Christian Perspective on Playing Video Games

Christian thought on activities like playing video games often draws from broader biblical principles concerning stewardship, spiritual growth, and interaction with the world. While the Bible does not directly address video games, believers apply scriptural teachings to evaluate such pastimes.

A foundational principle is that believers are to do everything for the glory of God ^[4]. This means that even in leisure, Christians are encouraged to consider how their actions reflect their faith and honor God ^[4]. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 10:31, stating, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" ^[4]. This principle extends to how time is spent, the content consumed, and the attitudes maintained during activities like gaming.

Another significant consideration is the impact of actions on oneself and others. Christians are called to avoid giving offense and to refrain from anything that might harm another person's faith ^[4]. This includes being mindful of how one's choices might be perceived by others or influence them, especially those who are weaker in faith ^[4]. Paul advises that believers should prioritize what is best for others over personal privilege ^[4]. This perspective suggests that if a particular game or gaming habit causes a fellow believer to stumble or creates a negative perception of Christian conduct, it should be re-evaluated.

The concept of spiritual warfare also informs how some Christians approach entertainment. Believers are encouraged to be "on the watch" and "on their guard" because they are always in danger ^[8]. The apostle Peter instructs Christians not to be surprised by trials and hostility from a sinful world, especially when seeking to live godly lives ^[5]. This perspective might lead some to scrutinize the themes and content of video games, particularly those that involve violence, occult themes, or morally ambiguous choices, to ensure they align with Christian values and do not compromise spiritual integrity ^[7]. The Scriptures, known from infancy, are able to make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus ^[1].

The body of a believer is considered a temple of God, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit ^[9]. This understanding implies a responsibility to care for one's physical and spiritual well-being. As such, excessive gaming that leads to neglect of responsibilities, physical health, or spiritual disciplines could be seen as violating this principle ^[9]. The apostle Paul notes that believers' bodies have become parts of Christ, emphasizing a spiritual union that means they are not free to violate their bodies ^[3]. This extends beyond physical union to include how one uses their body and time.

Furthermore, the New Testament frequently stresses the importance of producing good deeds as evidence of genuine faith ^[6]. While faith alone justifies, real faith is accompanied by actions ^[6]. This means that a Christian's life should demonstrate a commitment to God through their choices and priorities. If gaming becomes an idol or consumes an inordinate amount of time and resources that could otherwise be used for service, personal growth, or family, it could be seen as hindering the demonstration of active faith. The "work of a Christian is twofold—doing the will of God and suffering his pleasure," which includes the mortification of sin and living to God ^[10].

Finally, the struggle between serving God's law with the mind and the law of sin with the flesh is a constant theme in Christian life ^[2]. This internal conflict means that believers must continually assess their desires and activities to ensure they are aligned with God's will rather than worldly temptations ^[2]. This ongoing discernment applies to all forms of entertainment, including video games, prompting believers to consider whether their engagement fosters spiritual growth or draws them away from God.

Sources

2 Timothy “From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. -- 2 Timothy 3:15”
Romans “I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, the sin’s law. -- Romans 7:25”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:15: 6:15-17 To be a Christian is to be spiritually joined to Christ in both life and death (cp. Rom 6:3-11). As a result, believers’ bodies have become parts of Christ (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-28; Rom 12:4-5). This spiritual union (cp. John 14:20; 17:21-23) means that they are not free to violate their bodies by physical union with a prostitute.”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 10:31: 10:31-33 Paul concludes his discussion by summarizing the two principles that are to guide Christian behavior in issues like this: (1) Believers are to do everything for the glory of God (see Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:11); (2) believers are not to give offense and should avoid doing anything that would harm another person’s Christian faith (cp. 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10). Christians’ behavior is to be guided by what is best for others rather than by personal privilege (cp. Rom 14:13-15, 19-21; 15:1-2). These two basic principles lie at the heart of Paul’s advice on”
1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 2:14: 2:14-26 James explains why Christians need to be concerned about the judgment of their actions (2:12-13): Real faith must be accompanied by good deeds (see 1:22-25). 2:14 if you say you have faith: James writes to Christians who need to be stimulated to produce actions that should arise from genuine faith. Paul makes the same point (see, e.g., Gal 5:6) but often criticizes people for trying to base their relationship with God on what they do (Rom 3:20, 28; 4:3-5; Gal 2:16; 3:1-14).”
Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 6:14: 6:14-17 Paul uses the physical armor worn by Roman soldiers as imagery for spiritual armor used by believers. Most of this equipment is to defend, not to attack. Paul’s focus is not on the precise functions of each piece but on God’s gifts. Grounding in Christ and Scripture provides protection and ability to stand your ground (cp. Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:8-9). 6:14 God’s righteousness: Either the righteousness God credits to those who believe in Christ, or the righteous way of life brought about by the transforming work of the Spirit of God in believers’ lives. The on”
1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 16:13: In this passage the apostle gives, I. Some general advices; as, 1. That they should watch (Co1 16:13), be wakeful and upon their guard. A Christian is always in danger, and therefore should ever be on the watch; but the danger is greater at some times and under some circumstances. The Corinthians were in manifest danger upon many accounts: their feuds ran high, the irregularities among them were very great, there were deceivers got among them, who endeavoured to corrupt their faith in the most important articles, those without which the practice of virtue ”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:16: 3:16-17 Christians must be very careful, both in what they teach and in how they relate to one another, because the body of believers is the temple of God, the home of the Spirit of God who lives in them (cp. Eph 2:21-22), and God’s temple is holy (see 1 Cor 1:2). There are terrible consequences for anyone who destroys God’s temple by such things as jealousy, argumentativeness, and divisiveness (see 3:3-4).”
1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 4 (introduction): The work of a Christian is twofold - doing the will of God and suffering his pleasure. This chapter directs us in both. The duties we are here exhorted to employ ourselves in are the mortification of sin, living to God, sobriety, prayer, charity, hospitality, and the best improvement of our talents, which the apostle presses upon Christians from the consideration of the time they have lost in their sins, and the approaching end of all things (Pe1 4:1-11). The directions for sufferings are that we should not be surprised at them, but rejoice in them, o”

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