Christians and Video Games

       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.