Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?


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Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?

I believe they are. Let me explain before you stone me.

#1. Sin can happen in the mind and be regarded just as the equivalent of a physical sin. The fantasy of committing adultery with a woman is considered as the very act of adultery according to Jesus. For He says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28). So the desire to lust after a woman in one's heart (even in fantasy type way) is still the same as adultery. For Jesus says in Matthew 15:19-20, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man." So to have evil thoughts means we can be defiled by such evil thoughts. To hate one's brother is the equivalent of murder (See 1 John 3:15).

#2. So if a person fantasizes about being sorcerer, they are committing sin because the Bible condemns sorcery. Just merely saying it is fantasy does not undo the sin. A person can fantasize about women, but this would be condemned by Jesus in Matthew 5:28-30. Even if they think real sorcery is wrong, the fact that they toy with the idea of the sin of sorcery in some fantasy world does not make it any less sinful.

#3. One of the major reasons to play a role playing game is to escape into a world of fantasy. I know. I used to be something like a Dungeon Master but it was not D&D, but another roleplaying game. The Bible says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Jesus says pick up your cross, deny yourself and come follow me (See Matthew 16:24-26). So our escape should be in the Bible and in following Jesus and not in a role playing game that satisfies the lusts of the flesh with vain and sinful imaginations.

#4. Can a person play a Bible based roleplaying game and not sin?
I think it would be difficult to do so. The problem I see is that the Dungeon Master in a Bible based roleplaying game would be acting as if they are God in the story. So if your goal was to get somebody saved in the game, the dungeon master would have to step in for God by creating openings and or obstacles for the scenario to take place (Thus taking the position of God). This would not be a problem if they were simply writing a script for a book, movie, or comic book because they are not making such a creation as if it was some kind of game to have fun over for our enjoyment. The battle we fight spiritually should never be treated as some kind of game of enjoyment on our behalf. The purpose of a Christian fantasy book, movie, comic book should be to lead others to Jesus Christ. But if a person is going to play a Bible based role playing game it seems like an escape from doing the real thing. We have to as believes get our hands dirty in reaching lost souls and in helping the poor. This cannot be done in some fantasy world amongst ourselves for pure entertainment with the rolling of some dice. We can spend all our time wishing or fantasizing about reaching the lost, but if we are not actually doing that personally ourselves, we miss the point of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

#5. Fantasy Roleplaying Games are something that is originally of the world. It's purpose is to lead others to escape reality into some fantasy world that can lead to doing sinful things in one's own mind. Such games are generally associated with sorcerers and magic (Which is clearly condemned in the Bible).

So why would any Christian want to associate with something like this?
 

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Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?

I believe they are. Let me explain before you stone me.

#1. Sin can happen in the mind and be regarded just as the equivalent of a physical sin. The fantasy of committing adultery with a woman is considered as the very act of adultery according to Jesus. For He says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28). So the desire to lust after a woman in one's heart (even in fantasy type way) is still the same as adultery. For Jesus says in Matthew 15:19-20, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man." So to have evil thoughts means we can be defiled by such evil thoughts. To hate one's brother is the equivalent of murder (See 1 John 3:15).

#2. So if a person fantasizes about being sorcerer, they are committing sin because the Bible condemns sorcery. Just merely saying it is fantasy does not undo the sin. A person can fantasize about women, but this would be condemned by Jesus in Matthew 5:28-30. Even if they think real sorcery is wrong, the fact that they toy with the idea of the sin of sorcery in some fantasy world does not make it any less sinful.

#3. One of the major reasons to play a role playing game is to escape into a world of fantasy. I know. I used to be something like a Dungeon Master but it was not D&D, but another roleplaying game. The Bible says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Jesus says pick up your cross, deny yourself and come follow me (See Matthew 16:24-26). So our escape should be in the Bible and in following Jesus and not in a role playing game that satisfies the lusts of the flesh with vain and sinful imaginations.

#4. Can a person play a Bible based roleplaying game and not sin?
I think it would be difficult to do so. The problem I see is that the Dungeon Master in a Bible based roleplaying game would be acting as if they are God in the story. So if your goal was to get somebody saved in the game, the dungeon master would have to step in for God by creating openings and or obstacles for the scenario to take place (Thus taking the position of God). This would not be a problem if they were simply writing a script for a book, movie, or comic book because they are not making such a creation as if it was some kind of game to have fun over for our enjoyment. The battle we fight spiritually should never be treated as some kind of game of enjoyment on our behalf. The purpose of a Christian fantasy book, movie, comic book should be to lead others to Jesus Christ. But if a person is going to play a Bible based role playing game it seems like an escape from doing the real thing. We have to as believes get our hands dirty in reaching lost souls and in helping the poor. This cannot be done in some fantasy world amongst ourselves for pure entertainment with the rolling of some dice. We can spend all our time wishing or fantasizing about reaching the lost, but if we are not actually doing that personally ourselves, we miss the point of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

#5. Fantasy Roleplaying Games are something that is originally of the world. It's purpose is to lead others to escape reality into some fantasy world that can lead to doing sinful things in one's own mind. Such games are generally associated with sorcerers and magic (Which is clearly condemned in the Bible).

So why would any Christian want to associate with something like this?
Sorry, I won't stop dressing like a Byzantine Emperor.
 
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Tone

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Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?

I believe they are. Let me explain before you stone me.

#1. Sin can happen in the mind and be regarded just as the equivalent of a physical sin. The fantasy of committing adultery with a woman is considered as the very act of adultery according to Jesus. For He says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28). So the desire to lust after a woman in one's heart (even in fantasy type way) is still the same as adultery. For Jesus says in Matthew 15:19-20, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man." So to have evil thoughts means we can be defiled by such evil thoughts. To hate one's brother is the equivalent of murder (See 1 John 3:15).

#2. So if a person fantasizes about being sorcerer, they are committing sin because the Bible condemns sorcery. Just merely saying it is fantasy does not undo the sin. A person can fantasize about women, but this would be condemned by Jesus in Matthew 5:28-30. Even if they think real sorcery is wrong, the fact that they toy with the idea of the sin of sorcery in some fantasy world does not make it any less sinful.

#3. One of the major reasons to play a role playing game is to escape into a world of fantasy. I know. I used to be something like a Dungeon Master but it was not D&D, but another roleplaying game. The Bible says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Jesus says pick up your cross, deny yourself and come follow me (See Matthew 16:24-26). So our escape should be in the Bible and in following Jesus and not in a role playing game that satisfies the lusts of the flesh with vain and sinful imaginations.

#4. Can a person play a Bible based roleplaying game and not sin?
I think it would be difficult to do so. The problem I see is that the Dungeon Master in a Bible based roleplaying game would be acting as if they are God in the story. So if your goal was to get somebody saved in the game, the dungeon master would have to step in for God by creating openings and or obstacles for the scenario to take place (Thus taking the position of God). This would not be a problem if they were simply writing a script for a book, movie, or comic book because they are not making such a creation as if it was some kind of game to have fun over for our enjoyment. The battle we fight spiritually should never be treated as some kind of game of enjoyment on our behalf. The purpose of a Christian fantasy book, movie, comic book should be to lead others to Jesus Christ. But if a person is going to play a Bible based role playing game it seems like an escape from doing the real thing. We have to as believes get our hands dirty in reaching lost souls and in helping the poor. This cannot be done in some fantasy world amongst ourselves for pure entertainment with the rolling of some dice. We can spend all our time wishing or fantasizing about reaching the lost, but if we are not actually doing that personally ourselves, we miss the point of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

#5. Fantasy Roleplaying Games are something that is originally of the world. It's purpose is to lead others to escape reality into some fantasy world that can lead to doing sinful things in one's own mind. Such games are generally associated with sorcerers and magic (Which is clearly condemned in the Bible).

So why would any Christian want to associate with something like this?

So do you believe this extends to movies, video games, or even reading about these things?

*What about larping?
 
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Dansiph

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Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?

I believe they are. Let me explain before you stone me.

#1. Sin can happen in the mind and be regarded just as the equivalent of a physical sin. The fantasy of committing adultery with a woman is considered as the very act of adultery according to Jesus. For He says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28). So the desire to lust after a woman in one's heart (even in fantasy type way) is still the same as adultery. For Jesus says in Matthew 15:19-20, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man." So to have evil thoughts means we can be defiled by such evil thoughts. To hate one's brother is the equivalent of murder (See 1 John 3:15).

#2. So if a person fantasizes about being sorcerer, they are committing sin because the Bible condemns sorcery. Just merely saying it is fantasy does not undo the sin. A person can fantasize about women, but this would be condemned by Jesus in Matthew 5:28-30. Even if they think real sorcery is wrong, the fact that they toy with the idea of the sin of sorcery in some fantasy world does not make it any less sinful.

#3. One of the major reasons to play a role playing game is to escape into a world of fantasy. I know. I used to be something like a Dungeon Master but it was not D&D, but another roleplaying game. The Bible says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Jesus says pick up your cross, deny yourself and come follow me (See Matthew 16:24-26). So our escape should be in the Bible and in following Jesus and not in a role playing game that satisfies the lusts of the flesh with vain and sinful imaginations.

#4. Can a person play a Bible based roleplaying game and not sin?
I think it would be difficult to do so. The problem I see is that the Dungeon Master in a Bible based roleplaying game would be acting as if they are God in the story. So if your goal was to get somebody saved in the game, the dungeon master would have to step in for God by creating openings and or obstacles for the scenario to take place (Thus taking the position of God). This would not be a problem if they were simply writing a script for a book, movie, or comic book because they are not making such a creation as if it was some kind of game to have fun over for our enjoyment. The battle we fight spiritually should never be treated as some kind of game of enjoyment on our behalf. The purpose of a Christian fantasy book, movie, comic book should be to lead others to Jesus Christ. But if a person is going to play a Bible based role playing game it seems like an escape from doing the real thing. We have to as believes get our hands dirty in reaching lost souls and in helping the poor. This cannot be done in some fantasy world amongst ourselves for pure entertainment with the rolling of some dice. We can spend all our time wishing or fantasizing about reaching the lost, but if we are not actually doing that personally ourselves, we miss the point of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

#5. Fantasy Roleplaying Games are something that is originally of the world. It's purpose is to lead others to escape reality into some fantasy world that can lead to doing sinful things in one's own mind. Such games are generally associated with sorcerers and magic (Which is clearly condemned in the Bible).

So why would any Christian want to associate with something like this?
I think they probably are but I voted don't know. I don't know what games you mean specifically. When I became a Christian I stopped all videogames though for a month. I don't watch television or movies and I only listen to hymns really.

I've went away and came back to games. Recently I've been thinking of stopping them again all together so I'm stopping to assess them for a month or approximately a four week period.

More and more as time goes by I see that most stuff doesn't fit with the Christian life. I'm not perfect obviously although I've "given up" stuff in my pursuit to live a good Christian life. But, as Paul said in

Philippians 3:8 King James Version

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

I also think a Christian shouldn't tempt themselves with sinful things. You shouldn't rely on your discernment and think "I can handle being exposed to this".

Hope my answer helped a bit
 
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Andrew77

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Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?

I believe they are. Let me explain before you stone me.

#1. Sin can happen in the mind and be regarded just as the equivalent of a physical sin. The fantasy of committing adultery with a woman is considered as the very act of adultery according to Jesus. For He says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:28). So the desire to lust after a woman in one's heart (even in fantasy type way) is still the same as adultery. For Jesus says in Matthew 15:19-20, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man." So to have evil thoughts means we can be defiled by such evil thoughts. To hate one's brother is the equivalent of murder (See 1 John 3:15).

#2. So if a person fantasizes about being sorcerer, they are committing sin because the Bible condemns sorcery. Just merely saying it is fantasy does not undo the sin. A person can fantasize about women, but this would be condemned by Jesus in Matthew 5:28-30. Even if they think real sorcery is wrong, the fact that they toy with the idea of the sin of sorcery in some fantasy world does not make it any less sinful.

#3. One of the major reasons to play a role playing game is to escape into a world of fantasy. I know. I used to be something like a Dungeon Master but it was not D&D, but another roleplaying game. The Bible says, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Jesus says pick up your cross, deny yourself and come follow me (See Matthew 16:24-26). So our escape should be in the Bible and in following Jesus and not in a role playing game that satisfies the lusts of the flesh with vain and sinful imaginations.

#4. Can a person play a Bible based roleplaying game and not sin?
I think it would be difficult to do so. The problem I see is that the Dungeon Master in a Bible based roleplaying game would be acting as if they are God in the story. So if your goal was to get somebody saved in the game, the dungeon master would have to step in for God by creating openings and or obstacles for the scenario to take place (Thus taking the position of God). This would not be a problem if they were simply writing a script for a book, movie, or comic book because they are not making such a creation as if it was some kind of game to have fun over for our enjoyment. The battle we fight spiritually should never be treated as some kind of game of enjoyment on our behalf. The purpose of a Christian fantasy book, movie, comic book should be to lead others to Jesus Christ. But if a person is going to play a Bible based role playing game it seems like an escape from doing the real thing. We have to as believes get our hands dirty in reaching lost souls and in helping the poor. This cannot be done in some fantasy world amongst ourselves for pure entertainment with the rolling of some dice. We can spend all our time wishing or fantasizing about reaching the lost, but if we are not actually doing that personally ourselves, we miss the point of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

#5. Fantasy Roleplaying Games are something that is originally of the world. It's purpose is to lead others to escape reality into some fantasy world that can lead to doing sinful things in one's own mind. Such games are generally associated with sorcerers and magic (Which is clearly condemned in the Bible).

So why would any Christian want to associate with something like this?

You could say the same thing about all video games, all books, all movies, all TV, and even sports.

People fantasize about being in the Football game they are watching, and looking at the cheerleaders, and it's an escape from reality.

Honestly, it would be difficult to imagine anything that can't be used in a negative fashion. In fact, even coming on a forum like this, can become an escape from facing reality. If you are using this forum, to avoid the troubles of your life, and using the excuse "I'm posting on here to lead people to G-d"... then you are doing something evil.

So, I know a few people that do RPG stuff, and none of them have done what you listed above, at least not to my knowledge. Of course no doubt there are people who have, and that's really sad.

We all have to guard our hearts, yes?
 
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So why would any Christian want to associate with something like this?

Do you associate with jay walkers? Diabetics who eat fast food? Gluttons, drunkards, tax collectors? How far do you want to take it, the doing level, talking level, lustful level, how about the thinking level? In all honestly, is anyone while living in a fleshly body immune from sin? Why does a good, pure, Holy God associate with any of us? And He does so much more than just associate.
 
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Wouldn't all forms of acting be under the umbrella of role-playing? Church plays involve role-playing, Christian films with actors, they're role-playing too. Both involve using imagination and representations.
 
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Hazelelponi

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I don't know because I don't suppose I know what role playing games are.

I think anything has potential to be either good or bad depending on content.. if you playing a video game with a positive character, and your not taking anything to excess I don't see it as inherently harmful.

We all take breaks in different ways..

I've got half an eye right now on forged in fire, a televised blacksmith contest.. it's not beneficial, but certainly not harmful either to do things that are just passing the time occasionally.

We all need breaks.
 
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I think the answer is going to depend on the person and on the game.

Some are clearly meant to be a fantasy dive into debauchery and lust (if what I hear and see about them is any indication), some can be played purely as exploration, puzzle-solving, and even being a completely good and honorable character helping people.

And the person matters too. How sensitive they are, how likely to get drawn in, and I think often more to the point for particular people, how likely they are to become addicted to the game and spend far too much time playing it. (There can be an aspect of sin there also.)

I think more often than not, they introduce negative kinds of things into the spirit. But I wouldn't make a blanket proclamation for all games and all people. It's our own responsibility to progress in our faith and learn to turn from what us spiritually damaging or unprofitable.
 
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Gregory Thompson

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ahhh that kind of "roleplaying" wasn't sure how controversial the thread was going to be.

playing make believe is something children do tho. Jesus said to be like children.
 
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Jon Osterman

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I think the OP should stand up in his church and express these views just before next Christmas's children's nativity play. Maybe he can get the other church members to boycot it. And if not, he could always just shout "shame" at the the kids when they come on.
 
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SeventyOne

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Just out of curiosity, hypothetically-speaking as it relates to role playing, if a wife puts on a little maids outfit and walks into the bedroom for a turndown service, and 'accidentially' catches the occupant getting out of the shower, would what that leads to be considered adultery under the scenario set forth here?
 
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Not David

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ahhh that kind of "roleplaying" wasn't sure how controversial the thread was going to be.

playing make believe is something children do tho. Jesus said to be like children.
Yeah, I thought it was the "other" kind of roleplaying too.
 
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Not David

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I think the OP should stand up in his church and express these views just before next Christmas's children's nativity play. Maybe he can get the other church members to boycot it. And if not, he could always just shout "shame" at the the kids when they come on.
He doesn't like Christmas.
 
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straykat

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Games are just pattern recognition...which we do all the time in life anyways. This is just a more stimulating way to do it. Just don't let them rule over you and take up your time. I know not everyone celebrates Lent (which is coming up), but this is the spirit of Lent and fasting. It's not just about food or drink.. but sacrificing and controlling the appetites and passions. Don't be overpowered by these things, and it can be fine.
 
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If an activity is not clearly condemned in Scripture, then we ought to be able to trust the judgement of the brother that partakes in that activity.

1 Corinthians 10:29-30
why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

We can trust our brother who partakes because his heart is purified by faith, he is careful to guard his heart and mind from corruption, and to do all to the glory of God. Crosswise, we ought to judge the one who abstains all the same.

Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

Romans 14:5-7
Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.

On the other hand, if we have a brother that has a conscience that condemns certain legitimate activity, then it is better the one who is could engage with a clear conscience, to abstain so as to avoid tempting his brother to accept something that his conscience really condemns.

Romans 14:14-16
I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.

James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
 
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Bible Highlighter

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So do you believe this extends to movies,

Secular movies... Yes.
Christian movies (that are bible based)... No.

Why?

Well, because as I said before, Christian movies that are based on fiction are for a specific purpose and goal of either leading somebody to Christ, or to inspire them to follow the Lord. A role playing game is about escaping into a fantasy world with other people on an interactive level. This interaction in a fantasy world is done for the purpose of not witnessing to other people, or to inspire one to follow Jesus, but it merely for the enjoyment of the entertainment factor alone. Another problem is that if it is a Bible based role playing game, the Dungeon Master version of this game will have to act as God for the other people who are interacting in their story or fantasy. In essence, they would be acting out the role of God for the goal of enjoyment or entertainment with no real advancement in leading others to Christ and or in helping to build up other Christians to want to follow the Lord.

You said:
video games,

I think it can be dangerous and is similar to interactive fantasy role playing games.
Even exercise video games, which may be okay in principle because you are using it to simply exercise can open the door to playing regular video games which are violent in nature.

You said:
or even reading about these things?

Not sure what you mean here.

What about larping?

I honestly did not know what that was until you said it. I had to Google it.
After I Googled it, I was aware of men dressing up as Civil War fighters and or as Medieval knights acting out a battle. However, things like this are really a waste of time in God's eyes. They are for pure entertainment so as to fulfill one's lusts alone. What does promoting violence of a secular war accomplish for God? It really serves no real purpose in serving the Lord. If we were to act out the scenes in the Bible for just pure entertainment between each other with no real goal to reach others for Christ, it is kind of pointless. I am not against plays that are set out to evangelize. But if these plays are for private enjoyment alone, and nobody in the outside world is helped, it really does not serve a purpose. Remember, the two greatest commandments. Love God, and love your neighbor. We are not truly loving our neighbor if we are not helping them and we are just lost in some kind of fantasy world to please our own fantasy type lusts (While nobody gets saved and while nobody is inspired to follow God).
 
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I think they probably are but I voted don't know. I don't know what games you mean specifically. When I became a Christian I stopped all videogames though for a month. I don't watch television or movies and I only listen to hymns really.

I've went away and came back to games. Recently I've been thinking of stopping them again all together so I'm stopping to assess them for a month or approximately a four week period.

More and more as time goes by I see that most stuff doesn't fit with the Christian life. I'm not perfect obviously although I've "given up" stuff in my pursuit to live a good Christian life. But, as Paul said in

Philippians 3:8 King James Version
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

I also think a Christian shouldn't tempt themselves with sinful things. You shouldn't rely on your discernment and think "I can handle being exposed to this".

Hope my answer helped a bit

Yes, I agree that putting away role playing games and video games is a wise decision. They are only seeking to serve one's own lusts of enjoyment alone and they are not out to truly help or love our neighbor or God. Food is something that can be pleasurable, but we need food to live. We do not need video games and role playing games to live. Jesus says we are to deny ourselves and pick up our cross. I find it hard to believe that we can still hold on to our old self serving habits and yet still claim we are followers of Christ. We have to give our lives to the Lord and serve Him in everything we do. We have to love God and love others. That is our mission in this life and for all eternity.
 
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If an activity is not clearly condemned in Scripture, then we ought to be able to trust the judgement of the brother that partakes in that activity.

1 Corinthians 10:29-30
why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

We can trust our brother who partakes because his heart is purified by faith, he is careful to guard his heart and mind from corruption, and to do all to the glory of God. Crosswise, we ought to judge the one who abstains all the same.

Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

Romans 14:5-7
Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.

On the other hand, if we have a brother that has a conscience that condemns certain legitimate activity, then it is better the one who is could engage with a clear conscience, to abstain so as to avoid tempting his brother to accept something that his conscience really condemns.

Romans 14:14-16
I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil.

James 4:17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

This is talking about food and which day to keep the Sabbath, and it is not talking about sinful things pushed in a movie, video game, or role playing game.
 
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Games are just pattern recognition...which we do all the time in life anyways. This is just a more stimulating way to do it. Just don't let them rule over you and take up your time. I know not everyone celebrates Lent (which is coming up), but this is the spirit of Lent and fasting. It's not just about food or drink.. but sacrificing and controlling the appetites and passions. Don't be overpowered by these things, and it can be fine.

I disagree. I think that while some games may be okay like say UNO. One should probably only play such games so as to warm up to family members if your goal is to at some point in time try to talk to them about Christ. But if it is a role playing game, or a video game, they are usually filled with sinful things within them. The Bible tells us to avoid evil communications.
 
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