Can you be a video-gamer and still be a Christian?

[redeemed4life]

I've been a video gamer my whole life ever since I was a little kid to now an almost 30 year old. When it comes to video games, I have been addicted to them when I was younger, glued to the tv for up to 8 or more hours at a time. And, now since I'm married and older, video games is played up to 2 hours a day. I've learned that video games are not sinful, but they are stupid. You play in a fantasy world with other gamers as a team going after a goal that really doesn't matter in life. This can be dangerous, because people can get stuck in this fantasy world, stuck in the characters, and stuck in the fantasy vs reality. I was thinking the other day, that when we are judged for the good and bad we do after when we die, is God going to care what level we got in Skyrim, how many trophies/achievements we got, how many kills you got, etc? I think God is more concerned what you did for His Kingdom rather than for the fantasy kingdom played with other gamers for a goal. I'm not saying that we cannot kick back and involve ourselves in this fantasy world, but the question how much time do we involve ourselves in this fantasy world, do we know the difference between fantasy and reality, and do we care about God's Kingdom or the fantasy kingdom more?

Another question I have, I'm a big fan of fps (first-person shooters), especially the Call of Duty series, and Halo series. I also enjoy playing the LEGO games and the Assassin Creed games. I have had several non-Christians ask me, what does your God think about a Christian playing violent video games. For myself, I have to be very discerning of which games I must stay away from and what games are acceptable. Is this video game issue related to Romans 14? What are your thoughts?

 

[B-A-C]

This is what I love about TalkJesus, it makes you look at things in new ways sometimes.
From reading your post, I gather this isn't about the occasional game of Mario Bros or Donkey Kong, this is about addiction to hard core violent games, correct?

To redeemed4life....
I would ask you, what would your answer be if I changed your sentence slightly?
Can you be a Christian and be addicted to video games?

Can you be a Christian and be addicted to Drugs? Cigarettes? Alcohol? Pornography?
I am sure there are a lot of different opinions on this, but I wonder what your opinion is?

 

[redeemed4life]

Actually that isn't the case at all. Perhaps you read it incorrectly, I said I once was addicted to video games as a young man, but not anymore.Cause from time to time, we all watch violent movies. So, with saying that are watching violent games and playing violent games the same or different. There are certain violent video games I stay away from, because they have sexual content, very graphic violence, strong language and nudity in them. Some other video games I just stay clear from altogether because they don't have a point at all to them such as Grand Theft Auto, where you can hire prostitutes and kill innocent people just for fun. So, with these in mind my question was, can you be a Christian and play violent video games?

 

[christbased]

Hi Redeemed4life,

I am an avid videogame player as well, and your comments are very very relivent.
But I think it comes down to addiction to "anything" that takes us away from the worship, life and blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ. For some that may be playing too many baseball games, too much running, some kind of escape addiction. For some those activities might actually be incorporated into there worship and joining with the rest of the world in a correct a holy way. For example, I could see if I played baseball, was filled with the holy spirit and hung out with my friends and just was kind and joyful, would be a perfect type of working for our Lord, and what I Should be doing. Yet if someone was using baseball as an escape from life and really hiding from our Lord, then.... it would be unhealthy. It's a question of addiction.

I am typing this all as my 9 year old daughter is playing Sonic the Hedgehog on the Xbox right beside me So... it's relevant that I am personally taking about this question. If we are playing video games to escape from our world and worth of our Lord..... then that would be a problem. If we are playing video games, for a little time to unwind, I personally believe that is perfectly ok. But if we ONLY play video games to unwind, I believe that is an issue as we need to have a balanced lifestyle. It's really an addiction issue I believe, and should be looked at as that. Hiking is wonderful and healthy to do (and I really really enjoy it), but if I hiked all the time to the point of addiction, then that would be a problem and issue between me and our Lord, family, friends and others. I like B-A-C's response, it's a question directly of addiction. The whole question of fantasy games I have had to deal with as well in my own life, I used to play Dungeons and Dragons with my friends some 30 years ago before I met Jesus. Once I became a Christian, I dropped it as yes, having your head stuck in some kind of fantasy is... IMO, not healthy, period.

Now, I am going to go directly out on a limb hear...... I personally feel that our military/police is a force used, and needs to be used as otherwise our Nations and directly Christian Nations (as well as Non-Christian) would not be protected. If I look at the "emotion" that is instilled in me when I play some kind of Call of Duty, War game that pulls from the Second World War. Counterstrike where you directly rescue hostages, Black Ops where you play missions in the middle east fighting terrorist or even Halo where you defend earth against Aliens (the convenant) who have a bad religion, I find it really plays into not a bad head space. It instills at least in me, a sense of loyalty, protection. Again, this is MY option. But I personally don't find these emotions going against our or my call as a Christian (protect those around you who are helpless, protect your country, protect your land from violent religion). That idea "unfortunately" pull from our reality, and protecting our country, people and those around us. This is not a bad thing.

Alternatively, IMHO, playing a game that is directly evil where you play a zombie, cast spells or do things that are clearly outlined that we NEED to avoid, and is directly stipulated in Deuteronomy, would be bad not only for our phycie, but also for our soul.
So,... it's a mixed bag, and I think all depends on your perception of where your head space is while you play a video game. The kids unwinding with Mario Brothers (a fun game where an Italian guy jumps over turtles and such) is very benign and quite fun and enjoyable and social family fun. For my son, who is autistic, playing video games in general is awesome as it builds his coordination directly and 2 years ago he could not even look at a TV screen and understand what is going on. Now he is full engaged and talks about everything he does. So video games, for my son, who has also had brain surgery (I live in Canada so it's included in our medical, yeh! $200,000 seizure stopping surgery, paid by only a $98/month fee for the whole family, yes, God is good, all the time! Doctor salaries are capped and controlled and that is the only reason why Canada can do this) , for him video games have been a God send.

So, in my option. It comes down to addiction and appropriateness questions. And really, going to everything we do in life. We need to analysis everything we do, not just video games. Push it through scripture, prayer and ultimately, ask Jesus what he thinks We always get directed by him, we just need to listen and follow the spirit. I know for me this is a loosy goosy response, but I also believe that is the difference between a relationship vs a religion. We are engaged in a relationship with Christ, not a rule based religion to an unknowable God.

friend in Christ

 

[Fragrant Grace]

I've been a video gamer my whole life ever since I was a little kid to now an almost 30 year old. When it comes to video games, I have been addicted to them when I was younger, glued to the tv for up to 8 or more hours at a time. And, now since I'm married and older, video games is played up to 2 hours a day. ....
Another question I have, I'm a big fan of fps (first-person shooters), especially the Call of Duty series, and Halo series. I also enjoy playing the LEGO games and the Assassin Creed games. I have had several non-Christians ask me, what does your God think about a Christian playing violent video games.

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord:
whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
Romans 14:7-9


A few thoughts for you redeemed4life


Francis Havergal (hymn writer and author) once wrote:

If He says what is in thine hand? Let us examine honestly whether it is something He can use to His glory or not. If not do not let us hesitate in dropping it.
It may be something we do not like to part with: but the Lord is able to give thee much more and ...will enable us to count those things loss which were gain to us....
If our hands are full of other things, they cannot be filled with the things that are Jesus Christ's...there must be emptying before there can be complete filling.
*********

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2



The dearest idol I have known
Whatever that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee*


*William Cowper hymn

 

[christbased]

Thank You Fragrant Grace!

 

[Creation Daily]

Fragrant Grace, is it okay to play video games, like Call of Duty, sometimes? Cause sometimes when i'm alone at home and satan comes to tempt me to do something sinful, what i do is i play video games to get my mind off the temptation. So, is it okay? Like to hear your response.

 

[Waggles]

So, with these in mind my question was, can you be a Christian and play violent video games?

I think it is a real conflict of values and use of time.
Isn't there a modern adage - "garbage in, garbage out" You are correct in recognizing the inherent sinful dangers of video game content.
I suppose it is just another mechanism or strategy by which our adversary wastes our time with worldly pleasures.
For me as I grow spiritually I gain incrementally a little more wisdom in recognizing what is not expedient, what is not helpful, to me in my walk with Christ.
So little time, so many distractions.

 

[rag4aCrown]

Has no one ever read Ecclesiastes (the Preacher)? He came to the understanding to fear God and keep His commandments: for it is man's whole duty. He says all the Way through the scripture that everything here is here for vanity and vexation of spirit.

Makes perfect wisdom and understanding to me. For the New Testament supports what the Preacher came to understand. Deny the flesh; forsake All.

If the things we do are not God focused, Then it must be self focused... the lust of the flesh and the pride of this life.

God bless us all. Amen

 

[amadeus2]

We can be anything and become a follower of Christ. Once we have become, what is it that we can remain?

Take it one step at the time and be led always by the Holy Spirit. Remember that God in the beginning made everything "very good" but what has man done with so many of those very good things?

I am not saying for a person not to do this or not to do that. Rather I am saying, "Listen to God's voice wherever it is and then take His advice." Sometimes God does speaks through men and at least once we know that He spoke through a donkey. Pay attention!

Is it wrong to play video games? While considering that also consider, is it wrong to be on the Internet? Where is our heart?

We are in the world and for the moment that is where God's wants us, but... if we are His, we are not of the world. Do first things first and then...


"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33

 

[Julie.S]

I play video games now and then a few faves are Skyrim and Minecraft. They help me unwind and with my anxiety that can be bad at time.

 

[Daniel Barendregt]

If You are playing video games in times where you are depressed, in pain, or trying to get rid of, or forget anxiety you're playing for the wrong reason.
As it has in the bible these verses:


1. Psalm 68:19-20 The Lord deserves praise! Day after day he carries our burden, the God who delivers us. Our God is a God who delivers; the LORD, the sovereign Lord, can rescue from death.

2. Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

3. Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

4. Psalm 81:6-7 “I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered youout of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

5. 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

6. Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God among you is powerful— he will save and he will take joyful delight in you. In his love he will renew you with his love; he will celebrate with singing because of you.

7. Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Give your burdens to God.

8. Psalm 55:22 Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble.

9. Psalm 18:6 But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

10. Psalm 50:15 Pray to me when you are in trouble! I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”

11. Philippians 4:6-7 Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. Then God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds in union with the Messiah Jesus.

It seems to Me that God wants us to come to Him with our problems and our doubts, not to our Playstation, xbox, or PC.
Get right with God, and then I'm sure you'll have more fun playing your video games anyway.....

 

[Bendito]

Actually that isn't the case at all. Perhaps you read it incorrectly, I said I once was addicted to video games as a young man, but not anymore.Cause from time to time, we all watch violent movies. So, with saying that are watching violent games and playing violent games the same or different. There are certain violent video games I stay away from, because they have sexual content, very graphic violence, strong language and nudity in them. Some other video games I just stay clear from altogether because they don't have a point at all to them such as Grand Theft Auto, where you can hire prostitutes and kill innocent people just for fun. So, with these in mind my question was, can you be a Christian and play violent video games?

Would you say that God likes violence or does He hate it? If God hates violence would you want to play with it? If I was addicted to cigarettes, can I be a Christian? Of course you can but spending time with Jesus faithfully will change the way you see things...He will lead you out of these things and all you have to do is be willing and obedient to follow His lead...
He can set you free from any addiction...In fact He already has, as in John 8:36 So talk to Him about it and be willing to obey whatever He shows you.

 

[Julie.S]

If You are playing video games in times where you are depressed, in pain, or trying to get rid of, or forget anxiety you're playing for the wrong reason.
As it has in the bible these verses:


1. Psalm 68:19-20 The Lord deserves praise! Day after day he carries our burden, the God who delivers us. Our God is a God who delivers; the LORD, the sovereign Lord, can rescue from death.

2. Matthew 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.

3. Psalm 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

4. Psalm 81:6-7 “I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. In your distress you called and I rescued you, I answered youout of a thundercloud; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

5. 2 Corinthians 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

6. Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God among you is powerful— he will save and he will take joyful delight in you. In his love he will renew you with his love; he will celebrate with singing because of you.

7. Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Give your burdens to God.

8. Psalm 55:22 Turn your burdens over to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will never let the righteous person stumble.

9. Psalm 18:6 But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

10. Psalm 50:15 Pray to me when you are in trouble! I will deliver you, and you will honor me!”

11. Philippians 4:6-7 Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. Then God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds in union with the Messiah Jesus.

It seems to Me that God wants us to come to Him with our problems and our doubts, not to our Playstation, xbox, or PC.
Get right with God, and then I'm sure you'll have more fun playing your video games anyway.....

Actually sometimes that anxiety comes from the outside world so going into say Minecraft and building a house can be very relaxing. Its not always a bad thing to use video games to get rid of stress its only bad if you play for hours on hours every day.

 

[Daniel Barendregt]

Actually sometimes that anxiety comes from the outside world so going into say Minecraft and building a house can be very relaxing. Its not always a bad thing to use video games to get rid of stress its only bad if you play for hours on hours every day.

Playing video games for relief from anxiety, and playing on it for long periods of time, every day are both wrong and both make video games an idol.
Read the texts I have previously posted again.
Many of them clearly show that God wants us to come to Him about are problems, with our anxiety.
God can also protect us from getting anxiety from the outside world, He can break it apart right in that moment! If we could just pray.
If you were going to use video games to settle down from anxiety, tell me what will happen when you go back out into the world? You just get anxiety again!

That's like smoking cigarettes when your stressed, it only temporarily solves the problem.

Go to God first he can protect you from anxiety forever! If we would just pray..

 

[Julie.S]

Playing video games for relief from anxiety, and playing on it for long periods of time, every day are both wrong and both make video games an idol.
Read the texts I have previously posted again.
Many of them clearly show that God wants us to come to Him about are problems, with our anxiety.
God can also protect us from getting anxiety from the outside world, He can break it apart right in that moment! If we could just pray.
If you were going to use video games to settle down from anxiety, tell me what will happen when you go back out into the world? You just get anxiety again!

That's like smoking cigarettes when your stressed, it only temporarily solves the problem.

Go to God first he can protect you from anxiety forever! If we would just pray..

Sorry I still play them though along with my friends and it has brought us together. I am sorry if that makes you angry or upset. I have a lot of things that help me with my anxiety. Thanks for the concern though its appreciated.

"If you were going to use video games to settle down from anxiety, tell me what will happen when you go back out into the world? You just get anxiety again!"

To be honest no that's not always true at least in my experience. You learn how to handle things over time and adapt. I do pray to God often thanks and God has helped me with a lot.

 

[Daniel Barendregt]

Sorry I still play them though along with my friends and it has brought us together. I am sorry if that makes you angry or upset. I have a lot of things that help me with my anxiety. Thanks for the concern though its appreciated.

"If you were going to use video games to settle down from anxiety, tell me what will happen when you go back out into the world? You just get anxiety again!"

To be honest no that's not always true at least in my experience. You learn how to handle things over time and adapt. I do pray to God often thanks and God has helped me with a lot.

I was not angry or upset in the slightest. I was merely stating the best way to completely be rid of it.
When you said, "To be honest no that's not always true at least in my experience." You can't say, "No" and then say, "That's not always true."
That's like saying, "No, it doesn't happen, but sometimes it does."
Just thought I would point that out, just food for thought.

I'm glad you pray often, God Bless you Julie.

 

[KingJ]

1. I've been a video gamer my whole life ever since I was a little kid to now an almost 30 year old. When it comes to video games, I have been addicted to them when I was younger, glued to the tv for up to 8 or more hours at a time. And, now since I'm married and older, video games is played up to 2 hours a day. I've learned that video games are not sinful, but they are stupid. You play in a fantasy world with other gamers as a team going after a goal that really doesn't matter in life. This can be dangerous, because people can get stuck in this fantasy world, stuck in the characters, and stuck in the fantasy vs reality. I was thinking the other day, that when we are judged for the good and bad we do after when we die, is God going to care what level we got in Skyrim, how many trophies/achievements we got, how many kills you got, etc? I think God is more concerned what you did for His Kingdom rather than for the fantasy kingdom played with other gamers for a goal. I'm not saying that we cannot kick back and involve ourselves in this fantasy world, but the question how much time do we involve ourselves in this fantasy world, do we know the difference between fantasy and reality, and do we care about God's Kingdom or the fantasy kingdom more?

2. Another question I have, I'm a big fan of fps (first-person shooters), especially the Call of Duty series, and Halo series. I also enjoy playing the LEGO games and the Assassin Creed games. I have had several non-Christians ask me, what does your God think about a Christian playing violent video games. For myself, I have to be very discerning of which games I must stay away from and what games are acceptable. Is this video game issue related to Romans 14? What are your thoughts?

1. I agree with all you said. It is fine to play, just much watch that clock.

2. I don't have much of a problem with this. Self defense and helping the weak is Christianity 101. Many soldiers are very good Christians. I would be concerned if we craved playing as serial killer. Had a game like that that I through away.

Did I just reply to a 2013 post .

 

[Julie.S]

I was not angry or upset in the slightest. I was merely stating the best way to completely be rid of it.
When you said, "To be honest no that's not always true at least in my experience." You can't say, "No" and then say, "That's not always true."
That's like saying, "No, it doesn't happen, but sometimes it does."
Just thought I would point that out, just food for thought.

I'm glad you pray often, God Bless you Julie.

Actually to be honest I have been hearing that most of my life and I have been saying it for half of my life also and its seems to work.

When you say "No" you are disagreeing with one thing and then stating something else such as "That is not true."

 

[Kaibeto]

Another game nurd yeesss I'm not alone lolz.