Perhaps you should also understand in some video games, players get to play the role of some kind of hero, now is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Should Christians play video games?
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Perhaps you should also understand in some video games, players get to play the role of some kind of hero, now is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I would say stay away from trivial, flattering (ego promoting) pursuits......they encourage the carnal nature and take the earlier quote of Philippians 4:8 to heart. If these qualities/attributes appear uninteresting you can be certain whatever the motivation, it is not prompted by the Spirit of God.
You do realize that video games can also be an escape from this world for lonely people?
We have Gods unspeakable gift. For the world this is foolishness....it appears as a pathetic weakness but for those who have God's Spirit it is the source of never ending fascination..... its discovery and ongoing unfolding......something even angels desire to look into.
The world is full of lonely people thirsting for the water of life. They seek in vain for satisfaction....they thirst to quench their thirst in all the distractions the world offers........ but how can one impart living water if one has not drank of it themselves?.
One cannot share what one hasn't got and what one has one shares. The World shares what it has ie, video games, tattoos, the pursuits of the pleasures of the flesh, smoking and all the other engagements that the world offers. The World even dresses in religious garb to peddle their wares......and many fall for the counterfeit.
Video games and also series and movies manipulate the human spirit.
I advise everyone to get away from this.
I advise everyone to get away from this.
historyb
Well-Known Member
Wrong, people manipulate other people. If someone can't tell the difference between some fake and something real than they need help of the psychiatric type.
apparently Eve couldn't tell the difference between what the serpent told her and what God had said. She choose that which resulted in her demise.
MattMooradian
Well-Known Member
Wow. No one accused you of engaging in Satanic activities, yet. I'm surprised. A person who practiced yoga got reamed for her behavior recently. Enjoy!
historyb
Well-Known Member
Of course that wasn't fake now was it. Why do you people always have to ruin things go somewhere else and suck lemons
I suppose connections are connections even when they don't suit us.
Where do I start. I have more questions than answers as this topic is very relevant to me and I am like a sponge and interested in numerous thoughts on the subject to try and find a biblical standpoint.
To start with....
Thanks for posting that verse. I'd like to elaborate on this a little. Firstly the people sitting down to eat, drink and then rose to play. Does this mean that all games and 'play' are wrong? (Since they wouldn't have had 'computer games' back then - are you alluding to all 'play' being wrong)?
(Please note - these are not attacks - I'm humbly asking as genuine questions as I would like to know where "the line" is on this way of thinking as I am sometimes challenged by the subject myself and appreciate another perspective).
If I take that approach - then does that mean it's wrong for me to go and play golf? Or is that OK because it can be excused as physical exercise and good for the body?
If golf is permitted under exercise - is it wrong for me to sit down with my daughter and play a game of Chess in the living room? Or is that OK because it exercises the mind and spending quality time with her? Or is it wrong because it is 'attacking' and simulates destruction of an invading force and killing certain opponents?
If it's OK - can I play computer games with her as well, or is that wrong because it's now electronic?
If that's OK - is it OK to play chess online instead with my phone as a computer game? Or is it wrong because I'm not psychically with my opponent?
I see that you enjoy sailing. Oh - how much I love it too (and I'll admit, I'm a bit envious - you sailing the world!!! How I want to do that) - even though I have only sailed once. I managed to hire a bare-boat 38 foot cat a few years ago and went out with the family and some friends for vacation. Steep learning curve and loved every moment of it. Stayed in sheltered areas but I watch various youtube video's of people sailing the world and just dream.....
Sadly - I live inland so sailing opportunities are very few. So - I ended up buying esail - a sailing simulator for my computer so I could learn more about sailing with the hopes that one day I will be able to do some more real sailing and have better knowledge. I would much prefer to sail for real but life has not afforded me that opportunity except on one occasion. (Well that, and it's much safer to learn to jibe in a virtual environment) :)
Would you consider playing esailing simulator also sinful as it's a 'game' and sailing is only 'play' for me as I don't need it for travel or work and only do it for recreation? Or would that be acceptable because it's training for something real life?
I'm also a recreational pilot but in recent times things I won't go into has suspended my flying. I do play some flight simulators though - but I'll admit the aircraft I fly in simulators are not the same as real life. (Faster and more expensive). Would the flight simulator be acceptable if I was using it for training purposes, but not for 'fun' and 'play'? Again just wondering where the line is drawn and why?
I find that at the moment with the restrictions we've had (where we haven't even been allowed to visit close family or dying relatives) - gaming online has been a way of connecting with many people, both new and old friends. (As we have headsets where we 'work together' to work through various challenges). I've had a long spell from gaming but recently got back into it during the lockdown when other activities are severely restricted. Should I not connect with others this way and only talk over the phone without interacting with games because games chance the communication from talk to 'play'?
Or is it OK (and maybe even beneficial) to interact like this as we're spending time with others doing things we can't do otherwise? Is your concern more with being self-isolated and playing solo games that has no connection to others because it's self indulging and therefore 'selfish'?
I see we have similar interests because not only sailing but I also love motorcycle riding in the country. (Especially the twisties). I try to take a week off each year to just get out and enjoy nature (and the lean of the machine :) ), but it's not always possible. I'm a sportstourer person myself.
Again - please don't take these as attacks - they are genuine questions. I'd love to understand your perspective. I pray now that this post will be received in the spirit that it was written.
FWIW - my current thoughts are that there are some games as well as movies out there that are demonic in their foundation and have the ability to affect people in ways we have no idea of - the least of which is attitude.
I'm also convinced that what is acceptable or maybe even good (ie games, even chess or golf, or my motorcycle riding) could become an obsession and take time away from more important matters - that it's not always about the activity but deeper issues that make it good, acceptable or sin. (I guess anything in life can - but I know it's so much easier with games - the time flies and it's easy to spend far more time gaming than one realises).
Much of gaming and hobbies in general I'm convinced are "wood, hay and stubble", but so are other recreational activities such as my motorbike riding. Although I also know that both activities can lead towards meeting new people, sharing time and getting to know people more - and can be used for good as well. Although I also know that all men can justify their own actions and it would be easy for me to justify all I do into a 'good' category - but I'm more interested in not justifying it - but knowing what God thinks about it?
So - I'm left, not being sure where the point is that this changes, whether it applies to all "play" as per your quote to Exodus, or whether your conviction is more about certain content and where you think the line is and why. Some things are good. Some are acceptable but not beneficial. Others are damaging.
I would love to discuss this more in a mature discussion with you and others as well.
At present - my current game is DCS World. I'm loving the interaction with other players - especially the helicopters and the challenge of trying to get from a to b without being shot down or support other people. (And the laughs that I get when challenging other mates and crazy things happen). Laughing is good for the soul and I've appreciated it the last few weeks! But as for whether this is a sin or not - I want to be open to being challenged on it.
To start with....
Thanks for posting that verse. I'd like to elaborate on this a little. Firstly the people sitting down to eat, drink and then rose to play. Does this mean that all games and 'play' are wrong? (Since they wouldn't have had 'computer games' back then - are you alluding to all 'play' being wrong)?
(Please note - these are not attacks - I'm humbly asking as genuine questions as I would like to know where "the line" is on this way of thinking as I am sometimes challenged by the subject myself and appreciate another perspective).
If I take that approach - then does that mean it's wrong for me to go and play golf? Or is that OK because it can be excused as physical exercise and good for the body?
If golf is permitted under exercise - is it wrong for me to sit down with my daughter and play a game of Chess in the living room? Or is that OK because it exercises the mind and spending quality time with her? Or is it wrong because it is 'attacking' and simulates destruction of an invading force and killing certain opponents?
If it's OK - can I play computer games with her as well, or is that wrong because it's now electronic?
If that's OK - is it OK to play chess online instead with my phone as a computer game? Or is it wrong because I'm not psychically with my opponent?
I see that you enjoy sailing. Oh - how much I love it too (and I'll admit, I'm a bit envious - you sailing the world!!! How I want to do that) - even though I have only sailed once. I managed to hire a bare-boat 38 foot cat a few years ago and went out with the family and some friends for vacation. Steep learning curve and loved every moment of it. Stayed in sheltered areas but I watch various youtube video's of people sailing the world and just dream.....
Sadly - I live inland so sailing opportunities are very few. So - I ended up buying esail - a sailing simulator for my computer so I could learn more about sailing with the hopes that one day I will be able to do some more real sailing and have better knowledge. I would much prefer to sail for real but life has not afforded me that opportunity except on one occasion. (Well that, and it's much safer to learn to jibe in a virtual environment) :)
Would you consider playing esailing simulator also sinful as it's a 'game' and sailing is only 'play' for me as I don't need it for travel or work and only do it for recreation? Or would that be acceptable because it's training for something real life?
I'm also a recreational pilot but in recent times things I won't go into has suspended my flying. I do play some flight simulators though - but I'll admit the aircraft I fly in simulators are not the same as real life. (Faster and more expensive). Would the flight simulator be acceptable if I was using it for training purposes, but not for 'fun' and 'play'? Again just wondering where the line is drawn and why?
I find that at the moment with the restrictions we've had (where we haven't even been allowed to visit close family or dying relatives) - gaming online has been a way of connecting with many people, both new and old friends. (As we have headsets where we 'work together' to work through various challenges). I've had a long spell from gaming but recently got back into it during the lockdown when other activities are severely restricted. Should I not connect with others this way and only talk over the phone without interacting with games because games chance the communication from talk to 'play'?
Or is it OK (and maybe even beneficial) to interact like this as we're spending time with others doing things we can't do otherwise? Is your concern more with being self-isolated and playing solo games that has no connection to others because it's self indulging and therefore 'selfish'?
I see we have similar interests because not only sailing but I also love motorcycle riding in the country. (Especially the twisties). I try to take a week off each year to just get out and enjoy nature (and the lean of the machine :) ), but it's not always possible. I'm a sportstourer person myself.
Again - please don't take these as attacks - they are genuine questions. I'd love to understand your perspective. I pray now that this post will be received in the spirit that it was written.
FWIW - my current thoughts are that there are some games as well as movies out there that are demonic in their foundation and have the ability to affect people in ways we have no idea of - the least of which is attitude.
I'm also convinced that what is acceptable or maybe even good (ie games, even chess or golf, or my motorcycle riding) could become an obsession and take time away from more important matters - that it's not always about the activity but deeper issues that make it good, acceptable or sin. (I guess anything in life can - but I know it's so much easier with games - the time flies and it's easy to spend far more time gaming than one realises).
Much of gaming and hobbies in general I'm convinced are "wood, hay and stubble", but so are other recreational activities such as my motorbike riding. Although I also know that both activities can lead towards meeting new people, sharing time and getting to know people more - and can be used for good as well. Although I also know that all men can justify their own actions and it would be easy for me to justify all I do into a 'good' category - but I'm more interested in not justifying it - but knowing what God thinks about it?
So - I'm left, not being sure where the point is that this changes, whether it applies to all "play" as per your quote to Exodus, or whether your conviction is more about certain content and where you think the line is and why. Some things are good. Some are acceptable but not beneficial. Others are damaging.
I would love to discuss this more in a mature discussion with you and others as well.
At present - my current game is DCS World. I'm loving the interaction with other players - especially the helicopters and the challenge of trying to get from a to b without being shot down or support other people. (And the laughs that I get when challenging other mates and crazy things happen). Laughing is good for the soul and I've appreciated it the last few weeks! But as for whether this is a sin or not - I want to be open to being challenged on it.
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The context is this.....They had in the last few weeks just heard the Ten Commandments spoken in Gods own voice midst thunder and a burning mountain....they were petrified and asked that God not speak to them anymore.
Moses had gone up the mountain to have those very commandments handed to him by God on two stone tablets.
They had forgotten the solemnity of the scene and the seriousness of their promise they had made and engaged the revelry they were familiar with from Egypt. This revelry involved the breaking of the very Commandments God had just given them.
This is what is meant by the the words 'they sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play'
Hi Quietthinker. Thanks for that but I'm struggling to understand how that context fits into video games and was hoping to know where and how you draw a line as to what is acceptable. (Hence my quesions to you about what are your thoughts on me learning to sail and play through esail simulator, or what are your thoughts of video games vs other games. (Chess, or other board games, etc))?
I glean from your posts that you believe that video games are foolishness for believers - I'd just like to explore deeper the reasons why and where the lines are drawn in your mind - to see if anything pops out or convicts me with where I stand at the moment.... if you'd be willing to express your views to my questions further. (No pressure if you don't want to - I just saw an opportunity to discuss something that's been a question in my own mind for a while).
Games Scoot, or any activity that dishonours God, poisons or inflates yourself or destroys relationship imagined, simulated or real.
You are a Prince of God Scoot....think like one, feel like one, walk and talk like one with your head held high. Paul has given us direction on this in Philippians 4:4-9 and Colossians 3 .....we can choose. Make the effort to look these scriptures up.
MattMooradian
Well-Known Member
Moderation is all things. That is one line not to cross. Another line is, if it is harming you (neglecting chores or neglecting going to your job, etc.). Also, is it effecting your spiritual life in a detrimental manner. I watch TV that sometimes has women in scantly clan outfits; this may or may not hinder my spiritual life. Personally, I use those opportunities to manage my lustfulness, not to indulge in my lustfulness. As a result, I have become increasingly better at avoiding lustful ideas. So, even though there are aspects that could hinder me spiritually, I use these aspects to enhance my spiritual relationship with God.
When it comes to video games, lustfulness may not be the issue; but, anger and aggressiveness may be more of a challenge. If the player must murder other imaginary persons in a video game, that may or may not hinder you spiritually. Can it be transformed into something that improves your relationship with God?
I believe when we enter God's rest there will be a great deal of leisure. In fact, there will be no more toiling in Heaven (all activities may fall under the category of leisure). If we cannot enjoy leisure in this life, how will we cope in the next life? Jesus was called a wine bibbler because He engaged in partying (like the marriage at Cana). Jesus was having fun. Do not judge oneself for having fun, whatever the source of the fun, as long as you are not harming yourself or others during the fun activity.
I CAN'T BELIEVE THE MODERATORS WOULD ALLOW THIS KINDS OF TOPIC WHICH ARE PREVALENT IN THE WORLD IN A FORUM WHERE THE THINGS OF GOD ARE SPOKEN!!!
When Jesus was asked: "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not"? Jesus asked for a tribute money and said, "Whose image is it in the penny"? and they said Caesar's.
And Jesus replied, "render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."
To God Be The Glory
When Jesus was asked: "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not"? Jesus asked for a tribute money and said, "Whose image is it in the penny"? and they said Caesar's.
And Jesus replied, "render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."
To God Be The Glory
Michiah-Imla
Well-Known Member
I was steeped in video games before coming to faith in Christ. I was also an avid home theater enthusiast.
But upon becoming enlightened in the word I put away these vain, youthful, and idle things.
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not”.
“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer”.
But upon becoming enlightened in the word I put away these vain, youthful, and idle things.
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not”.
“Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer”.
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Yes Christians can play simulations, and you can only play; Medieval Total War 2. Crusader Kings 2. Bioshock Infinite (Southern Presbyterian chaos theory) (Stonewall Jackson/Lady Comstock romance at the police station. ) Horace Underwood and Stonewall Jackson in a video game. Civilization 5 is way out there...
Europa Universalis 4 Oliver Cromwell Start got Reformed America on your side.
I'll tell you whats not Christian about it is they're just names to start hitting each other. I'm an Orthodox! Ya!... So play the Byzantines , go to cheat console, religion iconoclast, cheat trigger event 210.LoR mend the schism, dont establish a iconoclast pentarchy. settle rhode island. Ya, looks good to me, anyway.
90's games used to be about giving quarters to the homeless or you regret it. Anyone remember that? Oh I forgot the homeless man on level 2.
Mabinogi pick up the Sister's eggs, get married. Welsh fairytales, its more Korean than Jejoongwon... I've discovered a french name for the place, Corea. Good idea..
Europa Universalis 4 Oliver Cromwell Start got Reformed America on your side.
I'll tell you whats not Christian about it is they're just names to start hitting each other. I'm an Orthodox! Ya!... So play the Byzantines , go to cheat console, religion iconoclast, cheat trigger event 210.LoR mend the schism, dont establish a iconoclast pentarchy. settle rhode island. Ya, looks good to me, anyway.
90's games used to be about giving quarters to the homeless or you regret it. Anyone remember that? Oh I forgot the homeless man on level 2.
Mabinogi pick up the Sister's eggs, get married. Welsh fairytales, its more Korean than Jejoongwon... I've discovered a french name for the place, Corea. Good idea..
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