Christian Faith & The Gaming Community
- Justin Rhodes
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
In today’s digital age, gaming has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions if not billions worldwide. Many of us who grew up in the 90s had a childhood that combined playing outside with the rising popularity of video games. I think there's plenty of evidence suggesting that we 90s kids were the last generation to mainly play outdoors and as we got older, we also started playing games more. So today, companies aren't just creating video games for kids—no, they're creating them for those who still enjoy them as busy adults now. Isn't it incredible how we can hear something similar to Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country's Aquatic water level and have an experience of full-on nostalgia? Yeah, you know the music I'm talking about. If not, have a listen.
For many of us, it's sentimental.
Gamers are those who find themselves engrossed in epic narratives, engaging gameplay, and vibrant communities that spring up around your favorite titles. However, as Christians navigating this landscape, it’s natural to wonder how your faith interacts with the values and ethics of the gaming world; whether that's through the morals depicted within the game itself or the community. Games have helped shape the culture and we're not so sure if that was a good thing, but it can be with the right lead of direction.
It's natural to question whether or not you should play certain games, and you may even feel convicted that some games simply aren't for you. Sometimes this is after you've played through part of the game and other times it's blatantly obvious that you shouldn't. That conviction is likely the Holy Spirit (your conscience) telling you that you shouldn't be playing it. Not everything is good for everyone, and some may not even realize that they should feel convicted with certain things.
Where should we draw the line with the ethics portrayed in games? Do they really help shape society and culture? Do some research on Japan and gaming, you'll find out.
Understanding the intersection between Christian faith and gaming ethics is not just timely; it’s essential for a complete grasp of both realms. Why? Because the truth of the matter is that it is definitely helping define cultures and what goes into video games is significant—More on that in another article. In previous articles, we've slightly discussed the nature of the game content, gaming community, developers and how demonic it can all be. We encourage you to keep listening to our perspective.
The Heart of Gaming: Narrative and Christian Gaming Community
At the core of gaming is the power of storytelling. Many games provide intricate narratives that provoke thought and inspire deep emotional connections. For Christians, stories that emphasize themes of redemption, sacrifice, and moral choice resonate deeply.
Many acclaimed games include stories whose characters face moral dilemmas and ultimately make sacrificial choices that can resemble Christian teachings, but they're not exactly depicting Christ-like figures. The gaming community might disagree because they have a watered-down view of Jesus Christ, but at least they get the gist of His sacrifice, right? Wrong.
Community is vital in gaming. Whether that community is simply through forums, gamer chat and voice communication, the community is often the backbone that makes a game popular and helps it stand out. Online worlds, virtual spaces and digital communication foster friendships and collaboration that break geographical boundaries. For Christians, these gaming platforms can serve as spaces for fellowship, promoting discussions around faith and ethical behavior. Whether forming a team in Minecraft or collaborating to complete quests in STAR WARS: The Old Republic, these shared experiences can strengthen bonds rooted in shared beliefs but only if the players themselves get close enough.
There's been a cultural shift where gamers have become more accustomed to being friends with people online (and prefer it) over having actual interactions with people around them. Why? Well, video games can be an escape from the wiles of real-life and frankly, I don't blame them for wanting to escape. We live in a perilous world, and we seem to be constantly bombarded with bad news no matter where you look. For Christians, some of us (me included) see many Biblical prophecies that appear to point that we're in the end times.
Is there something wrong with people not wanting to go out and make friends? Possibly. Man should not be by themselves and society has set its gears on full throttle toward this digital age. Therefore, in a way, the body of Christ must adapt to the times without uprooting our God-given and rooted morals and ethics:
We must evangelize in the video game industry and community.
As game developers, we often rely on feedback from the community. As a new developer and Christian, it's important for us to build a community around Christ, our values and our game. We at Evigilo Entertainment fully intend to be heavily involved with our growing community. So, if you're interested in getting involved by supporting our efforts, early supporters through our Tier 2 EASE subscription will get first access to our upcoming game.
I want to place extra emphasis on this: It is vital for the body of Christ to evangelize in the gaming sphere of influence. Why? Go read this article, maybe you will be convinced. Gaming isn't going to just go away.
The Ethics of Gaming: Choices and Consequences
As a gamer, you’re often faced with choices that impact gameplay and character development. This mirrors the Christian focus on moral decision-making in daily life, but with games you're in a safe environment to explore and empathize with the greater issues that the world—including Christians, do not typically want to discuss (e.g. human/sex trafficking). Evigilo Entertainment wants to bring more awareness to these issues, even if it's uncomfortable. Games frequently present ethical dilemmas that can spark discussions about right versus wrong and as a Christian game developer, we aim to influence and portray a strict definition of good and evil. As you contemplate these decisions, think about how they align with your Christian values.
In games, players must choose how to respond to complex moral scenarios that test their characters' integrity, by extension, the player's integrity. Players who take a stand for their beliefs often face consequences that echo real-life situations. These scenarios encourage critical thinking about how faith influences decisions—both in the game and beyond, but only if these simulations depict true good and evil as the Bible defines it. We at Evigilo Entertainment want to make a clear distinction between darkness and light as though it were black and white.
In our upcoming games, we have a plan to implement a choice system that will heavily impact the outcome of the game based off of player/character in-game decisions; this could mean rewards and consequences. Through this, we believe that we can help direct those who do not appear to have a moral compass and teach them from a Biblical viewpoint, the choice that they should make based on Christ's principles. That is the end goal anyway, other than reaching the non-believers with the gospel in a place where certain people are so focused on gaming and nothing else.
In the gaming industry, there is a great blurring of light and darkness and outside of gaming, that's Biblical (Isaiah 5:20); We will see the world view change to good as evil and evil as good.
Do you have a strong sense of justice? Do you want to see righteousness prevail over the wiles of the devil? It's going to happen whether you want it to or not, but you can choose to take part in helping the light overcome the darkness.
The Pitfalls of Gaming: Violence and Immorality
While gaming can represent uplifting values, certain themes can also present challenges to those wanting to uphold Christian principles. As we stated above, there's a blurring of light and darkness. This is often evident. For example when games, movies and other media portray 'using dark magic for good' or magic in general, when the Bible tells us to not practice witchcraft, magic, sorcery, period, as it is not of God and is in-fact, an abomination. Don't get me started how people believe that they can be Christian and practice witchcraft.
Many popular titles incorporate themes of violence, immorality, materialism and more. We've said before that the gaming industry; games, the developers, concepts, game portrayals and even the community can be demonic, but we won't say that it's always that way. The demonic will use the same tactics repeatedly in order to deceive, corrupt, rob, damage and anything else to fulfill their ultimate mission—getting folks to go to hell with them.
It's essential to recognize these pitfalls, and know what's righteous in the eyes of God, as these spiritual hazards can lead to desensitization. Desensitization mentally and spiritually towards violence or other moral issues as well as perhaps quenching the Holy Spirit. Studies indicate that prolonged exposure to violent video games may influence behavior with an increase in aggressive thoughts among frequent players. Consider how these elements might conflict with your faith life.
Players may not realize it, but a game series such as Grand Theft Auto might be linked to a rise in behaviors such as violence and unethical practices in real life. The game encourages various similar themes such as assaults on NPC (non-player-characters) for a mission and players typically do evils upon average Joe's and Jane's in the streets because you can, not unlike the MAFIA game series.
We question whether it is the violent elements of the games and/or the underlying narrative and motivations for the violence that may contribute to these behaviors. We also must note that not everyone is affected by the violence in these games as studies would show as well.
Joint conversations in your gaming circles about the moral implications of the content you consume and negative behavior displayed can help others. Acknowledging these issues fosters a healthier understanding of your gaming experiences and their potential impact on your beliefs.
However, not all games promote negative themes. Titles like Civilization VI, which encourage strategic decision-making and resource management, can help players reflect on values like leadership and teamwork.
Ultimately, we believe that video games can be a tool to reach non-believing gamers, with the aim of planting the seeds to establish the core beliefs of Christ followers above all else. This movement is incredibly important to us and we see it as our purpose.
Faith-Driven Game Development: A Growing Movement?
The emergence of faith-driven game developers is noteworthy and perhaps a sign of the times before the end. The game developers at BibleX with Gate Zero seem to be doing an awesome job. We Christian creators strive to produce games that echo Christian themes and values, providing alternatives to mainstream titles. While they're creating a game that throws you into the story of the Bible to explore, we want to reach those who throw themselves into the thrill of the world. Often times, we've found that they're seeking to enjoy the heartfelt, gut-wrenching, emotionally moving games that mimic real life, but we're going to cater it to cause one to think of good and evil from the biblical perspective.
There should be a feeling of some type when you witness someone dying, even in a game. Playing a competitive battle-royale game might evoke different feelings, but do you recall how people used to feel a touch of sadness when a beloved character died in a movie? Society has grown numb to many issues and we're here to reignite people's conscience and lead them to the Holy Spirit!
Games that invite players into narratives that promote introspection and personal growth do exist, while these can somewhat align with Christian teachings, they will not lead one to Christ without having Jesus in the mix as the shepherd. We hope that there will be more Christian-faith-centered gaming experiences to encourage young Christians to explore careers in the gaming industry, creating spaces where their Biblical beliefs, faith, passion for development, the arts and technology can coexist.
Evigilo Entertainment will always stand up for Biblical righteousness shown through Jesus Christ.
This movement will inspire more individuals to enter the gaming industry, promoting diverse voices that can reshape perceptions of games. A supportive community can arise from backing us Christian developers, fostering an environment that respects and unites those of the Christian faith.
It is our prayer that the Christian community will back us and help us saturate the gaming industry as we proceed with portraying Biblical truth and a Holy Spirit led moral compass in video games.
Navigating the 'Dual Identity': Christian Gamer
For many Christians, identifying as a gamer can feel conflicting. Frankly, the Bible states that we should not be double-minded and that we should serve God, not mammon. Mammon represents not only wealth, but any idol that is being placed before God with one foot over the line, lacking a true decision to make something or someone your Master; God, desire, material things, your partner, lust, etc.
You may deeply appreciate the creativity and excitement of gaming and everything within it, but players should do so while also being aware of the false teachings, teachers, doctrine and blatantly blasphemous things that worldly games often present as Christian ideals; the repetitive 'cult'-like misrepresentations of Christians, faith and distortions of the true meaning and purpose of the body of Christ and even a perverted sense of Jesus' sacrifice. 'Faith/Spiritual teachings' and Christian values are not synonymous and in-fact, can lead to misunderstanding and corruption of one's belief system if one is not rooted in Christ. I'd wager to say that such teachings are used to blend, blur and act as a harbinger for the one world religion that will occur during the end times.
Such games should not be supported by Christians and the body of Christ should reject them.
To navigate your dual identity, one should not navigate it as dual at all; in-fact, it’s vital to establish personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a Christian, allow the Holy Spirit to discern what you should and shouldn't be playing. Identify what types of games and content align with Christian beliefs—these experiences, games and narratives should honor God. Remember, you can only have one Master.
Don't get me wrong. There will be certain scenarios in games that will be uncomfortable, but often such things are required to portray part of the story so that one can understand the position that the storyteller is wanting to make. Invest time in researching themes before diving into new titles that may not honor God.
Connecting with fellow Christian gamers can also bolster your faith. Joining groups that share your beliefs creates a supportive space for uplifting conversations and sharing recommended games that reflect your values.
Embracing Your Journey as a Christian Gamer
As we explore the connection between Christian faith and gaming, approach both with a heart that aligns with Biblical values. By researching and exploring the narratives, communities, and ethical representations in the games you want to play, you can cultivate a richer understanding of how your faith can influence your gaming experiences and decide if you should play that game or not. Pray about it.
The gaming community teems with moral dilemmas and themes that may conflict with Christian teachings. Yet, it also offers a unique platform for storytelling, creativity, and fellowship. By being mindful of the games you choose and advocating for Christian game development, you can actively engage in both worlds while remaining true to your values.
Whether you’re a lifelong gamer or new to pixels and storytelling, remember that your journey with Jesus and gaming is uniquely yours. Embrace the adventure, letting the Holy Spirit and Christian values guide you all the way.
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Thanks for reading.
— Justin —
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