Christians and video games. Not a huge
doctrinal issue, but more of a minor one that is hotly debated between the
younger Christian community. We're going to examine this concept of
"Should Christians be able to play video games?" in the
following paragraphs. Before we dive into this, let me give you some context of
my history with video games. I've been raised in a video game culture. My
generation is probably more obsessed with video games than any other previous
generation, and for good reason! We have stronger access to technology more
than ever now! We have many consoles for many different experiences of gaming!
And my whole life, I've been allowed to play video games. My parents really
haven't objected to the blood or the shooting content in games. They've only
had a problem with sexually mature content, which I don't disagree with them
on. So let's dive in.
Obviously, due to its completion nearly 2000 years ago, the Bible
does not directly speak on the topic of video games. However, God's voice
clearly echoes through Scripture, leaving us with verses and context that give
us the ability to easily apply to it our current lifestyle. So here goes my
opinion. To say “Christians should not play video games” is to COMPLETELY
reject, disregard, and underestimate the vision that God has for the gaming
community. The gaming community is composed of literally millions of unreached
people for Christ. How can we miss this opportunity? We have the ability to
develop online relationships with people across the world. If Christians took
advantage of this (which a lot already are), we would have the ability to build
relationships with people over games and even introduce them to online churches
(elevationnetwork, etc.). There are already dozens of sites established where
Christian gamers are coming together and recognizing each other. Just search up
“Gamers for Christ” on Google, you’ll be surprised by what you see. Now there
is a line. And it’s a very fine line.
Video games can be
used greatly to further the Kingdom of God, and they can also become idols.
When a person starts obsessing over a video game, they start to idolize it, and
it replaces where the individual looks to for his source of “love”. (Colossians
3:5) When it comes to content, I draw the line between violence and games with
a strong sexual nature. Violence, I have no problem with, doesn’t affect me
(more a matter of personal discretion). Strong sexual natured games = not for
me. I can’t do it. I would never want to allow myself to stumble due to some
sexually glorified image of a woman in a video game. I got to stay away from
that. So I lose the ability to Glorify God when I play those sexually-hyped video
games, because my focus on Christ is lost and transitions to a focus on lust (1
Corinthians 10:31).
Some will be called
to minister the Gospel through online relationships through video games and
some won’t. Passionately and obediently follow God’s call on your life. So yes,
video games can be used to glorify God. But they can also become an idol. Don’t
let them become an idol. Focus on Christ. You can’t serve two masters. Don’t
try. Don’t discount God’s vision for the gaming community.
