What games should Christians not play?

[Windmill]

They are not designed to cause lust. If they are causing lust, that is a problem with the individual NOT with the game.

Was that the original question? I don't know. Some games sure are. But some aren't.

I think the question however was is it really lusting... do you think that having feelings that you get when you lust for an individual for a game character is lust?

 

[WhirlwindMonk]

Yeah... it really is. Its promoting evil ideals.

Well- where does the bible say that its okay to pretend to dabble in magic, hm? Where does it?

But this matter is really trivial to me. I don't care about this. As in my big post, I have other reasons that I personally don't play.

Couple questions. Where in LOTR does it say that it thinks you should try using magic? And just out of curiosity, what evil ideals are those again? You mean sacrificing yourself for your others? Or sticking by your friends through any hardship they face? Or pushing yourself to your limits to save those your care about? Certainly sounds evil to me. Sorry, but I see no merit in your argument.

And where in the Bible does it say that it's not ok to use a button to command a person who isn't even real to do magic? All the "magic is evil" arguments imply that making a fantasy character do magic is the same as doing real magic, which implies that making a fantasy character give money to the poor is exactly the same as really giving money to the poor. Again, I see no merit in the argument.

From what I saw above, it looks like you do have some personal reasons for not playing, and that's good that you aren't them. Some video games just aren't right for you and I can respect that, and I know a number of people on her who can respect that as well. So please respect us when we say we are different people and we don't have those personal problems, so these things cannot and will not do evil through us and they cannot and will not lead us away from God.

 

[Steezie]

Wind, you seem to have trouble discerning what is real and what isnt.

Magic in a game and movies is fake. Its not real, it takes place in a place that isnt real. Its next to impossible to actually do any of that in real life. Its not meant to teach or to encourage people to try it.

All you are doing is watching computer generated immages. You arent performing magic at all.

 

[GabrielWithoutWings]

Obviously, God of War etc I do NOT deem acceptable.

Oh, oh... my heart...

I'm getting rather blind in my old age. I could've swore that I just read that God of War is unacceptable to play. The finest action/adventure/hack n slash game ever produced, with the most stunning visual graphics I've seen. A true masterpiece, and a gaming engineer's worst nightmare come true.

I know I didn't read that.

 

[Lumen]

Yeah... it really is. Its promoting evil ideals.

Well- where does the bible say that its okay to pretend to dabble in magic, hm? Where does it?

But this matter is really trivial to me. I don't care about this. As in my big post, I have other reasons that I personally don't play.

It's not even pretending to dabble in magic. What the games/movies/books have in them is NOT REAL MAGIC.

 

[Dannager]

That wasn't the point now was it? The point is- is having lust feelings for a character on screen lust?

And yes, yes it is lust.

By the dictionary, sure. But it's not morally wrong like the sort of lust discussed in the Bible is.

 

[Dannager]

God doesn't like anything thats promoting any form of magic as OK. Pretty sure of it.

But what you see in video games isn't a form of magic. It's not real. It's a video game.

 

[Dannager]

I understand why they make me uncomfortable. I dislike things that are evil. Counsiously watching out my character do things that if were happening in real life would be immoral? No. I understand if you like it, I see why- but I just do not like seeing immoral things. I know that God wouldn't approve of those things if they were real.

Like magic? I can understand the whole shooting hookers thing, but how does this apply to magic? Even if your character were doing these things in real life, they still wouldn't be magic. They would be pretend. They wouldn't actually do anything. You know why? Because it's not real. So stop using the "if my character were doing these things in real life it'd be wrong" argument. It doesn't hold up.

Basically, just because it isn't really happening, doesn't hypothetically mean that the character isn't doing anything immorally wrong. Watching the character do these things makes me think "You know, thats bad. He shouldn't be doing that. I don't like that. Seeing people do immoral things doesn't make me happy."

But the character isn't doing anything bad when he uses make-believe fake "magic" in a video game. Because it's not real.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but you seem almost upset that I follow this code.

Yeah, I kind of am. I'm at least a little disturbed that someone would deprive herself of games like this just because she has a poor understanding of what can be considered real and what can't.

So what if you're not offering worship to them really? Card games- bah humbug. I have a yugioh deck stashed away somewhere. I don't pay attention to what the heck the names of the cards are on the picture. I don't dwell on that at all. I dwell on the strategy.

That's great, but what did that have to do with my question on why you take offense to games that have different gods in them.
[bible]Philippians 4:8[/bible]

I just don't think that magic is honourable.

Well, no, but neither is going to the bathroom and you do that anyway.

Dwelling on Goddesses, etc, things which are anti God

Woah, what? How are fake gods anti-God? They're fake! They can't be opposed to God, because God doesn't exist in that fake world.

I don't think I should be dwelling on them. These games make me dwell on these things. Therefore, the course of action is simple- cut the games. Little loss to me. Other games are fun. I'll play those instead.

But there's nothing wrong with thinking about games, and the only reason you're dwelling on the godesses or whatever as much as you are is because you think they're wrong for some reason.

I don't know- if these video games are getting me to dwell on things that are anti-God, I don't think he'd be happy. Perhaps they aren't real, but that doesn't make the actions the characters took right.

But the things you're dwelling on aren't anti-God. You just have this odd idea that they are, for some reason.

When I'm conscious of it, I'm aware of it, and I'm aware of how it is bad, and it makes me upset to see characters defying, disobeying and sinning against God. When I don't pay attention to that, when I don't pay attention to the story etc, I'm not witnessing that. I skip the story in many games, unless I need it to find out my next objective.

You're missing excellent story many times, and there isn't any reason to do it. I'm not asking you to ignore what the characters are doing. I'm just hoping for you to realize that there isn't anything wrong with it, because it's all fake.

You can think its ridiculous... I wasn't expecting positive feedback on these opinions. I feel convicted however, to follow them

That's wonderful, but I feel convicted to let you know that you are doing this all unnecessarily.

No.... but dwelling on these things sounds okay. But I have this little voice telling me "don't do it. Focus on pure things, Sarah".

That little voice is probably just your confusion with whether or not something that is fake can be considered morally wrong to view.

That magic is okay,

But magic isn't okay, and these games aren't saying it is. They're saying that in this fake world, fake magic is cool.

that there are other Gods,

But there aren't other gods, and these games aren't saying there are. They're saying that in this fake world, fake other gods exist.

that killing others for no reason is okay,

But it's not okay, and these games aren't saying that it is. They're saying that in this fake world, killing other people for no reason is possible.

that having sex before marriage is okay,

But having sex before marriage is not okay, and these games aren't saying that it is. They're saying that in this fake world, having sex before marriage isn't frowned upon.

that commiting sin is okay.

But committing sin is not okay, and these games aren't saying that it is. They're saying that in this fake world, some of these things are not sin because they aren't beholden to the same morality that you are in many cases.

I was probably referring to zelda- and the evil ideas there are just obvious.

But they're not evil in the fake game world. It is really important that you realize that there is a line between fantasy and reality, because you don't seem to have a very good grasp of it.

These ideas though are present in video games and they are very bad ideas. If I start to dwell on them like I do, I know I should get out.

You're dwelling on them because you've convinced yourself that they are bad.

Yes... actually.

For goodness sake, read the books. They're not magic. They're fake. They talk about a fantasy world that doesn't really exist, and reading about it will not harm you unless for some reason you convince yourself that real magic is cool and start trying to do it. It's fake.

I know it isn't real- but its still promoting the idea that magic is OK. Thats not cool. Don't tell me it isn't.

Promoting magic isn't cool. But these games aren't promoting magic. The Harry Potter series isn't promoting magic. The magic talked about in the games and books isn't real. It's fake. The only things being promoted are reading and imagination, which were good things last I checked.

In the game world, its okay.

Precisely. Now, where do we live? The game world, or the real world? The answer is, of course, the real world. Here, magic isn't okay. In the game world, though, this fake magic, that isn't even close to what real magic is, is okay. You need to realize that fantasy is fantasy and reality is reality.

Now, that again isn't my biggest gripe- by biggest griep is how I dwell on these things and I shouldn't.

I'm pretty convinced, again, that the only reason you're dwelling on these things (and being bothered by it) is because you've (or your parents have, or your pastor has, or whomever has) convinced yourself that they are wrong through an improper understanding of how morality and fantasy work.

This is the main reason I am abstaining. Again, games that immerse me are the ones I stray from.

But the immersive games are fantastic!

Perhaps I am?

A small sacrifice to make even if it is false. I don't really care. I can totally live with not playing those games anyway.

But you mentioned that you loved the Zelda series until you were somehow convinced it was bad for you. You wouldn't like to play that series again without feeling guilty unnecessarily?

What makes you think God wouldn't care...?

Because you aren't doing any of these things.

You're telling your character on screen to do it. You're getting pleasure out of making your character on screen do it. You're getting pleasure out of making your character on screen commit horrible sins...

That are fake, and usually not actually wrong in the game world.

No, but again, I don't like seeing things commit acts of sin.

When I see somebody commit sin, I don't find that enjoyable. Likewise, I don't find my character on screen committing acts of sin fun.

Maybe it isn't really happening- but still seeing it isn't enjoyable... I don't see why I would personally find it enjoyable. Okay, magic games? Yes. Lets face it- magical powers sound like awesome fun.

I agree!

But GTA? Bah humbug.

I can see where you're coming from on this one, and I don't take issue with it at all. If you just don't feel like playing a gangster, then you don't feel like playing a gangster. I only take issue with the fact that you do feel like playing these fantasy games with magic in them but don't end up playing them because you've convinced yourself that fake magic is just as wrong as real magic.

 

[Dannager]

Yeah... it really is. Its promoting evil ideals.

No, it isn't! Why in the world are you under the impression that it is?

Well- where does the bible say that its okay to pretend to dabble in magic, hm? Where does it?

Where does it say it isn't? We aren't supposed to decide that something is morally wrong just because. Magic is wrong, sure. Pretending to use fake magic is not wrong.

 

[Lumen]

Like magic? I can understand the whole shooting hookers thing, but how does this apply to magic? Even if your character were doing these things in real life, they still wouldn't be magic. They would be pretend. They wouldn't actually do anything. You know why? Because it's not real. So stop using the "if my character were doing these things in real life it'd be wrong" argument. It doesn't hold up.
But the character isn't doing anything bad when he uses make-believe fake "magic" in a video game. Because it's not real.
Yeah, I kind of am. I'm at least a little disturbed that someone would deprive herself of games like this just because she has a poor understanding of what can be considered real and what can't.
That's great, but what did that have to do with my question on why you take offense to games that have different gods in them.
[bible]Philippians 4:8[/bible]
Well, no, but neither is going to the bathroom and you do that anyway.
Woah, what? How are fake gods anti-God? They're fake! They can't be opposed to God, because God doesn't exist in that fake world.
But there's nothing wrong with thinking about games, and the only reason you're dwelling on the godesses or whatever as much as you are is because you think they're wrong for some reason.
But the things you're dwelling on aren't anti-God. You just have this odd idea that they are, for some reason.
You're missing excellent story many times, and there isn't any reason to do it. I'm not asking you to ignore what the characters are doing. I'm just hoping for you to realize that there isn't anything wrong with it, because it's all fake.
That's wonderful, but I feel convicted to let you know that you are doing this all unnecessarily.
That little voice is probably just your confusion with whether or not something that is fake can be considered morally wrong to view.
But magic isn't okay, and these games aren't saying it is. They're saying that in this fake world, fake magic is cool.
But there aren't other gods, and these games aren't saying there are. They're saying that in this fake world, fake other gods exist.
But it's not okay, and these games aren't saying that it is. They're saying that in this fake world, killing other people for no reason is possible.
But having sex before marriage is not okay, and these games aren't saying that it is. They're saying that in this fake world, having sex before marriage isn't frowned upon.
But committing sin is not okay, and these games aren't saying that it is. They're saying that in this fake world, some of these things are not sin because they aren't beholden to the same morality that you are in many cases.
But they're not evil in the fake game world. It is really important that you realize that there is a line between fantasy and reality, because you don't seem to have a very good grasp of it.
You're dwelling on them because you've convinced yourself that they are bad.
For goodness sake, read the books. They're not magic. They're fake. They talk about a fantasy world that doesn't really exist, and reading about it will not harm you unless for some reason you convince yourself that real magic is cool and start trying to do it. It's fake.
Promoting magic isn't cool. But these games aren't promoting magic. The Harry Potter series isn't promoting magic. The magic talked about in the games and books isn't real. It's fake. The only things being promoted are reading and imagination, which were good things last I checked.
Precisely. Now, where do we live? The game world, or the real world? The answer is, of course, the real world. Here, magic isn't okay. In the game world, though, this fake magic, that isn't even close to what real magic is, is okay. You need to realize that fantasy is fantasy and reality is reality.
I'm pretty convinced, again, that the only reason you're dwelling on these things (and being bothered by it) is because you've (or your parents have, or your pastor has, or whomever has) convinced yourself that they are wrong through an improper understanding of how morality and fantasy work.
But the immersive games are fantastic!

But you mentioned that you loved the Zelda series until you were somehow convinced it was bad for you. You wouldn't like to play that series again without feeling guilty unnecessarily?
Because you aren't doing any of these things.
That are fake, and usually not actually wrong in the game world.
I agree!
I can see where you're coming from on this one, and I don't take issue with it at all. If you just don't feel like playing a gangster, then you don't feel like playing a gangster. I only take issue with the fact that you do feel like playing these fantasy games with magic in them but don't end up playing them because you've convinced yourself that fake magic is just as wrong as real magic.

That's right.

Fantasy takes place in created worlds. Worlds where law usually doesn't apply quite like it does in the real world.

 

[Ringo84]

Yeah... it really is. Its promoting evil ideals.

Well- where does the bible say that its okay to pretend to dabble in magic, hm? Where does it?

But this matter is really trivial to me. I don't care about this. As in my big post, I have other reasons that I personally don't play.

So I take it that God would punish me for killing virtual people in a video game? Please.

It's a judgment call. If you're the type of person who has a problem with violent video games, or you can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality, don't play. Otherwise, stop trying to ruin it for people that do enjoy video games.
Ringo

 

[Dannager]

So I take it that God would punish me for killing virtual people in a video game? Please.

It's a judgment call. If you're the type of person who has a problem with violent video games, or you can't tell the difference between fantasy and reality, don't play. Otherwise, stop trying to ruin it for people that do enjoy video games.
Ringo

I don't think she's trying to "ruin it" for people, I think she's just sharing her opinion (though it does seem to be a rather confused one). Her intent isn't hostile at all, it would seem.

 

[Ringo84]

I don't think she's trying to "ruin it" for people, I think she's just sharing her opinion (though it does seem to be a rather confused one). Her intent isn't hostile at all, it would seem.

You're probably right. I wasn't really thinking there. She's entitled to her opinion absolutely.
Ringo

 

[JC4LIFE316]

I have a questions and I want as much answers as possibles. By now every one should know the game called World of Warcraft. As you might know this game can be really addicting. I wan to find out if this game is ok for Christians. I got this game and started playing as Human Paladin. I would like opinions on this game from a Christian side of view.

 

[blackpower]

doggy

 

[Dust and Ashes]

I have a questions and I want as much answers as possibles. By now every one should know the game called World of Warcraft. As you might know this game can be really addicting. I wan to find out if this game is ok for Christians. I got this game and started playing as Human Paladin. I would like opinions on this game from a Christian side of view.

I've played the game off and on since beta and like it and don't see anything wrong with it in and of itself. I like the ability to solo but that gets boring and since PUGs (pick up groups) are virtually non-existent in the game, I always get tired of it after about a month and quit playing.

I know people who are terribly addicted to it and do little more than play it. I can't criticize them because I was the exact same way about Everquest back in 2001-2003.

I'd say play the game if you enjoy it but keep an eye on your time and if it starts to be something you blow off family, friends and responsibilities for, then start looking at cutting it loose.

 

[JC4LIFE316]

I also want to hear what everyone thinks about W.O.W. from the spiritual side of view, because in the game u can be a warlock, druid, or a shaman, (all this are witchcraft and satanic images). My character is human paladin, so it does not involve any of that stuff, but I still want to make sure that the game is alright because all the other sides to it. I want to hear as much opinions and suggestions as possible.

 

[ravendta]

I also want to hear what everyone thinks about W.O.W. from the spiritual side of view, because in the game u can be a warlock, druid, or a shaman, (all this are witchcraft and satanic images). My character is human paladin, so it does not involve any of that stuff, but I still want to make sure that the game is alright because all the other sides to it. I want to hear as much opinions and suggestions as possible.

Here ya go!

http://www.christianforums.com/t3025471-world-of-warcraft-evil.html

 

[ravendta]

Blah -double post. Sorry.

 

[Dannager]

I also want to hear what everyone thinks about W.O.W. from the spiritual side of view, because in the game u can be a warlock, druid, or a shaman, (all this are witchcraft and satanic images). My character is human paladin, so it does not involve any of that stuff, but I still want to make sure that the game is alright because all the other sides to it. I want to hear as much opinions and suggestions as possible.

There's nothing wrong with playing any of those things in a fantasy world. None of it is real.