Video games are a hard one for me. I’m kind of on the cusp with them. I grew up in the first generation to really play video games from the time we were little kids. Not the kind of video games out there now, but definitely a step past pong. The generation that began to view video games as not just one of many facets of life, but in some cases, as one of the most important. I was part of a sleepover where we all sat glued to the tv playing Blades of Steel until our thumbs bled (true). I remember many nights of Street Fighter II action. Yet I never took the big step of being obsessed. Some of my friends did. Some still are, but I never quite had that passion.
So video games are kind of hard for me because they have continued to progress so far beyond a simple entertainment choice. Some people now spend most of their day glued to games. Some of the games involve people on levels where they develop friends and relationships with others across the world. Some of the games look so real, it’s almost video level quality.
And there are many arguments on the positive side for video games. Studies have shown the games do stimulate problem solving. Some of the relationships built online are positive. The games can be used for learning purposes (do you remember Number Munchers and Oregon Trail!)
But there are many negative elements too. You can look at the time that can be wrapped up in these games. Or maybe the subject matter distresses you. I’ll be honest, I played some shoot-em ups when I was younger. I’m not sure the thrill associated with the slaughter was a good thing. And some of the games really push the line, not even bothering to put a semblance of nobility around the subject, but instead casting you as a criminal. Would Jesus digg these things? I doubt it.
Even the games that are more neutral in character can be questioned. Wii gets a little movement, but wouldn’t it be nice for our kids to be spending a little more time outside. Or inventing their own games and play activities, using creativity and imagination. Or maybe even reading books. Some have tried to use video games to spur reading or have even wondered if video games themselves can be called reading, but I find this a little strained. Maybe there are characters and plot, but few really push people to explore new ideas in the way we hope reading would.
But I don’t want to appear out-of-touch. Video games aren’t going away, but I think the Church may have to think about these pretty radically if we’re truly going to leverage the medium for good. Do you have any suggestions. If there are any gamers out there, what’s your experience?
Some people now spend most of their day glued to games. Some of the games involve people on levels where they develop friends and relationships with others across the world. Some of the games look so real, it’s almost video level quality.
And there are many arguments on the positive side for video games. Studies have shown the games do stimulate problem solving. Some of the relationships built online are positive. The games can be used for learning purposes (do you remember Number Munchers and Oregon Trail!)
But there are many negative elements too. You can look at the time that can be wrapped up in these games. Or maybe the subject matter distresses you. I’ll be honest, I played some shoot-em ups when I was younger. I’m not sure the thrill associated with the slaughter was a good thing. And some of the games really push the line, not even bothering to put a semblance of nobility around the subject, but instead casting you as a criminal. Would Jesus digg these things? I doubt it.
Even the games that are more neutral in character can be questioned. Wii gets a little movement, but wouldn’t it be nice for our kids to be spending a little more time outside. Or inventing their own games and play activities, using creativity and imagination. Or maybe even reading books. Some have tried to use video games to spur reading or have even wondered if video games themselves can be called reading, but I find this a little strained. Maybe there are characters and plot, but few really push people to explore new ideas in the way we hope reading would.
But I don’t want to appear out-of-touch. Video games aren’t going away, but I think the church may have to think about these pretty radically if we’re truly going to leverage this medium for good. Do you have suggestions? If there are any true gamers out there, what’s your experience?<><>< -->
Tags: video games