Religion and Video Games

So this is just something I was curious about. Everyone here is of course a gamer but what i want to know is are you gamers religious in any way. If you are religious what religion do you practice, and how does your religion affect the way you play or view different kinds of video games. Remember guys we are all fellow gamers here and this thread is not ment to offend or insult anyone for their beliefs.

Me personally I am not really religious at all, and i have never seen something offensive or too over the top in a video game that made me not want to get it. (if i dont want to get a game it is because it simply looks like a bad game or just not my style of gaming)

I'm Christian. I don't buy games with sex and nudity. I will play games with violence, as long as it's not disgusting gore and stuff. Not a big fan of strong language either. But I'm in the minority like this. O well :)

Not religious, and I'll play anything as long as it's worth my time.

My dad is religious, and he won't avoid a game because of his beliefs, but it does affect how he plays a game. He played WoW for awhile, and refused to play any class/race that looked slightly evil, and moral choices in games are always good. But he has no problems playing as the Empire (Star Wars) or games like Diablo or Quake.

Last week there was a thread in the 360 forum by a Mormon who wanted the locations of all the sexual content in New Vegas so he could murder the women beforehand. Seems a little backwards to me.

I'm Muslim, i'm fairly religious. like the guy below your post,i won't really buy games with a lot of sex or nudity, but I'm ok with scenes like in AC2, violence is ok but I don't really like gory games like God of War 3 (its just disgusting and cuz of my religion, but even if i wasn't a muslim, I still wouldn't play it). I'm in the minority like you bobdood99

P.S. I don't think this is the right place for this kind of topic, I won't report it or anything

I'm not religious at all, but that doesn't prevent me from enjoying a game or movie where a character is on a religious quest or something. I enjoyed Star Wars and I don't believe that was real either.

I'm an atheist and I guess I stop my comment here to not get moddded xD

I'm Christian. I don't buy games with sex and nudity. I will play games with violence, as long as it's not disgusting gore and stuff. Not a big fan of strong language either. But I'm in the minority like this. O well :)

bobdood99

Now I am not criticizing you, but I think that way of thinking (usually American, I am from NA) is odd. How is Sex and nudity bad, but chainsawing a guys head off or severing his limbs ok?

I am Christian and I will buy and play just about any game, but there are SOME times where I get annoyed by certain things. I don't mind swearing one bit, but Killzone 2 was just annoying with the amount of F words they dropped. I am happy they are pulling back on that in KZ3. Also I have no problem with sex in games or anything like that, but must every RPG (WRPG) now have the option of screwing the NPC? It isn't a matter of the content in the game, its a matter of how it comes across for me. When it feels forced and cheesily done just to cater to the younger audience (I guess), then it is annoying.

As for games talking about religion, that is fine by me, as long as they are not downright bashing God or whatnot. I have no problem seeing everyones side or whatnot, just as in music. yeah ok the singer is angry at God and hes unsure about it all, thats fine, I just hate trash metal music (I like some metal) that repeatedly bashes God, religion, and does it in an awful way. What the hell good is that doing anyone?

Im religious but I'm pretty loose about it. I'd say im christian but that doesn't stop me from playing games I like. I'll just have to hope God doesn't keep me out of heaven for ravaging Aphrodite in God Of War.Tetrarch9

lol its just a game, I honestly dont even find that stuff fun or anything in GoW, and they use that kind of stuff way too often, but yeah who cares. I am pretty sure that if you realize its a game and you don't go and commit crimes or live an awful life God will understand ;). The other day I was punching birds in crysis and I would NEVER do that in real life :P.

I tend to shout "Jesus Christ!" or even "Oh My **** GOD!!!" when I get killed, does that count?

I HATE RELIGION§

lasseeb

That's a bit harsh... I tend to look at religions as being the same in nature. If you dissect the major religions and movements across history, they all hold a core set of tenets to their philosophy; Being a good pillar of society, being productive to your family and community, staying on the side of law and righteousness, not shtooping the neighbor's wife, pride of grooming and hygiene...

From the Koran to the Bible to the Torah to the Hagakure, it's all essentially the same message. Which is why I don't get the disparity and anger from one to the next, when concerning peoples of a slightly different flavor. We all want the same thing, just in a different language.

Sorry to take it a little off-topic, but the above statement triggered me. My joke in the previous post was certainly not meant to offend anyone's sensibilities. It just came out... So I apologize for my joke. I don't hate religious practice, or the folks who believe.

:)

Hmm. I was being raised as a catholic, until my mom died when I was only a child, and right after my baby sis was born. My father hated god for that. So we stopped going to church, stopped praying, stopped all that stuff. We know there is something coming after death, and we have our proof, but we sure don't feel the need to worship something we can't see, especially when it did us no good before. It is what it is.

I play any game I wish, religion never has a say in the matter.

I grew up Lutheran, but by the time I was 15 or so, I stopped believing in god. Not because I was angry with him or something juvenile like that; I just didn't see any reason to believe he existed without any evidence. I'll play just about any game as long as it isn't about raping people or something like that, and I felt that way even when I was a believer.

[QUOTE="bobdood99"]

I'm Christian. I don't buy games with sex and nudity. I will play games with violence, as long as it's not disgusting gore and stuff. Not a big fan of strong language either. But I'm in the minority like this. O well :)

NaveedLife

Now I am not criticizing you, but I think that way of thinking (usually American, I am from NA) is odd. How is Sex and nudity bad, but chainsawing a guys head off or severing his limbs ok?

I am Christian and I will buy and play just about any game, but there are SOME times where I get annoyed by certain things. I don't mind swearing one bit, but Killzone 2 was just annoying with the amount of F words they dropped. I am happy they are pulling back on that in KZ3. Also I have no problem with sex in games or anything like that, but must every RPG (WRPG) now have the option of screwing the NPC? It isn't a matter of the content in the game, its a matter of how it comes across for me. When it feels forced and cheesily done just to cater to the younger audience (I guess), then it is annoying.

As for games talking about religion, that is fine by me, as long as they are not downright bashing God or whatnot. I have no problem seeing everyones side or whatnot, just as in music. yeah ok the singer is angry at God and hes unsure about it all, thats fine, I just hate trash metal music (I like some metal) that repeatedly bashes God, religion, and does it in an awful way. What the hell good is that doing anyone?

As a devout Catholic, I can honestly say, that when it comes to mature subject matter, I don't give a ****.

Entertainment is entertainment, fun is fun, opinions are opinions. I'm also not entirely sure where being religious means you don't play violent video games, or just video games in general.

I'm a christian with a firm belief but it doesn't really impact my gaming choices. I play most games in my fav. genres and the only real subject i prefer not to play is dealing with drugs. Sex, violence, language doesn't bother me but drugs really do.

I'm a christian with a firm belief but it doesn't really impact my gaming choices. I play most games in my fav. genres and the only real subject i prefer not to play is dealing with drugs. Sex, violence, language doesn't bother me but drugs really do.

CobraKai83

Actually, now that you mention it, I kinda feel the same way. I guess it's because I don't know any murderers, but I do know people who have dealt drugs, so it feels more real to me. But having said that, I did make a killing off cocaine in GTA: Chinatown Wars.

I'm a Christian. I'm fine with really anything, it's just entertainment and I don't have to agree with it just because I'm playing it.

I am a Christian and although my belief's do not prevent me from playing games, it does impact how I play them.

I will play CoD and BFBC, but I try not curse at people, use God's name in vane etc. basically showing my belief's though my actions. In RPG's, I always play the "good guy" and although certain options are available, like the option to steal in Fallout 3, I don't do it. (yeah, you heard me, I don't steal from citizens in FO3.) If character's have a sexual relationship, its not homosexual and I don't slaughter civilians.

This is not a limitation, but instead enhances my gaming experience. I feel better and enjoy the game more by following God's will. Its not like I wish I could do things available because of my religion forbids it but instead it makes it more satisfying by not choosing to do so.

I would say my belief does not keep me from being a gamer and playing any game, but it does guide my conduct in how I go about playing them. I don't pretend to walk aperfect line nor do I preach to others, but Ibelieve it is my actions that speak volumes in ways that God either approves of or will forgive methough my intentions.

Refreshing topic TC. Good post.

I am a Christian and although my belief's do not prevent me from playing games, it does impact how I play them.

I will play CoD and BFBC, but I try not curse at people, use God's name in vane etc. basically showing my belief's though my actions. In RPG's, I always play the "good guy" and although certain options are available, like the option to steal in Fallout 3, I don't do it. (yeah, you heard me, I don't steal from citizens in FO3.) If character's have a sexual relationship, its not homosexual and I don't slaughter civilians.

This is not a limitation, but instead enhances my gaming experience. I feel better and enjoy the game more by following God's will. Its not like I wish I could do things available because of my religion forbids it but instead it makes it more satisfying by not choosing to do so.

I would say my belief does not keep me from being a gamer and playing any game, but it does guide my conduct in how I go about playing them. I don't pretend to walk aperfect line nor do I preach to others, but Ibelieve it is my actions that speak volumes in ways that God either approves of or will forgive methough my intentions.

Refreshing topic TC. Good post.

Ninja_Zombie83

thank you for this nice solid post! (not saying i dont appreciate the others i just like how you went into how religion impacts how you play).

But like i said earlier i am not religious but i still do what you do in open choice RPG's. I always follow the good path. It just doesnt feel right to do all of the really evil things in games. But the only difference is i can steal from people in a video game. In the game it will just sit on their person or in their house and they will never ever use it, but if it is something i want then i would use it all the time. So i view it less as stealing and more as giving the item a purpose in the game.

I'm a muslim myself and respect every belief and religion but I'm not too religious myself. I tend to play games according to their ratings and genres and I choose my games carefully. It's not because of nudity, sex, violence. I just think that I should be diverse in my games that's all. I have games rated MA, E, E+10.. etc.

I remember when playing Modern Warfare 2 when I first bought it at launch. I insert the disc game and started the single-player story. At the early chapter, when you are forced to shoot unarmed people. Only that moment gave a little distubance I was like " Oh My God, I'm like a psychopath "

I believe there is a god but i dont really consider myself a certain religion..i guess if i had to be categorized id be a christian because i study bible and believe it all..but ive always hated religious grouping. Anyways, although i have religious morals because of my belief of judgement, its never stopped me from playing any game. All a game is is animation, and one could argue "Oh well it puts that mental sex image or brutal image in your mind." But imo, walking around walmart and seeing a hot chick (rare in walmart) and thinking to your friend "id tap that" is no better. Everyone has thoughts, were all human.

Talk about El Shaddai as a religious title(a little off topic)

I play all games regardless of anything. I'm 20 and i don't find religious or occult games offensive,

I don't see why Christians would have aproblem with gore and violence, after all they tortured and made holy war in the middle ages, in fact I'm sure religion has caused more violence than anything else, just look at the middle east and read some history books.Deathtransit

People seem to bring hatred to the past for certain groups of people but not others, I find that irrational. If you are willing to call out Christians (again this is about the hatred, I can't really make an argument about slavery in games) then you should be willing to call out yourself for things you've done in the past.

Anyway to be on topic. I am an active Protestant Christian, and I am willing to play anything I'm willing to watch or read about. I have played Heavy Rain, God of War, Bioshock. A lot of games that have things in them that I'd be willing to watch in a movie or readin a book(Maybe not God of War, that's pretty gruesome and seeing it with people would be brutal)

I generally pick the "good" path in video games when I get the choice. But it varies if I do all the time.

im not religious and i feel my personal morals don't need to be reflected through 1's and 0's, I have no qualms being evil in a game (especially if its funny) it's just that, a game. i can discern between fantasy and reality and the objective morality required in one isn't necessary in the other.

I'm personally agnostic, but I think I'm leaning towards atheism.

And no, it doesn't affect my choices in gaming at all.

I have parents for that. :P

I guess I "was" catholic sometime in my childhood, but currently there is no specific religious dogma I addere to. I believe in the existence of God and thas it.

Therefore, my religion (or lack of any) does not influence my gaming habits in any conceivable way.

• Strong language? Sure, why not, people use it in everyday life, as long as it's not overused in the game I don't mind it.
• Nudity? Depends on context, but no, I don't mind it either.
• Violence? Everyday I turn the tv on and watch the news (Or read certain newspapers) I'm overflowed with info (And videos in the case of the tv) on violence. Videogames merely reflect this characteristic of humanity, as we are (sadly) a violent lot by nature.
• Gore? I don't mind it... really.
• Moral choices on the game? Great! I usually go for the good run through first, and the evil on the second.

In the end I don't believe that God worries a bit with my gaming habits...

PS.: Even though this topic should go better on the GGD (Maybe), it's refreshing to see how civil and orderly people are responding to it here. Way to go everyone. :)

I'm a Christian. I personally don't care for games where the blood and gore is the prime attraction (ie.Splatterhouse) or there is just an excessive amount. I don't really mind the occasional swear word or two but when every other word is a swear word it just puts me off. I also don't like games where the main objective is to do cruel things.

I'm not really that strict on the games I pick but I don't like to play games that are in short, a slaughterhouse-swearing match-baby eating-gang shootout.

It's not just because that i'm Christian either. I just as person don't like that kind of stuff.

I'm against religion and my view is simple. "Don't shove it down anyone's throats", that's all there is to it.

You can base stories on religious lore and myth, but it's dead when it gets preachy to "joing their side".

I also find this spun fake idealism a little hypocritical when it comes to "I can't see this because I'm that", when they like to pick and choose what is commanded of them. Pixelated blood anyone? Or how about those who are A-OK for violence, shooting, slicing and gore, but faint and make a ruckus at the sight of polygon cleavage. Or thinking they can control the situation matter by claiming "I'll play a shooting game as long as there's no blood". How does this make any sense at all..?

I don't really belong to any religion, but I'm also not an atheist. The closest thing I've found to being able to identify with is being a Deist. That said, I don't really care if a game has sex, language, or violence in it - as long as they actually fit into a coherent plot and aren't just thrown in for the sake of it or are the focus of it. Games like Madworld, Gears of War, and Manhunt are much too unnecessarily violent and brutalto the point that they are not enjoyable to me.

[QUOTE="bobdood99"]

I'm Christian. I don't buy games with sex and nudity. I will play games with violence, as long as it's not disgusting gore and stuff. Not a big fan of strong language either. But I'm in the minority like this. O well :)

NaveedLife

Now I am not criticizing you, but I think that way of thinking (usually American, I am from NA) is odd. How is Sex and nudity bad, but chainsawing a guys head off or severing his limbs ok?

I am Christian and I will buy and play just about any game, but there are SOME times where I get annoyed by certain things. I don't mind swearing one bit, but Killzone 2 was just annoying with the amount of F words they dropped. I am happy they are pulling back on that in KZ3. Also I have no problem with sex in games or anything like that, but must every RPG (WRPG) now have the option of screwing the NPC? It isn't a matter of the content in the game, its a matter of how it comes across for me. When it feels forced and cheesily done just to cater to the younger audience (I guess), then it is annoying.

As for games talking about religion, that is fine by me, as long as they are not downright bashing God or whatnot. I have no problem seeing everyones side or whatnot, just as in music. yeah ok the singer is angry at God and hes unsure about it all, thats fine, I just hate trash metal music (I like some metal) that repeatedly bashes God, religion, and does it in an awful way. What the hell good is that doing anyone?

even Jesus was tempted with stuff it only sin if you act on it.

And you know how us man are 9 times out of 10 where thinking about having sex.

which in christian/Judaism/Islamic sex is fine just it has to be with your spouse.

I'm atheist and I don't think it has any affect on my gaming life. Games with religion in the stories like Final Fantasy X or Assassin's Creed don't bother me. As long as it is there for a reason and not just to preach. Not that I've come across a game to do so.evil_angel74

I am a christian and i will pretty much play anything with anything in it. I like games with gore, and i dont mind games with sex and nudity (in a non weird way)

The ONLY type of games i dont buy are demonic ones.

I don't see why Christians would have aproblem with gore and violence, after all they tortured and made holy war in the middle ages, in fact I'm sure religion has caused more violence than anything else, just look at the middle east and read some history books.Deathtransit

I'm against religion and my view is simple. "Don't shove it down anyone's throats", that's all there is to it.

You can base stories on religious lore and myth, but it's dead when it gets preachy to "joing their side".

I also find this spun fake idealism a little hypocritical when it comes to "I can't see this because I'm that", when they like to pick and choose what is commanded of them. Pixelated blood anyone? Or how about those who are A-OK for violence, shooting, slicing and gore, but faint and make a ruckus at the sight of polygon cleavage. Or thinking they can control the situation matter by claiming "I'll play a shooting game as long as there's no blood". How does this make any sense at all..?

Denji

Seriously, I am in 100% agreement.

[QUOTE="Denji"]

I'm against religion and my view is simple. "Don't shove it down anyone's throats", that's all there is to it.

You can base stories on religious lore and myth, but it's dead when it gets preachy to "joing their side".

I also find this spun fake idealism a little hypocritical when it comes to "I can't see this because I'm that", when they like to pick and choose what is commanded of them. Pixelated blood anyone? Or how about those who are A-OK for violence, shooting, slicing and gore, but faint and make a ruckus at the sight of polygon cleavage. Or thinking they can control the situation matter by claiming "I'll play a shooting game as long as there's no blood". How does this make any sense at all..?

anime_gamer007

Seriously, I am in 100% agreement.

im not verry religus. i love GoW (im just a greek mythology nut(: )i play almost anny game i find fun...except CoD it just to over popular i cant stand it(and im a rpg freak) i dont mind games that follo religus storys or events, i like learning new things plus i just love fiction(not saying religeon isent true it just falls under that category for me cus... ya never know)games that are over gory just to sell bug me but there still fun to mess around with (play them at firends house XD)

... and last of all WHY THE HELL DID I USE SO MEANY ((()))))()()(()()

Im religious. Video games of themselves are morally neutral. Its up to you and your conscience to discern if a product crosses the line and not support it. Also, you need be disciplined in making sure that you don't dedicate an inordinate about of time to something which is nothing more than entertainment, i.e. be moderate.