Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?


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You're right, I don't see what you're proposing, because I think you're wrong. And, yes, I do reject it. Not because of the Bible, but because you want every one else to change to your point of view. Sorry, not going to happen.

But you are not explaining the verses. You are just hitting the disagree button and your expecting me to believe you for no good reason but your opinion alone. We see no Christian indulging in anything even remotely like role playing games or fantasy. We see nowhere in Scripture that makes an allowance for us to fantasize about sinful things with God being okay with that.
 
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You're right, I don't see what you're proposing, because I think you're wrong. And, yes, I do reject it. Not because of the Bible, but because you want every one else to change to your point of view. Sorry, not going to happen.

What makes your approval of the sin of fantasizing about witchcraft in D&D type games any different than say fantasizing about cartoon inappropriate content? Both are grievous sins to God. How so? Well, both of these are based upon real sins a person can do in real life that God would condemn a person for. Yet, these sins can be done in the mind, too; And they are a problem to God. For we see that Jesus condemned the idea of fantasizing about a woman in their mind (See: Matthew 5:28-30).

Do you honestly think that Jesus was isolating just adultery alone to being condemned as the only mind sin? John talks about how if we hate our brother, we are like a murderer and no murderer has eternal life abiding in them (See 1 John 3:15). It's okay to hate your brother, right? You are not really harming him physically. It's all just in the mind. So it's okay, right? No. The Bible says otherwise.
 
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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).

How are you casting down imaginations if you are playing a role playing game that has sinful things in it?

The sinful things within role playing games exalts itself against the knowledge of God. For God wants to lead us into paths of righteousness for His name's sake. God does not want us to think on sinful things or to sin.

So how are we casting down knowledge that exalts itself against the knowledge of God if we are playing a role playing game that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and His good ways?

Are we bringing into captivity EVERY THOUGHT to obedience of Christ when we play role playing games and we endorse the sinful things within them or when we turn a blind eye to them? Surely not.

You cannot bring every thought in obedience to Christ and also endorse sinful things within a role playing game. It's just not possible.
 
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Jadis40

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But you are not explaining the verses. You are just hitting the disagree button and your expecting me to believe you for no good reason but your opinion alone. We see no Christian indulging in anything even remotely like role playing games or fantasy. We see nowhere in Scripture that makes an allowance for us to fantasize about sinful things with God being okay with that.

I'm not trying to convince you of anything. You gave them up, and that was your personal choice. I have no problem with that. But you saying role-playing games is sinful is basically your opinion as well. You want the audience here to agree with you, and give them up too. You want them to allow themselves to be stuffed in a box with the books, movies, games and music permissible to you in your own life. On the other hand, you constantly post the same talking points, when A has nothing to do with B.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Christians using their imagination, role-play setting or not. I know you'll probably say we shouldn't read these works, but whenever an author writes a book, he's using his imagination.

In a previous post, you said that Christians should only read Christian based books. Well, most Christian books are, to put it mildly, too syrupy sweet and horrible.

I'm not the only person who feels that way either.

And most Christian movies are the same way. Bland, generic, and boring.

I sort of follow Mike Duran's blog, and he sums it up brilliantly in this post:

Why Christians Can’t Agree About Christian Fiction

This part, especially, stood out:

  • The Holiness Camp — These writers / readers emphasize our separation from the world; we are saints and our conduct, values, and entertainment should be categorically different from secular society. Thus, we should critique the world, avoid what is impure and have no fellowship with darkness, either philosophically or culturally. This separation should be reflected in our stories. Law is the driving principle of those in the Holiness Camp.
  • The Honesty Camp — These writers / readers emphasize our association with the world; we are all sinners and sin takes on monstrous forms. Thus, we should engage the world, identify with the fallen, look with unflinching candor and deep empathy upon the wreckage of humanity and its redemptive struggle. This should be reflected in our stories. Truth is the driving principle of those in the Honesty Camp.
 
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FireDragon76

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No, it's not a sin.

Gary Gygax, one of the co-creators of D&D, was an active member in a congregation in my denomination. He didn't talk about his religious beliefs because, like many Lutherans, he was a private person and didn't want it to interject discussions of religion into what was sometimes a controversial and misunderstood subject back in the 80's.
 
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Calvin_1985

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Well, before I accepted Christ, I used to play role playing games a lot when I was younger and I am pretty sure I can account that my friends and I had sinned in our minds (Which is still considered a bad sin to God to condemn you). For Jesus says that looking upon a woman in lust (Which is something done only in the mind) is the equivalent of the act of adultery and they are in danger of hell fire. Also, while it is possible somebody may just like Classical music, such people would be extremely rare today. Most people like music where people sing some kind of lyrics; And most of these singers propose sinful ways of living in their music or secular or worldly ways of thinking that is contrary to God. So no. It is not legalism. Legalism is a term generally thrown around when a person thinks that they do not have to obey God so as to be right with the Lord. Yes, salvation is not about keeping Law Alone, for we are initially and ultimately saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but His grace is not a license for sin or immorality, either. We do also have to obey as a part of the faith, too (See James 2:18).

Isnt this about Christians who play
Role playing games, not those that are Lost? Obviously the Lost person has different intentions with things.

Yes, this would be legalism because it is predicated simply on the act and judging the intentions upon the appareance of playing the games with the assumption that anyone as a Christian playing them is automatically looking to be a sinful character so as to indulge in sins without it being physical.

Fact of the matter is, if it is something that can cause a Christian to stumble, then they need to avoid it. I'll use wine for the example in this. Wine and alcohol is not sinful, but drunkeness is. The Bible does not condemn wine or alcohol but speaks very highly of it. It is drunkenness that is sinful because it is being drunk that leads to sin, not the wine itself. Many sects of modern Christianity, especially Baptists, condemn drinking of alcohol period and even deny that Jesus himself drank alcoholic wine. This condemnation is legalism. We are told to do all that we do to the glory of God. We must have control not be controlled and Father strengthens us to have that control through the same power that is in the ressurection of Jesus Christ himself.

As far as secular music is concerned, not all of it is inherently sinful, and this includes much modern secular music as well. For example, a song sang by let's say, Evanessence, are they sinful? Most Christians would say "absolutely, it doesn't praise God nor does it talk about Jesus". This mindset itself is what's sinful, not the song. Why you ask? Because it looks on the surface, not the heart behind it. Take the song "Wake me up" from the aforementioned band. If you actually listen to what being said, it's a cry for Salvation. It shows and bears the soul of the writer and singer needing that Salvation. Yet, most modern evangelicals automatically toss it into a pile of "Wicked music" that glorifies Satan, simply because of the screaming and guitar distortion. That is legalism. That song isn't wicked, it's a cry for Salvation. What this type of thing should do is motivate believers and followers of Jesus Messiah to endeavor and embark on an even more fervent mindset to reach the many in the world that experience in their hearts and souls for the sake of the Kingdom
 
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Kenny'sID

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But it's more than that. You may have convinced yourself otherwise, but the Bible teaches that you can sin even by fantasizing (See again: Matthew 5:28-30).

No, you have convinced yourself there is fantasizing when there is not, something I have tried to get across here.

I'm not an Assassin, I'm not a female raiding tombs, and I actually know that. When I throw a frozen fireball at the opponent, I don't think, or even pretend I actually conjured it up with magic, I just throw my weapon.

And the place you may really be messing up is applying lust fantasizing to any fantasizing...jesus was specific there and IMO for good reason. Yes for that particular thing "If we have don it in our mind, we have done it already" but you have no good reason at all to think that should carry over to any fantasizing or pretending to be a killer or whatever, even if one actually did that.

What kind of Christian would want to seriously fantasize about the joy of killing someone anyway? I don't, in game, or real life.
 
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Foxfyre

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The world of Star Trek has values that can inspire people to live a moral life. However, it is not in line with the truth. The universe promotes atheism or a belief in other false gods. Gene Roddenberry was an atheist and he actually insulted the Christian faith. Why would I want to watch a show that was created by someone who is opposed to the faith and everything I hold dear?

Please keep in mind, that I used to be a huge Star Trek fan. I used to know all the episode names by heart and I owned on DVD all of the five live action series (The Original Series to Enterprise) and all of the films (up until 2016). The world of Star Trek encouraged you to better yourself even without the pursuit of money or wealth. How noble. But what about the other sins in Star Trek that it promoted? Should I ignore them?

Many of the leading heroes of Star Trek (the captains) were either agnostic (Picard) or atheists (Janeway) or they believed in false gods (Sisko).

Picard, Riker, etc. slept around with women outside of marriage. They did not acknowledge Jesus as Savior or Lord. They are unsaved men.

As for magic portrayed in Disney films:

Again, you cannot change the reality of sin just because it is in a movie or it is declared as fantasy. Again, do you not see a problem with cartoon inappropriate content movies? I am sure you do because things like that are ingrained within our culture as clearly evil. Even non-Christians can see the destructive nature of such films. But when it comes to sins like sorcery? Why does it become any less a sin when it is portrayed in a movie or book? God's Word condemns magic or sorcery. It was so serious in the OT, that God's people were to kill anyone who was a sorcerer. Granted in the NT, we are to love our enemies now, but the sin has not changed. God is not suddenly open and accepting of magic now. Magic or sorcery is still a power outside of God. It is the working of the enemy. So yes, I am saying that even a movie that portrays love, and doing good is wrong if they also promote magic. Why? Because if they get into doing REAL witchcraft by the influences of the subtle influences of these films and books promoting magic, they are going to go in the opposite direction away from God and deeper into darkness.

God is about relationships. He wants us to walk in His light and know His love, so we can love Him and others. But if we prefer darkness or sin (even in a fantasy setting), how can we walk in the light of His love? How can we serve God if our minds are serving sin or looking away from the sins of this world?

Jesus paid a great price for our sins. It is insulting to look the other way at these sin - IMO. But you are free to believe as you wish.

May the Lord and His love shine upon you in a great way today.

Roddenberry was raised a Baptist but rejected that as an adult when he self-described himself as a Humanist and has remained so until his death. But based on my perceptions alone, I don't think he ever completely rejected God but he did reject a God who created humans and sin and then blamed the humans for the sins. His point of view was not that different from many deist like belief systems. And while I think he might have missed the 'rest of the story' so to speak--that would be between him and God to know for sure--I have to agree with him that God is not the author of or the force behind our sins. We alone are responsible for our sin.

But so far as science fiction, the magic and creativity of imagination that conceives of a fantasy world, I'm sorry, I can't agree with you that all is sin or something that all Christians should avoid. If it is wrong for you, then of course you should not be part of it. But again, I think no child has ever been harmed and many have had their horizons and belief in possibilities broadened as well as positive values and understandings reinforced by stories like Cinderella and her fairy godmother.
 
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NBB

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But sorcery in a fantasy game is unrelated to the devil, if a game has a satanic goal of sorts and horror is one thing, but in the majority of them you can play as the good guy, and spells are fantasy, is in another fantasy world with different realities, i actually prefer the swords etc.

But saying you are sort of involved in sorcery because you do spells in a game is too much.

I really don't know how much of a sin is to play these games, if any at all, i wish i knew the truth, except if you are addicted to them, and is affecting your life.
 
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Blade

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If a man or woman thinks of another man or woman in lust.. is it a sin? We know the answer. So.. to make up a woman or man.. and lust.. is it sin? So the word talks about our imaginations.. that go above Christ.

So.. this is all things.. movies books you name it. See.. shows you .. so many of US are not ready to give ALL to Christ..we are to be praying ALL the time.. ALL the time 24/7..and have HIS word before our eyes always. Phil 4 tells you how we are to be thinking and what about.

Really? WHO wants to toss out Christ as if He does not is not real..to play read watch something that has NOTHING to do with Him. Again shows how how many believe in Jesus but dont love Him. How can you love someone you dont know. He is ALWAYS talking..

Its ok.. you can watch read do anything you want.. as you know right now.. He so far has said nothing..did nothing to stop you. Those problems happening to you around you.. not from God.. but the enemy. We cant serve two masters.. you love the one or hate the other.

Watch.. only read HIS word.. only think of HIM..do only what pleases Him.. think of only HIM. Dont read watch hear anything that does not praise give glory to the Father of our lord Jesus Christ. Dont you have this in you? Dont you only want to please ONLY Him? Give up ALL of you for Him?

Watch how many wont touch that.. or give reason after reason why its not right.. why we can do think say anything.. we WE SELF wants. Love never thinks of self 1st. Truth? If we LOVE Him more then our selfs then we ONLY want to please Him and never want to do anything for self 1st. ONLY what He wants.. we LOVE Him...love never thinks of self. This God loved the world.. left heaven.. became man.. took ALL mans punishment and died for a WORLD that hated Him...as Christ said.. not my will be done.. do YOU feel like Christ? Not your will but His be done..

Dont you have this in you? What I just said has ALWAYS been burning in me 24/7..never pushing.. never in a hurry.. just waiting for me to make that choice. See.. :) none of us are righteous. Its from HIM.. because we believe..

So yes its wrong.. just opens the door to the enemy.. hey. how did satan get this world? By one tiny lie
 
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NeedyFollower

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Right. I agree. Why would they be cheering for sports teams who not saved? Their mission was to see all men saved. To cheer on unsaved worldly men and their ways is contrary to what the gospel and following Jesus Christ was all about. The whole pick up your cross and denying yourself would not make any sense in light of such things. Role playing games (even if they were to be designed to be more edifying) are designed to be more self centered or self serving - IMO. To make salvation into a game or to live the life of our Lord into a sport within our minds is not something that I think God would desire us to do. Books, and movies are one thing because they can be tools so as to reach the lost. But we as believers still have to be crazy wildly careful that these things point to Jesus and His love so as to help us to love Him and others.
Yes ..not to mention that our Lord Jesus ( who are to model ) was not by any means competitive ....Hallelujah ! He did not have to compete because He was who He said He was !
I am also sadden by "commercials " on christian radio ..a person is pretending to be someone else in order to sell me a product ...so much more so when the "pitchman " is a believer pitching for a "christian owned business . Who would Jesus "pitch" for ?
 
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Toro

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Depends on the place in which such a game takes in your heart. What is "okay" for one may be destruction for another.

In the eyes of the world it is "just a game" but if God tells you "do not play" and you play it. Are you not living in disobedience?

Are you not putting your love of that game above the will of God? Because YOU choose the game over obedience.

It is why we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We are NOT to look at things as the world sees them "it's just a game, it's no big deal." Or we can keep our conscience clear by doing as God puts conviction in us to do or not do.

We work out that salvation with fear and trembling by seeing sin (obedience/disobedience) as a VERY serious matter, instead of looking to the world to justify it as minor

It is when we ignore that conviction and do what we want instead that makes it that much harder to hear from God. For if we spend 99% of our time in the matters of flesh, how are we to ever understand much in the matters of the Spirit?

So really the answer is... it depends on the heart and conviction of the person asking. All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial.

1 Corinthians 6:12

However as my general assumption, I'd say if you are driven to ask the question, there is something on your conscience that prompted you to ask.....so it may be something you want to avoid...... but God gave us all free will, what one does with it is their choice.
 
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