Life! A Game Of Chess

The Complexities

If the life we live seems a game of Chess played between God and the Devil,

Life: A Game of Chess

With a BA in Theology, I’ve studied and researched many perspectives on religion and faith, along with differing opinions and interpretations of Scripture. Coupled with my own existence—trials and tribulations, blessings and curses—it can all seem like a rollercoaster that takes you up, down, around, and from side to side. (Yes, that was a mouthful.)

We often wonder,

Do you remember the early childhood cartoons or movies where you’d see the demonic red-gowned angel on the left influencing mankind with whispers to commit evil, and the angel dressed in white on the right whispering mankind to do good… the puppet in between?

One can understand why people compare this world to a board game between God and Satan. If you cannot see the comparison, read Job 1:6–12 (but I encourage you to read the entire book to see the whole picture).

Let the Games Begin

The Conundrum

What Is Chess?

Are you familiar with the boardgame called “Chess?” If not, read this:

Great! Now that you’re back and have an overview of how the game is played, let’s first identify the pieces of the game:

Next let’s identify the players:

See! I’ve made it easy for you by highlighting key elements you need to consider before coming up with your answer. I’ve already tested this question with different individuals, and their responses were more or less the same choices when it came to the Chess piece chosen, but they quickly disregarded the other questions. They became confused when they tried to fit their chosen piece into the entire equation:

Now tell me—isn’t this a conundrum that’s hard to answer? I will share my answer when I get at least four answers from our readers. Scholars, theologians, and PhD graduates are welcome to weigh in… if you are wise…

Feel free to post your responses in the comments below. For a related reflection on self-control, conflict, and choice, read Mastering the Beast Within.

Open Discussion

Share your interpretation in the comments. Different theological and philosophical perspectives are welcome when discussed respectfully.

References & Further Reading

Scripture: Job 1:6–12, King James Version. This passage provides the biblical framework discussed in the article.

Chess rules: Chess.com — How to Play Chess, a current beginner-friendly overview of the board, pieces, movement, and basic rules.

Context: The chessboard functions here as a theological and philosophical metaphor. The comparison is the author’s reflection, not a claim that Scripture describes life literally as a chess match.

Legacy archive credit: KVI Network / Vee Nelly