Christians: Is it a sin to play violent video games?

Question

Is there a place where I can buy something to block the cussing and any other things I'm not supposed to hear or see in these games? Would that make it acceptable if I get something that blocks it out?

Answer 1

One should note that ORIGINALLY to sin meant that a person had transgressed what they had sworn to uphold to their god(s). At birth, a sacrifice was given to enter the child into the covanent of the parents, like in Matthew where Joseph and Mary go to the temple after the birth of 'Jesus' and sacfrices the 2 doves/pigeons. One to enter 'Jesus' into the Covanent and the other to 'cleanse' mary after giving birth.

Typically THEN, when a child became 13yo---they were considered ADULT then back in the day, they would have ANOTHER ceremony where they would go through each and every tenent within the covanent and vow/swear to their god(s) to keep them.

If a person didn't think that they could uphold a particular tenent, they would omit it from the personal covanent with their god(s).

Deut 23:21-23 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.

One of the reasons that a sinner was so vile in the OT. Not only did they do something wrong, they also LIED to their OWN god(s).

...so unless its a part of the covanent with your god(s), I wouldn't worry about it. Though if you are bothered by the violence and vulgar word usage, don't buy THOSE games, some version are sold that 'tame' them down.

Answer 2

In Christianity, pretty much all sin is in the heart and not your actions. BEFORE you jump me, people, hear me out.

Jesus said "it is written 'thou shalt not commit adultery' but I say unto you that if you lust after a woman, then in your heart you have committed adultery with her already."

Sinful actions are based on sinful attitudes, so by the time you actually commit a sinful act, you've already committed the actual sin.

Having said that, there is biblical proof that what's a sin to one man is not a sin to another. I think it's 1Cor (been a loooong time since I actively studied the Bible) where Paul wrote to the church there regarding the eating of meat offered to idols as a sacrifice.

In a nutshell, he said: it's not a sin to eat it. It's just meat, and you, being strong (of knowledge) can eat and do so without sin. The part of this my church liked to home in on, though, is that if in so doing, you cause a weaker brother to become emboldened and violate his conscience by eating the meat (thinking it's a sin, therefore committing a sin) you have also sinned. So if by eating meat, he causes a brother to sin, he would eat no meat while the world stands.

Point: Meat is meat is meat, no matter what was done to it, and if you're hungry and have meat to eat, then good for you. It's all in the heart where sin comes from.

So if you enjoy playing a game with violence and swearing and 'lewd and lascivious behavior' in it - if you know - KNOW that you're not such a person as in the game, and that you're just playing a game, then you're a-okay. you're not shooting people, you're playing a game.

But if you're unsure, then you'd best steer clear.

Don't be afraid of everything out there - be strong in yourself and trust the Lord to guide you. If you desire to be good, then most of the time you'll succeed. The rest is where forgiveness comes in.

Remember - Jesus ate with harlottes and tax collectors - something that most Christians today would never do.

Answer 3

My son has been playing video games his whole life. Real good at them... His job now is a video game tester. He has been playing about 18 years. I see how it has hardened his heart. It was his high school summer job at the Vet's office that melted the coldness. I was so relieved to see that he really could cry. Over some old, sick, family pet. That was loved and would be missed. Is it a sin? Don't know. Balance is key if it is possible.

Answer 4

First of all, I don't think it's a sin to play violent video games -- just as long as you don't go acting it out in public. I've never heard of a device or a "non-violent" version of a bloody video game before. If you really want to get something that is non-violent, perhaps look into Veggie Tales or something. I think they do have something with a Christian twist to it. Or else you'll just have to resort to Super Mario brothers...though killing King Kupa might be a tinge on the violent side too.

Answer 5

You can't avoid hearing bad language these days. As long as you don't use the language, hearing it is not sinful. Also, the violence is not real in the games. I suspect you would never hurt another human being in real life. That's what matters. In my opinion, God knows where your heart is and would not judge you harshly for action video game relaxation. Nobody can be perfect. If that's the worst thing you do, you are in a good place.

Answer 6

Okay, here's the long and short of it, you're hung up on Christian Fundamentalism.
That's okay.
It's actually quite simple though....it's a game.
You are enacting fantasy scenarios, you are not acting grievously against God.
It's not a sin to play a game, so long as you aren't hurting anyone.
Video Games, well, nobody's being hurt.
If you find yourself emulating the violence and language involved, then you are too impressionable an individual to play these games and shouldn't play them.
But, if you can practice self control and don't get too caught up in them, than it is harmless escapism.

Answer 7

Oddly enough there was a very heated debate some time ago where Walmart was asked to remove a video game based on the Rapture that had quite some violence attached to it.

So I would guess No to your answer.

Answer 8

Ask the question this way, "Does playing violent video games glorify God and show love for others?" I think if you answer that question, the answer will make a lot more sense.

Answer 9

I'm a Christian and i honestly dont see anything wrong with those kind of games as long as your not out saying those words and being voilent like in the games!But then again im a kid so of course im gonna see it that way!

Answer 10

Funny they condemn gays but don't allow non gay video games on the other hand either . A few hard words gonna hurt someone ? Guess your faith is far too weak for a little language .No sin in my mind . Censorship is the sin . grow up and be one of the big boys ....