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Christian games are NOT Christian games! It is like a post “does evil exist” “Evil is simply the absence of God… It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.” http://www.christiancoders.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/postdisplay.cgi?forum=Forum9&topic=000184
Would you say that it applies to all forms of entertainment as well? So then some will question how much or how many hours does God have to be with us every day and should it be that god should be with us always in mind in our actions. LOL Well what game would Jesus play? If you can answer that and get the support by many churches then maybe you are on to something. Books make us read the information, movies make us look at the information, and games make us interact with the information. |
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nfektious Member Posts: 408 From: Registered: 10-25-2002 |
Warsong wrote: quote: You are on to something here, but it needs to be explored more in this conversation. I don't know if the point I'm hoping for will come out in further discussion, so I'll try to be direct: It is us - our Christian life (being, actions, words, thoughts, etc.) - that is to be engaging to others, not relying on other methods of disseminating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am not claiming God can only use direct contact to bring people to salvation and that any other method of spreading the message of God will be fruitless. God handles his part of the transaction through the Holy Spirit, and it is up to us to do our part. On the other hand, not everything done under the name "Christian" is, in fact, of God or representative of Him. There are so many examples to prove this throughout history. I do find it sad that there is a mentality among so many true believers and those who have taken the name of Christian that basically anything goes if it is something Jesus would do. Added to this the entire marketing prowess of humanity...the end result is most unimpressive on a spiritual level. I've mentioned this before: it is sad when the concept of who Jesus is can be reduced to an action figure in a bubble package. Yes, a better alternative than other action figures - but not the best solution! I, for one, am tired of "commercial christianity" in all forms, and pray the body of Christ realizes how much junk has been allowed to filter in and slowly desensitize the vast majority to The Truth. You never realize how far you've fallen until you look up. Certainly entertainment in general - regardless of the source - is a waste of time when compared to time spent with God and studying scripture. The issue for everyone is prority: that which occupies one's time the most is clearly a mark of what is most important, and in return, what is least important. Scripture says we are to pray always - what sort of time limit is that? If prayer is that important, wouldn't studying about God be, at the very least, the same level of importance? |
bennythebear Member Posts: 1225 From: kentucky,usa Registered: 12-13-2003 |
i agree with both of you. i think studying God's word would actually be a hair under prayer, but still really really important. i come to this conclusion by using this logic...prayer is talking with Him, reading His word is studying about Him and His will. prayer is the most important thing, it keeps the communication line open, it's how we ask for His forgiveness, turn over our burdens, and ask for help. it's also a good idea to pray before you study...anyway...sorry if i got a little of topic. ------------------ proverbs 25:7 www.gfa.org - Gospel for Asia www.persecution.com - Voice of the Martyrs |
Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
First off, I'll say that there are and can be Christian Games. But as for me, I'll call most of the ones that I've seen, "games designed from a Christian perspective."
quote: I would agree that many "games designed from a Christian perspective" have much absence of Christs actions and words. But think on this. If the games did have all of the Lord's words and actions in a literal sense, then they would cease to be games... right? They'd become an interactive Bible. This would be good for Christians and for those who are searching,.. very good, and useful as well. But what about someone who just wants to sit down and play a game? What about the people who don't care at all about where they stand with God? Do you think they'd get an interactive Bible? I'm being totally serious and these types of questions, I have struggled with them over the last 2 years! Should we allow all games and entertainment to continue to wallow in depravity? Should Satan keep his stronghold in the entertainment field? I think it'd be better to use a gift that God has given you to bring glory to His name. Games from a Christian perspective take a part in spreading the Gospel throughout the whole world. They will plant seeds in some peoples lives that may not have been reached any other way. God can use anything, and He uses His people in different ways. But as for entertainment today, I must say that I myself do not like the effects of what it has done to us. Think about it, 150 years ago, there was no TV, computer games, etc.. Instead of everyone in the family crowding around the TV, or off in their own rooms watching TV and playing video games. What were families doing? They were actually living and interacting together. Even within their communites. They worked together and found ways to entertain themselves with one another. But today, most are programmed by the TV and the mass media. It's like an unseen force has gathered millions in front of his crystal ball and whispers the same thing to everyone about the pleasures of sin and selfishness. I'm sure you get the picture. As for myself, I'd like to override that wicked whisper with a different one that goes along the lines of "You haven't gone to far. You can be saved! Repent! Jesus loves you! God is awesome! Jesus is coming back soon! Are you ready?" We as game designers can't ignore this huge opportunity that is before us. Billions are spent on games each year. If done correctly, then this is a huge way to reach out to millions of people. It is very important to remember that it is not the physical that we are fighting against, but it is evil forces in high places, the evil forces that rule over our cosmetic society. Our fight is in the spirit realm, so that is where the combat must take place. In developing games from a Christian perspective the most important factor is prayer, we must be submited to God's will. Or like warsong expressed, we will end up fulfilling our own will instead of God's. With all of that said, this is a very delicate subject to me, and I am still learning and doing my best to follow where the Lord leads. ------------------ |
Rhyolite Member Posts: 86 From: UK Registered: 08-04-2004 |
Yeah, interesting topic. I do agree we can all spend too much time doing 'anything' other than spending time with God in prayer, study and service. I expect that many Christian games are not directly inspired by God, but neither are many of our other pursuits. But as long as we recognise this and accept that our game might just be our 'own' way of expressing ourselves at this moment in time, then I do not think its a bad thing. However, I do 'think' that Christian games could be beneficial. Or perhaps more accuratly I 'hope' they can be, because the standards and moral ethics of many of todays games leaves a lot to be desired. But like many of you, I question what would be a good Christian game. I think the simple answer to this is one which will leave the player feeling challenged on some Christian or moral level. Many good films have changed my life in small ways, having challenged me about something. This is my goal in making a Christian game. Not to make a 'biblical' story about good versus evil (although it could be), but to challenge the players on a moral level. Perhaps altering that persons thoughts or behaviour in a positive way, ultimatly with the hope it might be one small step towards Jesus (or perhaps just a better society). God Bless, |
Goldrush13 Member Posts: 107 From: Registered: 02-27-2005 |
I think Jesus would like "Columns" for the mega-drive. |
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Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
what about a game of a boy who delivers groceries to old people, have it be like paperboy? ------------------ |
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Goldrush13 Member Posts: 107 From: Registered: 02-27-2005 |
Wow yeah, we could call it "Billy and his grocery bag of kindness, love purity and general hijinks.....2!" |
en972 Member Posts: 562 From: NOT TELLING! Registered: 08-27-2004 |
Ha, actully, I'm already making a non-violent chrisian game called Man of God. Well I havn't started, bout to buy an engine. But I've been working on the storyboard an every thing. This game can be summed up in two words, "Sim Pastor".
[This message has been edited by en972 (edited May 02, 2005).] |
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Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
hey, En, I'd written up a lot about a theme of SIM Pastor. I'm never gonna use it, so if you want I could type it up for you. Give me a hollar if'n you want, and I'll do so. Just some weird details I liked. ------------------ |
Jari Member Posts: 1471 From: Helsinki, Finland Registered: 03-11-2005 |
quote: But the amount of Bible teaching could be relative to other content. God should definitely be always in our mind and actions. I think you can pretty much see whether what you are doing is ok or not if you keep God in mind. And ask the question: "would Jesus do this?". But I don't know would Jesus play anything. He didn't get married either but that doesn't mean marriage would be absence of God. |
CoolJ Member Posts: 354 From: ny Registered: 07-11-2004 |
quote: Hahaha, I don't know what games Jesus would play, if any? But I would like to think Jesus might sit down and enjoy a good game with us! Do they have LAN parties in Heaven? Probably wireless..haha I'm guessing the fun and excitement we feel when we play a good game, can't even compare to the *real* adventures Jesus has in store for us in heaven! From what we know about Jesus from the Bible, he would be a great game designer: Jesus has an awsome sense of humor I could see some Angles vs Humans team play, but who knows.... |
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nfektious Member Posts: 408 From: Registered: 10-25-2002 |
Brandon wrote:quote:Of course they wouldn't get an interactive Bible - not any more than they would get a Christian game, especially when Cgames are only found in Cbookstores (and that is rare). To be honest, I see this process to be going backwards. Cgame developers are pushing for their wares to be carried in Cbookstores - which is not all that bad; but, this only get the product into the hands of those who frequent such places routinely or on certain occasions such as Christmas, etc. This does nothing to actually minister to those who need it. Sure, there is some benefit to the Christian kid who is happy to see a video game in a Cbookstore as he straggles along with his mom - I don't deny that. But even Christians buy video games elsewhere, so shouldn't Cgames move beyond? Like Christ said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." (Mark 2:17) Brandon also said: quote:Very true. But God has chosen to use people, and not just any thing. How people are used is almost an entirerly different issue - but that process is in agreement with scripture. According to scripture, what is the purpose of the gifts of God, including those of the Holy Spirit? Jari wrote: quote:For Jesus to have chosen marriage would have been a sign that he intended to remain in this world for an extended period of time, that there were other things in this world possibly more important than what God had charged him with. In fact, the social custom of the day almost required a man to be married by a certain age so that he was not considered "unstable". That Christ obeyed and did not follow empty traditions should indicate the severity of his mission and the importance with which we should view our duties. |
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Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
Hmm, if violence is an issue, I think we should look back to when God sent armies to go fight and kill/slaughter. As well as Samson's adventures. So, would Jesus play a game where you used a donkey bone to kill hundreds of men? Maybe, his dad is the one that set it in motion. Jesus teaches to turn the other cheek, but he still has the power and can still vanquish things. I would have to say the Jesus would like to destroy EVIL wherever it was, in whatever form. As long as the focus is towards evil, and nothing evil is performed, such as torture. ------------------ |
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nfektious Member Posts: 408 From: Registered: 10-25-2002 |
Regarding the violence of the Old Testament and the purpose for it, refer to this thread: http://www.christiancoders.com/cgi-bin/ubb-cgi/postdisplay.cgi?forum=Forum2&topic=000537 There seems to be an unfortunate misunderstanding by many people here over the violence in the Bible and the context of it. Because something is in the Bible does not make it Christian behavior! Because God did something does not make it righteousness for that same action to be done by any of us! Please be careful of the assumptions you make! |
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Max Member Posts: 523 From: IA Registered: 09-19-2004 |
Yes, I understand, but the issue isn't me playing it, it is Jesus playing it. Besides, if it is simply a virtual world, is it really a sin? ------------------ |
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Goldrush13 Member Posts: 107 From: Registered: 02-27-2005 |
I know, "Moses Pinball", I mean who wouldn't play that? |
fingolfin Member Posts: 197 From: IL Registered: 03-19-2005 |
quote: well, I see a game such as KOTOR as a very God honoring game. You go through the game and there are choices you make that effect how thing are in the game. After playing it (even tho it stopped working) I thought about how my actions affect others, and therefore it had spiritual value to it. I admit there is less value to video games than other froms of entertainment, but there is still some there. You just need to look for it. ------------------ |
CapnStank Member Posts: 214 From: Sask, Canada Registered: 12-16-2004 |
AHAHAHA my annoying and pointless return! Addressing the topic question without reading a single sentence of the rambling, I vote that God has a sence of humor and tolerance and plays decent games with Mature ratings. The new doom should tickle his pickle, as well as the Half-Life 2. Afterall, God should be proud of his minions accomplishments in technology. Now now, many of you whiners will complain that my belief is that there is no God, but I'm just adding to the conversation, not turning on my real thought. ------------------ |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
quote: Yeah that's actually what I meant, I've really gotta learn to be more careful with my words...
quote: I agree, it could be relative to other content, that's why I said "in a literal sense." But don't get me wrong, I'm not one to compromise. If God wants me to do something, then it's going to get done to the best of my understanding. He gave me a vision, and it was about "Lost Souls" He gave me a gift, and it's weirdly enough, creating computer games and animation. I don't think that God has called me to make Bible games though. Not entirely. There are many who do this and I am thankful for it, but I feel drawn more towards those who are lost. To be honest I don't think that it's really good for Christians to be playing all of these violent games. We should be out on a mission, spreading God's word instead. But I know that since people are playing games so much, then I might as well feed them something that can do them some eternal good. I might be hated for my next statement. But from what I've seen (take note that I am not omnipresent),... there is a big difference in Christian Game Development, and Christian Gaming. One is a mission, and the other is a pass-time. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with a pass-time either, and it's good that since you're going to involve yourself in a pass-time activity that it'd be something that would bring you closer to the Lord. The danger and the waste that I pray doesn't occur is that the Christian Game Development becomes more of a provider for pass-time entertainment instead of being mission minded... That is my main concern. EDIT: Also, there can also be many different levels of Christian games. I was chatting with someone the other day about this, she actually mentioned it though. But there could be the games that are fitting for children like Veggie Tales, or Edutainment types like Bible Quiz, Bible Story, etc... and there could be the gut wrenching kill satan games that only the most hardcore of gamers would dare to touch.. as for me, I see myself more so somewhere in the center. I don't think that if Jesus came into physical contact with any game or gamer that the gamer would even be interested in the game, nor would Jesus. Who'd care about special weapons? Jesus healed broken hearts. Who'd care about saving the princess? Jesus set the captives free! Who'd care about beating bosses? Jesus defeated Satan! Who'd care about beating some game? Jesus defeated death!!!
[This message has been edited by brandon (edited May 04, 2005).] |
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Rhyolite Member Posts: 86 From: UK Registered: 08-04-2004 |
Nice post Brandon. I try to honour God the best I can in whatever I do, be it gaming online and chatting about my faith in IRC afterwards, developing chrisitan and non-chrisitan games (and maybe getting a big hit and THEN getting interviewed and talking about how my faith helped me - hehe), being a father and dad, etc etc. I believe God uses US in whatever we do. I prayed often for a 'great vision' of God's will for my life (like saving millions in Africa etc!), but nothing ever came (I am being a bit dramatic for the sake of effect!). All I can do is what seems 'right' to me at the time, according to the work of Gods grace (so far) in my heart. He will do more in me as time goes by and I will no doubt be motivated in different ways afterwards. This is not an excuse to sin, for the bible tells us clearly not to do certain things. But life is 'big' and so are the possibilities - its too complicated for me to think about it too much (and did I try!!). God Bless, [This message has been edited by Rhyolite (edited May 04, 2005).] |
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nfektious Member Posts: 408 From: Registered: 10-25-2002 |
quote: I truly hope this is not your philosophy. If you know what is right to do, and choose wrong anyway, yes! It is sin! READ JAMES CHAPTER 4! |
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Posts: From: Registered: |
Christ wants us to do more productive things. He even says to be more like him. We can not automatically be as good as him in every way automatically but people should try and will gradually become better. Also the issue is not about violent games, since if a game has meaningful violence that serves a purpose then ok. But the point is if the Christian game will make you want to read the bible more, or motivate you to practice what you peace in real life. We all sin and to say that people that are not as religious should play it more is not a good way to look at it. And I am sure that many here are doing sinful things every day and think nothing of it or imposing sinful views. Good games need big groups of people and professionals, and companies have many people to help them design a good game and use many professionals to help them out. So the same should be said about if you want to eventually make a big Christian game to let many Christian designers come up with an idea and use professionals like a priests to assist. Putting different art on a Doom like game and calling it Christian does not cut it. It might help the game be less violent, or give you some little bits of information of Christianity but you are not learning or doing many Christian things. No one said this is easy, and the right road is the long, hard, narrow path. Games like GTA or Manhunt take the short, easy, wide path. |
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Goldrush13 Member Posts: 107 From: Registered: 02-27-2005 |
I think I remember that Doom thing you were talking about, didn't they take the engine and use it for a game where you were Noah running around the ark with a slingshot shooting the animals? [This message has been edited by Goldrush13 (edited May 06, 2005).] |
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CoolJ Member Posts: 354 From: ny Registered: 07-11-2004 |
quote: Why would Moses be on the ark? And why would he be shooting animals with a slingshot? That's a very strange game. |
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Goldrush13 Member Posts: 107 From: Registered: 02-27-2005 |
Why would Moses be on the Ark? Anyway if you look at my post you'll see I never said Moses I was saying Noah all along, you must be seeing things coolj, mwuhahaha. Yes ok it was a mistake on my part, but he definately WAS shooting the animals with a slingshot, then the animals fell down, I'm pretty sure he was injuring them so they could get put back in their pens because they got loose on the ark, definately the Doom engine. Well that's the last time i'm getting a christian character's name wrong, now if you'll excuse me I'm off to read "Goliath and the whale". |
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CheeseStorm Member Posts: 521 From: Registered: 11-28-2004 |
Jesus would probably let you reload before continuining, unless you were a camper. And if his gun was better he'd just try to smack you with it. Then again, he may not know how to use it properly, since he lived a while back, then again (again) he could tap into God's mind and download like anything, but then he could use... AIMBOT!! And he would ironically be betrayed three times by his own teammate, and he wouldn't even hold X to boot them, or leave negative feedback. And if he snuck up on you he'd ask you first if you were AFK. Can you imagine what his micro would be like? He wouldn't even need his TV on, 5v1, bust into suicide... can you guess what happened? "Headshot?" BOOOOM HEADSHOT. Seriously though he'd probably play StarCraft. |
goop2 Member Posts: 1059 From: Registered: 06-30-2004 |
Is that... CHEESESTORM?! CHEESESTORM!!!! YAY!! ------------------ I dont like siggys. They are to hard to think up :( |
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CheeseStorm Member Posts: 521 From: Registered: 11-28-2004 |
Yeah my "last last laaast" post was indeed my last last laaast post for a while. |
Realm Master Member Posts: 1971 From: USA Registered: 05-15-2005 |
What game would Jesus play... Well, we can definently exclude the following: But i think it would be a good idea to play uno! (Card game) Thats pretty fun... Maybe...spoons? (Card game) ------------------ ...no duh |
kiwee Member Posts: 578 From: oxfordshire, england Registered: 04-17-2004 |
hehe, that reminds me of a joke; jesus and satin are in a room, with their laptops on their knees, God says "how about a game programming race! i shall give you 1 hour to program a game and after that i will judge which game is the best. GO!!" ------------------ [This message has been edited by kiwee (edited May 17, 2005).] |
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Realm Master Member Posts: 1971 From: USA Registered: 05-15-2005 |
Lol!  Thats a good one! ------------------ ...no duh |
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CapnStank Member Posts: 214 From: Sask, Canada Registered: 12-16-2004 |
I definately wonder if Jesus would play any at all. Shouldn't he be out preeching or something? Like saving the sinners or some of that manner? Naw he goes online with all the racist a-holes that exist, talks smack back, and gains himself as number 1 on the server pwning n00bs! ------------------ |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Yeah, I don't think that He'd play any games at all. The reason we play games is because we are searching for something exciting, for something adventurous, or for an escape of our everyday lives in the boring society. We are trying to have a good time. But Jesus is God, who creates all that is good. Being with the awesome Creator of the universe far surpasses playing any game. If we were to play a game in His presence. Then flying around the universe at light-speed or playing volleyball with Jupiter sounds much better than Halo or Madden. LOL... ------------------ |
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HeistheOne Member Posts: 26 From: PA, USA Registered: 06-24-2005 |
Tetris... lots and lots of Tetris  But seriously, games to me have always been a way to help God reach those who know least about him. they can strengthen others but it seems like the best "Christian games" I've heard of (in my opinion) are the ones that aren't so much like main-character-is-Moses deals; they are usually the games that can quote scripture in an appropriate context, express Christian values as a chooseable behavior path, as well as anti-Christian ones and all the consequences of each. I like whole pictures. ------------------ |
jesterhawk Member Posts: 32 From: Hurst, TX, USA Registered: 03-30-2002 |
quote:Depends on your point of view. Redemption is a Christian card game that has you saving lost souls. Gospel the Game (the one I created) is about walking with Christ to overcome adversities set forth by the enemy. These are just two examples and there are many more that use the words and actions of Christ in a unique way to share the gospel with people. And yes, there are many games that are as previously states "games designed from a Christian perspective", but that does not characterize the whole christian gaming industry. . . . quote:I think a better question is really, "What game would God/Jesus/Holy Spirit use to draw people to salvation?" And on this question, many of the games on the Christian market would qualify. That is my intent in making Christian games. I pray that even one lost soul would seek Jesus because of something they saw in a game I created. Personally, I believe that Jesus would plays game if it meant that he would be able to share with the other players. After all, he went to a wedding, a tax collectors house and many other places that people were at in order to share with them. I could see Jesus as a speaker at a gaming convention or playing in a tournament not to win, but for the chance to share with every player across the table. quote:To think that there is not violence in the New Testament is to misunderstand the bible. quote:and quote:and quote:Let's face it, we may not literally grab a sword and charge the Phillistines, but we are at war in the New Testament. quote:There is a war and it is just as bloody as in the Old Testament. This is a war that, THANK GOD, has already been won. However, that does not mean that there is not a war, nor does it mean just because it is Spiritual Warfare that it is not really war. Come face to face with a demon possessed man and call it out and try and tell me there is not violence in the New Testament or in our walks with Christ today. There is and there will be until the end of Armageddon at the end of time. . . . quote:Why not? He went to a wedding, dined with people, went on a fishing trip with Peter and so forth. I believe he would go where the people are and share with them there. He would not forget about Gamers because Gamers need him also. So, I think he might play games. Also, just because the Scriptures don't say he played games, does that mean that he didn't? It doesn't say he went to the bathroom, but I am betting he did. . . . Love in Christ, JH ------------------ Jesterhawk _,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_ [This message has been edited by jesterhawk (edited July 05, 2005).] |
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Brandon Member Posts: 594 From: Kansas City, Mo, USA Registered: 02-02-2004 |
Well... I had a nice paragraph typed up, but it just didn't seem right after I continued to read your post. This is what I have resized my reply down to: Actually you make a pretty good point... ------------------ |
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jesterhawk Member Posts: 32 From: Hurst, TX, USA Registered: 03-30-2002 |
quote: Then, THANKS!! Love in Christ, ------------------ Jesterhawk _,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_ |
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Posts: From: Registered: |
Games were originally to learn things and get better at things. Video games now mostly are negative for the person unlike it being positive. http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/fac/peabody/game-book/Chapter2.html (enjoy) A Christian game should be like how games use to be to benefit form them how kids use to go outside and play to be physically active and improve coordination. Games now are addicting with no great benefit. Kids complain that school has no purpose in what they learn but the same can be said for games. You can use violence but have a meaning to it. Will kids learn something from the violence and is it necessary? Some interesting thing said but the main point is to have a Christian game should educate people about Christian things should be the main point. I think it is easy but so many do not want to see it. Remember a game is a like an interactive video, and a video is like an animating book. |
