Video Games and Children

[thebiblicalway]

At church on Sunday (two days ago) I had a conversation with a young, blonde-haired boy named Luke, which I don’t do very often. He’s attending a public school. That fact alone is sad, considering the barrage of liberal philosophy and socialization he faces every day

Comments

[completeinhim]

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong about games in general. However, I think restrictions should definitely be enforced for young kids...And self-discipline for adults!

Also, when I refer to games, I mean ones that are acceptable to those with a moral compass: that are not overly violent and do not condone immorality. Different people have different standards in these areas, I know...But that's a whole 'nother issue. :-)

I agree that it's sad for kids to be spending most of their time playing video games (or watching TV, for that matter!). Part of it, though, is that those in public school are often (understandably) too tired when they get home from school to want to go outside and play. Plus, the sense of community in many American neighborhoods is extremely limited now compared to what it used to be when my parents were young. But again...that's a whole 'nother issue! ;-)

[thebiblicalway]

...that's a whole 'nother issue!

Lol. Great repetition there. =)

Yes, there's nothing inherently wrong with games. I do agree. Yet, one problem is when games use up too much of our time. Moderation and self-discipline, as you say, are definitely needed.

Ahh! Speaking of immorality in games, most violent games promote something immoral. Take for example the game called Counterstrike. In that game you can be a terrorist. Hmm, that sounds immoral to me.

P.s. I can almost hear the discussion beginning over movies...

[completeinhim]

Yet, one problem is when games use up too much of our time. Moderation and self-discipline, as you say, are definitely needed.

Very true. There are a wide variety of other things that endeavor to eat up our time, too. (I'm convicted when I think of how much time I spend on LJ and e-mail.) At the same time, games can have some profit; they can be educational (I used to love the Oregon Trail computer game and learned a lot from it), and they can be relationship-building if you're playing with others. (Although those types of fellowship-inducing games are usually board games, not computer games. :-)) I tend to use the same reasoning when it comes to LJ and e-mail -- at least I'm communicating with others; sharing ideas and encouragement in long-distance fellowship. But like you said, these things can still be time eaters. Even something that's good in moderation can be detrimental in excess. Moderation, moderation, moderation! (Preaching to myself here, hehe.)

Speaking of immorality in games, most violent games promote something

[misshoneybee]

Well said! :)

[thebiblicalway]

You're certainly right about other things eating up our time. I think you bring up a good point about the benefits of certain games. There should always be some benefit to a game. If not, it's most likely not worth playing at all. The best games, IMO, are the ones where you interact with other people--especially sports. You get good exercise playing those, too.

Right, violence in movies doesn't even faze me either ... unless it's glorifying gore. Have you seen The Patriot? That was gory, but it didn't seem like it was gore for gore's sake, if you know what I mean (or, like you said, where you're supposed to take pleasure in it). At the same time, movies can definitely go too far in reproducing realism. Profanity, vulgarity, and obscenity does not belong in a movie even if it is realist. The same goes for immodesty.