Video Games Sinful?

[HeIsRisen2018]

All I can say is that too much of anything isn't good. Even reading the Bible if that's all you do. Just in my opinion anyways.

 

[Chopper]

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.

You could have an addictive personality. If so, turn it onto the Word of God. You will be stunned at how Jesus will hug you on the inside!

 

[medievalglo]

My "guilty pleasure" has been the Sims.... It's been a long time since I've really gotten into the game, since we've had so many computer issues. Years since I could play, and I just got it back. I like the creative element in it. I HATE the "evil" scenarios in it.... I don't want to do any characters that cheat on others in their relationships, or steal, and more. What would be interesting if they ever WOULD do it....but I know it wouldn't be remotely possible because it wouldn't be profitable for them, is to add a Christian element to it.
Even that sounds crazy.....

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

Would it be totally wrong for me and sinful to say that although I love Jesus an awful lot, I just don't eat, sleep, and breathe the Bible?

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

Btw, I still follow His commandments though and I didn't realize that song I referenced had such vulgar lyrics. :/

 

[Edward]

All I can say is that too much of anything isn't good. Even reading the Bible if that's all you do. Just in my opinion anyways.

Now that is a rationalization and I disagree. You know what would happen if one spent 'too much time' so to speak in the word? I believe our scriptural example of that would be....Enoch. He lived in a cave most of the time I think and just stayed in the presence of God and His word, and wrote for God also because he was a scribe too..and God took him!

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

Now that is a rationalization and I disagree. You know what would happen if one spent 'too much time' so to speak in the word? I believe our scriptural example of that would be....Enoch. He lived in a cave most of the time I think and just stayed in the presence of God and His word, and wrote for God also because he was a scribe too..and God took him!

If reading the Bible was all that you did then you wouldn't ever socialize with anybody and you wouldn't have any other interests and be a rather boring person. I'm not saying that reading the Bible isn't important because it is, but I have a life as well to live.

 

[Book Keeper]

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.

This is when video games are at their most destructive. It doesn't take long for one to get addicted to the make belief world that a video game provides; balance is crucial, and when you cannot achieve balance, it's time to stop.

 

[Book Keeper]

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.

An obsessive personality could cause you to warp into a routine which you're not fully aware of. Keep God close and ask for guidance; He'll ensure you're okay and balance is achievable.

 

[Book Keeper]

You could have an addictive personality. If so, turn it onto the Word of God. You will be stunned at how Jesus will hug you on the inside!

I couldn't agree more Chopper.

 

[Book Keeper]

Btw, I still follow His commandments though and I didn't realize that song I referenced had such vulgar lyrics. :/

The lyrics are filthy; I was aware of the song though - I used to listen to this type of music many moons ago!

 

[Book Keeper]

My "guilty pleasure" has been the Sims.... It's been a long time since I've really gotten into the game, since we've had so many computer issues. Years since I could play, and I just got it back. I like the creative element in it. I HATE the "evil" scenarios in it.... I don't want to do any characters that cheat on others in their relationships, or steal, and more. What would be interesting if they ever WOULD do it....but I know it wouldn't be remotely possible because it wouldn't be profitable for them, is to add a Christian element to it.
Even that sounds crazy.....

I've never been fond of the Sims; I found it to be rather dull. I am aware that some of the Sims' releases featured nudity and distasteful content, however these are games (I am in no way justifying these). Always allow Jesus to guide you and you can't go wrong.

 

[Book Keeper]

Would it be totally wrong for me and sinful to say that although I love Jesus an awful lot, I just don't eat, sleep, and breathe the Bible?

I think Jesus should be in everything we do; from brushing your teeth in the morning, to getting ready for bed.

 

[Edward]

An obsessive personality could cause you to warp into a routine which you're not fully aware of. Keep God close and ask for guidance; He'll ensure you're okay and balance is achievable.

That's an interesting point. If one does become aware that they're in a less than desirable routine and wants to develop a new routine, it will take about three weeks to develop the new routine just by a conscious effort to do it. And as you most aptly point out, the Lord wants to and will help us to do this. All we need to do is ask. He will remind us when we stray from the course.

 

[Book Keeper]

That's an interesting point. If one does become aware that they're in a less than desirable routine and wants to develop a new routine, it will take about three weeks to develop the new routine just by a conscious effort to do it. And as you most aptly point out, the Lord wants to and will help us to do this. All we need to do is ask. He will remind us when we stray from the course.

Amen to that Edward.

 

[Redwords lou]

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 feel the same way. I used to play call of duty all the time, but it was for entertainment, I was a soldier, so I think that had a lot of why i was interested. I have a playstation and honestly I haven't used it in a while, im busy crafting and studying, but if i do play something I usually play wrestling games or some other ones like racing. I can see how video games can lead down a path of unrighteousness, such as ones where spells are being cast and imposed on you the player, but I thing that it is entertainment for the most part, Just like any other addictive thing, if you find you have given yourself over to it, then you need to stop. hey if we have to live, work, and survive in this world with sin all around us, I am sure we can discern whether or not gaming is sin in our lives.

 

[Book Keeper]

I feel the same way. I used to play call of duty all the time, but it was for entertainment, I was a soldier, so I think that had a lot of why i was interested. I have a playstation and honestly I haven't used it in a while, im busy crafting and studying, but if i do play something I usually play wrestling games or some other ones like racing. I can see how video games can lead down a path of unrighteousness, such as ones where spells are being cast and imposed on you the player, but I thing that it is entertainment for the most part, Just like any other addictive thing, if you find you have given yourself over to it, then you need to stop. hey if we have to live, work, and survive in this world with sin all around us, I am sure we can discern whether or not gaming is sin in our lives.

I agree Redwords lou; you have the same stance as I.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

The lyrics are filthy; I was aware of the song though - I used to listen to this type of music many moons ago!

Yeah me too but I cannot understand why. I suppose that I could always make a full Harry Potter parody to it because the tune, especially the chorus is rather catchy.

I think Jesus should be in everything we do; from brushing your teeth in the morning, to getting ready for bed.

I agree, there's just a difference to me of having Jesus always be with you versus constantly having your nose in a book even if it's the Bible.

 

[JohnDB]

Many of these things assist us to generate fantasies.
Fantasies about performing magic or being a super soldier or being a race car driver.

We all love to entertain rather mundane fantasies. Well....mundane to me at least.

That's why I like science fiction. The fantasy of using complicated technology. (I forgot that my new truck had a radio that works for a week and then got a notice about how my XM Satellite service was about to expire...but I've never used it and don't really know how...I think you get the idea)

Hey, my fantasies are real to me.
Even if they sound really stupid.

Fantasies for some people become a crutch. They would rather live in them than real life. Which is why some people love pornography so much that they become addicted to it. (Really common and boring)

To me, those real heroes of old really stand out. They had a passion that God used for his purposes. Which I love to fantasize about.
To be a guy who whispered in Wycliffe's ear about a brand new English translation of the Bible...that would be amazing.
I think that you get the idea.

 

[HeIsRisen2018]

Many of these things assist us to generate fantasies.
Fantasies about performing magic or being a super soldier or being a race car driver.

We all love to entertain rather mundane fantasies. Well....mundane to me at least.

That's why I like science fiction. The fantasy of using complicated technology. (I forgot that my new truck had a radio that works for a week and then got a notice about how my XM Satellite service was about to expire...but I've never used it and don't really know how...I think you get the idea)

Hey, my fantasies are real to me.
Even if they sound really stupid.

Fantasies for some people become a crutch. They would rather live in them than real life. Which is why some people love pornography so much that they become addicted to it. (Really common and boring)

To me, those real heroes of old really stand out. They had a passion that God used for his purposes. Which I love to fantasize about.
To be a guy who whispered in Wycliffe's ear about a brand new English translation of the Bible...that would be amazing.
I think that you get the idea.

I think so,... but does anybody here see me point as well? If we constantly were reading the Bible and that's literally all we did,.. we wouldn't even know each other right now.