My son is playing demonic video games, help!

[Fragrant Grace]

Well, for me, I don't really read scripture at all, and if/when I do, it's Jesus' teachings. For me, I base my statements on personal experiences and my beliefs for topics such as these. But I'm not breaking any major rules though.

Perhaps if you get immersed in the scripture and its wonders you would see things very differently.

This world is an enemy. Self is an enemy

Jesus is beautiful and His way is the only way

 

[thatguyontherig]

In reply to OP, If your son has a sense of reality vs. fantasy, you will not have a problem of him imitating this game, unless he has some kind of mental problem you may or may not be aware of currently. I currently work in the video game industry as a translator for Nintendo, I am fluent in both Japanese and English, and I have translated a number of the games in the Shin Megami Tensei (literally translated as "True Goddess Reincarnation" but that is a silly title, which is why the series has maintained the original Japanese name) series as a member of Aeon Genesis, and most recently Mother 3 (I highly suggest you play this series...the series is on the up and up when it comes to material as the games center around music, faith, and family....the final boss of the second game can only be defeated with prayer). I do not currently work for Atlus so I have no part in the official translations of any of the SMT: Persona series, but I have played them. Many of the Shin Megami Tensei games include the word "devil" in the title, but the Japanese connotation of the word "Devil" is different than our interpretation. A Devil in japanese mythos is a earth bound spirit, a ghost if you will. The Japanese titles do not include the word "oni" which is technically a devil in the western sense, so this was more the translators than the initial developers. All I can say is monitor what your kid is playing, and if you find something you do not want them to imitate, explain that they should not imitate it, and explain the consequences of both Earth and Heaven. Sometimes communication is the best way, rather than brute force. I let my kids play games while under my supervision, and I explain to them that the games should not be imitated. Killing is wrong, no matter who it is you kill, and war is not glorious. I am of an age that I saw games like Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, Silent Hill, Illusion of Gaia come out, all with a bit of criticism, but they are fiction...and video games have changed as a medium since their inception and can be an effective way to tell a story, that forces the player to become good at the game, and is rewarded with more of the story rather than a score, this is generally the case with Japanese role playing games, a genre which Shin Megami Tensei: Persona is a part of.

 

[dannibear]

In reply to OP, If your son has a sense of reality vs. fantasy, you will not have a problem of him imitating this game, unless he has some kind of mental problem you may or may not be aware of currently.

This is a myth.
I have posted something about this in the parent section already about violent video games and television.
http://www.talkjesus.com/parents/44662-violent-media-aggression.html#.UUDQK1eyI7k

 

[thatguyontherig]

I have been playing video games for years and I have let to harm a soul. Some people just do not have the ability to differentiate fantasy and reality. Most people do have this ability.

 

[dannibear]

I have been playing video games for years and I have let to harm a soul. Some people just do not have the ability to differentiate fantasy and reality. Most people do have this ability.

I wonder if you have read the article that I suggested?

 

[thatguyontherig]

I wonder if you have read the article that I suggested?

Its not much of an article, just parroting the same thing the media has been saying. One of the biggest ways to prevent such actions is to talk to your child. Children will listen if you do not treat them like children...talk to them like an adult. But like I mentioned, some people are predetermined to have violent tendencies, and sometimes violent media can increase the risk, others are fine, and have a grasp on reality. All media is violent, even books, and books can be seen as more violent than say a video game as they are fueled by the reader's imagination. You imagine the face, the voice, the persona of the character in the book...and if a violent event occurs you tend to imagine something violent, without the need of descriptive text.

 

[dannibear]

Its not much of an article, just parroting the same thing the media has been saying. One of the biggest ways to prevent such actions is to talk to your child. Children will listen if you do not treat them like children...talk to them like an adult. But like I mentioned, some people are predetermined to have violent tendencies, and sometimes violent media can increase the risk, others are fine, and have a grasp on reality. All media is violent, even books, and books can be seen as more violent than say a video game as they are fueled by the reader's imagination. You imagine the face, the voice, the persona of the character in the book...and if a violent event occurs you tend to imagine something violent, without the need of descriptive text.

You say that others are fine, but the truth of the matter is that these violent games have no moral consequences to the actions of the characters. Because the name of the site is TalkJesus, we ask in what context are violent video games ok on the minds of impressionable teens and children Bibically. And this is what we get:
Romans 14:19
Philippians 4:8

 

[thatguyontherig]

You say that others are fine, but the truth of the matter is that these violent games have no moral consequences to the actions of the characters. Because the name of the site is TalkJesus, we ask in what context are violent video games ok on the minds of impressionable teens and children Bibically. And this is what we get: Romans 14:19 Philippians 4:8

There are games that have moral consequences to the actions of your avatar...and mostly those games are Role Playing Games. The Ultima game series has a strong set of morals tied to it, and the player must conform to those morals if they are to win, and extreme consequences are for those who step out of such bounds. It all has to do with the developer, and again I must parrot, but communication is key. I'll also add, not all video games are intended for children. All video games are subject to a rating system like movies and TV shows, and many establishments will not let a minor purchase games over a certain rating, but the kids get them anyway because of their parents...and then the parents complain that the video game is violent. Its a pain in the neck. The original game mentioned in the thread was Persona 3...which is rated M, for mature. The ESRB rating system goes; E for Everybody, equivalent to a G rating. E10+ Everyone 10 and above, equivalent to a PG rating. T for Teen, Equivalent to PG-13. M for Mature, Equivalent to an R rating, and then there is AO which is Adults only...equivalent to an X rating. The ratings are printed right on the front of the case on the bottom left. Always in the same spot. If parents were to buy games appropriate to their children's age (Ie, not buying grand theft auto for an 8 year old), and keeping such games out of the hands of children, there would not be so much controversy. Those letters are not decoration, they are there for a reason. I do ask people spread this around, and inform people....I wish I could do paragraph breaks...

 

[dannibear]

I was hoping you would keep dialoguing with me as I was expecting something in particular, but I got more than I had hoped to draw out and what I expected. Thank you very much!

The original game mentioned in the thread was Persona 3...which is rated M, for mature. The ESRB rating system goes; E for Everybody, equivalent to a G rating. E10+ Everyone 10 and above, equivalent to a PG rating. T for Teen, Equivalent to PG-13. M for Mature, Equivalent to an R rating, and then there is AO which is Adults only...equivalent to an X rating. The ratings are printed right on the front of the case on the bottom left. Always in the same spot. If parents were to buy games appropriate to their children's age (Ie, not buying grand theft auto for an 8 year old), and keeping such games out of the hands of children, there would not be so much controversy. Those letters are not decoration, they are there for a reason. I do ask people spread this around, and inform people....I wish I could do paragraph breaks...

 

[dannibear]

I would like to cut and paste a part of the other thread here to help add to the point you have already made here.

Although the Internet poses additional risks, parents can control children's access by using filters or programs that monitor website visits. Yet surveys of US parents indicate that 20 to 30 percent of pre-schoolers and 40 percent of school age children experience no limits on TV or computer use at home.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I myself know porn is bad (in that it degrades women), and that violent video games are bad for little kids, but for those who know its just a game, and who's personality won't be effected (and they know that their personality won't be effected) can play them. And with porn, no one should watch it (not for religious reasons, but since it degrades women/men), but hey, you can't tell a person what to do in their private life.

Porn is bad not just because it degrades women, but because it poisons the minds of viewers of all ages. Violent video games are bad because they subtly plant the idea that violence is a desirable thing when disputes arise. Though many interpret the Scriptures differently, God NEVER promotes violence.

SLE

 

[Fenn]

Porn is bad not just because it degrades women, but because it poisons the minds of viewers of all ages. Violent video games are bad because they subtly plant the idea that violence is a desirable thing when disputes arise. Though many interpret the Scriptures differently, God NEVER promotes violence.

SLE

Porn is always bad. There is never a time when this is okay. You are cheating on your spouse or future spouse every time.
[h=3]Matthew 5:27-28[/h]King James Version (KJV)

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.


This line of thought is disturbing. Even what is in your heart counts as sin. This may be a good thing for some people, but I know that in my heart I am committing a multitude of sins. Idolatry, murder, dishonoring my parents, lying. There are probably a few others but those are my main struggles.
Idolatry is my most hated struggle. I get obsessive over things and I will let them fill my thoughts for a long time. Video Games are one of them. I am addicted to them and that is why for the most part I don't play them. I play little games, but I got rid of my game console and try not to play anything immersive. I saw that someone posted in the Teen section about being addicted to Social Media. If you are addicted to anything, I feel your are committing idolatry.


[h=3]Exodus 20:23[/h]King James Version (KJV)

23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.

This is not limited to gold or silver. It accounts for things on the computer, drugs, food and everything we can put before God and worship.


[h=3]Exodus 20:3[/h]King James Version (KJV)

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

 

[vangard]

I used to play video games a lot and I had to destroy that one. It is indeed very evil. English isn't my first language so I apologize in advance for mistakes...

I bought it with a bunch of other RPGs and didn't have much time to play then, so the game Persona3 was still wrapped and stayed like that for a few weeks. I'd like to warn whoever will read this: this is a very dangerous game. Even if this might sound ridiculous to certain people, they don't see it because it's a spiritual matter. It's comparable to Oui-ja boards and spiritism. If you're a true believer and if you have spiritual discernment, you would certainly not let your children play with stuff like that.

I had 2 nightmares in a row (I can count maybe 5 nightmares in total in my whole life - I'm almost 50 - so it's very unusual). I'll tell you the dream and explain: In my dream, I saw the big iron elevator of Persona3 that is found in Tantalus (a fantastic world that take place at the school at midnight) with that same strange atmosphere and also the blue light coming from above. I was going up with the elevator to find out what was there. When I reached the top floor, the door opened and I screamed because I realized I was dead and that I was't in heaven (the name Tantalus symbolically refers to hell and also to human sacrifices in mythology).

The strange thing about this is: when I had that nightmare, I hadn't played the game yet and it was still unwrapped!!! It's only when I started to play that I recognized the wrought iron elevator of the dark world Tantalus and the pale blue light... the Holy Spirit also warned me not to play it. I still had the time to see many things in the game that say a lot about the author's purpose...

1. When you start the game, as a student you have to sign the registry (like in a hotel) where you'll be staying and you're asked to enter your name (I always use fictitious names in games anyway). Once you've signed, you're told by a child appearing in the night in prisoner clothes that what you just signed is in fact a contract with the invisible world.
2. You then have to go to Tantalus each night (at midnight) and climb the big tower, floor by floor, level by level and collect things and Cards to develop "special skills". Your goal is to kill some beasts and make it to the top of the tower.
3. Those Cards are mostly representing demons (with real names such as Legion, Mother Harlot, Lilith, Succubus, Incubus and high principalities such as Beelzebub, Abaddon, Mithra, etc). Those are not foes that you would fight against (like in many games) but they're entities that you supposedly allow inside of you in order to have and develop stronger attack skills. When you accept a card, a message appear saying "you have welcomed ... (that demon) into your heart".
4. The fusion of some of those cards are to create more powerful demonic entities inside of you.
5. After a few times you go to school in the game, one of the teachers starts teaching the meaning and symbolism of Tarots and rudiments of divination.
6. Kids there (the characters) are shown to enter battles by shooting themselves in the head with a gun. Even if people try to minimize the meaning of this, anybody who has a hint of common sense knows very well that, seeing such a thing repeatedly, again and again, each time you enter a battle, could certainly convince some players - maybe not at the moment but later - (when some would go through a depression or hard times) to eventually use a gun on himself for real (not to manifest his psychic powers like in the game but in a suicidal intention).
7. The whole atmosphere of the game is heavy and really dark! Playing this game, even allowing it into your home, is extremely dangerous and opens a door to unclean spirits.

If someone fails to see a problem with the nature of this game, he's certainly an unbeliever or forgot to pray for spiritual discernment.

I won't let anybody tell me that Persona3 (and all the others in the same series hiding behind other titles) is benign and harmless. It has been intentionally created to promote spiritism and witchcraft and to bring people into deep spiritual bondage. I destroyed the game and also burned many others. I now play video games only once in a while and I'm a lot more selective in my choices.

I recommend that anyone who bought that game to not sell it but TO DESTROY IT AND NEVER LOOK BACK.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

I recommend that anyone who bought that game to not sell it but TO DESTROY IT AND NEVER LOOK BACK.

Well said @vangard

The only thing to do with all evil video games is to destroy them
And never buy them again


Put on the whole armour of God
Ephesians 6:11

 

[love_yeshua]

I am quite sure that there are parents who will ban this game simply because the entire plot is so mind-numbingly stupid... and it's no shocker that a lot of demonic entertainment is also just plain idiotic and makes zero sense. It's better for the Illuminati if people become total morons, right? It would be so much easier to control the world.

But really, I think you need to educate your kid. Clearly, he doesn't know as much as you do if he is playing the game. otherwise he would have rejected it from the beginning. So you have not been teaching him and you need to start telling him everything! I don't think this modern society is one for "protecting children from" certain types of information. It is more harmful not to tell them. For example, I wish my parents had told me about sexual abuse as soon as I was able to talk and understand them. The age they did tell me was a very good one, but not early enough for today's crazy society. You need to tell kids things at a very young age because they are going to encounter dangers before long.

 

[lawrenceb]

I don't have much time to reply, so this will be quick. Go back and read my post #12, page #2. My wife and I have an addictions ministry. This includes porn, alcohol, drugs AND VIDEO GAMES. The bulk of the advice posted in this forum is spot on. Objects consecrated to Satan's service will bring Satan's agents into your life. The object does not have to be "opened" or viewed for the attraction of demonic spirits to occur. I won't bore you with the dozens of events we have witnessed of demonic manifestation.

At this very moment, I can THINK about hugging my children; I can THINK about being in Japan; I can THINK about riding my bicycle. While I cannot physically DO all three of those things at the same time, I can THINK about DOING all three of them. Thus the battle is for the mind. God says if you even THINK about adultery with that women, you have already committed the deed. As a man thinketh, SO IS HE. Satan knows much about the mind, according to scripture. Don't be afraid of this, for the Lord has not given us the satanic spirit of fear, but he has given his people HIS spirit of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND. So deny access to Satan! Do not bring Satan's power objects into your life. Ignore what the ignorant tell you is okay. This is spiritual warfare.

Video games change the way in which the mind processes information. Those changes are identical with the changes, for example, that TM (transcendental meditation) and many drugs cause, which open the door (grant access) to the demonic. This is the problem with images, and why we are told not to make ANY graven images. Do a Holy Bible study of the word "images." You will be surprised. Images stand in rebellion to the King of kings. Get the rubbish out of your house, out of your life, do it now. Repent, and ask the Lord to take back the ground you had given to the enemy. Ask God for discernment to know what is wholesome and what is not. Only God can restore. Bring nothing into your house that you have not first taken before the Lord in prayer. This is standard operating procedure in the battle of spiritual warfare.

Walk in holiness and purity before our King. Do not be afraid. He will never leave you or forsake you. Count on him; do not count on the things of the world.

 

[Chad]

Snippet from gotquestions.org article...

1. Will video games edify or merely entertain me?To edify means to build up. Will playing video games build up your love for God, knowledge of Him, and ministry to others? “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24;Romans 14:19). When God gives us relaxation time, we should find uplifting activities to enjoy. Do we choose permissible over praiseworthy activities? When we have a choice between good, better, and best, we should choose the best (Galatians 5:13-17).

2. Will playing video games obey self-will or God’s will?God’s will for His children can be summed up in His greatest commandment: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). Our will has been polluted by sin. Because we have been saved from our selfish desires, we should surrender our will (Philippians 3:7-9). God’s will transforms our will (Psalm 143:10). Progressively, His desires for us become our deepest desires as well.

Many people believe the will of God is boring and humiliating. They picture a monk in a lonely monastery or a resentful church janitor. On the contrary, people who follow God’s will for their lives are the most joyful, adventurous people ever. Reading biographies of history’s heroes such Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, and George Mueller will verify that. Certainly, these saints faced difficulty from the world, their own flesh, and the devil. They may not have had much of this world’s possessions, but God accomplished great works through them. At first, His will seems impossible and too holy to be any fun, but God will give us the power to perform it and the desires to delight in it. “I delight to do Your will, O my God” (Psalm 40:8a; seeHebrews 13:21).

3. Does the video game glorify God?Some video games glorify violence, lewdness, and dumb decisions (e.g., “I’m out of the race, so I’ll just wreck my car”). As Christians, our activities should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and help us to grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ.

4. Will playing video games result in good works?“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10; see alsoTitus 2:11-14and1 Peter 2:15). Laziness and selfishness violate God’s purpose for us—to do good works to others (1 Corinthians 15:58; see alsoGalatians 6:9-10).

5. Will playing video games exhibit self-control?Many people have said that video games can become an addiction or an obsession. There is no room in the Christian life for such things. Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete disciplining his body so he may win the prize. Christians have a greater motivation to live a set-apart life of self-control—eternal reward in heaven (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

6. Will playing video games redeem the time?You will give account for how you use your limited minutes. Spending hours at a time playing a video game can hardly be called a good use of time. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). “Live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2; see alsoColossians 4:5,James 4:14, and1 Peter 1:14-22).

7. Does it pass the test of Philippians 4:8?“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). When you play video games, is your mind focused on godly or secular things?

8. Will playing video games fit in with my life purpose?Paul wrote that in the final days people would be “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4). Western culture fits that description. We love to play. Non-Christians become addicted to entertainment such as movies, sports, and music because they do not have a purpose higher than to enjoy life before death. These amusements cannot truly satisfy (Ecclesiastes 2:1). When Christians become addicted to the same things as non-Christians, can we truly say that we are exhibiting the new life “in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15)? Or do we prove to others that we are really no different than they are and that Christ has not made a significant difference in our lives?

Paul considered knowing, loving, and obeying God to be his highest priority. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ....I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:7-10). Will playing video games be showing my love for God or my love for the things of the world? (1 John 2:15-17).

9. Will playing video games give me an eternal focus?Christians have hope of eternal rewards in heaven if they are faithful on earth (seeMatthew 6:19-21and1 Corinthians 3:11-16). If we focus on living for eternity rather than the passing pleasures of earth, we will have surrendered resources, time, and hearts for ministry (Colossians 3:1-2;23-24). If our possessions or activities cause us to lose our eternal rewards, of what worth are they (Luke 12:33-37)? Christians often try to serve both God and their own desires. But Jesus clearly stated, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). God gives us joy through times of work and rest (Ecclesiastes 5:19;Matthew 11:28-29;Colossians 3:23-24). We must find that balance between labor and recreation. When we do set aside time for relaxation as Jesus did (Mark 6:31), we should choose an edifying activity.

The question is not “Can I play video games?” but “Would video games be the best choice?” Will this edify me, show love to my neighbor, and glorify God? We are to pursue praiseworthy activities, not simply permissible ones. However He leads you, passionately follow Him above all else. Prepare for eternity. Every sacrifice will seem insignificant when we meet Jesus.

Read more:Should a Christian play video games?

 

[vangard]

Every sacrifice will seem insignificant when we meet Jesus @Chad: I like that ...and totally agree!

I asked the LORD a couple of years ago about the video games (in general) and the answers were similar to what I read in the article Should a Christian play video games?: He told me it's the same thing than for movies or music.; it depends on their contents and also the time we allow to these things.

I read some comments in the previous pages... Bestrfcplayer wrote "it's not demonic". If a game like Persona3 and other SMT is "not demonic", then why are the conceptors using over a hundred names and images of real demons if it's "not demonic"? They also bring you to consider them as partners... C'mon! ...wake up, man!

It's not because something is virtual that it becomes a virtue!

I would compare the idea of playing such games to the meats that were sacrificed to idols that Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10.19-21

What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.

Paul admit that those meats sacrificed to idols (and the idols) were nothing in themselves but because they were sacrificed to demons, he told them to not participate because God doesn't want them "to be in fellowship with demons". So if we can be in fellowship with demons just by eating meats that are (somehow virtually) sacrificed to demons, why would that be different for playing video games that have been (virtually and truly) sacrificed to demons?

And maybe it's also a coincidence if, in that same game, you see black and white checkboard floors everywhere, just like in the massonic lodges? What would you say about the Freemasons, their level system, their oaths, all their symbols and rituals? They're just playing? ...

 

[love_yeshua]

I read some comments in the previous pages... Bestrfcplayer wrote "it's not demonic". If a game like Persona3 and other SMT is "not demonic", then why are the conceptors using over a hundred names and images of real demons if it's "not demonic"? They also bring you to consider them as partners... C'mon! ...wake up, man!

You need to understand, a problem with many believers is, we don't think it's important to be familiar with other religions, with demons and with Satan. Never mind that everybody knows the expression, "Know your enemy". So this person bestrfcplayer, probably did not even know those were the names of real demons. Yet if you mention those names to most people, they will say "Oh yeah, aren't those the names of some demons?" We Christians don't even have such basic knowledge that can help us.

And so a lot of Christians will be playing around with something blatantly satanic and they are totally clueless! They don't know anything about it! People will play with Yu-gi-oh cards and not have the slightest clue about ancient Egyptian gods, and the huge revival in Egyptian worship of the sun god (who is Satan of course, the morning star), and the Greek sun god, and the Roman sun god (catholicism) or even the horned god and the triple goddess. We believers have to stop being so clueless, because there are certain things we will see literally everywhere. How can we not know about this basic stuff??

 

[vangard]

That's a very good point, love_yeshua. I understand what you mean, but I think after 2000 years of biblical teaching and spreading the Gospel, we should know better. Are we spending more time in doing picnics and other "christians activities" than really teaching and exhort each other? Since I arrived in the US, I'm disappointed to see how believers are just doing their little church things (specially here in the so-called Bible Belt): gathering in a place, sing a few praise songs, hear a rudimental message and then "Ok guys, see you next week!". In the best case, they meet for lunch. Most meetings I saw here are more about food and drinks, than prayer, teaching and sharing on real spiritual subjects (and I'm pretty sure it's the same thing everywhere: it's just the condition of today's church I guess). That's why believers don't know their enemy.

I wish a website like this one could help to make a difference? ...