As a Christian is it okay that I...?

Question

Is it okay that play violent videogames? I don't believe in killing anyone but I mainly play for a time killer or just an intriguing story.

I believe that I'm just destroying bits of data that can come back millions of times(until the disc breaks or scratches horribly) unlike a real human who won't walk this Earth again. And in real life if you get shot once your bleeding a lot. In a videogame people have to be shot like 12 times just to die.

Answer 1

as a christian. why would you want to?

Satan works slow. he doesn't just happen overnight. Look at cartoons. he plays on little kids minds everyday with funny gestures over and over. The little kids minds get "conditioned". He is "mind conditioning", over time. The sneaks in your life. This is exactly how it happens.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

It is not a sin if that is what you mean. It may not be edifying to your spirit though. How does it make you feel and in what way does it benefit you? There are many things all of us do on a daily basis that may not be the best thing we could be doing for God's glory at that particular time so even if it were wrong you would not be alone. Make sure you spend time reading your Bible, praying, and in fellowship with other Christians. If God does not wish for you to spend as much time playing those games it will become clear to you.

Answer 3

I don't think it's okay for anyone to play violent video games, at least extensively. And there have been lots of articles in the news about the harms of playing video games that are too violent, and what can happen psychologically from prolonged exposure.

California has a law that prevents the sale or rental of violent video games to minors.

It's not a question of Christian/non-Christian... it's a matter of "should you" or "shouldn't you" ...

Answer 4

I am not a religious person, but surely, by playing violent videogames, what you are doing is actually good for the soul... for someone who never thinks bad thoughts can not be truly said to be "good", as they have never been tempted to be anything else... whereas by thinking "evil" thoughts while playing that game, and resisting the "temptation" to copy them in real life, surely means you're a saint in the making!

Answer 5

For a Christian? I would have to say do'nt play'em...they desensitize the emmotions... this is a proven psycological thing... any exposure to violence numbs... real combat, domestic violence, childabuse, TV, movies...all violence numbs the emmotions... I see way too many young peole that today think violence in the dating area is acceptable... Way more than used to occure...teens now shoot and stab far more than even 25 years ago... I personaly do not think violent vidio is any good at all... Is it a sin?... tough call... but it has to be close to it...and when is the line crossed? Why do it...how can violence be fun??????

Answer 6

I'm a Christian and I play WW2 shooter games. I don't feel any desire to hurt anybody in real life. But I stay away from the games that have a 'Mature' rating,because I'm afraid I would pick up on the bad words.

Answer 7

As with everything I think it comes down to motivation. Do you find yourself increasingly edgy after playing? Do you imagine yourself as the hero of the game? Do you seriously think about taking some of those actins in real life? If not, then you're probably OK. But the mere fact that you brought it up tells me that the Holy Spirit may be convicting you personally. And that's something you have to work out with God yourself. So pray about it and see how God responds.

May God bless you & guide you, my young brother in Christ

Answer 8

You need to ask yourself, "Does this game (or anything else) take me to a closer relationship with God or does it lead me away?". Does this game contain obscene language, suggestive themes (like scantily dressed women), gratititous violence, or anything that appeals to the worldly self (our fallen nature). If the answer is yes, even in what may appear as innocent or mild, my advice is to stay clear. Our Lord has given us laws, commandments, and teachings that reflect His love for His greatest creation, us. Christ not only expects us to act the part, but to think and be the part as well. Be warned that the scriptures tell us that Satan is like a roaring lion waiting to devour anyone he can. This brother is the scary part. He does it with things that seem so trivial or petty. He takes control of our thoughts however he can.

Romans 12:2 states "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Guard your mind and what goes into it for your body is the Temple of God.

An excellent resource that reviews games can be found on Focus on the Family web site and their teen males magazine "Breakaway" in their "Gameface" section.

I hope this gives you something of what you are looking for. May the Fathers wisdom be with you.

SW

Answer 9

Speaking for myself and it has nothing to do with religion really, but I don't think I'm alone.

It gets senseless and repetitive after awhile and then it hit me that I was just playing the game for the sake of playing it -- over and over again. May be there is something better to do with my time / life? So I walked out that door.

But, if you don't take a step outside the room, you would never find out for yourself.

Answer 10

I have always thought the greatest sin you can commit, is the sin against your own feelings of what is right and wrong. If you feel like you shouldn't, I would suggest you stop playing them. Follow your heart, if it's in the right place, it will guide you.