Can Jehovah's Witnesses play any M-rated video game?

Question

I have all four mature-rated game for Xbox 360 but haven't played them because I don't have an Xbox 360 console yet.

I know this is a silly question but that got me wonder because most Jehovah's Witnesses prefer to watch clean movies or play any clean video games. Just curious.

Only Jehovah's Witnesses please.

Is playing any video games a personal decision or depend on the person's conscience?

I'm not a Jehovah's Witness but...
It's kind of hard for me to stay away from that game because I'm big fan of any Rareware game and other too. Hmm.

What about the Banjo-Kazooie series?
If you don't know what it is then here's a link.
http://ign64.ign.com/objects/001/001922.html (Banjo-Kazooie)

http://ign64.ign.com/objects/000/000422.html (Banjo-Tooie)

LineDancer:
What if I play T/M-rated games but doesn't influence my behavior/thoughts? Just curious.
I admit that I sometimes use curse words while playing on Halo online. =/

Answer 1

As the daughter of a JW I still play M-rated games and watch R-rated movies. I guess it's just a choice. Sure they are violent, but one has to be weak-minded to be led into such acts. I understand that these are only forms of entertainment and not a way of life. What Jehovah doesn't like is that one spends too much time infront of the t.v. when instead that time could be spents as quality family time or studying the Bible. But it doesn't mean he doesn't want for us to do other things besides reading the Bible. I guess it's just a choice of the person.

Answer 2

Ultimately what one plays is up to them, or in some cases their guardians. I sell video games and systems. I have, mostly in group lots, ended up with several games which I do not play due to content, regardless of rating. I am often conflicted. For instance I used to play Banjo Kazuwee. I sold that game, not sure if I would play it should I acquire it again.

As for being affected, I often have found myself thinking I am not Really affected by what I watch, but then I find myself sometimes even thinking in the same mindset of a character I read of. We are ALL affected on some level, if we weren't commercials wouldn't be used to sell items.

Answer 3

Yes,

We can do whatever we want.

The real question, that a mature person would have asked,would have been: Is it wise and beneficial for one
of Jehovahs' Witnesses to play any M-rated video games.

My answer would be that it is not wise to play most video games regardless of ratings.

What is an M-rated video game?

Answer 4

Studies suggest that violent video and computer games can give rise to aggressive behavior and lead to delinquency. Thus, every adult who is responsible for a child should give thoughtful consideration to choosing suitable toys.

Don’t forget that there are other—perhaps more productive—ways of enjoying yourself, such as reading, doing arts and crafts, participating in healthful sports, singing, or learning to play a musical instrument. It is so much more beneficial to spend time “training yourself with godly devotion as your aim.” (1 Timothy 4:7) Doing so will be of far more value than playing any electronic game.

As an adult, I stay away from "M" and "T" rated games. Violence and sex in video games are things I avoid. To play those games is to associate myself with bad behavior. 1 Cor. 15:33 says: "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits."

Answer 5

Each individual and family head among Jehovah's Witnesses decides for himself which video games he and his family will play. There is no "punishment" for a Witness who plays M-rated games, but it seems unlikely that he would qualify for privileges in the congregation.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20021222/article_01.htm

Answer 6

I don't think you should play such games. there may be things on the game that should not be seen. just like we have to watch what we see on TV and the commercials. take if from a mother

Answer 7

Grand Theft Auto--and all of its various cheats--have provided me with years of laughs and chuckles; it's a truly stress-reducing little source of escapism. Running over a few CG pedestrians and making your car fly is hardly going to be offensive to God, I'm sure.

Answer 8

Only if you don't look directly at the screen

Answer 9

no