God bless you woody.

[This message has been edited by Jari (edited May 08, 2005).]

Diablo though, that's a bit more well-defined. Mostly involves running around killing things, and there's not much of a storyline. Not a game I'd be a fan of, but that's just personal preference. In and of itself, I suppose it would be okay to play the game once in a while. However, everyone I've met who's played the game does not just play it once in a while; they play it constantly. When that happens, it's a bad thing. When something that meaningless consumes that much time... it's wrong.

-Caleb

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"True friendship is not characterized by the absence of conflict, but by the ability to resolve conflict."

None of these games truly reflects reality.

Also, there is so much potential for abuse with D&D, I would never play with anybody but a Christian as a DM. And I recommend playing without the "gods" in the game. They really don't add much, and playing a diety is IMHO just plain wrong. Also, only play with friends, not strangers.

That is, if you play at all. Personally, I'd just avoid it. There's better ways to waste your time .

I did play a couple of rounds, but I eventually moved out of the college, and I never really cared to get back into again.

Diablo, I've never played, and being hack & slash, it's not really my type of game anyways.

One game you should never play is Doom 3. I watched a friend play it for a few hours, and it's so horribly demonic it'll literally eat your soul . . .

I'm not joking - I only watched it get played, and I must say it's very horrible spiritually. I would be lying if I were to say it didn't affect me.

quote:

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When something that meaningless consumes that much time... it's wrong.

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I agree.

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6 "This is what the LORD says --
Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.

7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let him foretell what will come.

8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." -- Isaiah 44:6-8, NIV

I say 'probably' wasted, because unlike some people I do believe its possible to be a witness in these areas. I speak about my faith online with other games players and have run a number of RPG campaigns in which I tried to incoporate some Christian message.

However, none of those games lasted very long for various reasons (a few months each), and accept this may be Gods way of saying it was not good for me (or the others). I believe you can not steer a stationary car and sometimes the only way to know if something is right or wrong is to try it! But please, I am NOT suggesting we should all try every possible sin - I just refer to what some people would consider 'grey' areas. I always try to include God in everything I do, and this includes the 'grey' areas.

I have also played both the Diablo games and I can not honestly say if it is right or not. It is probably not beneficial, so you would be better spending your time in some other way. However, I do believe 'for most people' their are probably areas in your life which God is more concerned about. I also think we can put ourselves under too much pressure in these areas (perhaps we should let God deal with them when He is ready?).

For example, I spent the first five years of my chrisitian life trying to be a 'super christian'. To some extent I succeeded, I sold all my computers, hi-fi and video stuff and used the money to pay for bible college. I worked full time unpaid for a Christian charity for several years. I lived a 'clean' life and became a church elder! However, I did all these in my own strength and it has taken many hard and painful knocks to show me this. I am now far more aware of my sinful and fallen nature and realise I am powerless to do anything about it myself. It is only through Gods power that I can be TRULY saved and set free (work in progress!).

Regarding the comments about Doom3, I would rather play this than many 'realistic' games which involve excessive violence and blood of 'real' people! The whole 'demon' thing is a complete joke anyway, I am convinced the 'real' spiritual realms (and demons) are nothing like this anyway. I do accept it is VERY scary though, and for this reason would accept some would not want to play it. Oh, and their were a few places I really did not like and immediatly started praying! Hmmm? I guess I am just too big a fan of the original Doom!

Be 'real' and 'honest' about everything, both to yourself and before God. Is 'secretly' desiring to play these games just as bad as actualy playing them??? And if you hold this secret in deep dark places of your heart, then it can not be exposed to the light! Perhaps it is better to bring them out into the light where God can deal with them??? I dunno, but I think it better to be 'yourself' BUT allow God to change you, rather than trying to be holy (which is impossibe)?

Hmmmm, sorry - I have probably raised more questions than I have answered!

In finishing, I would refer you back to my two opening sentences and accept I may be completly wrong!!

God Bless,
Rhy

[This message has been edited by Rhyolite (edited May 08, 2005).]

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The learned man knows that he is ignorant - Victor Hugo

I also think it is the way you play the game. If you play it and get enjoyment out of killing living things then I think you may need to turn off the game.

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The learned man knows that he is ignorant - Victor Hugo

quote:

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Originally posted by max:
I agree, you can't just label all of it the same, it is based on each individual person.

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I don't think so because Jesus gave us all the same rules and commands. And I believe what child can't take no one should. Taking something as neutral thing that you know is wrong is just lying to your self and it makes you blind. I know what I'm talking about because God has made me see this.

Thank Jesus for that!

God bless you all, I pray that you see this!

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Psalms 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD keeps the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Matthias

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The learned man knows that he is ignorant - Victor Hugo

Now that I am a 'bit' older (37), I regret losing those early friends. Christianity is all about relationship, both with God and with our fellow man. I think 'perhaps' it would have been better to continue 'trying' to play with my friends, but have voiced my objection to certain areas of the game. I am pretty sure my freinds would have listened and changed things accordingly (such as no Gods etc). And I guess I would have to have shelved my meglomaniac Wizard and started a new Paladin character Hmmm, or does that involve Gods. I know, my Paladin worships the One and Only True God - anway, I digress!

So, don't forget the relationship aspect in all this. Freinds are so important and often undervalued when we are young. As you get older it seems to get harder to develop those same kind of freindships in todays busy world of career and family (and even church!).

So, maybe consider continuing to play and perhaps look at some other more suitable RPG games or a different DnD campaign setting. But if you feel uneasy about something then discuss it with your friends and ultimatly be willing to stop playing if need be. Also consider your friends, if you see one of them being 'harmed' by the game (becoming obsesive, looking into satanism etc), then again you can try and get involved in that situation and help the guy out. Although being there to help your friends is a good point, dont carry on playing for this reason if you begin to feel uneasy about it yourself. Their are a lot of REAL pits and traps in playing RPG games (just as their are in life), so be careful.

God Bless,
Rhy

I honestly dont care for D&D. Yet I have played a few other Role Playing games. I enjoy them, magics and all. Do I take any thing away from the games. Yes, I love the friends and personal bonds I have made playing them. Great way to meet new people and open yourself up too new experiences.

Yet no matter what any one says here. It all boils down too is, How do you feel playing them? Do you feel like you're doing some thing wrong or sinful or hurtful playing them? If you dont feel good playing , reading, or listening to anything. Then dont do it, no mater what anyone says.

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The most dangerous person is one who believes they're a "Pretty Good Christian" = Mel Odom, Author of the Left Behind Apocalypse Book Series.