Video Games – Should I Buy This One?

Question: Matt asks, “I wish to buy a computer game called [game name]. It is a castle simulation. I have the original version and wish to get the second. There are war parts, and I know God does not like that part. What do you think about me buying it?”

Answer: It’s not exactly a Bible question–which is what I usually deal with. But, of course, everything we do in life involves biblical principles. I’ll try to give some suggestions from that perspective. Realize I am not familiar with the specific computer game you mention. So my answer must relate to basic principles, leaving you to make the appropriate application. In any event, what I think about your actions is not as important as what God thinks.

It seems the fact “there are war parts” to the game already concerns you. That it deals with war does not, in itself, rule the game out. There also needs to be some consideration of how graphic it is. Chess is a war game too, with castles and knights, and so on. However it is light years away from the full colour blood and violence of some simulations today. The more graphic the game is–and it is the goal of programmers to make it so–the more caution we should use.

It is good you are being careful. I’ll tell you why. War is real, and it is terrible. It brings painful injury and death to many, as well as causing the destruction of valuable property. Loved ones grieve, and homes are devastated by the loss of family members.

Having said that, there are circumstances when war is just and necessary. In the Bible, God sometimes commanded war to punish wickedness and rebellion against Himself–especially when an opportunity had been given for repentance and there was none (cf. Deut. 25:17-19; I Sam. 15:18). In modern times, the Second World War became necessary because of Adolf Hitler’s determination to dominate more and more nations, and exterminate the Jews in the process. He had to be stopped. But even a just war must not be entered into carelessly.

The problem with a video or computer war game is that it can depict some aspects of such conflict, but we are always at arm’s length. We can sit comfortably in our chairs and watch people being dismembered and killed. But we feel none of the excruciating pain. There is none of the horror and stench of death. When we turn off the program, we can walk away unharmed. This has the potential for hardening us against the terrible cost of conflict. We can become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of those involved. But according to God’s Word, we are to “[have] compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted” (I Pet. 3:8). This comes about as we are involved, not sitting on the sidelines as spectators (II Cor. 1:3-4; Heb. 10:32-34).

There is another potential danger as well, and it concerns the seductive nature of fantasy. It’s fun to pretend. But it can get out of hand. Joni Eareckson Tada tells, in one of her books, how she used to fantasize about being able to walk. It was exciting to imagine herself doing all kinds of wonderful things. But when the fantasy ended, there she was, still in her wheelchair. She says she finally had to discipline herself not to go on these daydream trips, because in the end they made her unhappy with the life God had given her. They changed nothing, in reality, and simply left her discontented.

Sometimes, there are painful and difficult things about our lives that we can change. Or things God will change, if we ask Him. But other times He has allowed these challenging aspects to remain, to help us not to be too proud, and to learn to depend on Him (cf. II Cor. 12:7-10). Instead of trying to escape the burdens of life, the Apostle Paul tells us, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil. 4:11). In times of distress, he found the Lord had the resources he needed to carry on and do His will (vs. 13, 19).

In extreme cases, there can be a psychological addiction to gaming. That is, some have become addicted to these simulation games because they do not like themselves, or the life they have. Instead of looking to God for help, they try to escape into a fantasy world. Recently, while I was in a computer repair shop, a young man came in to ask if his computer was ready to take home. He was desperate to get back to playing a game he admitted sometimes playing for eight hours a day. That is a form of bondage.

The Bible says, “God…gives us richly all things to enjoy” I Tim. 6:17). In the context, it is talking about earthly riches. There are many fun things in life that are not wrong in themselves. And God wants us to enjoy them, within proper limits. One of those limits is that it not be something to which we become enslaved. Scripture puts it this way: “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any” (I Cor. 6:12). One test of this might be the amount of time spent doing the activity. Does it seem to be taking more and more time? And is it beginning to rob me of time needed for more worthwhile things?

Even if we are certain an activity does us no harm personally, our responsibility does not end there. What if we invite some friends over to play the game with us? Are we opening them up to a temptation they are not able to handle? God’s Word says, “Beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (Rom. 15:1-2; I Cor. 8:9). Long ago, Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9). And the answer is yes!

The Bible gives us general guidance in all areas of life, even when the specific thing (such as a computer game) was unknown in ancient times. On other occasions, the Lord uses parents, friends, or maybe a pastor, to give us direction. They are able to make a practical application of God’s Word to us today. One of the best things a young person living at home can do is consult with his or her parents. Your parents are the world’s greatest experts on you. They are in a position to know well both your strong points and your weak points. Their advice and suggestions are extremely valuable.

If you are uncertain about this particular game, maybe that in itself suggests the need for caution. Are there other alternatives? Games that are constructive and without questionable elements? Most games involve a competition against someone else (or of one team against another). But winning may not include killing them–or killing the fantasy characters on their side! There may be games that combine fun with a positive benefit. For example, word games that increase our vocabulary, or “trivial pursuit” type games that give us a wider knowledge of our world, or Bible games that build a knowledge of God’s Word.

Sometimes it is helpful to ask ourselves a few questions when we are considering whether or not to do something about which the Bible is not specific. Here are a few possibilities.

1) Based on what Scripture does reveal, can this be done with the Lord’s approval? Can I have peace with the thought that He is watching me do it?

2) Will those God has put in authority over me approve of my actions?

3) Have I taken into account the matter of God’s timing? (That it may be God’s will for me some time in the future, but not now.)

4) Will my participation be a help or hindrance to others?

5) Could this bring me into closer association with the wrong kind of companions?

6) Does it appeal to the flesh (my sin nature) at the expense of the spirit? Will it strengthen me spiritually? Or weaken me?

7) Is it habit forming? And will it rob me of important resources (time, talents, and treasures) God wants me to use some other way?

8) Since we reap what we sow, am I prepared to reap the consequences of my actions?

There are lots of tricky decisions to be made in modern life for which there are no specifics in the Bible. We have to apply the life principles found there. Sadly, some start out from the premise that they will try to get as close to the fire (a dangerous or doubtful thing) as they can, without getting burned. But if there is real danger, God wants us to stay as far away as possible, not play with fire. And when we commit ourselves to a higher standard, He has a special blessing for our lives that we could gain no other way.

I hope these few thoughts will provide some help. Not knowing the particular game, it is difficult to be more specific. (And even if I were familiar with it, what is okay for one person is sometimes too much of a temptation to another.) So, realize I am not saying “No, don’t get the game.” Think it through. Your concern is commendable. The Bible says, “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind….Each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:5, 12).