Should Christians play video games?

[CounselorForChrist]

Well when people say "You shouldn't play them at all because they don't bring glory to God!" I say name me anything we do every day that brings glory to God? Most things in our lives don't bring him glory, but instead make us happy or others happy. Eating food, having sex (married), watching tv, driving, going to sports event, talking on the phone, even using the net.

Of course I am not saying this as an excuse to sin. But what I am saying is there are rules about this stuff. If you play video games to the point of their your idol then its a sin. If you play video games to the point of they screw up your thinking, its a sin. But to play them outright... I cannot honestly say if that is a sin or not. Its why we all have our convictions. What feels like a sin to one, may not be for another.

Example I didn't mind watching R rated movies with violence, gore, swearing and even nudity. Same went for games. But my sister in Christ pointed out she thought they effected me. I got rid of alot of movies and games, Especially ones with swearing, now I rarely swear if ever, where as before I swore many times a day. So therefor gaming had become a sin since it was changing who I was.

 

[George Peppard]

Coming from the guy who in his sig says "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees".

It was something God said to me the other day when I was posting here. There is much leaven here.

And those were not my thoughts. Some Catholic, of all people, had a rant about the evils of, well, everything. Pro sports, TV, movies, make-up, protestantism, you name it. All evil. http://www.catholic-saints.net/spiritual/#Mortally-sinful-media

 

[George Peppard]

I don't blame him, if the music is making fun of Christ in any way or promoting sinful behavior, then it was good he threw it all away. That stuff is not good to have, it just tempts you to do the wrong things.

It is narrow thinking when you say everything fun is sinful because that's just not true. If everything that was ever fun was sinful, Christians would have the most miserable lives. There are things you can do that are fun and don't promote sinful behavior. Sports are fine as long as your not trying to prove your better than anyone else. Its hard not to be competitive yes, but there are people who play sports just for the fun of it.

No, most of it was fine.

No, it's true. Look around the boards. You will see what I mean. Often times, Christians do live the most miserable lives. I'm a Christian, I'm not happy. I know many Christians, and former Christians, who are and were miserable due to the lack of freedom found in the religion. What do you say to them?

So I'm assuming you are also against professional sports? What do you do for fun, my young friend? I can only assume you do nothing but bible study, prayer and go to church, yes? There's nothing wrong with that. I too had been thinking of entering monastic life. But upon further inspection, I came to realize that life is not for me. Considering how much I hate religion, I don't think following it would be a wise course. But if it works for you, I wish you all the best. Far be it from me to deter a brother from following his spiritual course. Pursue God and see where that takes you! Blessings.

 

[Soverinth]

Where did you learn your teachings from? Was it from an angry pastor? I'm only asking because you dont seem to be happy about anything. Just curious, not trying to start an argument or anything.

 

[George Peppard]

Where did you learn your teachings from? Was it from an angry pastor? I'm only asking because you dont seem to be happy about anything. Just curious, not trying to start an argument or anything.

No angry pastors, though a lot of misguided ones. I'm actually pretty happy, but not when it comes to religion. Religion is one thing that just doesn't work for me, and I've tried. I'm much older than you, so I've seen a lot more and met a lot more interesting, shall we say, people. Hopefully everything works out for you.

Again, I wish you well on your path to God. Don't let anyone deter you from living it out the way you want to. If I had one summary of why I detest religion so much (it's hard to find just one, but) I would say the amount of rules and stifling that go on are probably the main reason. Most Christians I know are very dull, lifeless shells of people. They have no interests, no hobbies, no outside friends (beyond the church walls) and they're just not very exciting to be around. Most of them contribute nothing to this world and just hope God will come back so they can leave this cesspool. I'll admit the world's far from perfect, but I think we should be doing something today to make an impact, not idling by, wishing the only life you get away.

 

[xcosplay]

I don't know what's the violence range. I just want to say, I like assassins creed 3.

 

[thesunisout]

Should a Christian play video games? What are your opinions? If they are violent and dis-regard the will of God then what about non violent video games? And if they are time consuming and something that you'd do all day and put it before God then what about spending partial time of your day playing them? I'm not stating that i play video games all day or anything or looking for a argument i would just like to know your opinion.

We shouldn't indulge in entertainment which glorifies sin, and most video games do, but not all. For the rest, it's not about a good and bad list; it's simply a matter of priority. God needs to be number 1 and you can't put anything before Him. Video games should have a comparatively low priority. And if God is your number one priority, then you're probably not going to find much time to play them anyhow.

 

[thesunisout]

No angry pastors, though a lot of misguided ones. I'm actually pretty happy, but not when it comes to religion. Religion is one thing that just doesn't work for me, and I've tried. I'm much older than you, so I've seen a lot more and met a lot more interesting, shall we say, people. Hopefully everything works out for you.

Again, I wish you well on your path to God. Don't let anyone deter you from living it out the way you want to. If I had one summary of why I detest religion so much (it's hard to find just one, but) I would say the amount of rules and stifling that go on are probably the main reason. Most Christians I know are very dull, lifeless shells of people. They have no interests, no hobbies, no outside friends (beyond the church walls) and they're just not very exciting to be around. Most of them contribute nothing to this world and just hope God will come back so they can leave this cesspool. I'll admit the world's far from perfect, but I think we should be doing something today to make an impact, not idling by, wishing the only life you get away.

Yeah, we should be busy about the masters business, which is to tell others about Jesus Christ. God didn't put you here to entertain yourself, He put you here to do His will. If you don't like doing His will, then you are a rebel. And why do you judge your brother when we will all stand before Christs judgment seat?

 

[George Peppard]

We shouldn't indulge in entertainment which glorifies sin, and most video games do, but not all. For the rest, it's not about a good and bad list; it's simply a matter of priority. God needs to be number 1 and you can't put anything before Him. Video games should have a comparatively low priority. And if God is your number one priority, then you're probably not going to find much time to play them anyhow.

So I'm assuming you don't work, but just sit around all day, spreading the gospel (or how you see it)? Why are you on the internet? Don't you have more pressing matters to attend to, than wasting time on here, arguing theology that changes no one's mind?

Most people already know who Jesus was, whether they believe or not is another story. So why aren't you in the heart of the Amazon, preaching to sinners there, instead of posting on a computer? I'm sensing some contradictions in your message.

 

[thesunisout]

So I'm assuming you don't work, but just sit around all day, spreading the gospel (or how you see it)? Why are you on the internet? Don't you have more pressing matters to attend to, than wasting time on here, arguing theology that changes no one's mind?

Most people already know who Jesus was, whether they believe or not is another story. So why aren't you in the heart of the Amazon, preaching to sinners there, instead of posting on a computer? I'm sensing some contradictions in your message.

I'm involved in my community and I don't spend very much time here. The reason I am not in the Amazon is because God told me He wants me to be where I am. When He wants me to be somewhere else, that is where I will go.

Many people know who Jesus is but they don't know Him. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. That is why we share the gospel with people, regardless of how many times they may have heard it. Our highest priority on this Earth is to win souls for Christ. Everything else, especially our own desires, is secondary to that. We aren't here to entertain ourselves; this is a lost and dying world in need of a savior. It isn't a game, and it is immoral to put your own self-interest above our responsibilities to God. To those who have been given much (and we have), much more will be required. We are commanded to take up our cross and follow Him, which means dying to self and surrendering your will to Christ.

 

[George Peppard]

I'm involved in my community and I don't spend very much time here. The reason I am not in the Amazon is because God told me He wants me to be where I am. When He wants me to be somewhere else, that is where I will go.

Many people know who Jesus is but they don't know Him. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. That is why we share the gospel with people, regardless of how many times they may have heard it. Our highest priority on this Earth is to win souls for Christ. Everything else, especially our own desires, is secondary to that. We aren't here to entertain ourselves; this is a lost and dying world in need of a savior. It isn't a game, and it is immoral to put your own self-interest above our responsibilities to God. To those who have been given much (and we have), much more will be required. We are commanded to take up our cross and follow Him, which means dying to self and surrendering your will to Christ.

God wants us all miserable. This is your message you hope to win anybody over with? Good luck.

 

[thesunisout]

God wants us all miserable. This is your message you hope to win anybody over with? Good luck.

God wants us to be obedient. If it makes you miserable to obey God, then you are a rebel.

 

[Maka]

I don't know what's the violence range. I just want to say, I like assassins creed 3.

Ohhhhh I heard that was a good game

 

[loveandfear]

I really struggle with that one. I used to play them 24/7. I love video games to no end. I decided to give them up completely because they serve no purpose for God really. And that's so hard for me because i just want to play them again.

By the way, I've been struggling and trying to find ways to lower my sexual lust.

I find playing games, had greatly reduced the lust, on both a mental and physical level.

So I believe games can be a powerful tool.

Here are some further considerations.

Like with any form of entertainment, the time played needs to be in moderation, and cant' interfere with important priorities, such as God, family, etc.

Also, as a general rule, avoid games with graphic violence, language, occult, nudity, etc.

So one can still play games like Mario, and other similar games.

If you're still not comfortable, with killing walking mushrooms, or turtles, by jumping on them

You can then, go with racing, or sports game.

Often, I also jog or march in place while playing games. This is good for your health, and also I find this, will further reduce sexual lust.

 

[Soverinth]

By the way, I've been struggling and trying to find ways to lower my sexual lust.

I find playing games, had greatly reduced the lust, on both a mental and physical level.

So I believe games can be a powerful tool.

Here are some further considerations.

Like with any form of entertainment, the time played needs to be in moderation, and cant' interfere with important priorities, such as God, family, etc.

Also, as a general rule, avoid games with graphic violence, language, occult, nudity, etc.

So one can still play games like Mario, and other similar games.

If you're still not comfortable, with killing walking mushrooms, or turtles, by jumping on them

You can then, go with racing, or sports game.

Often, I also jog or march in place while playing games. This is good for your health, and also I find this, will further reduce sexual lust.

Wait, but aren't you supposed to go to God for your issues. Trusting in video-games to solve your problem and not God doesn't seem right.

I could be wrong though..

 

[Avniel]

I really struggle with that one. I used to play them 24/7. I love video games to no end. I decided to give them up completely because they serve no purpose for God really. And that's so hard for me because i just want to play them again.

Some people it's video games, other people its Espinoza some it talk shows others it reality tv then it's music some people it's food some it's their own imagme. It's good to know what you had to do to get closer to Christ.

I think a big issue is that the people that shouldn't play video games don't want the people that can. I play video games more then I watch tv I probably play my Xbox an hr or less. Playing video games can become an ideal if you have that particular weakness in it. Some people struggle with it some people don't.

 

[loveandfear]

Wait, but aren't you supposed to go to God for your issues. Trusting in video-games to solve your problem and not God doesn't seem right.

I could be wrong though..

I have been praying and going to God on this issue.

From doing this, various ideas came to me. In addition, these ideas were then tested, to see if they actually worked.

So, here's another consideration, could God have inspired some of these ideas, that then helped me to reduce the lust?

For instance, if we do go to God, which I have been doing, is it not reasonable then, to assume, God may help us overcome the lust, by giving us ideas and ways to overcome the sin?

Because from what I discovered, the ideas / methods, which don't violate scriptures, do actually reduce lust / sin.

 

[Soverinth]

I have been praying and going to God on this issue.

From doing this, various ideas came to me. In addition, these ideas were then tested, to see if they actually worked.

So, here's another consideration, could God have inspired some of these ideas, that then helped me to reduce the lust?

Because from what I discovered, the ideas / methods, do actually reduce lust / sin, and it's not a practice, that violates scriptures.

Yeah sorry i feel like a hypocrite for asking that, my situation at this time isn't much different.

 

[loveandfear]

Yeah sorry i feel like a hypocrite for asking that, my situation at this time isn't much different.

No need to feel sorry.

Since in my original post, I didn't mention that I had asked God for help.

So it's understandable that you had this assumption.

I also agree with you, that we should go to God first. This is a good general rule.

I've been struggling with lust for a long time, and have been praying and asking God for help, many times.

After doing this, in addition to finding video games, to help combat the lust,

I found many other methods that help reduce lust, such as marching / jogging, shower, singing to God, keeping my mind on heavenly things, watching comedies, sermons, etc.

Did these ideas come from God or me? I don't know.

To me, though the most important thing, is finding something that works for you, that doesn't violate scriptures, and most importantly actually helps you to overcome the sin.

 

[Soverinth]

No need to feel sorry.

Since in my original post, I didn't mention that I had asked God for help.

So it's understandable that you had this assumption.

I also agree with you, that we should go to God first. This is a good general rule.

I've been struggling with lust for a long time, and have been praying and asking God for help, many times.

After doing this, in addition to finding video games, to help combat the lust,

I found many other methods that help reduce lust, such as marching / jogging, shower, singing to God, keeping my mind on heavenly things, watching comedies, sermons, etc.

Did these ideas come from God or me? I don't know.

To me, though the most important thing, is finding something that works for you, that doesn't violate scriptures, and most importantly actually helps you to overcome the sin.