Video Games Sinful?

[Book Keeper]

I read an interesting post earlier today regarding video games; more precisely violent video games. The question was posed whether violent videos damaged our relationship with God, and suggested that those enjoying these type of video games were shallow minded and couldn't enjoy a relationship with God.

I am very open about my enjoyment of video games; to me they are forms of entertainment - nothing more and nothing less. After I get home in an evening from a hard day at work (I currently work six days a week equating to 45 hours), I enjoy a video game to depart from the stresses and worries of the day. I enjoy sports entertainment, such as WWE, but I also enjoy war games; I'm sure you can deduce that these are for mature audiences and are rated 18 (highest rating of a video game in the United Kingdom).

Although I enjoy these type of games, I do not represent myself by the actions contained within the games within the real world; they are artificial worlds created to distance yourself from reality for a brief while. I always keep God at heart; this means He never leaves me, and I remember His presence. If video games become an addiction and one cannot distance themselves from them, this is the time where video games become destructive; they start overwriting your core routine and purpose until they play you!

I am interested to hear your opinion on this subject as its such a broad topic.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

I read an interesting post earlier today regarding video games; more precisely violent video games. The question was posed whether violent videos damaged our relationship with God, and suggested that those enjoying these type of video games were shallow minded and couldn't enjoy a relationship with God.

I am very open about my enjoyment of video games; to me they are forms of entertainment - nothing more and nothing less. After I get home in an evening from a hard day at work (I currently work six days a week equating to 45 hours), I enjoy a video game to depart from the stresses and worries of the day. I enjoy sports entertainment, such as WWE, but I also enjoy war games; I'm sure you can deduce that these are for mature audiences and are rated 18 (highest rating of a video game in the United Kingdom).

Although I enjoy these type of games, I do not represent myself by the actions contained within the games within the real world; they are artificial worlds created to distance yourself from reality for a brief while. I always keep God at heart; this means He never leaves me, and I remember His presence. If video games become an addiction and one cannot distance themselves from them, this is the time where video games become destructive; they start overwriting your core routine and purpose until they play you!

I am interested to hear your opinion on this subject as its such a broad topic.

I play Tomb Raider,.. and I'm not going to go out into the world and shoot and kill everything I see and I still love the Lord very much as well so,.. I personally don't think that it's a sin.

 

[Book Keeper]

I play Tomb Raider,.. and I'm not going to go out into the world and shoot and kill everything I see and I still love the Lord very much as well so,.. I personally don't think that it's a sin.

Thank you for your input; you have the same viewpoint as I.
My Dad used to play Tomb Raider; the classic PlayStation 1 version.

 

[for_his_glory]

I like playing hidden object games. Many do have an evil content to them, but yet it comes down to good verses the evil as good always wins. I have the volume turned off so hubby can hear the TV and I don't read the story lines. I just like finding the hidden objects around the rooms.

 

[JohnDB]

Considering how often the same themes have been played out on regular television...even Doctor Who...

It's a form of disingenuousness to denigrate video games with "adult only" labels and yet no rating for regular movies and programs on television.

Numb thumbs and a bit of carpal tunnel is the only difference between the two.

Who in their right mind tries to practice witchcraft after watching Harry Potter? Or believes in talking cars after watching the Disney movie "Cars"? How about talking mice after watching Mickey Mouse? Are people trying to become a rodent when they wear the Mouse Ears after a trip to Disneyland or Disney World?

I really don't see people wearing a Wii guitar out to play music on the street...but everyone still seems to know the game.

Everyone has watched the Avengers...but nobody seems to pretend to be any of the stars of the movie. Not even Iron Man.

Sigh


The games are kinda expensive at $75 a pop.

Old shows like Perry Mason featured murder every week.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

Considering how often the same themes have been played out on regular television...even Doctor Who...

It's a form of disingenuousness to denigrate video games with "adult only" labels and yet no rating for regular movies and programs on television.

Numb thumbs and a bit of carpal tunnel is the only difference between the two.

Who in their right mind tries to practice witchcraft after watching Harry Potter? Or believes in talking cars after watching the Disney movie "Cars"? How about talking mice after watching Mickey Mouse? Are people trying to become a rodent when they wear the Mouse Ears after a trip to Disneyland or Disney World?

I really don't see people wearing a Wii guitar out to play music on the street...but everyone still seems to know the game.

Everyone has watched the Avengers...but nobody seems to pretend to be any of the stars of the movie. Not even Iron Man.

Sigh


The games are kinda expensive at $75 a pop.

Old shows like Perry Mason featured murder every week.

I practiced witchcraft after watching Harry Potter,.. but when I was a kid anything was possible and it was just pretend.

 

[Edward]

I used to play quite a few video games. I only like a few different ones (GTA, Goldeneye 007 mostly) but they started taking more of my time and I felt convicted about it so prayed about it for a few days and the Lord gave me an answer.

He said He does not like games that glorify sin in any way (GTA!) and while some entertainment is ok at times, that I need to be able to say, enough is enough for now...and put it down. Do not let the games or television take up too much of my time. He said the biggest danger in video gaming is that, they are a distraction and steal my time, that could be better spent, in prayer in His presence, especially in these last days when there is not much time left before He comes. He told me that everyone will regret that they did not spend more time with Him or doing things to sow love into the world by doing things for the Kingdom. Same thing with TV, though he said that documentaries are usually ok. (that surprised me!)

I had been spending entirely too much time gaming and so that made me feel sort of bad. I pretty much stopped playing video games now except for one game that my brother plays online, and I am like, number two under him in the game so play it every few days just to not leave my brother hanging. But I get on do some stuff and get back off. I do not play every day.

I do not judge others on their entertainment. The Lord put it on my heart to consider my time and worldly distractions, so this is where I am at on it. It may be different for you. I would say that if you feel it in your heart that it might be wrong or a sin for you...that may be the Lord trying to teach you something, so best to pray about it!

 

[Edward]

Oh, I just realized that I am playing computer card games here and there quite a bit. Those are video games too. Hmmm.

 

[Book Keeper]

I like playing hidden object games. Many do have an evil content to them, but yet it comes down to good verses the evil as good always wins. I have the volume turned off so hubby can hear the TV and I don't read the story lines. I just like finding the hidden objects around the rooms.

In many video games, the righteous side always prevails. I can't think of many video games that I've played whereas the enemy won. Most video games are designed for meaningful progression; if the enemy won in the end, the feeling of achievement would be lost.

Grammatical note: I chose the word enemy as these are mainly the type of video games I play, however the word enemy may not be suitable in all game themes. For clarity of the non-playing side, please follow the Thesaurus definition here for other words to replace enemy.

 

[Book Keeper]

Who in their right mind tries to practice witchcraft after watching Harry Potter? Or believes in talking cars after watching the Disney movie "Cars"? How about talking mice after watching Mickey Mouse? Are people trying to become a rodent when they wear the Mouse Ears after a trip to Disneyland or Disney World?

I really don't see people wearing a Wii guitar out to play music on the street...but everyone still seems to know the game.

Everyone has watched the Avengers...but nobody seems to pretend to be any of the stars of the movie. Not even Iron Man.

I think some people buy into the premise too much! I have seen grown men believing the Happy Potter story-line and trying to locate the 'real' Harry Potter; its pretty phenomenal!

 

[Book Keeper]

I used to play quite a few video games. I only like a few different ones (GTA, Goldeneye 007 mostly) but they started taking more of my time and I felt convicted about it so prayed about it for a few days and the Lord gave me an answer.

He said He does not like games that glorify sin in any way (GTA!) and while some entertainment is ok at times, that I need to be able to say, enough is enough for now...and put it down. Do not let the games or television take up too much of my time. He said the biggest danger in video gaming is that, they are a distraction and steal my time, that could be better spent, in prayer in His presence, especially in these last days when there is not much time left before He comes. He told me that everyone will regret that they did not spend more time with Him or doing things to sow love into the world by doing things for the Kingdom. Same thing with TV, though he said that documentaries are usually ok. (that surprised me!)

I had been spending entirely too much time gaming and so that made me feel sort of bad. I pretty much stopped playing video games now except for one game that my brother plays online, and I am like, number two under him in the game so play it every few days just to not leave my brother hanging. But I get on do some stuff and get back off. I do not play every day.

I do not judge others on their entertainment. The Lord put it on my heart to consider my time and worldly distractions, so this is where I am at on it. It may be different for you. I would say that if you feel it in your heart that it might be wrong or a sin for you...that may be the Lord trying to teach you something, so best to pray about it!

You have described exactly what I was explaining in the initial post.
If a game becomes too enticing and you become somewhat addicted to it, this is the point where the game is damaging and controls you.
I agree with your statement; one should pray and ensure that God is not substituted for an artificial reality, especially since our time here is limited.

Thank you for sharing your viewpoint.

 

[Book Keeper]

Oh, I just realized that I am playing computer card games here and there quite a bit. Those are video games too. Hmmm.

They count too Edward.
It's remarkable really; because if no-one examines this subject, one does not realise how much video games have an influence within one's life.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

I think some people buy into the premise too much! I have seen grown men believing the Happy Potter story-line and trying to locate the 'real' Harry Potter; its pretty phenomenal!

Really? 2Were they sending him owls or trying to make contact with him through the Floo network? chants "Would the real Harry Potter please stand up!? Please stand up!? Please stand up!?" XD! Sorry, I couldn't resist. :tongue

 

[Book Keeper]

Really? 2Were they sending him owls or trying to make contact with him through the Floo network? chants "Would the real Harry Potter please stand up!? Please stand up!? Please stand up!?" XD! Sorry, I couldn't resist. :tongue

I know it sounds ludicrous but its absolutely true! They are attempting to find the true school of Witchcraft and Wizardry; not to mention they believe they have magical potential inside of them, waiting to be unlocked.
Great reference to the song by the way!

 

[evenifigoalone]

Eyyy, love me some video games.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

I know it sounds ludicrous but its absolutely true! They are attempting to find the true school of Witchcraft and Wizardry; not to mention they believe they have magical potential inside of them, waiting to be unlocked.
Great reference to the song by the way!

Why thank you,.. and that's a hundred thousand points to Ravenclaw for me. :wink

 

[Chopper]

The question in my mind is, are all those "games" of the "world"? I say yes! Many of the gamers that I know, hardly ever study God's Word and are very weak in their walk in the Spirit. It's no wonder they are screwed up and as a professional Psychologist I'm in contact with so many baby Christians.

 

[evenifigoalone]

Is Chess of the world? It's still a good strategy game that exercises your mind in healthy ways.

 

[Chopper]

Is Chess of the world? It's still a good strategy game that exercises your mind in healthy ways.

Chess is a great old game. Again, is time in the Word of God equal to time in chess?

 

[evenifigoalone]

Chess is a great old game. Again, is time in the Word of God equal to time in chess?

That's fair. I admit this is an area where I struggle, not necessarily with video games, but with many, many of my hobbies. I don't consider myself a baby Christian as I have grown in my spiritual walk and gone through trials, etc. But my ability to get obsessed and immersed in things comes up time and time again.
When I was a child, it was an obsession with dogs. I would read up on dogs, read any book that featured dogs, teach my dogs tricks, etc. It was an intense obsession, and my parents time and time again warned me it might be an idol for me.
I'm wondering if I may have a bit of an addictive personality, because I notice I get obsessed with things easily, and in the past have battled a legitimate addiction that ruined my mental health for some time afterwards. (Since then, if I notice myself getting too involved with something, I try to dial it back a notch and make sure I enjoy other things.)

Video games aren't bad in and of themselves, but they are designed to be engaging and hold attention for a long time. So they can become a problem, or even a legitimate addiction, if restraint isn't practiced.