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?
When I was mentoring some young people several decades or so ago, I was intrigued with some RPG games they were playing--now and then they used my computer and my email service. And because they were using my computer and email they left enough evidence behind for me to figure out what games they were playing and how to access them. I actually enjoy many games so I set up my own character in those games mostly in an investigative capacity but occasionally just enjoyed playing them.
Some were absolutely delightful. Yes you were role playing mythical characters in mythical settings and you had to utilize magic and engage in battles and all sorts of things. But just as books and movies that engage in pure fantasy--all normal people of all ages easily separate fantasy from reality in their minds and hearts--are fun, entertaining, and for the most part express and glorify heroism, compassion, innovation, resourcefulness, and triumph of good over evil--I found those games to be harmless, to engage the person to solve puzzles, problems and master skills, etc., and pretty much okay for kids and adults alike.
And some were not that. All manner of vulgar language, immoral sexual encounters, the worst kinds of depraved fantasy and in more than one case moving from the fantasy of the game into a person's real life resulting in adultery, broken homes, dangerous encounters, and certainly unhealthy for all, most especially the young. I eventually, in another capacity, took some on line training to identify, spot, and report adults preying on children and other vulnerable for nefarious purposes in those games. They were absolutely evil.
Needless to say I pulled the plug on those games with those kids I was mentoring and engaged in some serious counseling with them.
I think as Christians we have to be discerning. I cannot find evil in enjoying medieval fantasy or modern fantasy such as Star Wars, Star Trek and such, that teaches concern and caring for others, encourages innovation, courage, inventiveness, imagination, possibilities, wonder, and most importantly the virtues of good over evil and makes it clear which is which.
But we can also recognize that which does not edify, that does encourage people to sin, to engage in activities that are degrading, harmful, destructive, and just plain wrong. And there is definitely RPG that no Christian should endorse or engage in.
