Are Roleplaying Games Sinful?

[Gregory Thompson]

So how do you apply this verse to your life?

"For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
(Hebrews 5:13).

Does this verse not suggest that we should no longer be a babe or child at some point in our walk with the Lord here on this Earth?

I also consider what Peter said about Paul's writings. I must consider the balance of scripture.

How I apply the Hebrews word is that people who cannot apply the words of righteousness with love are unskilled. This is why the milk is just about the basics, among the basics is the love that says to treat others as you would like for them to treat you, the meat of that teaching is to treat others as God has treated you.

Another picture of maturity is in the parable of the prodigal son, the goal is not to be the prodigal or the elder son, but to develop the heart of the Father who loves them both.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Ever consider designing edifying roleplay games...maybe you are being called to do so...?

Thank you. I actually considered it. I ran into a few stumbling blocks. But now that you mention it, there is a possible 1% chance that such a thing may be possible (Even though I am not on board with endorsing the idea myself personally). First, the initial problem is that Dungeon Master (DM) version of a Bible role playing game would have to play the role of God at some point if they were to control the game like your typical DM; One possible work around for this is that the rules could strictly forbid the Dungeon Master from playing a position of God and all choices made for campaign including the different acts and parts of the story, the events, the challenges, the characters were all randomly chosen by the roll of a dice (Then it may be possible). In other words, all ideas could be provided but there would be a ton of options for the story and they could only be chosen by the roll of a dice. The roll of a dice could determine the outcome of the story itself and it is not solely the Dungeon Master controlling the narrative like in most role playing games. Second, in order for the game to edify, the game would also have to focus heavily on Bible memorization and in encouragement on obeying the Lord's commandments as a part of helping the players to obey and follow the Lord themselves in the real world. The game should encourage prayer time before playing the game and that it is for the purpose of mutual edification to help follow Jesus in the real world. If this element is not there, it would be just like every other typical role playing game out there that is only seeking to dazzle and satisfy men's lusts within their own minds.

But would a Bible role playing game that I have describe truly work and be okay with God? I am more inclined to put away role playing games altogether because they are too closely associated with leading a person away into some fantasy world that seeks to be for pure entertainment purposes only (Which is self centered). If somebody else were to create such a thing, and the Lord had no problem with it, and good fruit actually came out of it, then who am I to argue with God? But I don't believe I am the man to do that (even if I am capable of doing so). God is calling me to another mission. For role playing was my old life. For me, taking up the reigns of a role playing game would seem like I would not be denying my old self in the way that I used to be.

But generally, I see role playing games as generally being sinful because most do not think in such noble terms for God's Kingdom. They are concerned about the coolness of the game, profits, making a name for themselves, having fun alone, etc (Instead of seeking to deny themselves and to follow Jesus).

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I also consider what Peter said about Paul's writings. I must consider the balance of scripture.

How I apply the Hebrews word is that people who cannot apply the words of righteousness with love are unskilled. This is why the milk is just about the basics, among the basics is the love that says to treat others as you would like for them to treat you, the meat of that teaching is to treat others as God has treated you.

Another picture of maturity is in the parable of the prodigal son, the goal is not to be the prodigal or the elder son, but to develop the heart of the Father who loves them both.

Your not really talking straight here. Can Christians mature in this life and be adults or not? If so, your previous statement suggested otherwise.

 

[Tone]

The game should encourage prayer time before playing the game and that it is for the purpose of mutual edification to help follow Jesus in the real world

Yeah, I think prayer would be pivotal, but also the whole campaign can involve developing spiritual gifts (as themes) and as an exercise to discover real calls to ministry. I think it will be a good and useful tool to gain vision to actualize it in the physical realm.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Yeah, I think prayer would be pivotal, but also the whole campaign can involve developing spiritual gifts (as themes) and as an exercise to discover real calls to ministry. I think it will be a good and useful tool to gain vision to actualize it in the physical realm.

Well, I am currently a Cessationist (See this thread here), so I would not go that route (even if I did create such a game). But thank you for the kind suggestion. Personally, at this point, I have no interest in developing such a game because it something too close to my old life that I have crucified. In fact, I would also be concerned that any Christian in playing such a game could potentially be led back into playing regular secular role playing games (because of the similarities).

I hope you understand where I am coming from.

May God bless you.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Your not really talking straight here. Can Christians mature in this life and be adults or not? If so, your previous statement suggested otherwise.

I'm still dealing with the equating of all the mary's in the bible as the same person fallacy.

In 1st Corinthians 13 the childhood metaphor is referring to another stage of progression than the later epistles.

We can be older kids, we mature, but in the eyes of the Father we will always be His children is what I get out of 13.

The distinctions of adulthood are illustrations using the carnal order as an example, a parable. As Jesus said, call no one Father, except the one in Heaven. So why then would this be instituted in the church?

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I'm still dealing with the equating of all the mary's in the bible as the same person fallacy.

I don't believe all the Mary's in the Bible are the same person. Do you?

In 1st Corinthians 13 the childhood metaphor is referring to another stage of progression than the later epistles.

We can be older kids, we mature, but in the eyes of the Father we will always be His children is what I get out of 13.

The distinctions of adulthood are illustrations using the carnal order as an example, a parable. As Jesus said, call no one Father, except the one in Heaven. So why then would this be instituted in the church?

I think a person can be a son of a father and yet be a mature adult. That does not mean they are still children like when they were young.

 

[bèlla]

I used to play the Sims and enjoyed it. I liked the design aspects. But I don't have time these days. I found something less demanding. This is a question of mindset. One person picks up a game and they become addicted and another can lay it down without a second thought. Games aren't a place of escape for me. But fantasy can be a problem for some.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

I don't believe all the Mary's in the Bible are the same person. Do you?

I was clarifying premise. 13 and the later epistles are talking about different things.

I think a person can be a son of a father and yet be a mature adult. That does not mean they are still children like when they were young.

Well, aging is based on death and a constant state of decay. Aging doesn't even exist in the future order. So the parable of human aging, is illustrating spiritual cultivation. The time is based on fulfillment, instead of solar time elapsed.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

To provide context, I said Jesus said to be like children, so playing make believe is okay. and then the above conversation happened.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I used to play the Sims and enjoyed it. I liked the design aspects. But I don't have time these days. I found something less demanding. This is a question of mindset. One person picks up a game and they become addicted and another can lay it down without a second thought. Games aren't a place of escape for me. But fantasy can be a problem for some.

An article to consider.

The Sims: Play with life and do what thou wilt - Little Light Studios

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I was clarifying premise. 13 and the later epistles are talking about different things.

Well, aging is based on death and a constant state of decay. Aging doesn't even exist in the future order. So the parable of human aging, is illustrating spiritual cultivation. The time is based on fulfillment, instead of solar time elapsed.

But Hebrews 5:13 seems to talk negatively of the person who is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, and they are referred to as a babe. Paul insults the Corinthians that they should have moved on beyond the milk of the Word.

 

[bèlla]

An article to consider.

The Sims: Play with life and do what thou wilt - Little Light Studios

I know the meaning behind that statement. It comes from Crowley. Have you ever practiced Thelema or Golden Dawn or are you quoting instead? I'm not sinning. I'm free. I have no husband or children. I'm living a purpose driven life.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

My next point is that our state of maturity God knows what it is, and is fine with that.

God doesn't gas his tomatoes to make them ungreen, when it comes to fruit, he wants the real deal.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

To provide context, I said Jesus said to be like children, so playing make believe is okay. and then the above conversation happened.

But that would be taking Jesus's words out of context. Jesus never encouraged us to play make believe. The context of being children was in being humble (or obedient) like a child.

"Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)

 

[Gregory Thompson]

But Hebrews 5:13 seems to talk negatively of the person who is unskilled in the Word of righteousness, and they are referred to as a babe. Paul insults the Corinthians that they should have moved on beyond the milk of the Word.

Some can't even grasp the milk of the word, the basic instructions were too much for the over-sexed corinthians. It is also important to note, that there are two types of love that matter when it comes to maturity, the love of God, and the love of man.

A love of man cannot exceed the following parameters: Giving up his life for his friends.

The love of God is this: Dying for people who are your enemies.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I know the meaning behind that statement. It comes from Crowley. Have you ever practiced Thelema or Golden Dawn or are you quoting instead? I'm not sinning. I'm free. I have no husband or children. I'm living a purpose driven life.

We cannot change something that is sinful. If something pushes sinful things, we as Christians should not have any desire of any kind to want to include ourselves in that sinful thing because it is contrary to the good ways of Jesus Christ.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

But that would be taking Jesus's words out of context. Jesus never encouraged us to play make believe. The context of being children was in being humble (or obedient) like a child.

"Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4)

That's good you know, since this results in being "the greatest" it's not a "milk" thing. It's something that follows the whole christian life.

Playing make believe requires the capacity to humble yourself as a little child instead of being proud as if you're too good for it.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Some can't even grasp the milk of the word, the basic instructions were too much for the over-sexed corinthians. It is also important to note, that there are two types of love that matter when it comes to maturity, the love of God, and the love of man.

A love of man cannot exceed the following parameters: Giving up his life for his friends.

The love of God is this: Dying for people who are your enemies.

This does not resolve the problem you suggested before, though (Which is that we will always remain as children in this life, when that is not what the Scriptures teach).

 

[Bible Highlighter]

That's good you know, since this results in being "the greatest" it's not a "milk" thing. It's something that follows the whole christian life.

Playing make believe requires the capacity to humble yourself as a little child instead of being proud as if you're too good for it.

Jesus saying to be converted here so it is talking about how for a person to get initially right with the Lord. We are to be humble like children when we come to the Lord and thus be converted. Yes, we are to remain humble in our Christian lives, but the Bible does not say we remain as children, but that we mature in our understanding in the things of God, and in our behavior.