Pressing a button for "Blizzard" or "Firaga" or whatever it's called does NOT equate to real life sorcery. Now, if you believed that pressing said button would *really* lead to a blizzard or firestorm in real life, then you definitely have a problem and need to take it up with God. . .or with a doctor. . .but for most of us. . .there's a big difference there.
As an example, I've played the entire Final Fantasy series up to X (no PS2 LOL). I've played almost all of the Square RPGs and several of those by other developers. I've even played the Breath of Fire games to IV (which, in regards to "spiritual" content, are actually more likely to be a sticking point than the FF series, because where FF only mentions "gods" and whatnot in passing, BoF III and IV actually have major plotlines connected to so-called "gods.")
Nevertheless, I have a firm grip on the truth in regards to the Bible. I know that in real life, there is only one God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that He is only represented in truth in the Bible. Although I may have different interpretations of the Word than you do, I too respect the Bible as the whole, complete, and inerrant Word of the Living and Only God and see it as the only source for information on faith and life. I'm not going to turn this faith in for something I know to be only a plot device in a fictional story.
I see no more "wrong" in even the Breath Of Fire series than I see in reading Greek or Roman mythology. In fact, I see less wrong there because, with the games, no one has ever really believed, for example, that "the emperor Fou-Lu was coming to save them" -while the Greeks and Romans actually worshipped their myths. BIG difference.
If your convictions make you believe that playing any game is wrong for you, than you should not play it-however, accusing those of us who do not share your convictions of not "spreading the Word" and of "spreading lies" is going a little too far. Personal convictions are just that.
Also. . .I find it *very* hard to believe that anything, in and of itself, can cause someone's spiritual death. This is, IMHO, a severe case of hyperbole and overdramatizing the matter.
In the cases of spiritual death and near spiritual death I've observed, it's always been a
combination of factors. Usually the final push is a humanly unanswerable question or a life event that makes the person feel that God has abandoned them or that He wasn't there in the first place. The things leading to that are varied. . .and usually don't include entertainment. In fact, I've seen more people pushed from and out of Christianity by the angry and legalistic ferocity of some Christians in defending and enforcing their personal convictions as law.
In fact, I have once seen this in action: at least seven people on an anime board totally rejecting Christianity because of Berit Kjos's "win at all costs" philosophy toward arguing against Neon Genesis Evangelion. While NGE may be bad, and while it may or may not be allowable for Christians, there is no reason to lie and publish, with glowing endorsements, lies about the content of the series, along with flaming and patronizing its fans. Yet this is done there-and the result is that while Christians may be "protected," unbelievers are sent away believing that Christianity is about lying and flaming to make a point.
I digress, and I apologize for that.
My point is that if anything is most likely to cause spiritual death, it is our obsession with enforcing our fears and convictions on others as if they are the Word of God itself-hence convincing them that Christianity is all about fear and worry and, therefore, causing them to look for something a little less rigorous.
As a final example, let's say your nonbelieving neighbor asked you if you'd seen a horror movie that was at the theater last week. Now, let's say, for the sake of this example, that you had seen it. Your neighbor asks you what you thought of it, when you didn't like it and felt convicted against it.
You could say "It was a bit gory for me. I felt kind of queasy, and the writing wasn't the best either. I don't think I liked it that much."
Or you could say "That movie had all kinds of demonic and occultic symbols. According to (Scripture citation) that means that I and my family are at risk for curses and possession. I don't see how you could have subjected yourself to that! (Scripture citation) says that your mind is darkened so you wouldn't know anything anyway. I just finished anointing my house and family with holy oil in the name of Jesus. Just so you know, I'm praying against the spirit of deception that controls you."
While the latter option may sound like a great witnessing opportunity, it would make any nonbeliever (or even a Christian in some instances) take a few steps back, shake his or her head, and beat a hasty retreat to the sane safety of his/her house while complaining about "those weirdos next door."
The former option may actually lead to somewhat of a discussion.
Sorry about the rant everyone. ^^
