Honor God in Game Development as a Christian Creator
Honoring God in Game Development
As a Christian creator, honoring God in game development involves understanding the biblical concept of creation and the role of humans as creators. The Bible teaches that God is the sole Creator of the universe, and humans are made in His image [2, 3]. This understanding is foundational to Christian theology, as expressed by early Church Fathers like Augustine, who emphasized that God alone is the Creator of every kind of creature [3].
In game development, Christians can honor God by recognizing their role as creators within the bounds of their God-given talents and abilities. According to John Calvin, humans have a natural inclination to create and innovate, which is a reflection of God's creative character [5]. This perspective encourages Christian game developers to view their work as a form of stewardship, using their skills to create content that is pleasing to God.
The Puritan tradition, represented by Matthew Henry, emphasizes the importance of remembering one's Creator in the days of youth, implying that young creators should prioritize their relationship with God as they develop their skills [6]. This advice is relevant to game developers, who often begin their careers at a young age. By remembering their Creator, they can ensure that their work is guided by Christian values.
In contrast, the early Church Fathers were critical of creative endeavors that were dedicated to false gods or that promoted immorality. Augustine, for example, condemned the Roman practice of staging plays in honor of their gods, arguing that such activities were incompatible with Christian values [1, 4]. Similarly, Christian game developers should be mindful of the content they create, ensuring that it does not promote or glorify sinful or immoral behavior.
Sources
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 2: Augustine — City of God, Christian Doctrine — CHAP. 13.--THAT THE ROMANS SHOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD THAT GODS WHO DESIRED TO BE WORSHIPPED IN LICENTIOUS ENTERTAINMENTS WERE UNWORTHY OF DIVINE HONOR. (part 2): the relaxation of manners. But the fact is, that it was the gods who demanded that they should be exhibited to gratify them. With what justice, then, is the player excommunicated by whom God is worshipped? On what pretext can you at once adore him who exacts, and brand him who acts these plays? This, then, is the controversy in which the Greeks and Romans are engaged. The Greeks ”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 2: Hermas, Tatian, Theophilus, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria — CHAP. IX.--CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE OF GOD AND HIS LAW. (part 1): Now we also confess that God exists, but that He is one, the creator, and maker, and fashioner of this universe; and we know that all things are arranged by His providence, but by Him alone. And we have learned a holy law; but we have as lawgiver Him who is really God, who teaches us to act righteously, and to be pious, and to do 114 good. And concerning piety(1) He says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 2: Augustine — City of God, Christian Doctrine — CHAP. 25.--THAT GOD ALONE IS THE CREATOR OF EVERY KIND OF CREATURE, WHATEVER ITS NATURE OR FORM. (part 1): For whereas there is one form which is given from without to every bodily substance,--such as the form which is constructed by potters and smiths, and that class of artists who paint and fashion forms like the body of animals,--but another and internal form which is not itself constructed, but, as the efficient cause, produces not only the natural bodily forms, but even the life itself of the living creatures, and which proceeds f”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 2: Augustine — City of God, Christian Doctrine — CHAP. 26.--OF THE SCENIC PLAYS, THE CELEBRATION OF WHICH THE GODS HAVE EXACTED FROM THEIR WORSHIPPERS. (part 1): "But," says Cicero, "Homer invented these things, and transferred things human 78 to the gods: I would rather transfer things divine to us."(1) The poet, by ascribing such crimes to the gods, has justly displeased the grave man. Why, then, are the scenic plays, where these crimes are habitually spoken of, acted, exhibited, in honor of the gods, reckoned among things divine by the most learned men? Cicero should exclaim, not ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 18: 40 CHAPTER 2. WHAT IT IS TO KNOW GOD,—TENDENCY OF THIS KNOWLEDGE. Sections. 1. The knowledge of God the Creator defined. The substance of this knowledge, and the use to be made of it. 2. Further illustration of the use, together with a necessary reproof of vain curiosity, and refutation of the Epicureans. The character of God as it appears to the pious mind, contrasted with the absurd views of the Epicureans. Religion defined. 1. By the knowledge of God, I understand that by which we not only conceive that there is some God, but al”
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 12:1: Here is, I. A call to young people to think of God, and mind their duty to him, when they are young: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. This is, 1. The royal preacher's application of his sermon concerning the vanity of the world and every thing in it. "You that are young flatter yourselves with expectations of great things from it, but believe those that have tried it; it yields no solid satisfaction to a soul; therefore, that you may not be deceived by this vanity, nor too much disturbed by it, remember your Creator, and so guard yourselves”