Are video games a sin?

Summary of the Article

As a Christian, the answer to what is acceptable to play video games comes down to the individual and their faith. If you feel that committing evil deeds in the context of a video game is not suitable for your faith, please do not force yourself to play that game.

Murder is not just killing, but includes hatred, envy, anger, and desire for revenge. According to this broader and more biblical understanding of murder, violent video games are sinful and sin-inducing. First, they simulate the act of murder itself.

In general, it is not a sin to play games that contain sins. However, it is important that you don’t put yourself in the occasion of committing sin when you play video games or anything else.

Playing video games isn’t inherently sinful, as the technology itself doesn’t violate God’s moral standards. However, the content can be sinful because some games include images and storylines that glorify sin. It’s also wrong when video games take priority over matters that God says are important.

Here is a list of games that let players play as God: Darksiders, Okami, Civilization, Hades, The Sims, Minecraft Creative, Smite, and Spore.

Theologian Paul Ramsey is noted for saying, “Men ought not to play God before they learn to be men, and after they have learned to be men they will not play God.” The religious framework of approach to this phrase refers to said religion’s deity having a set plan for mankind, therefore man’s hubris may lead to consequences.

Video games can be hurtful in terms of physical health, including poor sleep, low self-esteem, and joint/muscle pain.

Watching anime is not entirely a sin because its primary purpose is to entertain its audience. However, it can become a sin if a Christian intentionally watches shows that have violence, sexual content, or teach vices that are against God.

There is nothing in the Bible that unquestionably deems video games inherently sinful. But Christians should prayerfully consider whether or not or to what degree they should play video games.

The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, but each child is different. It is important to consider the content and the child’s maturity level before allowing them to play the game.

A game sin is usually a joke, a ridiculous observation, or something that’s legitimately wrong with the game. It’s important not to take such sins too seriously as they are not official game reviews.

Questions:

1. Can Christians still play video games?
2. Is it a sin to play violent video games?
3. Is playing Fortnite a sin?
4. Is it a sin to play mobile games?
5. What games let you play God?
6. Is it right to play God?
7. Are video games hurtful?
8. Is it a sin to watch anime?
9. Are video games against the Bible?
10. Is Fortnite OK for my 7-year-old?
11. What are game sins?

Answers:

1. As a Christian, the answer to what is acceptable to play video games comes down to the individual and their faith. If you feel that committing evil deeds in the context of a video game is not suitable for your faith, please do not force yourself to play that game.
2. Murder is not just killing, but includes hatred, envy, anger, and desire for revenge. According to this broader and more biblical understanding of murder, violent video games are sinful and sin-inducing. First, they simulate the act of murder itself.
3. In general, it is not a sin to play games that contain sins. However, it is important that you don’t put yourself in the occasion of committing sin when you play video games or anything else.
4. Playing video games isn’t inherently sinful, as the technology itself doesn’t violate God’s moral standards. However, the content can be sinful because some games include images and storylines that glorify sin. It’s also wrong when video games take priority over matters that God says are important.
5. Here is a list of games that let players play as God: Darksiders, Okami, Civilization, Hades, The Sims, Minecraft Creative, Smite, and Spore.
6. Theologian Paul Ramsey is noted for saying, “Men ought not to play God before they learn to be men, and after they have learned to be men they will not play God.” The religious framework of approach to this phrase refers to said religion’s deity having a set plan for mankind, therefore man’s hubris may lead to consequences.
7. Video games can be hurtful in terms of physical health, including poor sleep, low self-esteem, and joint/muscle pain.
8. Watching anime is not entirely a sin because its primary purpose is to entertain its audience. However, it can become a sin if a Christian intentionally watches shows that have violence, sexual content, or teach vices that are against God.
9. There is nothing in the Bible that unquestionably deems video games inherently sinful. But Christians should prayerfully consider whether or not or to what degree they should play video games.
10. The age recommendation for Fortnite is 13 and up, but each child is different. It is important to consider the content and the child’s maturity level before allowing them to play the game.
11. A game sin is usually a joke, a ridiculous observation, or something that’s legitimately wrong with the game. It’s important not to take such sins too seriously as they are not official game reviews.