I will be upfront and say that I used to play World of Warcraft, amongst other games, and yes, I did enjoy playing them for many hours.
This post is not an attack on the game or the players, merely posing the question that if following Jesus, in other words a Disciple of Jesus, or living as a Christian, should you be playing the game, or any game that involves violence?
I know some good mates of mine who are Pastors who avidly play computer and video games (ok I have been one), while not necessarily World of Warcraft, it could be Gears of War, or a myriad of other current games, that in Australia, receive a rating based on the their violence (World of Warcraft has an official rating of MA15+). These games are no longer the domain of over-weight geeks like me, rather they are main-stream, used by both sexes, of all ages and available in YOUR local mall! I am only chosing World of Warcraft but in reality I am talking about most modern video games.
If you read some of my earlier posts you will see that over the course of my journey as Disciple of Jesus, I see Jesus as the Prince of Peace, the example of non-violent counter-cultural revolution. So, as a Disciple of Jesus I reject violence in all forms and believe that as Disciples of Jesus we are to set a non-violent example in society, demonstrating Love in our lives, our interactions with society, rejecting violence and social injustice (which often equates to violence). This is exemplified by the lives of Oscar Romero (a priest), Ghandi (who admired Christ’s teachings but not those who professed to follow Christ as they were often quite different), and many, many others.
The pacifism that I believe Jesus teaches is not one of in-action, but the action of LOVE. There are many sites on the web about Pacifism and Christian Pacifism, so check them out.
As for me, I cannot reconcile with being apart of the Kingdom here, and that not being about living out Love in action. And in doing so, how do I can I live Love when I am filling my life with things that are not Love?
Ok, so there are those that argue that it is ok to play as long as it doesn’t become a stumbling block to your conscious, citing a few scriptures such as;
As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. Romans 14:14
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9
This argument goes to say that playing the game(s) are entertaining and part of ministry for some.
I cannot reconcile that with what I read about Jesus. Sure, Jesus hung out with those that society deemed unfit, the tax collector’s, the prostitutes etc. but he didn’t join in with them in their sinful activity. While I am hoping not sound like I am preaching, (sorry if it does sound that way) I do hope to pose the question for those of you playing the games to consider your actions. Is it possible to play World of Warcraft and not kill or destroy? In my experience the game would be boring at best if all you do is wonder around and solve a few things. But it is definitely hard to advance the characters without resorting to violence or killing.
Ok, you say, “that is a game and I don’t kill in real life”, “it’s just a fantasy, escapism or entertainment”. But do we not live in a world that is full of violence and horror? Just turn on the news or watch most movies now days. Go for a walk to your local video game store and count how many games for your chosen medium — X-Box, PlayStation, Wii etc that revolve around violence or killing something. My family owns a Wii that we recieved for Christmas, and I must admit that there seems to be many more games on the Wii that are more about dexterity and competitiveness than violence. But, I digress.
I work with the homeless, the poor and lonely in our neighbourhood and come home sometimes depressed, saddened by the stories I hear and lives I have touched. I know others who too deal with some of the same issues. Dave Andrews from the Waiter’s Union in Brisbane is one such fellow, who at a recent UNOH event shared that he suffers also from depression on top of dealing with others who may do the same. How does he deal with it?
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8
His example of dwelling on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely etc. has become my remedy for when things become dim and the way ahead seems dark.
But, I guess this question that I have posed of whether Christian’s should play World of Warcraft etc. ties in with whether we are making Christians or Disciples. Our lives should be one of reflecting the Love that has been shown to us. We should be Lovers of the Word — not World, shining the Love in all aspects of our lives. This is how we become the Salt and City on a Hill that Jesus describes, not by hiding in our Christian communities and stepping out to join the world in glorificvation of violence (not to mention demonology).
While I am not going to point the finger at anyone or accuse anyone, why not ask yourself this — am I a Disciple of Jesus or merely a Christian? See my earlier post for the difference.
For some great posts from gamers about the game check out here.
