Is it a sin to play video games?

[Ash Crimson]

I saw a website and it said it's a sin to play video games, as well as chess and card games. I'm not into the latter, but I do enjoy the former. Am I going to hell, or at least re-crucifying Jesus because I play video games?

Gaming

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If you don't believe me, listen to this true story ?[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A Christian sister of mine who lives in the Northwest USA told me the following story. One day she walked to her friends house next door to pay her a visit, and to spend some time with her.


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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When she entered the apartment, she saw that her friends brother was there playing World of Warcraft on the computer. As she walked into the apartment, she could feel the demonic oppression inside of the apartment like a heavy Myst. Then she told me the following ? as she walked into the apartment and took a look at her friends brother playing the game, she saw a real demon enter into her brother right from the computer monitor![/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]She shared this story with me and I confirmed with her that not only do I believe it 100 percent, but that I know for an absolute fact that the demons come right into us through the computer monitor when we game. They do the exact same thing when we watch porn, so why wouldn't they also enter us through the computer monitor when we sin by gaming? OF COURSE THEY DO.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Listen people, all gaming and I say ALL GAMING is from satan.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]THE LORD GOD JESUS is Holy, and there is nothing holy about gaming whatsoever![/FONT]​

 

[Afire]

I doubt any sincere seeker of Christ, with Philippians 4:8 in mind, could play a game like Saints Row: The Third. But I'm fairly sure that games like chess and solitaire are harmless.

Believers will make mistakes though, and this does not mean they are doomed to Hell. The Holy Spirit will convict those persons of their sin, so that they should repent and be reconciled to God. This does not re-crucify the Lord. Only complete and total apostasy, such as those the warning in the book of Hebrews was aimed at, were at risk of this. For by losing confidence in Christ and reverting back to Judaism, they were in essence treating Christ's atonement as worthless, thus they were essentially agreeing with those who sought his death.

 

[Ash Crimson]

I doubt any sincere seeker of Christ, with Philippians 4:8 in mind, could play a game like Saints Row: The Third. But I'm fairly sure that games like chess and solitaire are harmless.

Believers will make mistakes though, and this does not mean they are doomed to Hell. The Holy Spirit will convict those persons of their sin, so that they should repent and be reconciled to God. This does not re-crucify the Lord. Only complete and total apostasy, such as those the warning in the book of Hebrews was aimed at, were at risk of this. For by losing confidence in Christ and reverting back to Judaism, they were in essence treating Christ's atonement as worthless, thus they were essentially agreeing with those who sought his death.

But continuing to sin, rather than repenting, is re-crucifying God, as per Hebrews chapter 6, I believe. Although, yes it was a warning to reject the Judaizers which were, and are, still very prevalent in our society.

I'm not sure what this Saint's Row is. I'll have to do some research and come back. Is it like GTA?

 

[Afire]

A believer can fall into sin, and then be too ashamed to immediately repent. Next thing they know, they find they are entangled in their old way of life again.

From my own experience I know that God can yet convict that person to repent, and bring them back to a full relationship with God, washed clean by the once and for all time atonement.

 

[ChrisHolland619]

It is not a sin to play video games.

It is, however, a sin to play filthy video games like GTA, Red Dead Redemption, and Saints Row.

Those games have full nudity and extremely filthy language in them. Why would a Christian want to play that? Would Christ?

As with everything, it's all about the content you're putting yourself in. It's not a sin to watch movies, but it's a sin to watch movies with sex and filthy language in them.

 

[Quasicentennial]

Being Christian with the supernatural safety and maturity of Jesus to keep you wise and at peace with yourself, there is a difference between reality and entertainment and I'm sure Jesus wouldn't judge you because you like to kill non-human computerised characters on the computer or TV screen. Boredom and declining sales would happen if there was none of that good versus evil element in videogames, movies and toys where jobs in the entertainment industry makes the world economy go round. I've been an Xbox console game player for four years and I'm still feel enthusiastic enough to play now and then, not just to waste time away, but to test my quick reflexes to see how healthy is my nervous system as I keep eating the right fruit and vegetables with eggs, meat or other dairy products every day while I am still young in my 40s. Nobody likes to be sick, not even my boss, so your positive attitude can rise as you enjoy life in things where there's no harmful destruction to your neighbor, when obeying our God's commandment: Thou shall not kill - except non-human characters in videogames, of course. I strongly believe that the best entertainment in God's kingdom is yet to be experienced as God knows mankind's advancement in modern technology in entertainment several centuries from now. So life continues in God's kingdom as our old lives pass away, right at that very minute from our last breath of air. Just like an upcoming new release movie or videogame, you feel this huge drive of enthusiasm to experience the joy right now to keep this thief-joying feeling of depression clear off our minds. Accepting Jesus is a free ticket to experience ultimate joy of Christ in God's most massive and most modern place of community: the kingdom of God on a new oceanless planet Earth.

 

[cedward1]

Don't believe everything you read online. Did they back up the claim that all games are bad with scripture? I can't think of one place in the Bible that even comes close. I really doubt I'm going to Hell because I like to play chess. If it came to that, then little kids are horrible sinners because they love to play pretend. Little girls playing "tea party" are vile, and Candyland is the work of the Devil. Even Bible Trivia games would be evil. You have to draw a line somewhere.

That having been said, obviously some video games are sinful. Many involve sadism, explicit sex, nudity, vulgarity, drugs, and lots of other things Christians know to be wrong. On the other hand, a game like Myst or Portal can hardly be said to glorify Satan.

But legalism really gets out of control after a while. In my opinion, it is a sin to make up laws that God never mentioned. Who are we humans to say something is wrong if God never said it was?

 

[jsimms615]

I don't believe all gaming is from Satan. But, I do believe that many are not good influences. You need to use discernment when playing them. I would stay away from the ones who have ratings on them that are for mature that is for sure.

 

[Ash Crimson]

I don't believe all gaming is from Satan. But, I do believe that many are not good influences. You need to use discernment when playing them. I would stay away from the ones who have ratings on them that are for mature that is for sure.

So it's a sin to play games with an "M" rating?

So, for instance, games like Castlevania would be sinful? (despite the fact you kill demons with crosses and holy water, etc.?) Just clarifying.

 

[Ash Crimson]

It is not a sin to play video games.

It is, however, a sin to play filthy video games like GTA, Red Dead Redemption, and Saints Row.

Those games have full nudity and extremely filthy language in them. Why would a Christian want to play that? Would Christ?

As with everything, it's all about the content you're putting yourself in. It's not a sin to watch movies, but it's a sin to watch movies with sex and filthy language in them.

Hmm. Most Christians I know watch movies with profanity in it. Heck most of them use profanity themselves! :o

Are they going to hell for it?

Note: I'm not condoning such things, just asking what you think.

 

[Ash Crimson]

Don't believe everything you read online. Did they back up the claim that all games are bad with scripture? I can't think of one place in the Bible that even comes close. I really doubt I'm going to Hell because I like to play chess. If it came to that, then little kids are horrible sinners because they love to play pretend. Little girls playing "tea party" are vile, and Candyland is the work of the Devil. Even Bible Trivia games would be evil. You have to draw a line somewhere.

That having been said, obviously some video games are sinful. Many involve sadism, explicit sex, nudity, vulgarity, drugs, and lots of other things Christians know to be wrong. On the other hand, a game like Myst or Portal can hardly be said to glorify Satan.

But legalism really gets out of control after a while. In my opinion, it is a sin to make up laws that God never mentioned. Who are we humans to say something is wrong if God never said it was?

I agree, he's definitely going a little overboard by condemning playing cards and chess. But putting those things aside, mostly because I find them dreadfully boring, where do we draw the line?

Some Christians condemn Harry Potter, yet others read it! I know more Christians that read it than I do who condemn it. It's not my bag, but some believers seem to really like it.

Then we come to video games, which are maybe not inherently sinful, unlike what the webmaster there says, but still... which age limit do games become "sinful"? The Passion of Christ got an "R" rating, but many evangelicals hail it as the best movie ever made. So I'm not sure where to stand on this.

Should I burn all my game CDs or sell them all and give the money to the poor? (In other words, keep the money myself since I'm poor.) I don't want to be sinning against God by holding contraband items.

 

[ChrisHolland619]

Hmm. Most Christians I know watch movies with profanity in it. Heck most of them use profanity themselves! :o

Are they going to hell for it?

Note: I'm not condoning such things, just asking what you think.

Does one sin send a man to hell? Of coarse it does.


That is unless you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

You can't lose your salvation. Once saved, always saved. But that doesn't mean that being a Christian and openly sinning against God does not have consequences.

If a Christian remains in sin after salvation, you are either backslidden, or not saved to begin with. A Christian who remains in sin actively is forfeiting his treasures in Heaven, and his crowns that he'll receive to cast at the feet of Christ. Your earthly blessings will also be in jeopardy, as well as your spiritual life. God will seem silent if you keep ignoring Him.

As for your original question, if a Christian is actually saved and sins, will they go to hell? Of coarse not. Christ died for past, present, and future sins. But again, that doesn't mean there won't be consequences. By remaining in sin habitually, you are forfeiting blessings on earth, treasures in heaven, and hindering your walk with Christ.

 

[SonOfTheWest]

I stick to taking things in moderation and I think the idea of video games in and of themselves as sinful as monumentally stupid.

 

[ChrisHolland619]

I stick to taking things in moderation and I think the idea of video games in and of themselves as sinful as monumentally stupid.

Please explain to me (with scriptural references) what is sinful about playing Super Mario World.

The answer is nothing, because it's not a sin. It's just a hobby. As long as you don't make that hobby an idol, and that hobby is not sinful, you're not sinning.

Everyone has hobbies. Is sailing a sin? It's a hobby, and has nothing to do with God, right? So it must be sinful.

No, that's not how it works.

 

[SonOfTheWest]

Please explain to me (with scriptural references) what is sinful about playing Super Mario World.

The answer is nothing, because it's not a sin. It's just a hobby. As long as you don't make that hobby an idol, and that hobby is not sinful, you're not sinning.

Everyone has hobbies. Is sailing a sin? It's a hobby, and has nothing to do with God, right? So it must be sinful.

No, that's not how it works.

*nods in agreement*

 

[Ash Crimson]

Does one sin send a man to hell? Of coarse it does.


That is unless you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

You can't lose your salvation. Once saved, always saved. But that doesn't mean that being a Christian and openly sinning against God does not have consequences.

If a Christian remains in sin after salvation, you are either backslidden, or not saved to begin with. A Christian who remains in sin actively is forfeiting his treasures in Heaven, and his crowns that he'll receive to cast at the feet of Christ. Your earthly blessings will also be in jeopardy, as well as your spiritual life. God will seem silent if you keep ignoring Him.

As for your original question, if a Christian is actually saved and sins, will they go to hell? Of coarse not. Christ died for past, present, and future sins. But again, that doesn't mean there won't be consequences. By remaining in sin habitually, you are forfeiting blessings on earth, treasures in heaven, and hindering your walk with Christ.

I'm not so sure about not losing your salvation, but that is another topic entirely. I don't think sin can send you to hell, provided you're actually saved that is.

But, then assuming what you say is true, then does what forfeit earthly blessings and spiritual rewards on the basis of whether one plays video games or not, or which games one plays?

If I stop playing video games, will God give me a mate?

 

[ChrisHolland619]

You're only sinning if you play video games that cause you to sin in your mind, IE, the content of the games you play.

If you're playing family oriented games, that have no sex, swearing, etc, in them, then you're not sinning.

You ARE sinning however, if you play games that DO include those things, OR if you put those good games (the friendly family games) above God, making them an idol above God.

Even too much of a good thing is bad. Have you studied the word today? Have you spent time in prayer with God? If not, why are playing games? If you have, I truly do not believe playing certain games is a sin.

If something is not sinful, and you've given time to God first, why would you be sinning? It's the same with ANY hobby.

Also, the Bible is very clear about you not losing salvation. Christ sacrifice for us saved us from all sins. Read romans 8:38. Nothing separates us from Christs love, not even sin. Sin is the reason He died for us in the first place.

Think about it this way:

If we could lose our salvation, that would imply that EVERY time we sinned, we were lost. Because all sin is the same to God. So every time we sin, we lose our salvation.

And every time we lose our salvation, we must be saved again. And if we lost our salvation, and we were saved again, we'd have to be baptized again. Every single time.

Does that sound like perpetual love to you? No, that's absurd. That's just my opinion, but that is just ridiculous. Christ died for all sins. Past, present, and future. You cannot escape His love. Not once you have it.

 

[powerpoint]

I doubt any sincere seeker of Christ, with Philippians 4:8 in mind, could play a game like Saints Row: The Third.

I am, and I am enjoying it immensely

I am training to be a minister. I play video games as a way to relax. I also enjoy rap music, horror films and stephen king novels.

I don't do these things because I think it makes me some edgy, cool Christian whos rebelious, I do these things because I enjoy them and I can genuinely say they dont affect my relationship with God.

There are some things I used to watch that did affect my relationship. Good example is "Spartacus:Blood and Sand", or Frankie Boyles "Tramadol Nights" or that TV programme "The Inbetweeners". I watched these and felt a spiritual griving, so I dont watch them anymore.

The trouble with saying "video games are sinful" is where do you draw the line? Do we say that only 18 rated games are sinful, or those that depict violence? Or those which cause adverse behaviour in people?

Or, do we go with the Bible, which says "All is permissable, but not all is beneficial"?

To the OP, what you need to do is this. Pray, ask God what is harmful for your relationship with Him and see what He says to you.

 

[ChrisHolland619]

If you think listening to profane music isn't interfering with your walk with God, you are letting Satan twist your reasoning.

Your heart is what you let in.

 

[Ash Crimson]

If you think listening to profane music isn't interfering with your walk with God, you are letting Satan twist your reasoning.

Your heart is what you let in.

Actually, your heart is whatever you witness or experience. You cannot shut off your heart. Ever.

This is a good point on why you should be careful what you watch, listen to or play. I am, mostly. Not with games as much though. It depends I guess.

I don't watch TV anymore or movies. I don't listen to secular style music, or even much so-called christian music, anymore aside from MJ. You have to be careful since that stuff can affect you.

I want as little of the world as possible in me, so you won't find me watching The Doctors, or soap operas, talk shows, trash movies, or listening to Lady Gaga and crap.