Should Violence Affect You?

[zsoft]

Should being entertained by violent video games and movies affect the heart and soul in a negative manner? If I am a Christian and am playing lots of violent video games, is this hurting the Holy Spirit or Christ within me? If it is okay, then should I be affect by violence at all?

[Hootmon]

:popcorn

[twinkle]

:popcorn

[Clouds]

Should being entertained by violent video games and movies affect the heart and soul in a negative manner? If I am a Christian and am playing lots of violent video games, is this hurting the Holy Spirit or Christ within me? If it is okay, then should I be affect by violence at all?

I only speak as one who some time ago was a bit addicted to violent video games.
The games did seem to numb me a little to the sense of horror that one would naturally have in real life. It did not make me more violent that I recall, but there was a lessening of the idea that violence was as bad as it really is in real life. It was a subtle form of brainwashing.
I played some stupid games such as Road Rash, where doing bad things to your opponent with clubs etc, as you raced among traffic and ran over people that got in your way, seemed especially enjoyable due to the unnecessary violence. I could see a person, who did not keep a reasonable perspective about the game, might become more prone to act that violence out in real life. The games now, are much more graphic and probably more violent. I stopped that stuff years ago, so I can't say much about the subject anymore.

Kids today are soaked in that violent brainwashing on TV and video games. It does not bode well for how they might respond in real life as a result. Hopefully, it will not be as bad as I think it may end up being.

[Kliska]

I think this is a personal call, between the individual and the Spirit. Some people can probably play and watch all kinds of things, but others may be bothered by it, or it may begin to work on their hearts... We have to trust our "instincts" and the Holy Spirit in the movies we watch, the games we play, the music we listen to, etc... IMO.

[Tio-Peregrino]

I can speak from my wife's experience. She used to actually enjoy watching the Freddy Krueger movies...Nightmare On Elm Street movies. However, when she got into serious study, and a close relationship with the Lord, she lost interest in that totally.

I've never liked watching violent movies--though I like Martin Scorcese productions for a short while back in the late 90's. But I got quite tired of hearing so much profanity, and seeing so many scenes of someone getting hit with a baseball bat.

There are so many good movies to see that don't have such violence, and so much profanity. We've only got this one life, it's not a test-run...this is the real thing. Every minute we have...we'll not be getting back.

Just some thoughts.

[BlessedinHim]

I am involved in a soldier of fortune forum, there are a lot of kids there, and a some adults. I get to know these kids and then when I can, I witness to them about Jesus. Some interesting things happen there, I challenge them. They come to me when they have problems and I can help them as the Lord allows. Their forum by nature us a rated G forum, so, when things get a bit out of hand I say something about it. Sometimes it isnt pleasant, but when the AC is here, it will not be pleasant to stand up and be counted. The lines are being drawn, we must reach out to where the lost are and tell them about Jesus. There are so many lost souls out there. They are deceived into believing so many lies. . . .

recently because of this game forum I have talked to a person who was gonna commit suicide, he had a gun even. I am talking to a young lady who has never heard the gospel. she has made several bad choices, I ask that you pray for her, that God till the soil of her heart and make it tender toward Him. She is soo lost and in need of Godly direction. I dont know the impact of me being present there, but God does. I have been able to personally witness and talk to several of these kids on there. The Holy Spirit will have to do the work there, I just tell them about Jesus when I get a chance. It cant be forced.

I agree that it is up to each person, the bible is pretty clear on that. I do game some, and I think it is fun, but at the same time, I know it is just that, a game, it is not real. Not all people can make that distinction.

[Blood Bought]

I want to be carefull here.

I have played very, very violent video games, and I've done so because they were fun, otherwise I wouldn't have played. However, my interest in video games altogether is pretty much bottoming out. I do still play Raven Shield (Rainbow Six) from time to time online.

I know there are some who would claim just thinking about such a thing makes them want to vomit due to their sensitivity to sin altogether. Yes, we are to abhor sin in all forms, and are commanded to do so. But why do even christians fall into some sins? Because sin can be pleasurable. I don't think most christians experience such a dramatic sensitivity to sin overnight. It is all a part of growing in the knowledge of our Lord. As long as we're in this fallen world, spending more time in the Word will lessen our time in worldly things. And that should be our goal. I don't know that there's a magic button for any of this.

And to be clear, I am in no way pounding the fire and brimstone fist here against anyone that plays violent video games. Been there, done that. I know I could easily pop one in now and have fun with it. I just want to avoid it as much as possible, because I still have lots of growing to do.

[Blood Bought]

I can speak from my wife's experience. She used to actually enjoy watching the Freddy Krueger movies...Nightmare On Elm Street movies. However, when she got into serious study, and a close relationship with the Lord, she lost interest in that totally.

I've never liked watching violent movies--though I like Martin Scorcese productions for a short while back in the late 90's. But I got quite tired of hearing so much profanity, and seeing so many scenes of someone getting hit with a baseball bat.

There are so many good movies to see that don't have such violence, and so much profanity. We've only got this one life, it's not a test-run...this is the real thing. Every minute we have...we'll not be getting back.

Just some thoughts.

Your avatar reminded me of something. Madonna will be taking over the Ingrid Bergman role in a remake of 'Casablanca'. :faint

P.S. -- I love the oldies too!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=549629&in_page_id=1773

[BlessedinHim]

I think you would need to seek the Lord's leading, ask God to lead and guide you and see what happens.