What video games can Christians play? And what video games are BAD for them?

As a Christian, we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God and in line with His will. With the rise of video and online gaming in recent years, many Christians have asked the question, “Is it OK for Christians play video games?” Some might even ask themselves the popular question “what would Jesus do?” would he play them?

While there is no clear-cut answer, because you won’t find mention of video games in the Bible of course, there are several factors that we can consider to help us make an informed decision.

Photo from Pexels by RODNAE Productions. Woman playing an online video game.

The Bible is a Christian’s compass for their life. Helping them make good choices. But there are also other information and evidence we can use to determine what is a healthy relationship with video gaming.

Consider with us these important questions:

Will gaming be a spiritual distraction?
- Will online games tempt me unnecessarily?
- How can online games tempt a Christian?
Do Christians need to be careful with their senses?
What does the Bible say about separating from worldly things?
What do scientific studies say about gaming?
- How is it negatively influential?
- How does it impact us mentally?
How can we discern which games are OK and which are not?
How to make your own choice about gaming as a Christian

So, let’s discover together what insight the Bible and scientists have about the impact of online gaming.

What does the Bible say about being distracted?

Firstly, we need to acknowledge that Satan is always trying to distract people away from God’s plan for their lives. The devil wants us to be entertained by things that can lead us astray from God. Therefore, Christians need to be mindful of the things that can distract them from following God’s will. This is not to say that all forms of entertainment are inherently evil, but rather that we need to be discerning about what we consume.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of being distracted and tempted by worldly things. In 1 John 2:15-17, we are told not to love the world or the things in it, as they can lead us away from God. Similarly, in James 1:14-15, we are warned that our own desires can lead us into sin. As Christians, we should strive to avoid things that can negatively influence our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.

What does the Bible say about avoiding temptation?

The Bible teaches that Satan, also known as the devil, is a spiritual being who opposes God and seeks to lead people away from Him. In John 10:10, Jesus warns us that “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” This verse is a clear indication that Satan is an adversary who is seeking to harm us, and one of the ways he does this is by tempting us and leading us astray.

In the Bible, Satan is often referred to as the tempter. For example, in Matthew 4:1, we read that “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” Here, we see that Satan actively sought to tempt Jesus, trying to distract him from his mission and lead him astray. Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul says that he was concerned that “…lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” This shows that Satan is actively seeking to tempt and distract believers from following God.

So, why does Satan want to distract and tempt us? The Bible tells us that Satan’s ultimate goal is to separate us from God and to keep us from experiencing the abundant life that God has for us. In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter warns us to “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Satan wants to lead us away from God’s truth and into a life of sin and destruction.

As Christians, it’s important that we are aware of this reality and that we stay focused on God’s truth, seeking to resist the devil’s temptations and stay true to our faith.

How can online games tempt a Christian?

There are several ways in which video games could potentially tempt a Christian to sin, breaking any and all of God’s Ten Commandments:

Elevating other gods and magic: Many video games include religious aspects, pagan god mythology, including the rituals, practices, and other religious involvement. Having players role play or be involved in non-Christian religious acts. Such as fighting or doing quests for some mythological god to help them. Acting out pagan rituals to talk to dead spirits, curses, spells, magic, or types of occult and witchcraft.
Idol worship: Some gamers can turn gaming into an idol itself, being more important than God.
Taking the Lord’s name in vain: Many video games feature characters who swear or use blasphemous language, which could potentially tempt a Christian to do the same.
Sabbath-breaking: Excessive video gaming could potentially interfere with a Christian’s ability to observe the Sabbath and spend time in worship and rest.
Dishonoring parents: Some video games may encourage disrespect or rebellion towards authority figures, including parents.
Murder: Many violent video games involve killing or other violent acts, which could potentially desensitize a Christian to the value of human life and make them more likely to engage in violent behavior.
Giving false witness: Games may encourge the players to lie, teach or reinforce the idea that it is OK to give false witness, or even role play giving false witness to others.
Adultery: Some video games feature sexually explicit content or encourage promiscuity, which could potentially tempt a Christian to engage in sin.
Stealing: Some video games may involve stealing or other forms of dishonesty, which could potentially tempt a Christian to engage in unethical behavior.
Coveting: Video games may encourage materialism or a desire for possessions, which could potentially lead a Christian to covet what belongs to others.

Image from Pexels by Cottonbro. Women fully emersed in an online game wearing a virtual headset. — Image from Pexels by Cottonbro Studio. Women fully emersed in an online game wearing a virtual headset.

It’s important to note that not all video games will necessarily encourage these types of behaviors, and that each individual Christian will need to prayerfully consider how different games may impact them.

However, make sure you do not let Satan fool you. Whispering in your ear, “Hey it’s ok! Just because you see, hear, or think about something, doesn’t mean you would ever do something bad or sinful”. Or that “You’re just playing a game, the acts are not real”. Don’t forget what Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, that “…whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart”

Meaning the intent to sin is as bad and as dangerous as the act of sinning. Satan knows the more he can get someone thinking about something sinful, the more likely they are to actually do it. Whether in their heart or in actuality, because out of the heart flows our actions (Matthew 12:34).

Do Christians need to be careful with their senses?

Secondly, the Bible teaches us to be careful about what we see and hear. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus says,

²² “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
²³ But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

The things we expose ourselves to can have a powerful impact on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What does the Bible say about separating from worldly things?

Image from Pexels by Tima Miroshnichenko. A couple places a console game together while sitting on a couch.

Finally, as Christians, we are called to separate ourselves from worldly things that can lead us away from God. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, Paul says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” This doesn’t mean that we should completely isolate ourselves from the world, but rather that we need to be mindful of the influences around us. To be discerning in what we expose ourselves to.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. To be a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). This means avoiding practices, behaviors, and attitudes that go against God’s values and seeking to live a life that honors Him.

Here are a few examples of what the Bible says about this:

Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This verse emphasizes that as Christians, we should not be shaped by the values and practices of the world, but rather, we should be transformed by God’s truth and seek to live according to His will.
James 4:4: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” This verse emphasizes that we cannot be both friends with the world and friends with God. We must choose to separate ourselves from ungodly influences and seek to live a life that honors Him.
2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “¹⁴ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ¹⁵ And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ¹⁶ And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. ¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” This passage emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from ungodly influences and practices, and seeking to live a life that is set apart for God.

So, we are called to live differently from the world and to separate ourselves from ungodly influences. By doing so, we can honor God, grow in our faith, and become more like Christ.

But what does the world say about gaming? Such as secular scientists?

What do scientific studies say about gaming?

Scientific studies have shown that certain video games can have negative effects on our mental health. For example, studies have linked excessive gaming to addiction, increased aggression, and decreased empathy. These effects can be particularly harmful to children and adolescents, whose brains are still developing. The effects of gaming can vary depending on the individual and the type of game being played.

There have been numerous scientific studies conducted over the years examining the effects of online gaming and video games on players.

Here are a few examples of studies, their findings, and the researchers who conducted them:

“The Benefits of Playing Video Games” (2014) by Isabela Granic, Adam Lobel, and Rutger C. M. E. Engels – This study, published in the American Psychologist, reviewed the existing research on the benefits of playing video games. The authors found that video games can improve cognitive function, enhance creativity, reduce stress, and promote social connections.
“Video Game Playing and Academic Performance in College Students” (2010) by Mark Griffiths, Daniel King, and Paul Delfabbro – This study, published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, examined the relationship between video game playing and academic performance in college students. The researchers found no significant relationship between the two variables.
“Online Gaming Addiction? Motives Predict Excessive Play Behavior in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games” (2012) by Thorsten Quandt, Jens C. Wettstein, and Andreas Böcking – This study, published in the Journal of Media Psychology, investigated the relationship between motives for playing online games and excessive play behavior. The researchers found that players who reported playing for escapism or social interaction were more likely to engage in excessive play behavior.
“The Effects of Video Game Violence on Physiological Desensitization to Real-life Violence” (2013) by Jodi L. Whitaker and Brad J. Bushman – This study, published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, examined the relationship between exposure to violent video games and physiological desensitization to real-life violence. The researchers found that exposure to violent video games can lead to decreased physiological reactivity to violent stimuli.

Here are some common negative effects that have emerged from the research:

Addiction-like Symptoms: Some individuals may develop symptoms of addiction, such as loss of control over gaming behavior, preoccupation with gaming, and withdrawal symptoms when unable to play.
Decreased Academic Performance: Excessive gaming has been linked to decreased academic performance, such as lower grades and lower graduation rates.
Increased Aggression: Some studies have found a correlation between violent video games and increased aggression in players.
Physical Health Issues: Prolonged gaming sessions can lead to physical health issues such as eye strain, back and neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Social Isolation: While some studies have found that gaming can promote social connections, excessive gaming can also lead to social isolation and a decrease in face-to-face social interactions.

There have also been many psychological studies that have used brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the effects of gaming on the brain and neurological activity while individuals are playing.

Here are some common findings from the types of studies on human brains:

Increased Activity in Reward Pathways: Playing video games can activate the brain’s reward pathways, which are associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation. This can lead to increased dopamine release and a sense of enjoyment and engagement.
Improved Attention and Executive Functioning: Some studies have found that playing video games can improve attention and executive functioning, such as cognitive flexibility and decision-making.
Changes in Brain Structure: Some studies have found that playing video games can lead to changes in brain structure, such as increases in grey matter volume in areas associated with visuospatial skills and memory.
Increased Emotional Arousal: Some studies have found that playing violent video games can lead to increased emotional arousal, such as increased heart rate and skin conductance.

Some studies conducted on how gaming can influence a person’s self-control and ability to discern right from wrong.

One example is a study titled “Gaming as a Source of Intrinsic Motivation: An Exploratory Study of Self-Determination Theory in the Context of Gaming” by Scott Rigby, et al. (2010), which found that gamers who had a higher level of intrinsic motivation, or the internal desire to play for enjoyment and personal satisfaction, were more likely to exhibit self-control and restraint when it came to their gaming habits.

Another study, titled “Effects of Playing Violent Video Games on Chinese Adolescents’ Prosocial and Aggressive Behavior” by Zhen Tang, et al. (2015), found that playing violent video games was associated with decreased prosocial behavior and increased aggressive behavior in Chinese adolescents. A limited study looking at a specific population and type of game.

Overall, while some studies suggest that gaming can have an impact on a person’s self-control and moral decision-making, the research in this area is still relatively limited and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential effects.

It’s worth noting that not all studies have found these effects, and individual experiences with gaming can vary widely. Additionally, the type of game being played, the frequency and duration of play, and the individual’s personality and life circumstances can all impact the potential effects of gaming on the brain and neurological activity.

It’s important to note that while scientific studies can provide valuable insights into the effects of online gaming and video games, they are not definitive and should be interpreted with caution. Additionally, some studies have limitations or may have flaws in their methodology.

So there is no clear-cut answer yet based on scientific studies alone.

How can we discern which games are OK and which are not?

Image from Pexels by Tima Miroshnichenko. A person playing a violent and graphic first-person shooter online game.

As Christians, we should strive to fill our minds and hearts with things that are pleasing to God and that help us grow in our faith. When it comes to video and online games, it can be challenging to know which ones are safe and which ones are not a good choice. Here are a few tips that can help Christians discern which games are a bad influence:

Consider the game’s content: Pay attention to the content of the game, such as its themes, language, and violence. As Christians, we are called to be mindful of the things that we expose ourselves to, and if a game contains content that goes against our values or is inappropriate, then it’s probably not a good choice.
Consider the game’s impact: Think about the impact the game may have on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. If playing a particular game causes you to become more angry or aggressive, or if it leads you to engage in behavior that goes against your values, then it may not be a good choice for you.
Consider the time spent: Think about how much time you’re spending playing video games. If you’re spending too much time gaming and neglecting other important areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, or spiritual growth, then it’s probably not a good choice.
Consider peer influence: Take into account the influence of your peers. If the people you’re playing games with are encouraging you to engage in behavior that goes against your values or is inappropriate, then it may be time to consider finding a new group to play with.
Pray for guidance: Seek God’s guidance in prayer. Ask Him to help you discern which games are a bad influence and which are a good choice for you.

Ask yourself these questions as you evaluate a game and how you react playing them:

Content: What is the game about? Does it contain themes or content that go against biblical values, such as violence, content, or occultism?
Personal reaction: How do you feel when you play the game? Does it promote negative attitudes or behaviors in you?
Time: How much time are you spending on gaming? Is it taking away from other important aspects of your life, such as family, work, or spiritual growth?
Addiction: Do you find yourself constantly thinking and planning about the next time you can play? Do you find other things bothersome or less enjoyable than before? Do have a hard time “logging off” from gaming, wanting to do just one more thing, just one more minute? Do you get annoyed and angry when someone says you need to stop playing?
Community: Does the game tend to make you isolated or antisocial? Is the gaming community anti-Christian or push anti-Christian values? Or is the games community toxic in any other ways?
Content rating: What rating is the game? Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) based on their content. Christians should carefully consider the content of the games they play and whether it is appropriate for their age and maturity level.

Be mindful of the things you expose yourselves to, and to use your discernment to make wise choices that help you grow in your faith and become more like Christ. By taking the time to consider the content and impact of the games you play, you can make informed decisions about which games are a good choice and which are not.

Prayerfully consider whether or not video games are a healthy and beneficial activity for you personally. Seek guidance from God about whether or not to include video games in your life.

How to make your own choice about gaming as a Christian

In conclusion, while there is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether Christians should be gamers at all, playing no video games, we should be discerning in what we choose to expose ourselves to. The Bible warns us about the dangers of being distracted and tempted by worldly things, and scientific studies have shown that certain video games can have negative effects on our mental health. As Christians, we should strive to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including our leisure activities.

However, it is clear Christians should avoid games may be violent or contain themes that go against Christian values. Additionally, avoid spending too much time gaming can take away from time that could be spent growing in our relationship with God and serving others.

If you do play video games do it in a way that gives glory to God.

Edward Preach

ESports Missionary at Witnesser Ministries | Website | + posts

"For 30 years I've been gaming. I lived it, grew up in it, and for most of my life I thought I could live in the world and live in Christ too. I was WRONG. After years of unknowingly running FROM God, I finally surrendered and trusted fully in him instead of myself. He then in 2018 pulled me out of the world and showed me his truth, showed me what it means to truly follow Jesus. Now I bring the gospel message directly to other gamers, I won't be able to pull them out of the world, but we can plant seeds from God to water! This channel is dedicated to preaching the Three Angels Message across the internet broadcasting community and preaching the gospel for all who are willing to hear, and teaching people what it means to "Forsake the World". Edward came from a Baptist and Catholic family background. Very familiar with scripture, but not fully understanding it until 5 years ago. Now he is on fire for the Truth and the Bible. A Christian and Seventh-day Adventist. A layman just wanting to help spread the Gospel to gamers. - Read more about Edward Preach.