Games Christians Play

Heard of Christian geeks? These are the ones who sit rigidly in front of the computer screen. There is little or no dialogue or interaction with others. Only their fingers or thumbs move in rapid-fire succession. They are playing Grand Theft Auto, games that have guns bigger than Magnums or AK45s; or games that have Satanic content such as Doom, Quake and the Resident Evil series, let alone sexually explicit games.

The graphics and contents of computer games are spectacular and realistic. The player is totally engrossed, involved and often becomes an active participant in the game. The addiction is progressive – the player cannot wait to go to the next level. Meals are often skipped, social interaction with real human beings are ignored or forgotten.

The once exciting games such as Tetris, NASCAR and Flight Simulator are no longer thrilling or challenging enough. Christian children in particular are playing these new and violent games, often unconstrained by their parents. Many Christian parents join in this “fun” with their children on their Xboxes and computers without seriously thinking about its impact or consequences.

I don’t wish to be a spoil-sport either. I do enjoy computer playing computer games. However, I do wish to raise the issues of parental control, accountability, discipline and Jesus’ warning “If your eyes cause you to offend then ……….!”

A number of Christian programmers have also attempted to develop Christian Computer games such as David & Goliath to offer clean harmless alternatives. But the commercial games developers with their market dominance and financial clout are no match for Christian entrepreneurs. The games market is estimated to be worth $55.6 billion in 2008 and Christians do not have the wherewithal to compete.

What do you think about computer & video games? How much time do you allow your children to play such games per day? Are you addicted to your computer games to the extent that it affects your time with God, your family and others?

Are computer & video games a form of idol or Satan worship or is it harmless fantasy? Do you consider me a Christian spoil-sport barking at my own shadow?