Video games have emerged as a prominent aspect of contemporary society, captivating billions* of players globally, especially children. Yet, for Christian parents, the issue of immersing their children in virtual realms raises moral concerns. Biblical teachings caution against explicit, violent, and sexual content, highlighting the importance of maintaining a family’s Christian values even in the digital landscape. Despite these challenges, there is also recognition in scripture of the potential for positive influence and learning. As scripture advises, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7, NIV). This dilemma prompts Christian parents to delve deeper, searching for a harmonious balance that allows their children to enjoy video games while nurturing their faith and remaining steadfast followers of Christ.
Understanding Christian Perspectives on Entertainment
As Christian parents, we are called to raise our children in the ways of the Lord and to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:11, 14-15, ESV). This means that while we can allow our children to partake in worldly activities like playing video games, we must do so in a way that aligns with our faith. Discernment and wisdom should guide our choices, considering how the content of these games reflects our beliefs and values.
Biblical Principles for Evaluating Video Games
When it comes to parenting and raising Christian kids, it is crucial to evaluate video games through the lens of godly values and virtues. Look for games that promote love, compassion, integrity, and other Christian principles, aligning with the biblical mandate to “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV). It is equally important to steer clear of explicit content, such as violence, profanity, and sexual themes, which can negatively impact our minds and hearts, leading us away from our faith. This is especially true for younger and more impressionable audiences.
Recognizing the influential power of video games, there exists a dichotomy that echoes the wisdom of scripture stated above. Video games can either build your child up or tear them down. With only a dismal 31% of children** in the United States believing in God, faith-based video games offer a unique opportunity to reverse this statistic. By embracing video games that reinforce Christian values and beliefs, parents can play an active role in nurturing their children’s faith and guiding them toward a closer relationship with God in this digital age.
Promoting Positive Gameplay
Video games aren’t all about violence and explicit content. In fact, there are many educational and skill-building games available that can teach valuable lessons and improve cognitive abilities. These games provide an opportunity to grow intellectually while enjoying the virtual world. Moreover, for Christian families, platforms like TruPlay offer an excellent way to not only foster their intellectual growth but also to nurture their faith and instill important Biblical values. Through interactive and faith-based gameplay, TruPlay creates an environment where children can learn biblical principles, engage in meaningful stories, and deepen their understanding of God’s word, all while having fun in the virtual realm.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
As with any form of entertainment, setting healthy boundaries with your kids is crucial. Balancing video game time with other responsibilities and activities is essential to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle, especially at a young age. It is important to prioritize our relationships, school, and spiritual growth over excessive gaming. Additionally, monitoring the content and duration of gameplay helps ensure that your children are not being exposed to harmful or addictive elements.
Engaging in Gaming with Family and Friends
Video games can serve as a valuable tool for families to connect with their children and open up conversations about faith. Engaging in gaming activities together creates shared experiences and strengthens the bond between family members. By recommending value-aligned video games, families can enjoy gameplay that not only promotes collaboration, teamwork, and problem-solving but also reinforces important values and principles rooted in their faith. These games provide an opportunity for parents to initiate discussions about moral choices, empathy, and spirituality, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between family members while having fun in a faith-aligned virtual world.
Utilizing TruPlay as a Christian Video Game Resource
For those seeking faith-inspired video games that align closely with their beliefs, TruPlay is an excellent resource to explore. This platform offers a wide range of Christian-themed video games that aim to foster spiritual growth, promote positive values, and teach biblical principles in an engaging and interactive way. TruPlay provides a safe and faith-aligned virtual space where players can enjoy games that reinforce their beliefs and grow them closer to God. With TruPlay, families and individuals can find a wealth of games that cater specifically to Christians, making it a great go-to resource for faith-centered video games.
If you are a parent seeking a safe alternative for your kid’s screen time that aligns with your values, you can start a worry-free 7-day free trial by clicking here.
As Christian Parents, it is crucial to approach video games with discernment and make informed choices, echoing the advice in scripture, “But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 ASV) While there are legitimate concerns about explicit content in some games, there is also a vast array of games that can be a source of enjoyment and edification. By embracing biblical principles, seeking out positive gameplay experiences, setting healthy boundaries, and utilizing Christian video game resources, believers can navigate virtual worlds as faithful individuals without compromising their faith.
Sources:
*https://explodingtopics.com/blog/number-of-gamers
** https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/religious-landscape-study/parent-of-children-under-18/
Consider a few extra resources:
- The Monica Swanson Podcast: Navigating video games with your kids
- The Fortnite Phenomenon (or fill in your child’s game of choice)
- Parenting Pep talk video: Setting healthy boundaries with technology
