From yelling vulgarity at the TV and other gamers, to being tempted by sexual cut scenes and themes, to allowing video games to consume most of our time more than fellowship with other Christians and God, we are faced with a lot of dilemmas as Christian gamers. Perhaps someone has told you or you’ve heard through the grapevine that playing video games is a sin, or that you’re somehow less of a Christian because you enjoy video games. I’ve been told such lies myself. When this happens, we feel resented and worthless because although we’re simply doing something we love, somehow it makes us the worst of sinners in the perspective of others. The purpose of this article is to ensure you that playing video games is not inherently sinful. However, there are common behaviors associated with video games and certain images that may cause us to sin. In every aspect of our lives—from our various vocations to daily living—we are to glorify God (Psalm 96:1-9). First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We can glorify God by avoiding certain sins that we are exposed to as gamers.
Vulgarity
First of all, I want you all to know that although I’m writing about this, I don’t have it all figured out. I’m a sinner just like anyone else and I, too, struggle with these concepts I’ll be discussing, such as the use of vulgarity when in the heat of gaming. As I was doing this study, I came to a realization that I have some changes I need to make in my gaming experiences. Vulgarity is perhaps my biggest struggle when I game and something I’ve been working on for a while. Swearing is frowned upon in most social situations, but when confronted with our vulgarity, especially as Christians, we may raise the defense, “The Bible doesn’t say anything about swearing!” True, if you take out a concordance bible, you won’t find the word “swearing” or “cussing” anywhere in Scripture. Using such rationalization is immature, irresponsible, and intellectually dishonest. We may not find those words specifically in Scripture, but it does discuss the use of our speech. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” I hope you would agree that vulgarity is corruption. There is simply nothing positive that comes out of such talk. This Scripture says that our speech only needs to be good for “building up” so that grace may be given to those who hear us. After all, Jesus “equips the saints [that’s us] for the work of ministry, [and] for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). Think of any time in your life where you’ve cussed a lot, or even a little. Did it “build up” that person into the body of Christ? Did it extend God’s grace toward them? These are, of course, rhetorical questions because the obvious answer is: NO.
Remember that as Christians, we are set apart from the rest of the world. St. Peter writes, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Christians are a holy nation through Israel (Jacob). By swearing, are you proclaiming the excellencies of Christ? Because we are God’s chosen race, priesthood, and nation, we are targeted by the rest of the world. If you swear a lot when you game, and the friends you’ve met online find out you’re Christian, how do you think your speech reflects Christ? From your speech alone, they’ll have no reason to want to know Christ because since you’re just like them by swearing a lot, it appears to them that there is no obvious or beneficial change in knowing Christ. I am certainly guilty of this, and I pray for God’s forgiveness over my bitter speech. As Christians, we are constantly witnessing the case of Christ, especially when we don’t realize it. In our actions and our speech, whether we’re acting or speaking for Christ or not, we are always witnessing for Him.
Consider also James 3:5-10:
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Very good article, but I think it strays away from its title topic. Sure, games can be and can’t be used to glorify God. And with 99.999% of games being not Christian it’s easy to stumble on games with questionable morale values. But the question is: “Can games be used as ministry to God?”. In my opinion: yes, even the most wicked ones. But let’s first define two types of games: action heavy and story heavy. I have a friend (much more mature Christian than I am) who is really found of modern fast paced games with fancy graphics. These games does not reqire immersing into their world. You just react to what’s thrown at you. They are no different (as source of temptation) from watching TV, except they train your strategic thinking and fast reflexes. There is always the risk of addiction or to just snap out and become violent in real life, but this is individial and nobody can’t be blamed but you (Bible warns us about that in general). The multiplayer aspect is great for social interactions even with mixed groups of Christians and non-believers. Or just to let the steam off after a hard week. Overall, the benefits are greater than the negatives. And as these games are largely popular now, it’s easy to make friends and talk about Christ when you’re not playing (also defying the myth that Christians are dorks).
The second type of games: the story rich – or my prefered type – are actually bigger threat even if there is less violence. You spent lots of time with the characters, forming an emotional connection with them. But because this is a single sided relationship, only they influance you, but not the other way around. The danger comes if the character has some negative perks that easily become contagious: for example the character Gregory House (from the TV series, but still a valid point) is highly cynical and make that look cool. The show does portrait how lonely he feels, but since this is not the main topic it’s easily overlooked. Not to mention that those stories take time to unfold, and often are just based on single idea and have no definite conclusion. The result: they waste your time. A lot. The social element is also here, but usually as fan clubs and those are harder to crack – people there want to talk about their favorite character and show little or no interest in Christ. BUT… If a story is done properly it could influence people to be good. Or make them think about something they never thought about. For example I had really hard time in Life is Strange when I was asked to do assisted suicide. Christians should be highly against that. But as it was for character I cared, it made me think what would I really do in real life if asked? Because a rich story can open your mind, it gives you different perspective to look at the world. “Can I be like that person?”, “Would I steal if I and someone important to me are starving?”: I stumbled upon lots of similar scenarios while playing games. It’s easy to talk in church, when it feels personal you can see your true colors if you dare to look. Few games shook me to the bones, but was in a life changing way. Not to mention I often get inspired for things I do to the ministry. A friend suggested that such games can develop your empathy toward others. Not sure about that, but definitely helps me understand some type of people I was unable before.
What NOT to do is exactly how we glorify God when playing video games. So you’re still doing something when you abstain from these things. It’s exercising self-control. If my intention was to write about using video games as a ministry of God, I would’ve made that clear in the title and introduction.
I’m sorry if my post seemed disrespectful to your work. You put TONS of effort of keeping this site good for fellow geeks like us (and maybe the only one of that kind I stumbled upon). If my words offend you, I beg your forgiveness.