Is roleplay a Sin (from a Christian p.o.v)?

Question

To start I know that nobody can speak for all Christians and that there are many different views, and if I say anything incorrect here please feel free to correct me. I'm learning. :o)

I am a writer and I have a number of characters of my own creation that... if you like... live inside my head. You might think i'm insane if I explain this incorrectly...
My main character sometimes acts as another identity to me. In my head, I twist the events of my everyday life to happen in my character's everyday life and live it through them. Perhaps for inspiration, perhaps just to see it from another p.o.v I don't know. It seems to be autonomous and I find myself doing it all the time (even as I type now xD)
Also I roleplay my characters often. Very often, as in every day.
I believe it is God who gave me the ability to imagine. I am not hurting or taking anything from anyone, Its just fantasy. But is it disrespectful to God to try and be someone i'm not? "Thou shall not covet"?
Thanks

Moiraes: You have some good points that I didn't think of, thank you :o) I wasn't thinking of actors... that'd definitely be something to think about. Thanks :o)

Free Radical, thanks :oD Those are the lins along which I was thinking, but I couldn't be sure. I thought perhaps I was just twisting it to work for me, trying to kid myself or something. But I agree, my characters are a kind of gift from God because He gave me the ability to invent them. So they are still a part of me. Thanks! :o)

Tuberoot, thank you for the quote, and to your edit, lol, absoutely. :o)

John - Thanks, I like that theory :o)

Orac - Thank you for your input. They are purely hypothetical and it is just acting. I love the theory about algebra. I must remember it. :oD
Hehe, thank you for the offer of the Be Careful talk but I have learned where it is appropriate to stop. Thanks again. :o)

Answer 1

If that is your role on a drama in which you are one of the participants maybe it is not a sin against God or that is your role on the kind of job where you are working, it is not a sin.

But if you are doing it purposely to deceive people, it is considered maybe a sin against God.
jtm

Answer 2

You know the right thing to do.
Are you just looking for the answers that will make you feel better for doing it?
Imagination is a God given thing. God who is Perfect, All Loving, Kind Compassionate, Spotless and Caring.

Do you think any of these characters you portray are beneficial to you and are projecting the imagination, as you stated, that God so freely gave you, should be used as in a lets say - Church play, in any way shape or form??
What do you think God thinks of alot of the filth from Hollywood?
Then you have your answer.

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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Answer 3

Why would it be? Its just playing pretend and kids do it all time. In your head isn't a big deal but doing it for real is a little wierd once you're an adult.

Although, to be honest, I still roleplay when I get the chance. Dungeons and Dragons and Vampire: The Masquerade.

Its fun, its relaxing, and theres no harm in it.

Edit: Hey, just a a thought, what is it that you think actors do exactly? They take on a role then perform that "pretend" in front of others for entertainment.

Even the reenactments of the crucifiction that were performed this weekend were a type of "roleplay".

Answer 4

It seems you have a vivid and detailed imagination.
That is not a bad thing.
I see nothing wrong with what you describe, as long as you do not 'act out' and then blame that on one of your characters.
If they are, essentially, nothing more than a hypothetical, then exercising the hypothetical is no more sinful than doing algebra (that is, as long as mathematics is not sinful to you).
Enjoy the fact that you have this wonderful mind.
You sound like you have a good morality, and are a responsible person, all I can say is enjoy!
Fantasies are healthy, as long as they don't rule your life.
I don't think I need to give you the 'Be careful' talk, do I?
You sound like you've got a handle on it.

Answer 5

hi, im a born again Christian...in my point of view...what you are doing is alright as long as what you're doing is good and you are not hurting someone or doing something wrong...i believe that if you are trying to be some of your mindmade characters you are still you coz you made those characters from your mind...which furthermore makes you unique...not everyone can do what you can do and imagine....God bless...have fun with ur lyf....and as u have stated God gave u the ability 2 imagine...CREATIVELY

Answer 6

If roleplaying amkes you doubt God, or set the things of God aside in the value of them, then it is a sin for you. If not, play on.

That's totally my opinion.

My Biblical text is:
Romans 14:14
I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.


EDIT: May I volunteer to be a Character in your book?

Answer 7

Role play when it becomes addictive or life controlling it becomes a problem. If role playing included sinful or occult behavior it opens the door for Satan to step in. Role playing can be a good thing but just like all good things Satan is ready to pervert it into something he can use to further his kingdom.

Answer 8

From the Christian belief that I follow, yes, roll playing a sin. It is condoning it. It is no different than watching trash on TV.

Answer 9

If roleplay was a sin then many are screwed for pleasing their wife that had rape fetishes you know.

Answer 10

Christians are into s and m, and having prostitutes as girlfriends, also leaving their wives to become unemployed, and to hung out with other guys. I think it is all sin...but they know they are sinners.