Video Games...I want some other believers perspective

[Giblien]

OK so here is the deal. I Like video games. When i say "like" that is what i mean. On my down time, with my friends, i enjoy them. I don't LOVE them or CRAVE them or allow them to get in the way of the important things in life (My relationship with God, my fiance, my work, my family etc.)

I like War games (First person shooters, Like call of duty) RPG's (Mass Effect, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy) more for the stories than anything in the case of RPG's.

I have felt, not necessarily convicted, but not really at ease lately, after reading through an article about video games on gotquestions.org

I guess what I am struggling with is: On my down time (after work, and other commitments are taken care of) is it sinful, or wrong or a poor use of time to play these video games?

In the context of relationship building with my fiance or friends, I don't feel that playing video games is wrong, as long as the game is not downright amoral like Grand Theft Auto etc. And I know that it is not taking over my life as I probably spend less than 8 hours a week playing them and i do not suffer withdrawals or anything like that when i am NOT playing them.

I feel like that time could be used for bible study and evangelism, and while i do enjoy those things, sometimes i feel like i just need some time to unwind and to rest. And video games allow me to do that (not that it is my ONLY outlet for rest, but it is absolutely one that i enjoy).

What is your take on it. Even if you DON'T play video games, please feel free to chime in. I would like to hear as many perspectives as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Coconut]

psst...Gotquestions.org is not one of the books of the Bible :wink:


Some men enjoy hunting and fishing....some enjoy tinkering in the wood shop...some enjoy mountain climbing...some enjoy painting...some enjoy playing games...

Whats the problem?

If any one were to tell me, that to enjoy a hobby, is some thing a Christian aught to refrain from...

First, I`d ask them to show me exactly where Christ said this?

Secondly, I`d ask them why they insist on being such a hypocrite?

As surely as a man lives and breathes, he plays, even if its just playing his own horn.

 

[shaun_nj]

As long as you don't start praying to Master Chief or Commander Shepard (something along those lines) video games are fine . I find nothing sinful about video games, as long as you don't physically commit the acts from the more violent ones. Violence is every where, not just in video games. Television is violent, squirrels can be violent, even the Bible has some violent themes! Don't worry about it, just keep God close to you and have fun. :wink:

OK so here is the deal. I Like video games. When i say "like" that is what i mean. On my down time, with my friends, i enjoy them. I don't LOVE them or CRAVE them or allow them to get in the way of the important things in life (My relationship with God, my fiance, my work, my family etc.)

I like War games (First person shooters, Like call of duty) RPG's (Mass Effect, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy) more for the stories than anything in the case of RPG's.

I have felt, not necessarily convicted, but not really at ease lately, after reading through an article about video games on gotquestions.org

I guess what I am struggling with is: On my down time (after work, and other commitments are taken care of) is it sinful, or wrong or a poor use of time to play these video games?

In the context of relationship building with my fiance or friends, I don't feel that playing video games is wrong, as long as the game is not downright amoral like Grand Theft Auto etc. And I know that it is not taking over my life as I probably spend less than 8 hours a week playing them and i do not suffer withdrawals or anything like that when i am NOT playing them.

I feel like that time could be used for bible study and evangelism, and while i do enjoy those things, sometimes i feel like i just need some time to unwind and to rest. And video games allow me to do that (not that it is my ONLY outlet for rest, but it is absolutely one that i enjoy).

What is your take on it. Even if you DON'T play video games, please feel free to chime in. I would like to hear as many perspectives as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Coconut]

squirrels can be violent...

Thats the funniest thing I ever read on this forum!

 

[VeritableCVN]

I agree, there's nothing wrong with having hobbies. But when they start taking over your life is where the problems may arise. Whenever I'm home on :eave me and my friends get together and play Mario Kart and Rock Band, it's a great bonding and relationship building time, plus all the jokes about everybody's singing ability... or lack thereof! As long as you're not stopping basic needs over video games, I don't see any problems with them.

And yes, squirrels can be very violent...

 

[TheTrapped]

Yea these people are right...just dont let the game become your life and your life be for the game. I used to be a heavy heavy heavy gammer. it was to the point of where i didnt wana do anything but play games. It lead to me beccoming a non socialite, agrivated ,depressed person when not on them. My family and freinds noticed and started telling me but i did not care. One day though i just started realizing how much of my life i was wasting on them and how worthles it was when it could be routed into more posative actions. on a short note 8 hours a week... considering thier 168hours in a week. Nothing to worry about. I used to put 3 or 4 days a week into games. Just dont let it get that way.

 

[shipwrecksoul]

Video games Yesss

A true gamer I was. I remember when I was 20 years old and played video games all the time. I played doom, wolfenstein, dukenukem etc. I was addicted in fun to them. They allowed me to have fun, an escape from reality in my mind. The games function, world, filled my thoughts in trying to overcome an obstacle or problem in my thought life to win in the game. I remember seeing a lot of wrong stuff in the games as well. Only the ones who are true gamers know of the secret clicks in these games. Today we think of the game grand theft auto as an example.

So I was thinking, back then, is this what my Lord Jesus wants me to do to have my mind filled with thoughts of escape, fantasy and unreality? According to the word of God I have the mind of Christ since I became a believer 1st cor 2:16. He wants me to live to present my body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (romans 12:1) So for me video games for an occasional play is OK. But if I was to fill my time up with them, like I used to do, my conscious knows I am doing it not in accordance with Gods will and I need to repent of it. This all comes from a true ex addicted gamer. All of this may not be your experience with the Lord but is my experience with him.

 

[Ed]

Here's the thing though: if you talk to some Christians they will say that the computer games of today are pure evil..and surely some may appear to be evil: I haven't really played Grand Theft Auto, so I don't know about that game. But I have played many war simulation games, and many such as many of the Lucas Arts games, Doom, Warcraft (barely). I remember the Command & Conquer games where I would be up all night playing them...back in the day they were fun. Certainly, most of these games were tame compared to some of the Playstation games of today.

I think that they can be counter-productive. Many of our children and teens are overweight/obese and the cause has been cited to more areas besides eating junk food all the time: one cause is the inactivity that comes with computer games. In that aspect, the games can be viewed as a violent opposition to the health of a child/adult.

But for a gamer to play for about an hour a day/night is not evil. Also the myth that a game can turn someone into a homocidal manic/killer is a joke. Yeah, you read about it mostly all the time in the papers and see it on the TV news. But I believe the fault lays in the mind of the person. With all due respects to the Columbine tragedy: if the young adult is going to go all Rambo at a school it's not going to be because some video game has "memorized" them into acting that way. Blaming a video/computer game is going to appease many.

Also, many are quick to point out that the company that produces and markets the game is to be blamed. That's not entirely true. Satan sells sex in many of the adult book stores, and strip joints everywhere, he also seels drugs and everything else that is not good for us...even on the Sunset Strip. Now who's buying, and why?

It all goes back to the Israelites in the desert for 40 days...they wanted more, they wanted comfort. Well God gave them manna until they were sick of it.

 

[PhoenixRising]

Hello Ed,

Gaming is not my thing. Don't even know what you're all talking about but your post was really good.

Had to comment on that, s'all.

 

[ChildrenOfLight]

Hi,

Hello!

I feel the same way as the original poster!

Well perhaps a little differently.

I am a videogame addict, I know it is wrongful to Simulate Murder in these games, and most are, believe it or not, quite satanic!

It is not righteous to play videogames, the majority of players are atheist, sorry to say, and it is not productive in the Lord's eyes, for sure! I constantly feel like I'm being tugged back and forth when I play game to game... I've even seen various satanic/illuminati symbollism in most games these days (including shooters, mmorpgs, etc etc.), thus, proving the evil within.

I am very upset with my gaming habit to be honest, and just wanted my first post to state this.

However, we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God, but I cannot use that as a crutch to prevent honest repentance and steering away from this bad habit (just like smoking cigarettes).

I never feel worthy, but am always glad for my hope unto the end.

I just wanted to let you know that most games simulate murder, and this is simulated sin, which is not looked high upon even if taken lightheartedly.

Sometimes I feel like we let satan win us over in some aspects, but God will always win in the end, and I'll feel bad during this part of judgement, as will all I am sure.

So hopefully you can shed some more light on my point of view.

God bless! Peace unto you!

-nick

 

[Pilgrim]

Some people play video games as a hobby (myself too-- I like Tetris, Solitaire, and Roller Coaster Tycoon) just like others read, fish, whatever. As long as you are not playing anything violent (I don't think that people should play games where they are killing people/animals, or injuring people... I dont think that Jesus would do that, in my opinion), and as long as you have it in balance with other activities in life, then it doesn't seem like a problem.
If someone is obsessed with killing games, playing a video game for hours and hours a day while forgetting about other responsibilities, playing violently,etc, then its probably a problem and a sin and shouldn't be done.

 

[william_kiddjr]

it's not wrong, i play games too, i do struggle with faith sometimes but it's not because of video games. do you play online, if so try this.

when you go online, evagalize, what i mean by this is type in verses or state other things, maybe start a little group and spread the word.

i hope this helps. god bless

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I want some other believers' perspectives

If someone is obsessed with killing games, playing a video game for hours and hours a day while forgetting about other responsibilities, playing violently,etc, then its probably a problem and a sin and shouldn't be done.

It's a matter of personal priorities. If, at the end of a week, I look back on my activities and discover that I've given a significant amount of time each day (or nearly each day) to an activity that has no value other than entertainment value, I can be pretty certain that a problem exists.

It's not likely that time spent playing games contributes to our spiritual growth. Remember what Jesus said: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mt 6:21 NIV)

SLE

 

[eddieb]

what value do video games have, on an eternal ti9meline? or better yet do you give glory to god by playing them. which giving glory to god is what we where made for. its kinda a long sermon. but ill make it short and this is what God showed me.

Isa 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Isa 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.
Isa 5:13 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.

(i know games isnt wine but its something thats obviously not giving glory to God)

back then a feast and instruments where entertainment. but they didnt glorify God. do we live to ourselves? scripture says we live and die to the Lord. if we seek our own how will we then bear much fruit? can you say plating war games is seeking Gods kingdom and his righteousness first?

this is what he has showed me lately. i to like games. had to lay it down. if your friends like games well maybe you should find other friends. ones that will pray as a hobby instead. or maybe you could read more of the Word. thats what i do now. you should check out the following versuses after whats posted above.

bottom line games dont glorify our master.

 

[Veracity]

I like War games (First person shooters, Like call of duty)

Call of Duty?? I must take issue with that...why not Battlefield 2?:shade:
Now if you are up at 5AM still playing...because you feel you have a loyalty to help out your squad...and you have to be at work at 7AM...you need deliverance!!

Anything can become an issue if you let it. Personally I think Call of Duty is too gory, there is no blood in BF2. There are Christian servers where if you are on voip there is no fowl language or they get kicked. It is refreshing to see scriptures scroll across the screen.
I usually don't play video games...until I started playing this with my son.

There are actually people who become a part of a whole community in some of these on line games, Sims, WoW, SecondLife, they have "relationships" etc. It is weird. They are not taking time away from God because they never gave it to start with, and they won't find it there, with the exception of a few who 'crash' with scriptures now and again.

It really depends on you...your relationship with the Lord...do you have time for it? Did you pray? Miss church for it? Buy the game rather than give in the offering? No, it is not giving God glory, but He may be letting you enjoy time away from something worse, or it may keep you from something worse. (there could be a hundred excuses)

Have you spent as much time playing the game as handing out tracks to make people aware of coming judgment? It is all about "in moderation".

BF2 constantly reminds me to pray for our troops, as they don't get to re spawn when they are killed, and the medics don't take away the injury.

Some people will find fault with everything you do outside of "religion", that becomes their video game.:wink:

 

[Veracity]

As surely as a man lives and breathes, he plays, even if its just playing his own horn.

:announcementfly::laugh:

 

[shipwrecksoul]

I think this next statement on this topic helps me out in my weakness.

Exo 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

He loves me and cares for me, and died for me. So I want to please him. I think this verse more and more has helped me prioritize my time. I need all the help I can get in order to be in (under) the Lords ship of who Jesus is. The Father gives me the grace to do this more and more. He leads me by the Spirit to accomplish this. Is there anyone else who has this way of tackling a weakness?

 

[Jani]

I too am dealing with this problem. If we say these games are wrong then truly everything else is as well like Disney stuff. I try not to play and havent played in a while because I feel that it is wrong....just somethign tells me it is. But sometimes I feel like it is ok to play as well.
Talking bout hobbies, I play guitar would it be a sin if I played radio songs?

 

[shaun_nj]

I too am dealing with this problem. If we say these games are wrong then truly everything else is as well like Disney stuff. I try not to play and havent played in a while because I feel that it is wrong....just somethign tells me it is. But sometimes I feel like it is ok to play as well.
Talking bout hobbies, I play guitar would it be a sin if I played radio songs?

Why would it be? My (former) step Dad plays in his church band every sunday. I wouldn't think playing music is a problem. If it is, then I'm in trouble, especially since I was in a Metal cover band for a while (Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, Megadeth, Slipknot). As long as it doesn't turn your life into a twisted mess, I think it is fine.

I remember hearing a long time ago that SIN can stand for "Self Inflicted Nonsense".

 

[SpiritLedEd]

As long as it doesn't turn your life into a twisted mess, I think it is fine.

I remember hearing a long time ago that SIN can stand for "Self Inflicted Nonsense".

In my opinion, SIN is a lot more than self inflicted nonsense. Sin does great moral and physical damage. I think the issue in this thread is: Where is the line drawn between casual, entertainment-centered use of games and addiction to games, which does serious damage to the gamer and those around him/her. Its up to the individual to discover whether or not he/she is addicted. To re-phrase an old Alcoholics Anonymous saying: "If you think you're addicted to.....you probably are."

SLE