Playing evil characters

[Try]

In your opinion, is it wrong for a Christian to play an evil character in a game? Does the type of game matter- is there a difference between playing as Cervantes in Soul Calibur II, where the character is described as being “evil” but morality doesn’t actually affect gameplay, and playing a Dark Jedi in KoTOR? What about Paper and Pencil DnD?

 

[Milla]

I have a lot of trouble imagining God getting too het up because I think the dark Jedi plot in KOTOR was way more interesting

 

[MJ_Avalanche]

Honestly, if you think playing a an evil video game character is bad then just don't do it. I honestly find things very intriquing when played from the evil side (when its possible, of course), because you get to see a different side of the story.

 

[Lithium Hobo]

The options for two moralities of a character, good and evil, arn't there so good and evil people can both feel like they're wanted, it's so the player can play with different experiences through the game as the same character, but with different reactions and outcomes. You wont be considered evil if you play evil, nor are you automatically a humanitarian and saint if you play good.

 

[SoC]

[CynicSoC: Oh yes. You will be sent straight to the lake of fire if you ever play an evil character in a VIDEO GAME. ]

Note his name before taking any of that seriously, folks.

 

[JOE__LHF]

In your opinion, is it wrong for a Christian to play an evil character in a game? Does the type of game matter- is there a difference between playing as Cervantes in Soul Calibur II, where the character is described as being “evil” but morality doesn’t actually affect gameplay, and playing a Dark Jedi in KoTOR? What about Paper and Pencil DnD?

I think for everone its differant. If your feel bad for playing a bad charecter, DONT. God speaks to us through are hearts so listen to your heart.

 

[Try]

I'll add that IMHO it is not at all wrong for someone to play an evil character in a video game, because fantasy and reality are two different things. On the other hand, I can see how you could argue the other way, "abstain from the appearance of evil" and all that.

I was wondering what other Christian gamers thought, so I asked for advice.

 

[Peke Utchoo]

I never play as an evil character simply because I always play the character as myself and translate my choices and moral values into the character. Though I think that if music can affect you adversely, why can't video games.

 

[silentpoet]

I don't know if it is wrong, but I really can't play a darkside character in kotor. Just not how I play and think of myself. Yes every once in awhile I get darkside points, but as a general rule I play as I would do in the situations myself.

 

[FoogieFighters]

is there a difference between playing as Cervantes in Soul Calibur II, where the character is described as being “evil” but morality doesn’t actually affect gameplayQUOTE]

No no no... haha expecially in Soul Calibur II and Cervantes, he's just like too cool! I mean my favorite character is Scar from the lion King.
That's like asking "Is it wrong to go to a school mascot to be the red/blue devils" of course not!

 

[FoogieFighters]

[CynicSoC: Oh yes. You will be sent straight to the lake of fire if you ever play an evil character in a VIDEO GAME. ]

Note his name before taking any of that seriously, folks.

Hahahaha very well put!

 

[silentpoet]

Another way to look at this question is to ask if Christian actors can or cannot play bad guys in movies. If they didn't it would be tough to produce some of the movies like The Passion or Left Behind or even secualr movies.

 

[SoC]

Remember what Paul said (I don't rightly remember where)

"Everything is permissible. Not everything is beneficial." Or at least that's the jist of it.

Basically we can choose to do whatever we want, but we have the responsibility as Christians to do what we believe the Bible says is right. Does the Bible say we can't play evil video game characters? No, but it does say that if a brother or sister around you has a problem with it, then don't.

So as an answer to the original question, no it is not wrong just to play through a game as an evil character. However, if someone sees you playing an evil character and they have a problem with it, then it would be best to switch to a good character or stop playing.

 

[Lithium Hobo]

Remember what Paul said (I don't rightly remember where)

"Everything is permissible. Not everything is beneficial." Or at least that's the jist of it.

Basically we can choose to do whatever we want, but we have the responsibility as Christians to do what we believe the Bible says is right. Does the Bible say we can't play evil video game characters? No, but it does say that if a brother or sister around you has a problem with it, then don't.

So as an answer to the original question, no it is not wrong just to play through a game as an evil character. However, if someone sees you playing an evil character and they have a problem with it, then it would be best to switch to a good character or stop playing.

Oooor...they could leave the room. One shouldn't change themselves, or their ideals just to appease others.

Switching back and forth between good and evil characters in a game isn't a snap of a finger anymore. Most games make it a road of work and experience to shift one way or the other.

 

[SoC]

Oooor...they could leave the room. One shouldn't change themselves, or their ideals just to appease others.

The question was if Christians should play evil characters, and according the the Bible, we are not to do something if someone around us is bothered by it.

This isn't changing one's self or ideals just to appease others. It is being nice to the other person and doing what God says.

Switching back and forth between good and evil characters in a game isn't a snap of a finger anymore. Most games make it a road of work and experience to shift one way or the other.

I meant, save, and load a game with a good character or start a new game with a good character, not just switch your evil character to the good side. I know how long it would take to do that.