Shall I buy Diablo 3 for my son?

[james g]

I think the attempt is to single out gambling games being just as evil and all of the devil. By Jamesg own comparison of Gambling games to Diablo III he has a Conscience in which he knows inside what he considers evil.

So How can Chad have these "EVIL" gambling games on his web site, yet judge Diablo III???

Jamesg by his admission is using leverage he knows is wrong. He is not even being honest.

If Jamesg felt those gambling games were OK, He would never have mentioned them, and for Jamesg, they are just as evil as Diablo III since he made that comparison.

This tells me the Brother is violating his own conscience, He knows Diablo III is wrong, He knows Gambling games are wrong, and he is not being Honest here.

I would have never thought those gambling games were evil, many Christians I suppose think all forms of gambling is of the devil.

He that "KNOWS" to do right and does it not, to him it is sin. You can't point out Wrong, if you don't know it's wrong.

Jamesg pointed out gambling games, comparing them to Diablo III, He knows it's wrong and is being deceptive.

Jesus Is Lord.

games are games they do not glorify God.

 

[Chad]

Talk Jesus arcade section the same can be said .all games
Do they glorify God.That is what I am asking.

Do they offend GOD and have sinful nature to them? No. So they glorify GOD in the sense that they do not offend Him. I know its not a worship kind of glorifying, but generally speaking its not offending Him, His name or His teachings of how we must live.

Now, do you do everything to the glory of GOD? Its a personal question a believer must ask themselves.

You cannot just write it off and say "games are games". That's very ignorant of Scripture to think this way. I guess I should just say then, sex is just sex. Outside marriage or within, its just sex right? No.

Here's an article to read
What does it mean to glorify God?

 

[jari]

Do they offend GOD and have sinful nature to them? No.

word glorify implies something "praise worthy" to me, but perhaps i got the definition bit wrong there?

i think card games would be just neutral but not glorifying.

 

[Chad]

word glorify implies something "praise worthy" to me, but perhaps i got the definition bit wrong there?

i think card games would be just neutral but not glorifying.

I do agree with you, yes. The point I was trying to make that they do not dishonor GOD, so in a sense they are honoring by not dishonoring Him. Neutral indeed. They're not directly created to glorify Him as in some form of worship, but still they do not contain offensive material as well.

On the other side of the coin, you got Diablo which is clearly evil, dishonorable and something I know would personally upset me if I saw my pastor playing this, or an influential Christian author admonishing it, or say a church allowing their church members to play it at some church gathering. Its just not right at all. How could it be?

 

[james g]

I do agree with you, yes. The point I was trying to make that they do not dishonor GOD, so in a sense they are honoring by not dishonoring Him. Neutral indeed. They're not directly created to glorify Him as in some form of worship, but still they do not contain offensive material as well.

On the other side of the coin, you got Diablo which is clearly evil, dishonorable and something I know would personally upset me if I saw my pastor playing this, or an influential Christian author admonishing it, or say a church allowing their church members to play it at some church gathering. Its just not right at all. How could it be?

The point I was trying to make that they do not dishonor GOD, so in a sense they are honoring by not dishonoring Him.

Ok The Glory of God is Not a Game.

Thou shalt not play violent video games.
And on the 7th day, God played Halo, and it was good.

Now, do you do everything to the glory of GOD? Its a personal question a believer must ask themselves.I would love to say yes but not always .

 

[Chad]

The point I was trying to make that they do not dishonor GOD, so in a sense they are honoring by not dishonoring Him.

Ok The Glory of God is Not a Game.

Thou shalt not play violent video games.
And on the 7th day, God played Halo, and it was good.

Now, do you do everything to the glory of GOD? Its a personal question a believer must ask themselves.I would love to say yes but not always .

James, let's avoid sarcasm using Scripture. That's not glorifying is it? That's not honorable. In my opinion, that's on the same grounds of mocking Scripture. But, I'm sure we'll disagree on this. Another response like that will result in your account being closed. Keep it civil and respectful. I'm giving you a second chance here. What you said using GOD's name in vain was stretching it too far. But, do you even realize this? Consider this a fair last warning, brother. I won't tolerate that on this forum. This forum is about glorifying GOD, reaching the lost. Not about crude humor or sarcasm using His holy name, in vain.

James, is it ok to play Diablo with demonic influences and material? Let's get to the point and not off track. Can you please answer my question from before? You've skipped them a few times now. I believe I understand why though.

 

[james g]

James, let's avoid sarcasm using Scripture. That's not glorifying is it? That's not honorable. In my opinion, that's on the same grounds of mocking Scripture. But, I'm sure we'll disagree on this. Another response like that will result in your account being closed. Keep it civil and respectful. I'm giving you a second chance here. What you said using GOD's name in vain was stretching it too far. But, do you even realize this? Consider this a fair last warning, brother. I won't tolerate that on this forum. This forum is about glorifying GOD, reaching the lost. Not about crude humor or sarcasm using His holy name, in vain.

James, is it ok to play Diablo with demonic influences and material? Let's get to the point and not off track. Can you please answer my question from before? You've skipped them a few times now. I believe I understand why though.

I played it 8-9 years ago. I liked it. But Sunday did not. is it ok to play Diablo with demonic influences and material?
(No) I could not play it. I'am sorry for the crude humor or sarcasm using His holy name, in vain.That is not glorifying GOD.


I'm sure we'll disagree on this.only on games.
video games do not edify , merely entertain us.

 

[jari]

Its just not right at all. How could it be?

how do we define what is right? is it wrong because it influences you in bad way? or does it look bad? (negative theme)
And would God deny us that game or could we play it in boundaries of grace?

 

[Chad]

how do we define what is right?

Scripture covers this. I and others in this thread quoted ample Scripture to back up the fact that such games are not acceptable and dangerous.

Here's another perspective to look at it. The game Diablo glorifies demons / evil. Is that in itself something GOD wants believers to partake in, "in boundaries of grace"?

Grace does not mean to continue on sinning.

Romans 5:20
God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant.

The purpose of grace is not to condone sin in any way at all, but to allow believers to be forgiven, even also another chance to repent of such sin involved. Its GOD's love.

No one has yet answered my very simple questions about what they think if they saw their pastor, church playing such a game. The point of me bringing this up is that its food for thought.

video games do not edify , merely entertain us.

True, but so do endless other things 'entertain us'. And that's where such as Paul said for example:

1 Corinthians 10:23

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

PS: please everyone, let's keep this thread (and all discussions respectful to each other, honorable to GOD, and humble. Speak as if you're facing the person and your goal is to bless them, edify them. There's enough hurt in this world, let's not feed into it.

 

[jari]

Scripture covers this. I and others in this thread quoted ample Scripture to back up the fact that such games are not acceptable and dangerous.

Here's another perspective to look at it. The game Diablo glorifies demons / evil. Is that in itself something GOD wants believers to partake in, "in boundaries of grace"?

Grace does not mean to continue on sinning.

Romans 5:20
God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant.

The purpose of grace is not to condone sin in any way at all, but to allow believers to be forgiven, even also another chance to repent of such sin involved. Its GOD's love.

No one has yet answered my very simple questions about what they think if they saw their pastor, church playing such a game. The point of me bringing this up is that its food for thought.

Right grace is ever expanding. (Rom 5:20)

i wouldn't personally have a problem seeing people play this game.

being saved by grace after all... there's no requirement of us for self justification in presence of God.
But we may seriously consider it due to other reasons. (many which have already been posted in this thread)

.

 

[Chad]

Galatians 5:16-26

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

 

[jari]

Galatians 5:16-26

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

so what your saying Chad? that we shouldn't play video games because they are fleshly desires?

there's many other fleshly desires in life too, such as food or sex - but it isn't forbidden from spiritual christians in marriage is it?

.

 

[Chad]

I quote only Scripture itself, so what is Scripture saying is what you should have asked, right? Did I say video games in general are fleshly desires? No. Please refrain from twisting my words around. That's not an honest thing to do.

I bolded some words to hint that these are, plainly put are "acts of the flesh". Why do you even mention sex in marriage? How is that sinful? That's completely opposite of what the Scripture I quoted was about. It talks about what are obvious desires of the flesh and then fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The OP is about Diablo. It has demonic influences, glorifying evil, hatred, violence to say the least. These, in line with the Scripture I quoted, are opposite of the Spirit's fruits. Do you understand now?

 

[Fragrant Grace]

HolyDiver
I do pray that you have found the answers here useful. And pray even more that you continue to seek the Lord and accept Him as your Saviour....it is the most important descision that you will ever make. He is a wonderful Saviour and He longs to save you.

To everyone else

.
Now, do you do everything to the glory of GOD? Its a personal question a believer must ask themselves.

Yes....This is a very important question to all believers

What are you doing with your hands, with your time, with your mind when you are gaming on any sort of game? Is it really a neutral activity?

Frances Havergal 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.

Does choosing to take part in gaming of any type really glorify the Lord?

No I think not.

And if it doesnt glorify the Lord...who is it glorifying......the self, the world, the mind our fleshy needs. And all through our own choice.

No one can serve two masters
Matthew 6:24

Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with divers seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled.
Deuteronomy 22:9

In considering these matters....let us pray that He establishes the work of our hands, our minds our moments to his glory

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it.
Psalm 90:17

　
　
　
　
　

 

[HolyDiver]

Firstly I'd like to thank you all for your replies! I did not expect this thread to reach several pages long so thank you all for your time!


I have decided to buy the game for him for the following reasons:

1. Parental Controls - you can remove the "gore" effects totally from the game.
2. You play a holy warrior - purging the world from demons, how can this be against god.
3. It is just a game - and he understands this.

Not the answer most of you would have chosen i'm sure!

I will heavily monitor his behaviour and limit the time he can play just incase but as a rational logical person I dont think there will be any issues here.

 

[jari]

No. Please refrain from twisting my words around. That's not an honest thing to do.

it was my honest thought of what you might have meant to say, with the scripture you posted.
i can only guess unless you elaborate how the scripture relates to video games.
personally i think video games are fundamentally fleshly desires.
like are many other non sinful things in life..

 

[El Hombre viejo]

My son wants me to buy him this new game called Diablo 3.

I am unsure if i should buy it as it contains a lot of demon worship and prime evil (lakes of blood, mountains of skulls, demon hordes etc) and I am concerned that he may start to like this sort of thing.


Was just wondering what your thoughts were on this?

Oh my!!! You need to ask?!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_III****** Edit****** Link Removed....... Mike.


As your sons father you are his spiritual mentor. What would you have him to grow up to be?

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Does Diablo 1, 2. or 3 line up with this? If not, why would you even consider buying it? :shock::shock:

 

[Brother Mike]

Well.....

I think he already has decided to buy the game El Hombre viejo.

We all have different light on these things. I played through Diablo 1,2 and I liked them. Won't be getting number 3 though as that was 12 years ago.

Oh, and if you post another link, I will have to take your keyboard from you.

Blessings!!!

Jesus Is Lord.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

I think he already has decided to buy the game El Hombre viejo.

We all have different light on these things. I played through Diablo 1,2 and I liked them. Won't be getting number 3 though as that was 12 years ago.

Oh, and if you post another link, I will have to take your keyboard from you.

Blessings!!!

Jesus Is Lord.

You're right Mike. We each have to decide

 

[HolyDiver]

I'd have him be moral and logical. I dont think him playing a game is going to affect that.

In my view the bible is not to be taken literally, its a book with stories that help you live your life and to face the challenges and decisions that you will encounter.

You should choose to do things becuase YOU decide that is the right thing to do, not because you fear hell.