Gaming

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Spokenpassage

Guest
#21
As opposed to endless arguments on the age of the earth ... or whether or not Jesus died for all people or only the saved .... or the big bang theory???
Yes even that is a waste of time, why would I cancel that out?
 
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Hashe

Guest
#22
Thats fine Tintin, Im just very strict. We can disagree, people don't always agree. However, symbolism is more deep then you can imagine, and I would suggest you do some research on it and know what you are playing, wearing, eating, etc.
Symbolism can be deep but when we start worrying about the meanings others have put into a symbol rather than what we mean by it aren't we giving them an authority over our lives that isn't really there?

If I celebrate Christmas, by giving thanks to God that Jesus came into the world, what does it matter if Constantine had a different purpose? I don't really think Constantine can come between me and God.

btw, I first started reading code in 1982 on Apple 2 computers. I don't think symbols in code are about satanism. I use computer symbols for many different things, none of them have to do with Satanism and none of them, like Constantine, can come between me and God.
 
Jun 28, 2012
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#23
God gave us the ability to be imaginative. And of course, sometimes satan likes to play on this, but to say that creating a world in a video game, movie or book is playing God is kind of ridiculous. When people started to build the tower of Babel to reach Heaven, that was more of playing God than creating a story in a game, movie or book. Scientists tried playing God by recreating life. Creating "life" in a game, book or movie isn't the same. Most Christian books have some sort of created character in a setting created by the author with a situation also created by the author. It's playing God unless the author says that we must obey whatever he/she creates. Otherwise, it's really only for entertainment purposes or in the case of Christian books, to help us gain a new perspective of how to live for God.
 
Mar 4, 2014
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#24
Symbolism can be deep but when we start worrying about the meanings others have put into a symbol rather than what we mean by it aren't we giving them an authority over our lives that isn't really there?

If I celebrate Christmas, by giving thanks to God that Jesus came into the world, what does it matter if Constantine had a different purpose? I don't really think Constantine can come between me and God.

btw, I first started reading code in 1982 on Apple 2 computers. I don't think symbols in code are about satanism. I use computer symbols for many different things, none of them have to do with Satanism and none of them, like Constantine, can come between me and God.

Look. Satanic symbolism is satanic symbolism.

Just like the Israel flag has moloch symbolism. It still represents the demon moloch.

Or just liek a pentagram represents satanism and the use to absorb people's souls.

Or just like hand gestures are used to praise satan.

These symbols have had meaning for a very long time. They werent just made up, they have purpose.

I digress, I just suggest you look into it. But I think personally you guys aren't being cautious enough. Regardless, I am not the one who judges in the end. If you want just ask God about it, see what he says, pull a Gideon, and then you will know for sure. However I wont change my perspective. I have seen too much to think anything else and done way too much research to think anyway differently now.
 
Dec 12, 2013
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#25
seems to me a huge waste of time......buy your time wisely as the days are evil!
 
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Tintin

Guest
#26
We're not cautious enough or we're not paranoid enough?

Some Christians don't believe in the demonic and some Christians see demons behind every bush. Neither extreme is healthy.
 
Dec 12, 2013
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#27
We're not cautious enough or we're not paranoid enough?

Some Christians don't believe in the demonic and some Christians see demons behind every bush. Neither extreme is healthy.
Exactly and that is why I equated it to a (waste of time)......
 
Mar 4, 2014
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#28
We're not cautious enough or we're not paranoid enough?

Some Christians don't believe in the demonic and some Christians see demons behind every bush. Neither extreme is healthy.
I didnt say it is a fact. I said in my perspective I think you could be more cautious on things of this world, thats all.

In my perspective I think the latter end is healthy, but then again we disagree. Thats fine, humans dont agree all the time.
 
O

OwenHeidenreich

Guest
#29
ok i hope you are all done responding to the guy who said coding is playing god. although it may be ridiculous, it just shows his true compassion for those around him.

Christians: there is nothing okay about video games, end of story.

1. Will video games edify or merely entertain me?To edify means to build up. Will playing video games build up your love for God, knowledge of Him, and ministry to others? “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24;Romans 14:19). When God gives us relaxation time, we should find uplifting activities to enjoy. Do we choose permissible over praiseworthy activities? When we have a choice between good, better, and best, we should choose the best (Galatians 5:13-17).

2. Will playing video games obey self-will or God’s will?God’s will for His children can be summed up in His greatest commandment: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27). Our will has been polluted by sin. Because we have been saved from our selfish desires, we should surrender our will (Philippians 3:7-9). God’s will transforms our will (Psalm 143:10). Progressively, His desires for us become our deepest desires as well.

Many people believe the will of God is boring and humiliating. They picture a monk in a lonely monastery or a resentful church janitor. On the contrary, people who follow God’s will for their lives are the most joyful, adventurous people ever. Reading biographies of history’s heroes such Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, Corrie Ten Boom, and George Mueller will verify that. Certainly, these saints faced difficulty from the world, their own flesh, and the devil. They may not have had much of this world’s possessions, but God accomplished great works through them. At first, His will seems impossible and too holy to be any fun, but God will give us the power to perform it and the desires to delight in it. “I delight to do Your will, O my God” (Psalm 40:8a; seeHebrews 13:21).

3. Does the video game glorify God?Some video games glorify violence, lewdness, and dumb decisions (e.g., “I’m out of the race, so I’ll just wreck my car”). As Christians, our activities should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and help us to grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ.

4. Will playing video games result in good works?“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10; see alsoTitus 2:11-14and1 Peter 2:15). Laziness and selfishness violate God’s purpose for us—to do good works to others (1 Corinthians 15:58; see alsoGalatians 6:9-10).

5. Will playing video games exhibit self-control?Many people have said that video games can become an addiction or an obsession. There is no room in the Christian life for such things. Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete disciplining his body so he may win the prize. Christians have a greater motivation to live a set-apart life of self-control—eternal reward in heaven (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

6. Will playing video games redeem the time?You will give account for how you use your limited minutes. Spending hours at a time playing a video game can hardly be called a good use of time. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). “Live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2; see alsoColossians 4:5,James 4:14, and1 Peter 1:14-22).

7. Does it pass the test of Philippians 4:8?“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). When you play video games, is your mind focused on godly or secular things?

8. Will playing video games fit in with my life purpose?Paul wrote that in the final days people would be “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4). Western culture fits that description. We love to play. Non-Christians become addicted to entertainment such as movies, sports, and music because they do not have a purpose higher than to enjoy life before death. These amusements cannot truly satisfy (Ecclesiastes 2:1). When Christians become addicted to the same things as non-Christians, can we truly say that we are exhibiting the new life “in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:15)? Or do we prove to others that we are really no different than they are and that Christ has not made a significant difference in our lives?

Paul considered knowing, loving, and obeying God to be his highest priority. “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ....I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:7-10). Will playing video games be showing my love for God or my love for the things of the world? (1 John 2:15-17).

9. Will playing video games give me an eternal focus?Christians have hope of eternal rewards in heaven if they are faithful on earth (seeMatthew 6:19-21and1 Corinthians 3:11-16). If we focus on living for eternity rather than the passing pleasures of earth, we will have surrendered resources, time, and hearts for ministry (Colossians 3:1-2;23-24). If our possessions or activities cause us to lose our eternal rewards, of what worth are they (Luke 12:33-37)? Christians often try to serve both God and their own desires. But Jesus clearly stated, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). God gives us joy through times of work and rest (Ecclesiastes 5:19;Matthew 11:28-29;Colossians 3:23-24). We must find that balance between labor and recreation. When we do set aside time for relaxation as Jesus did (Mark 6:31), we should choose an edifying activity.

The question is not “Can I play video games?” but “Would video games be the best choice?” Will this edify me, show love to my neighbor, and glorify God? We are to pursue praiseworthy activities, not simply permissible ones. However He leads you, passionately follow Him above all else. Prepare for eternity. Every sacrifice will seem insignificant when we meet Jesus.

Read more:Should a Christian play video games?
 
Oct 31, 2011
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#30
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

I would love to be part of a group who lived with this in mind. We wouldn't ask if something was a sin or if it wasn't, we would ask this question of it.

A few years ago, after I heard so much about not working for the Lord for it wouldn't save and was probably done legalistically, I decided to explore what legalistic obedience produced. I had to go to stories of Jews to find that, and WHAT a find! Even legalistic obedience results are amazing, just think what we could produce if we put God first with our heart and spirit added. Just the every Friday night family party with it's food and singing made me jealous, and the Saturday afternoon gatherings of friends and family.

It is a long, long ways from our going to see someone we don't know throw balls around, or movies in a dark loud building, or sitting in front of a computer with games.

What really made me jealous was how they affected the world in the middle ages. The gentile man in those days were even sorrier than in our gentile dog eat dog world with Hollywood values. Even as much as they were looked down on so they were even killed, they showed the world what reverence for God and trying to obey His commands looked like. No gentile was ever hired in a position requiring honesty, they went to the detested Jews for that.

Even the kids addicted to gaming would like a world based on how God tells us to live. And it IS an addiction. My great grandson has gone from innocent games to games that feature killing, and now, at 14 he has progressed to pornography. His folks are frantic.

 

Nautilus

Senior Member
Jun 29, 2012
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#31
Some interesting arguments here...most of them arent even worth addressing. But I honestly find nothing wrong with video games. I mean I only play a grand total of 3 anyways so its not like they take up all that much time. Besides what else would I be doing when not working or socializing? Watching TV series? I dont see much of a difference. But yeah gamewise Im not quite sure you could make solid arguments that Final Fantasy 6, Hearthstone, or League of Legends are satanic.
 

mar09

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2014
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#33
1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

I would love to be part of a group who lived with this in mind. We wouldn't ask if something was a sin or if it wasn't, we would ask this question of it.

Even the kids addicted to gaming would like a world based on how God tells us to live. And it IS an addiction. My great grandson has gone from innocent games to games that feature killing, and now, at 14 he has progressed to pornography. His folks are frantic.

Teens here would not admit it is or could be and addiction. Sure they study, but do nothing much else now. Please include in prayers. Thank you.
 

KohenMatt

Senior Member
Jun 28, 2013
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#34
Good gravy! Coding is a programmer's form of storytelling, it's not playing God! Only God can create, we can only use the existing materials to make/form something else. I don't think there's any danger here. Would you tell a writer not to write their story because they're supposedly playing God? I hope not.
Right.
Coding is no more playing God than Bob Ross painting "happy little trees."
 

KohenMatt

Senior Member
Jun 28, 2013
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#35
I used to play video games quite a bit. Except for a 2-stint in World of Warcraft, I've pretty much only done sports games with the occasional war game.
As I've gotten older though and have taken on more responsibilities, wife, 4 kids, job, ministry, master's degree, I have very little time for it.
Our lives need to be prioritized, and gaming (along with many types of hobbies or leisure activities) should fall way down on the priority list. If there is free time after you have taken good care of all of the other priorities, I think video games are fine, assuming they don't get to the point of defilement and sinfulness.
 

Jimbone

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2014
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#36
What are you stances on video games and christianity? How do you think God feels about video games? Are they a sin?

I think they are a sin and they lead you away from God.
Hey brother I can speak on this subject from experience. I would like to start off with the fact you have to be regenerated by the Holy Spirit to be Christian, and the Spirit will guide you in all things. (not saying you are or aren't, just a disclaimer)

I am 34 years old and have been truly saved for 1 year now(called myself Christian for around 6 before that), before I loved video games since the first time I realized I could control what was on screen with this stick on the Atari 2600. Over my lifetime I owned an NES, SNES, GameCube, PS1, 2, & 3, Xbox, 360, Gameboy, Gameboy Advanced, DS, PSP, Dreamcast, Genesis, and many more, you get the point. This time 13 months ago I was on N4G everyday not CC.

After being "Reborn", I've tried to pick up the controller 1 time and the Spirit just had me setting it back down in less then 10 minutes. I haven't played a game in more than a year now, and that is something I could have NEVER done on my own, EVER. All glory to God for that (and everything else too), but it wasn't like I just decided they were evil or anything like that at first. I just had my priorities rearranged by Him and had no time left for them. That was my walk with Him, and each of us has a different walk with Him, but we do have to be regenerated in Christ by the Holy Spirit. After that the Spirit will guide you in these things, because each of us may be in Jesus Crist fully and be at different spots in our walk, so this one may not feel games are wrong yet, and this one may have kicked the TV's out of his house too, and I may be in the middle, we are all in Christ yet could have different views. That is why I don't think we can answer that for you, that's between you and Him.

As a quick testament to His power (Not a boast) I have too, in less than a year, went from "normal life", or at least "my families normal life" sitting in front of entertainment devices (TV, Games, Computer, etc..) 4+ hours a day at least, to no TV in the house and no Games in the house in less than a year, and the way it's blessed my whole family is such a testament to His Grace. If that's not a miracle of God in this day and age I don't know what is, with 2 kids on board too, and the results are mind blowing. Praise His Mighty Name!!!

All and all I agree with most here and at the very least they are a distraction to take time from God, but you can't hope to battle that in your own life alone, you need Jesus to overcome anything and everything. Nice to see people even questioning in these days though, I never would have until He helped me see.
 

Agricola

Senior Member
Dec 10, 2012
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#37


Billy Graham's Bible Blaster


This was a game played by the characters rodd and todd flanders in the Simpsons, it has been turned into a game you can play!

Billy Grahams Bible Blaster - Dailygames.com
The object of the game is to shoot bibles at heathens and convert them to Christianity. To win the player must turn 10 heathens into Christians in a limited amount of time. 125 points are awarded for a successful shot, and 25 points are deducted after a miss. A partial conversion will make the heathen a Unitarian.
 

breno785au

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2013
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#38


Billy Graham's Bible Blaster


This was a game played by the characters rodd and todd flanders in the Simpsons, it has been turned into a game you can play!

Billy Grahams Bible Blaster - Dailygames.com
The object of the game is to shoot bibles at heathens and convert them to Christianity. To win the player must turn 10 heathens into Christians in a limited amount of time. 125 points are awarded for a successful shot, and 25 points are deducted after a miss. A partial conversion will make the heathen a Unitarian.
Most car games these days have a disclaimer at the start stating to observe Road rules and that it's only a game and not to emulate it in real life. I haven't checked this out yet but does this game share a similar disclaimer? Haha