I read a few threads out of curiosity, searching for thoughts on the matter regarding videos games and how it relates to a Christians life.
I saw two overall themes.
1. The prior discussions referred to video games as being unproductive as it allows individuals to sort of isolate themselves from society, and becomes something people do other than serving the church.
2. The content of which the video games represent is more important when judging if Christians should play video games instead of the medium. IE: Video games is no less or more sinful than other forms of entertainment.
So, I Have to important questions for us to ponder with both of these two main points. Lets start with number 1: social engagement.
1. Since video games over the past four or so years have largely moved into an interactive, social context -- where everything is online, Every game (almost) has online communications, video communications, actual physical movement being incorporated into the games themselves, the ability to play with friends and family, etc - can we now disregard the isolationist rhetoric that was apparent in prior conversations? Now, are video games as socially engaging as playing a board game, watching television with friends, going to the movies, or playing actual football?
Point 2: Content
2. I wont dispute that a lot of the content in the games are harsh. Language particularly - however I've noticed some games are including language filters now. But lets think about the "violent" games such as Call of Duty. Is there anything in such video games that are more or less sinful due to this portrayal of death than reenactments of war's, movies revisiting war, or war itself? Statues depicting moments in war that are on the same scale of brutality, paintings depicting the same ... is there a double standard?
I saw two overall themes.
1. The prior discussions referred to video games as being unproductive as it allows individuals to sort of isolate themselves from society, and becomes something people do other than serving the church.
2. The content of which the video games represent is more important when judging if Christians should play video games instead of the medium. IE: Video games is no less or more sinful than other forms of entertainment.
So, I Have to important questions for us to ponder with both of these two main points. Lets start with number 1: social engagement.
1. Since video games over the past four or so years have largely moved into an interactive, social context -- where everything is online, Every game (almost) has online communications, video communications, actual physical movement being incorporated into the games themselves, the ability to play with friends and family, etc - can we now disregard the isolationist rhetoric that was apparent in prior conversations? Now, are video games as socially engaging as playing a board game, watching television with friends, going to the movies, or playing actual football?
Point 2: Content
2. I wont dispute that a lot of the content in the games are harsh. Language particularly - however I've noticed some games are including language filters now. But lets think about the "violent" games such as Call of Duty. Is there anything in such video games that are more or less sinful due to this portrayal of death than reenactments of war's, movies revisiting war, or war itself? Statues depicting moments in war that are on the same scale of brutality, paintings depicting the same ... is there a double standard?
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