My son is playing demonic video games, help!

[The Knight]

Well, I can tell you being a former gamer myself, that video games can suck you in.

First of all, look at it from a Christianity viewpoint:

and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. - I John 4:3

How many of those games confess that Jesus is God in the flesh?

Yeah....You can count them all on one hand.

Now just from a lifestyle standpoint, if I could get all the thousands of hours I spent playing video games back, I'd take them all back right now. And yes, I didn't type hundreds, I typed thousands. I wish I would have put that time into just about anything else. I should have been preparing for the future: growing in my relationship with Christ, learning how to fix things around the house, being a better steward of my time and money, building my social skills. But I didn't do that and instead I was just a twenty-something year old boy wanting better toys. That's the thing about chasing the things of this world: you're always chasing something that you'll never be able to catch.

Manhood and womanhood are earned. Despite what the world will try to tell you, you're not an adult just because you're 18 years old.

As for the parenting issue, I really can't give any advice in that area because I don't have any children. But I'll lift you up in prayer. Addictions are tough to break. Thankfully, Jesus can break every chain.

 

[Chad]

Good points @The Knight

Colossians 4:5
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

James 4:14
Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

 

[kvnchrist]

The names of games are a marketing tool the same way these new wave rock bands are called . They aren't doors into anything more than desensitizing people to the horrific things that are happening all over the world. Violence and sex always sells because they are taboo to the culture that they are introduced into. This rebel attitude has driven many a person, not effectively life experienced into doing stupid and maybe dangerous situations. Parental guidance is what is needed here, not fear. This is not a demonic issue here, it is a chance to guidee your children off the path of instant gratification from sensation driven garbage and onto something more beneficial to his personal growth.

These games are nothing more than time wasters that offer nothing other than a feeling of succeeding in an artificial world.at something that gains them nothing. What benefits does any of this have for anything other than hook you child on the next brain debilitating game that comes along at a higher price than the last one. If you look at any of these shoot em up games all you do is point a icon on a digital target and squeeze a button. I can get more enjoyment from having one of my kittens chase a lasor pointer up and down my bedroom wall, but these games do the same thing without the kitten.

Ask yourself what you want for your kid. Do you want him to know how to squeeze a button or learn how to play a musical instrument.? What will benefit them the most? It has nothing to do with demons and devils and everything about what you want your child to become when they grow up. These games do nothing but keep them being and acting like a kid. If you want to allow them to embrase a world of illsion, the librarys are filled with books that allow them to do that and they don't cost anything near what these gamesw cost.

Don't buy the game system or the games, since they are stiffling your kids development, giving you greif and adding to the drama in your own household.

If your child is buying them on his own then whose house is he bringing them into? This is your home and as the adult and the parent, you set the standards within that house. God is looking at you and depending on you to raise your child in the way that is appropriate.

Look at the prodcal son. Would he been the prodical son if his parents had raised him in the same manner as he lived when he rebeled against them? Most people want to be their kids friend instead of their parent and society has been harmed greatly by this. These games would not be in demand if parents would not allow their children to buy these and bring them into their home. These companies are out to make a profit and that profit is making our world a lot less sane. Pray to God always but act and react according to his teachings. What is at stake is something that can only been done once and that is the raising of the future controllers of this world.

 

[Robert Eienfeld]

I have seen the game in question being played by my own child, and I can say without a doubt that Persona 3 is not demonic in the slightest, for one the games makes a clear difference between these "Evokers" and guns, and two the games do not say anything about summoning Demons the entire game is centered around the idea of excepting lost, also the term Persona is a very common term in psychology, in short these games are not Demonic, it's a psychological game going into very heavy themes, you need to give something a chance before acting to rashly and upsetting your child.

 

[Edward Elric]

I have seen the game in question being played by my own child, and I can say without a doubt that Persona 3 is not demonic in the slightest, for one the games makes a clear difference between these "Evokers" and guns, and two the games do not say anything about summoning Demons the entire game is centered around the idea of excepting lost, also the term Persona is a very common term in psychology, in short these games are not Demonic, it's a psychological game going into very heavy themes, you need to give something a chance before acting to rashly and upsetting your child.

Great points, Robert.

 

[Postal_Dude]

I made this account to literally tell all of you to try and play the game. don't think about it as slandering god's will or something because its just a game with a good story. put all the Demons and gods stuff aside and try it. maybe the Shin Megami Tensei games will shed some light on your own religion. It made me realize some things about being catholic. Many of which I will not share with this website

 

[Jonquilava]

Okay, since everyone here wanted to prattle about things they know nothing about and start a game of tug'o'war for the original poster's favor in some misguided "This goes against God" vs "Its just a game" thing, I'll lay down a bit of reality for you all. Shin Megami Tensei is a series of fictional works, and the one in question 'Persona' relies on people calling out their inner selves to fight against entities born from mankind's own dreams and thoughts. The 'Persona' are not inherently demonic, and the 'Shadows' you fight are not either. Infact, some of the strongest personas you obtain are angelic entities. Now pressing into the moral aspects of Persona 3's story, your character is a teenager that has had a pretty rough life. His parents were killed infront of him as a child and he he is emotionally broken to such an extent he isn't certain how to interact with other people. Taking on the personas he obtains let him build onto himself and better understand the person he is. So you see, he's coming into contact with good and bad concepts and taking on his own based on them. As in real life, you have the freedom to be exposed to righteousness or evil. Anyway, the protagonist obtains powerful persona by following the 'school' aspect of the game, learning things in classes and befriending others in ways the PLAYER decides. Whether Persona brings you closer to God, or closer to the Devil is largely in your hands but its pretty obvious that the game encourages you to follow the former and do the right things. At the very end, your ultimate persona draws on aspects of yourself welcoming Christ and acknowledging his sacrifice for the good of us. You give yourself, your life, and everything you've built on earth over the course of the game up to destroy a pagan entity and free the entire world from its morose that actually created the entity to begin with. In the process, you destroy the shadows, and essentially liberate mankind from using Personas again. You sacrificed your life and your bonds, so you're no longer remembered by even those that you cared for most, and you prove that despite facing every trial life had for you, you had the strength and faith to build yourself back up and turn everything you obtained over to God's hands. Why? So you could do the right thing with the plan he had for you. So you could save the world from pagan entities and monsters. The ending was so emotional and the story was so remarkable that it brought me to tears as a teenager.

So, should you keep your son from playing the game? Only if you don't trust him to be a good person.

 

[Altimor]

Y'all are violating the Prime Directive.

 

[Lquinn]

The Key is to educate yourself and understand what it is you are dealing with. I sense a lot of fear in your questions as well as confusion when we are not called to have a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind. So to start begin to pray and calmly assess what it is you must do. To put it simply, yes spiritually that game is not of God and you should communicate that to your child so that they may understand. All things done in this side of eternity have spiritual effects that we don't always comprehend (especially the ones who posted above me) & you cannot rely on the flesh to discern what is happening in the spirit.

I would not go so far as say your child will begin to try said things out but my spirit discerns the symbolism behind it. The shooting of ones self in there head seems to be a way of removing any semblance of the persons being. The soul is considered the mind and eliminating it allows the "Persona" to manifest. Part of understanding this you must understand the nature behind occult. Demonic entities seek to possess and in order for them to do so the vessel must be empty. Some sort of Willful action on our part brings about this possession. Meditation is an action taken to attain this as most meditation requires emptying of the mind. This is but a small example I observed and as a christian I recommend gaining the mind of Christ. meaning in ALL things you become knowledgeable, Christ's infinite wisdom spans all topics even the wiles of the enemy. Then use this knowledge to equip your children to better defend themselves. With this wisdom you will also avoid moving in fear and making yourself look/sound crazy. Hope this helps and God Bless.

 

[Chad]

Some thoughts to consider from the Word of GOD on this subject.

1 Corinthians 10:23
23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.

John Gill's Commentary, for understanding the above verse

All things are lawful for me
All sorts of food are lawful to be eaten, every creature of God is good, there is nothing common or unclean in itself, polluted or polluting; and so things offered to idols may be lawfully eaten, but not as such, or in an idol's temple, or before a weak brother; to do which is contrary to the honour of God, and the edification of the saints: and therefore

all things are not expedient;
to be done always, and in all places, and before all persons. The apostle suggests, that though they might be lawful to him, and he might make use of his liberty in eating them; yet they might not be expedient, or of service, but on the contrary hurtful to others; and which therefore ought to be judged a sufficient reason for the omission of them:

all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not;
though things of an indifferent nature may be lawfully used, yet they do not always tend to the edification of others, which should be consulted; and when this is the case, they ought to be disused. This is observed in answer to an objection taken from the doctrine of Christian liberty, allowing the free use of all the creatures, and disengaging men from an observance of the distinction of meats and drinks which the apostle grants; and yet argues from his own example, and the edification of the saints, that this is not always to be closely pursued; but believers should forego what they have a right to use, when the peace and welfare of their fellow Christians require it.

 

[Chad]

It's pretty amazing how these members from Reddit (My son is playing demonic video games, help! : Megaten) have registered numerous accounts today / yesterday to air their opinion about how the games are harmless, yet look how they behave. Ungodly, disrespectful, immature.

 

[Lquinn]

It's pretty amazing how these members from Reddit (My son is playing demonic video games, help! : Megaten) have registered numerous accounts today / yesterday to air their opinion about how the games are harmless, yet look how they behave. Ungodly, disrespectful, immature.

It really is. Over all this is how the younger generations are now with all things of wickedness. But if it weren't for those reddit guys I would have never found an amazing site like this exists! God takes it and turns it for good. :]

God Bless Brother.

 

[Jonquilava]

I got this from Facebook, but I felt it was necessary to chime in against the senseless disdain spouting back and forth between both parties. As a man of faith, you shouldn't be replying to them aggressively and you shouldn't be insulting them because they disagree with you, or even because they've ignored your quoting scripture. You should be resolute in pointing out where they have gone wrong with their defenses for the game and story, but you would rather mock because to you they're immature, rude, or senseless. If you would rather badmouth people because they're of a generation that has grown around these things and become attached than help, you're hardly free of blame. The greatest fear of some of the greatest Christians I have ever known is that their inability to follow God properly, and support others for even a moment could result in the loss of faith, and help for another of his children. So is it really amazing, or is it sad? And not simply on their part, but yours as well.

I find it sad, because we live in a day and age where many of the faithful don't try to see from the point of view of people who disagree or simply don't see. We live in an age where we don't need to take accountability for our actions because those we're arguing against lack the faith we have. Too often do the sheep turn to wolves. I lived a lot of my teenage years outside The Body of Christ, because following my grandfather's passing my mother lost faith and felt no desire to take us. It took years to get back on track and remember where I stood, and when my mother turned to drinking I turned to video games to escape. I'm not going to tell you that they're all worthy of praise, but I support them in the same sense I support literature. There is drivel, but there are also some beautiful and inspirational stories out there---or even just ideas expressed by our fellow man. How we interpret these things is another matter though. Even the best intentions can bring out the worst in others. These games, for better or worse, helped remind me that we should aspire to be kind, and always do the right thing- even in cases where it might seem like a waste. That's why I'm posting here, that's why I'm giving my time to this. I want both sides of this to realize that despite all differences, we should be able to speak as equals and strive to explain why we disagree or why we see differently than one another. If we can do that, we can make eachother better and closer to God for it.

 

[Chad]

I got this from Facebook, but I felt it was necessary to chime in against the senseless disdain spouting back and forth between both parties. As a man of faith, you shouldn't be replying to them aggressively and you shouldn't be insulting them because they disagree with you, or even because they've ignored your quoting scripture. You should be resolute in pointing out where they have gone wrong with their defenses for the game and story, but you would rather mock because to you they're immature, rude, or senseless. If you would rather badmouth people because they're of a generation that has grown around these things and become attached than help, you're hardly free of blame. The greatest fear of some of the greatest Christians I have ever known is that their inability to follow God properly, and support others for even a moment could result in the loss of faith, and help for another of his children. So is it really amazing, or is it sad? And not simply on their part, but yours as well.

I find it sad, because we live in a day and age where many of the faithful don't try to see from the point of view of people who disagree or simply don't see. We live in an age where we don't need to take accountability for our actions because those we're arguing against lack the faith we have. Too often do the sheep turn to wolves. I lived a lot of my teenage years outside The Body of Christ, because following my grandfather's passing my mother lost faith and felt no desire to take us. It took years to get back on track and remember where I stood, and when my mother turned to drinking I turned to video games to escape. I'm not going to tell you that they're all worthy of praise, but I support them in the same sense I support literature. There is drivel, but there are also some beautiful and inspirational stories out there---or even just ideas expressed by our fellow man. How we interpret these things is another matter though. Even the best intentions can bring out the worst in others. These games, for better or worse, helped remind me that we should aspire to be kind, and always do the right thing- even in cases where it might seem like a waste. That's why I'm posting here, that's why I'm giving my time to this. I want both sides of this to realize that despite all differences, we should be able to speak as equals and strive to explain why we disagree or why we see differently than one another. If we can do that, we can make eachother better and closer to God for it.

I'm not sure who this is addressed to, but it appears some of it is quoting what I said before. But, I stand my ground. I've been running the site for over 11 years and I won't waste my time tolerating anyone that comes here insulting others right off the bat, as some of newly registered members have done. It's easier for you to register, share your thoughts then walk away. But running the site for so long, I have a responsibility to keep it friendly and I have to weed out those who can't simply respond and post respectfully. If that simple thing is such a difficult task, then this site is not for that person.

 

[Lquinn]

I got this from Facebook, but I felt it was necessary to chime in against the senseless disdain spouting back and forth between both parties. As a man of faith, you shouldn't be replying to them aggressively and you shouldn't be insulting them because they disagree with you, or even because they've ignored your quoting scripture. You should be resolute in pointing out where they have gone wrong with their defenses for the game and story, but you would rather mock because to you they're immature, rude, or senseless. If you would rather badmouth people because they're of a generation that has grown around these things and become attached than help, you're hardly free of blame. The greatest fear of some of the greatest Christians I have ever known is that their inability to follow God properly, and support others for even a moment could result in the loss of faith, and help for another of his children. So is it really amazing, or is it sad? And not simply on their part, but yours as well.

I find it sad, because we live in a day and age where many of the faithful don't try to see from the point of view of people who disagree or simply don't see. We live in an age where we don't need to take accountability for our actions because those we're arguing against lack the faith we do. Too often do the sheep turn to wolves. I lived a lot of my teenage years outside The Body of Christ, because following my grandfather's passing my mother lost faith and felt no desire to take us. It took years to get back on track and remember where I stood, and when my mother turned to drinking I turned to video games to escape. I'm not going to tell you that they're all worthy of praise, but I support them in the same sense I support literature. There is drivel, but there are also some beautiful and inspirational stories out there---or even just ideas expressed by our fellow man. How we interpret these things is another matter though. Even the best intentions can bring out the worst in others. These games, for better or worse, helped remind me that we should aspire to be kind, and always do the right thing- even in cases where it might seem like a waste. That's why I'm posting here, that's why I'm giving my time to this. I want both sides of this to realize that despite all differences, we should be able to speak as equals and strive to explain why we disagree or why we see differently than one another. If we can do that, we can make eachother better and closer to God for it.

The issue is we live in a day and age where the Faithful TRY to compromise by "seeing" from the point of view of sin. There is no compromise with darkness. The only opinion that matters is God's opinion. It sounds a bit radical but ultimately it is the truth. We either submit to his word or we don't. We can try to reason it away with our opinions but in the end that won't work. Pretty simple. The Original poster had concerns that the game her son was playing had demonic influences and wanted advice. All I saw and continue to see is opinions of Men and insults to her person.

None of these opinions matter. What matters is what God says about it. What matters is how God sees the game, not how WE see it or how WE feel about it. So I submit to you because I care. Examine yourself and consider how God would actually see this game. Would he truly embrace it with open arms and allow it into the kingdom of heaven for his subjects to "enjoy?" Or ARE there undertones and influences he would not approve of?

With that said I would tell the original poster to explain that to her son and give him the final choice. God will reward him greatly and He cherishes wonderfully any obedient sacrifice we make for God. And if your son chooses to take the straight and narrow path God will bless and reward him greatly. :]

 

[Jonquilava]

I'm not sure who this is addressed to, but it appears some of it is quoting what I said before. But, I stand my ground. I've been running the site for over 11 years and I won't waste my time tolerating anyone that comes here insulting others right off the bat, as some of newly registered members have done. It's easier for you to register, share your thoughts then walk away. But running the site for so long, I have a responsibility to keep it friendly and I have to weed out those who can't simply respond and post respectfully. If that simple thing is such a difficult task, then this site is not for that person.

You also have a responsibility not to play their game against them. You acknowledge the dissent and address that without resorting to blows. Politely explain that people who diminish the value of your site and message are unwelcome, but if they are willing to voice their feelings--feelings that became negative when something they are attached to seemed attacked---and allow you to explain to them on a compassionate level where it is wrong, you would be helping them see something important. That you're not some "stiff religious nut" preaching hate against things they love, things that have moved them emotionally and potentially done positive things for them in the long run, but that you're another person who simply wants to help others against what is perceived as an affront on the faithful. If you choose not to waste your time trying to make them see, but would rather fire when fired at, that's your choice. I'm sure there is stress trying to hold this site together against naysayers and trolls, but you should be careful not to let it get the best of you. Remind them that the faithful will receive them, and that they're not all baited into flame wars. Realizing they're in the wrong simply for attacking those who would not strike back could change them for the better.

The issue is we live in a day and age where the Faithful TRY to compromise by "seeing" from the point of view of sin. There is no compromise with darkness. The only opinion that matters is God's opinion. It sounds a bit radical but ultimately it is the truth. We either submit to his word or we don't. We can try to reason it away with our opinions but in the end that won't work. Pretty simple. The Original poster had concerns that the game her son was playing had demonic influences and wanted advice. All I saw and continue to see is opinions of Men and insults to her person.

None of these opinions matter. What matters is what God says about it. What matters is how God sees the game, not how WE see it or how WE feel about it. So I submit to you because I care. Examine yourself and consider how God would actually see this game. Would he truly embrace it with open arms and allow it into the kingdom of heaven for his subjects to "enjoy?" Or ARE there undertones and influences he would not approve of?

With that said I would tell the original poster to explain that to her son and give him the final choice. God will reward him greatly and He cherishes wonderfully any obedient sacrifice we make for God. And if your son chooses to take the straight and narrow path God will bless and reward him greatly. :]

If The Body of Christ is absent of sinners, it is empty and we will all be left behind. It's important to remember that the compromise we make is not with the sins, but with the sinners. We're human, we can see how the events of a person's life can shape or break them and their faith. If what we desire is to be good, to be faithful, and to be kind, we have to be willing to help them...and you can't help someone without trying to understand how they reached the point where they needed it. I agree with you that God's way is always the right way. That we should accept only the things that would be acceptable in his domain. People don't always do that though. People are led astray. It's important to remember that before simply telling them they're in the wrong. If they take comfort in something evil, they might not be willing to accept that they should abandon it because it's right to. They've grown dependent on the comfort, and we should try to understand why and how they are. We can speak to them compassionately, and try to remind them where the righteous path is and how it would give them far greater peace.
-----------------------
Noting the above post, I want to remind both of you of what I have said. They've taken the emotional buzzers on this thread to heart and reacted with hostility, because this is something they're attached to that they want to defend. Try not to react the same way, or you're just going to inspire more conflict over something that could and by all rights should be discussed civilly.

 

[Abel]

Hello, I also saw this post on a site (Twitter) And came in to give my own two cents on the matter, as someone that has played most Shin Megami Tensei games. First off, most Shin Megami Tensei games are split up between two lines of conflict. Law, and Chaos. Law is following god, working with the angels and such. Chaos is working with Lucifer most of the time and typically involves the conquest of god. The thing with Shin Megami Tensei games is, it's all up to the player on their choices. Simply put, it is your childs choices that would impact how the game would turn out. If he had a love for the lord and played a Shin Megami Tensei game, then he would go the law route. As long as you are devout, you would not think of going Chaos route, no? And the games do not work any matter of deceiving into it.

Also, one of the games, Devil Survivor, is set where god is bringing forth a seven day judgement onto earth as a result of humanitys sins involving the Devil. Another interesting point of interest is the main character is the reincarnation of Abel, and another character is Cain who is still stricken with the curse he was given and wandering the earth forever. Anyways, yourself as Abel fight against other Demons in the throne of bel, and if you go the Law path, you are doing that all for your lord, to rid the earth of demons, and to cleanse people of their sins. In the end you become a messenger for god even. There is the option to become a demon lord, but as stated before, everything is about choices. And every choice has a consequence in that game. Honestly, it is one of my favorite games (And why my icon is of Abel from the game.)

As for Persona 3, the story has often been compared to that of Jesus, as the character sacrificed himself in a selfless manner for all of humanity, and his own Ultimate Persona is called 'Messiah'

Basically, I'm saying, the game series is neither good nor evil. You could even use it as a fun learning experience for your child. Even if your child were to be tempted to take the chaos route, he would see the negative impact it has. All in all, I think Shin Megami Tensei is a great game series for religious development, as long as you have an open mind and go as you are guided, it will be enlightening regardless of your paths results.

If your child is under 18 though, I'd say keep it away from him until he is of age to develop everything correctly, as the series should only be played by adults.

Naoyas route confirmed for best

 

[Abel]

I'd forgotten to add this, but I believe it a good closing to my post (And I cannot Edit for some reason?) with a scripture

Mark 7:15;

Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.

 

[amadeus2]

Sometimes some things that we do really enjoy and do not see as wrong really do lead us in the wrong direction.

As a young child we must depend upon our parents or whoever it is that supposedly cares for us. If they do care, we must proceed carefully and, as best we can, obediently. Parents can be wrong, but they are still the parents. Mary and Joseph admonished Jesus as a child in spite of his defense that he was doing his Father's work. It wasn't time for him yet, so he went back and submitted to the natural parents for him. If the parents are really striving to follow God's Way, that parent's word must be the law, even to a rebellious child. Hopefully every parent will administer rules with the Love of God always being foremost but... even if they do not, a child who able to understand God's Way will know what to do and what not to do.

This is a Christian forum and our guide book should therefore be the scriptures as revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. What is it that God wants everyone to do?

"Jesus said... Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Matt 22:37-39

I know that everyone doesn't even try to obey those commandments, but everyone who believes God must make every effort to do so. We are not here (not just here on this forum) to please "me or you", but to please God. Fun and games are not of themselves evil, but anything that keeps us from moving closer to God is evil,

 

[Christ4Ever]

I made this account to literally tell all of you to try and play the game. don't think about it as slandering god's will or something because its just a game with a good story. put all the Demons and gods stuff aside and try it. maybe the Shin Megami Tensei games will shed some light on your own religion. It made me realize some things about being catholic. Many of which I will not share with this website

First be welcome to Talk Jesus Postal Dude!

As for your offer. Thanks @Postal_Dude but no. "Try it you'll like it" or "put all the "demons and gods stuff aside"....Sorry Postal Dude, can't put it aside. As a believer in Christ Jesus, you are a representative of who you believe in.

The name should give you a clue. It translates as
新 (shin) = new
女神 (me gami) = goddess
転生 (ten sei) = reincarnation

Still think it's compatible with our beliefs as Christians?

Dig deeper to find out what you're actually dealing with. Keep in mind that the world has no love for you. It will drag you down, or at least make it so you're less help to furthering the Kingdom of God than you could be.

Don't know you but still love you brother.
YBIC
C4E
<><

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