the future as one who "spoke for" God to the people — especially to warn them to turn away from their sins and return to the true worship of God. |
Victory Cards
The four Victory Cards refer to biblical events that occurred long before the conquest of Canaan.
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| Divine Guidance |
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| Divine Guidance is a general reference to the belief by the Israelites that all the events in their history — escape from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, wandering in the desert, etc — were the result of God's immediate and direct intervention their lives — not only as individuals, but especially as a people. |
| Ladder to Heaven |
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| Genesis 28 relates that Jacob (Israel) had a dream in Bethel of a "ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!" Then God repeats the promise he had made to Abraham and Isaac (Jacob's grandfather and father) that he would give him land and innumerable descendants. The connection with the game is that the land promised to Jacob was the land of Canaan. (NOTE: This event would have taken place several centuries before this conquest.) |
| Ten Commandments |
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| As related in Exodus 20, one of the central events of the Israelites trek from Egypt to Canaan was the proclamation of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. These formed the basis for all the subsequent ordinances, decrees, etc, that Israel had to keep as its part of the covenant with God. |
| City of Refuge |
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| Numbers 35:11-12 contains the decree concerning cities of refuge. These were to be six in number, and were intended solely as places of refuge for anyone who committed an accidental homicide (what today would be called manslaughter). The purpose was to prevent the victim's relatives from exacting blood vengeance until a trial could take place. |
The Robber
In the Settlers of Canaan, the robber of Catan takes the form of the "Plague. The "Plague" (applied to a one-of-a-kind black playing piece) refers to the succession of calamities suffered by the Egyptians as Moses and Aaron tried to convince the Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt. As such, it historically is connected with the events well in advance of the conquest of Canaan.
Conclusion
As can be readily seen, there is relatively little, if any, connection between the events referred to by the various cards and the progress of the game as such.
NOTE: The art work on the Rulebook, cards, etc is based on works by Gustave Dore.
The Settlers of Zarahemla
The Settlers of Zarahemla game centers on the city and region of Zarahemla, which, according to Mormon teaching as found in the Book of Mormon, is in the Western Hemisphere. The exact location is subject to opinion and the LDS Church states no known sites. Some scholars argue that Central America is the most logical location of Zarahemla and the lands of the first Mormons. The Book of Mormon says that Zarahemla is on the west of the River Sidon in the River Sidon (Magdalena) Valley.
As with the Settlers of Canaan, the Settlers of Zarahemla game is principally centered on the economic development of the "settlers" and downplays any sort of conflict between tribes (players) or indiginous peoples.
Historical Background
A Hebrew prophet by the name of Lehi led a group of his followers to the Western Hemisphere around 600 B.C. They fled what was perceived to be a troubling time. Lehi's son Nephi was also a great prophet and founder of the Nephites, and his eldest son Laman was the founder of the Lamanites.
According to some scholars, the term Zarahemla refers to lost tribes of Israel. The words Za-Rahem-La, in Hebrew, mean my son - of my womb taken away, loved - scattered without mercy. (http://www.angelmessage.org/zarahemla_meaning.htm).
Here are descriptions of some of the basic terms used in the game:
- Zarahemla: The capital city of the Nephites, from around 200 B.C. to 300 A.D. Also, the region around the city. Named for Zarahemla, a descendent of Mulek.
- Nephites: The "true believers"; kept true faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Preserved the Book of Mormon through the ages.
- Lamanites: People of mixed religious and political tendencies throughout most of their history (600 B.C. to 300 A.D). From the third century on, generally consisted of those who rejected the gospel.
Some scholars who draw parallels between the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon claim that Mormon historical sites, for example, Zarahemla, possibly correspond with Babylon. Take a map of the Middle East and turn it upside down. Match the rivers Mississippi & Nile, and Rio Grande & Euphrates, and notice that El Paso and Baghdad come together: Zarahemla & Babylon.
Event Cards
Event cards that make specific references to the time of the settling of Zarahemla are described below. The other event cards are the same as in the basic Settlers of Catan game (Road-building, Bountiful Harvest, etc).
| Liahona |
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A brass ball "of curious workmanship". The Liahona is only once referred to by name; it is usually referred to as "the ball," "compass," or "director." The last two terms refer to its role as a guide for the prophet Lehi and his family during their wanderings in the desert.
In his farewell address, King Benjamin's said, "the ball or director, which led our fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him."
The connection with rolling for resources in the game is tenuous. The real role of the Liahona was to guide the people. Thematically, I suppose it could have guided them during a time of want to the resources that they needed. |
| Temple Building |
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The temple was the site of King Benjamin’s great sermon (Mosiah 2:1). "The temple of Zarahemla served as a gathering place where solemn official business was transacted. As mentioned previously, gathering at the temple was mandatory under the law of Moses" (Donald W. Parry, Temples of the Ancient World, p. 352).
The temples are also a place of refuge — the best place to be in time of crisis.
That the players build a temple and earn points is an appropriate application of the theme to the game mechanics. |
Victory Cards
The Victory Cards all make reference to figures in the Book of Mormon. The cards span a range of many centuries, and in many cases, these figures would not have appeared at the same time of settlement, but much later.
The following table describes the Victory Cards.
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| Samuel the Lamanite |
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Preached repentence to the Nephites. Made many prophecies about Jesus Christ.
Helaman 16:1-8 describes his preaching in Zarahemla and his subsequent disappearance. |
| Alma |
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(173-91 B.C.) Prophet among the Nephites; founder of the church.
(100-73 B.C.): Son of the preceding; judge, priest, preacher and missionary.
Alma is the longest book in the Book of Mormon.
Mosiah 17:2 contains the first reference to Alma. |
| King Benjamin |
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(Died 121 B.C.) Important king of the Nephites. Effected Nephite control of Zarahemla. Prophesied regarding Jesus Christ.
Words of Mormon 1:17 refers to him as "a holy man, as did reign over his people in righteousness." |
| Moshiah |
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(200 B.C.) Nephite king: Father of King Benjamin.
(154-91 B.C.) Nephite king: Son of King Benjamin.
Moshia 6:6 describes Moshiah the younger as a pious king. |
| Mulek |
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(589 B.C.) Son of the Jewish king Zedekiah. His descendants lived among the Nephites.
Moshia 25:2 refers to Zarahemla as a descendant of Mulek. |
The Robber
In the Settlers of Zarahemla, the robber of Catan takes the form of the Gadianton Robber. A follower of Gadianton was an "expert in ... the secret world of murder and robbery." The robbers of Gadianton were a secret band, specializing in guerilla-style attacks, terror, and assassination. The place where this object is kept is referred to as the "Hideout."
On the "Stripling Warrior" card, the player is directed to "move the Gadianton Robber. Steal one resource card." Thematically, you might presume that by playing a stripling warrior and moving (or chasing away) the Gadianton Robber, you are reclaiming stolen goods from the robber.
Parallels between the Wanderings of the Israelites and Latter-Day Saints
The Latter-Day Saints proclaim themselves to be the true children of Israel. Their scriptures are written in the style of the Old Testament, and the history depicted there shows remarkable similarity to the history of the Israelites of the Bible.
The following table lists some of the notable parallels surrounding the time of wandering and settling in the Promised Land.
Israelites |
Latter-Day Saints |
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Founders Were Two Sons |
| Sons of Isaac: Jacob (Israelites) and Esau (Edomites). |
Sons of Lehi (a descendent of Joseph): Nephi (Nephites) and Laman (Lamanites). |
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Wandering |
| 40 days in the desert on the way to Promised Land. |
Some wandering in a desert at first, but the journey to the Promised Land was primarily by ship (to the Western Hemisphere). |
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Guide During Wanderings |
| Pillar of cloud; pillar of fire. |
Brass ball called the Liahona. |
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Internal Strife |
| Israelites and Canaanites fought often over many years. |
Nephites and Lamanites were often at war with each other. |
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Rulers |
| Ruled by judges followed by rule of kings. |
Not always a clear distinction between periods of judges and kings. |
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Disposition of Rulers |
| Malevolent and benign rulers. |
Malevolent and benign rulers. |
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Temples |
| Built temple in Jerusalem. |
Built temple in Zarahemla. |
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Role of Priests |
| Officiate in temple worship. |
Preach, teach, and baptize. |
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Conduct of People During Wandering |
| Various periods of faithfulness and sinfulness throughout journey to Promised Land. |
Various periods of faithfulness and sinfulness throughout journey to Promised Land. |
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Role of Prophets |
| Chiefly preach repentence and a return to the true religion. Some prophecy of the coming of a redeemer (Jesus Christ). |
Preach both repentence and prophesy regarding Jesus Christ. Their prophecies about Jesus are more explicit and detailed because they claim he has already come. |
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Role of Jerusalem in the Stories |
| The Israelites fled the forces of oppression in Egypt TO Jerusalem to find a place where they could worship their One God in freedom. |
The Latter-Day Saints fled FROM Jerusalem to see a place to worship in freedom. Theirs is an early example of a kind of reformation movement, as they maintained the same basic beliefs as the citizens of Jerusalem, but became disenfranchised by the leadership. |
About the Author: A former Roman Catholic priest and holder of 3 master's degrees including Theology and Latin, Joseph Anthony has worked as an adjunct professor, translator, and librarian. He is a member of the International Catacomb Society and helped translate the Bayeux Tapestry. He is now retired.
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