So this was always a topic I was going to talk about at some point, but seen as there was a topic about strong Christian parents stopping people playing games I decided I would write this post:

 

So I will answer 2 questions:

 

Are Video games demonic?

 

Are videos games a waste of time? (mainly from a Christian perspective).

 

Making stuff:

 

So lets look at Genesis:

Genesis 1&2 – The Creative God

•V1 – God creates ex nihilo

•V3-25 – Filling and Forming creation

 

Ultimately, everything that God creates is said to be "Good" and we are "Very Good". This is important as the next paragraph will show.

 

And then, God creates man ! and we are:

•We are co-creators with God – Filling and forming

 

So overall, everything that humans create in essence is an imitation of what God created. I mean just look at computers! Some works of art are amazing, we also listen to and enjoy music, films, TV-shows (MLP woop woop) so why should video games be any different? Further evidence of us enjoying creation from the bible bellow.

 

Then after this there are examples of us enjoying Gods creation:

 

1 Timothy 4:4-5

•Enjoying God’s good creation

•Giving thanks and glorifying God in enjoying things

 

Now then, here comes the ugly part. Christians believe that Sin entered the world through "The Fall" (link to Genesis 3: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NIV). Without recanting it, Sin enters the "good" world that God created. Practices such as magic and demons came into the world along with sin (such as death, pain, anguish, shame, greed, and all the things that comes with that). So where do video games fit in with all of this? Are they full of things making us susceptible to demons and things hurtful to God?

 

Playing games as a Christian - Engaging with Video Games

 

 

Now I'm going to come at this from a very Christian centred way, but this will explain my beliefs well and hopefully challenge Christians who think its all bad, if it has not already.

 

Video games send out an array of mixed messages to us, just in the same way as films and books which are a mix of truth and lies, beauty of the Gospel and ugliness of sin. The two worst things that Christians can do when it comes to movies, books or video games is:

 

1.Ignore it and blindly take it in. Passively take in the content and not really think about what you are watching or reading.

 

2.Dismiss all media and culture. Brand it as a waste of time or evil. Encourage Christians to stay away from all of that.

 

So as a Christian I tend to ask myself these 8 questions (I don't do it formally most of the time, but I still think about it and have these questions in mind as I'm playing):

 

 

1.What’s the story?

2.Where am I? (what world you are in?)

3.What is good and true and beautiful about it?

4.What’s false and ugly and perverse about it?

5.When I play this game, do I notice any change of attitude of behaviour?

6.Is this a game I could easily walk away from or is it addictive?

7.How are men and women portrayed in the game?

8.How does the Gospel apply here?

 

Now, using these questions I can asses the game thoughtfully and expose it for what it is trying to show. Most of these questions I feel everyone should ask themselves just to game in a healthy manner. From this I look to learn from the game, games often show aspects of real life and I believe that you should be able to learn something from anything. By looking at and Identifying what is Ugly/perverse IE killing/rape/demons/magic I am not just letting myself be influenced by them. I may choose not to play a game because it changes me as a person (long stints on WoW used to make me angry with the world and I also become addicted to it, thus I ended up not playing it for a while).

 

 

Other thoughts games:

 

 

•Anti-Christian content

 

 

For a Christian, living Godly is our aim. If a game (such as wow I mentioned above) stops me from doing that because it effects me in some way, then I won't play it. I'm not saying the game is wrong for a Christian to play, but for me it is not indicative of a Godly way of life because it effects me.

 

Non - Christians Dealing with controlling Christian Parents:

 

 

Now as a non Christian, very strong Christian parents can feel very controlling with these things. My advice would be:

 

After reading this, try and understand why they are doing it (usually, they want to protect you from what they see is harmful to you). Discuss with them the game/s in question and get them to explain to you why?

 

Games may be seen as demonic, and talk about demonic influences. I believe demons are very real and it is important to guard yourself from them. Your parents don't want them to influence your life at all. Yes there are demonic/sinful practices in games (that should be obvious) but once again it is important to perceive this and not let it effect you (talked about more in the next paragraph). If your parents are not letting you play games, then go through the risks with them, show them that you know what the risks are and that you won't let them effect you (I know this can be really hard for a non Christian, as often Christians see things very differently). If you show understanding, and explain why in ways games are good (point out things from points 3. and maybe point 8. lots of games have redemption stories and reflect the bible in this way, or may even contain Christian themes within them such as MLP).

 

Ultimately, (and I urge you all to follow Jesus), for a non-Christian, your aims are not to be Godly in everything you do, and I'n the end that is your choice which is a choice everyone has. I would still say to you, think about the video games you are playing and how they might be effecting you (using the criteria) and don't let them adversely effect your life (particularly with addiction, everything in moderation ).

 

(I also talk about how video games can be great for Christians/Christianity but this doesn't fit here).

 

If you have any questions ask me, Ill try my best! If your a non-Christian I will thank you for reading ! Your welcome to read the rest but it is basically only aimed at Christians .

 

 

 

Extra Advice for Christian - Playing games as a Christian Part 2 – Dealing with dangers

 

Three Important things regarding this:

 

Apply the Gospel.

 

Know your own limits in these things.

 

Treasure Jesus.

 

Gaming is also an amazing way to build relationships!

 

1.Gaming can be part of a community whether an online community or having your mates around to play a game together.

 

2.Set up a gaming society at Uni or join one? Make friends, chat about games, play games together and build relationships that are authentic.

 

3.Gamechurch – gaming convention – give out free beer and tracts. Could you do that at your uni? Could you do that at a UK gaming convention?

 

4.Set up a CU event for those who enjoy video games. Play games together. Eat food. Share your testimony?

 

Remember as a Christians we are called to be the "salt and the light" in everything we do .

 

A quick thought from one/the most up to data Christian literature:

 

 

“It’s high time for the church as a whole to realize that this is not a passing fad, something to be ignored until it fades… The church has seen fit to engage other media (books, TV and films) and there is no reason to ignore games. God’s people build communion and community in all kinds of situations. The fantastic worlds of video games certainly have room for us.” – Of Games and God, pg169

 

 

Overall, gaming is not bad for Christians, and if you apply the above you can't really go wrong! One thing I live by is:

 

"Doing what you love, and taking Jesus with you!"

 

Thanks for reading and feel free to ask questions ! Ill do my best to answer!