Views On Video Games (Part III)
Most of the problems in choosing video games also apply to that of music and movies. What, exactly, consitutes entertainment that doesn't go against biblical principles?
Taken strictly, this would mean that any entertainment that contains sinful acts (i.e. against biblical morality standards) would be considered "sinful" and, consequentially, not recommended for Christians.
However, large numbers of video games tend to fall in between the lines. Is it wrong to slay all those enemy orcs? Crash cars made out of digital pixels into people made out of digital pixels?
And, anyway, are the things we do in video games equally wrong as that in real life?
Since I'm not advocating the death sentence for all those who made (and played) those PS2 games out there, I would say that, obviously, there is no correlation. But the acts done in certain games are, nevertheless, wrong.
So where does that take us? Some play video games that are clearly wrong without any hint of guilt. Others play them, knowing that what they are doing are wrong but nevertheless still continue. Both groups are wrong in this case.
But then, what constitutes a clearly wrong video game? (I have few examples but I will give some abstract criteria instead)
Most of them fall under the category that promotes wanton (morally unjustifiable) violence, games that feature sexual elements and games that require you to deceive, lie and steal.
I would personally avoid these games. However, for some, these aren't exactly strong enough reasons to stay away from games. After all, there are movies that have these things and yet we still go to see them (I acknowledge that I have gone to see these kind of movies).
In this case, some leave it to their conscience (and I respect that)- but staying away from these kind of games which is know are morally wrong is still something an obligation for Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is still a good guideline.
Watching movies isn't exactly like playing games. When you watch a bad movie (morally speaking, although I do hope you extend it to quality!), certainly you wouldn't want to watch it again. The same thing goes with games. Repeated playings of Grand Theft Auto are not advisable, to say the least.
So these are my thoughts on this subject. I'm certain some people who play the above mentioned game (who are Christian) will disagree with me. I, of course, welcome what they have to say.
Taken strictly, this would mean that any entertainment that contains sinful acts (i.e. against biblical morality standards) would be considered "sinful" and, consequentially, not recommended for Christians.
However, large numbers of video games tend to fall in between the lines. Is it wrong to slay all those enemy orcs? Crash cars made out of digital pixels into people made out of digital pixels?
And, anyway, are the things we do in video games equally wrong as that in real life?
Since I'm not advocating the death sentence for all those who made (and played) those PS2 games out there, I would say that, obviously, there is no correlation. But the acts done in certain games are, nevertheless, wrong.
So where does that take us? Some play video games that are clearly wrong without any hint of guilt. Others play them, knowing that what they are doing are wrong but nevertheless still continue. Both groups are wrong in this case.
But then, what constitutes a clearly wrong video game? (I have few examples but I will give some abstract criteria instead)
Most of them fall under the category that promotes wanton (morally unjustifiable) violence, games that feature sexual elements and games that require you to deceive, lie and steal.
I would personally avoid these games. However, for some, these aren't exactly strong enough reasons to stay away from games. After all, there are movies that have these things and yet we still go to see them (I acknowledge that I have gone to see these kind of movies).
In this case, some leave it to their conscience (and I respect that)- but staying away from these kind of games which is know are morally wrong is still something an obligation for Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 is still a good guideline.
Watching movies isn't exactly like playing games. When you watch a bad movie (morally speaking, although I do hope you extend it to quality!), certainly you wouldn't want to watch it again. The same thing goes with games. Repeated playings of Grand Theft Auto are not advisable, to say the least.
So these are my thoughts on this subject. I'm certain some people who play the above mentioned game (who are Christian) will disagree with me. I, of course, welcome what they have to say.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, April 05, 2006 at 6:52 PM.
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