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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/3/2008 8:28:19 PM
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kittymac
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Stephanos
I wonder, if RPG's are wrong, is theater wrong? When someone dresses up and pretends to be someone they are not? How about Renaissance Fairs, where some people dress up and "wield swords"? Are those wrong to?
Well sadly, some Christians say yes. So it is no wonder they, with out common sense, attack electronic and P&P forms of that too.
I think you may be comparing apples and oranges here, Stephanos. (though I certainly understand the reaction you're having, since I enjoy RPGs myself, and have ever since I was just a girl.)
There are many in the more conservative persuasions of Christianity that do indeed frown upon any entertainment that is not overtly Christian. So yes, to some people who believe RPGs are wrong, theater (except for passion plays) would be wrong as well.
Reneissance festivals and SCA events probably fall more under historical roleplaying. There's no magic or fantasy in them. (perhaps at some faires, but that's not the focus of it). The SCA in particular has very clear, concise rules for historical period accuracy. You need to do research, brush up on the grammar, costume, lifestyle, titles, even the food of the era you choose. It's not quite the same thing as buying a game to download to play by yourself (while connecting with strangers or friends) in the privacy of your home for $40 or what have you.
I don't think the most culturally conservative Christian among us fear swordplay. It's the occult they seem to fear. Swordplay is not occultic. But magic is. WoW even has warlocks who control demons. You're not likely to see that at a Ren Faire and you won't at all at the SCA. :)
I don't think that it's fair of you to paint the people who dislike RPGs as "without common sense." In my experience, people who react strongly to them tend to be very consistant. They don't like any books that contain magic (like Harry Potter, and some people even dislike CS Lewis). They will not patronize theatres or go to the movies if it involves nudity or forbidden sexuality. Like it or not, you can't deny that WoW has both. It may not be a stumbling block for everyone. But people who fear the occult and don't wish their children (or themselves) to be exposed for long period of time to that are not operating "without common sense" to not allow their kids to play on those sorts of games.
If you like console games, would you be enthusiastic about your child playing Grand Theft Auto? Why not? It's "just a game".
I think it's more "commonsensical" to acknowledge that there's a wide breadth of MMORPGs and console games. Some people choose to eliminate them completely. A valid choice, and not one anyone is going to die over. Some folks prefer to choose Tetris over Grand Theft Auto. Or LOTRO over buying, say, the upcoming Conan Online. ;) I don't have a problem with that either (though I'm biased, since I take that middle path). I think the only witless approach to it is to assume that all things of a genre are innocuous because there are some acceptable items. So all console games are okay, because GTA is a game just like Tetris is a game. Conan with its advertised extreme graphic violence and sexuality is fine because it's a MMORPG just like WoW or LOTRO. That kind of thinking is what seems to have no common sense to me.
And since I don't think RPGs are necessary to a happy life, even though they're one of my favorite hobbies, I don't see why anyone should criticize folks who decide to cut them out completely. There's lot of other creative outlets. And I can understand why some people might be uncomfortable with RPGs. Surely you can too.
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/3/2008 9:43:54 PM
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car2ner
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quote:
WoW even has warlocks who control demons. You're not likely to see that at a Ren Faire and you won't at all at the SCA. :)
Faire has occult...sorry. But it also has christians on staff and we see it as a mission field in some respects (4 year cast member of the GA ren faire here).
BTW, I personally don't play a warlock. I do enjoy playing the paladin and have now rolled a priest (both healers). My hunter is just that, a hunter. These are choices you make as you play.
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/3/2008 11:26:20 PM
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kittymac
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I don't doubt that it has some, car2ner. Any 'alternative' group is likely to have some elements that culturally conservative folks are going to be uncomfortable with. But it's not exactly the focus of the event. I think you'd be hard pressed to say that magic and demonology (which is kind of sort of what the BC expansion pack is about) isn't a major component of the game world of WoW.
I agree that just because you play WoW (or even if you were to roll a warlock) doesn't mean that you're practicing witchcraft. But I don't think anyone should pooh-pooh the concerns that some people have with fantasy RPGs, computer or otherwise. Any more than I think that anyone should pressure their friend to have a glass of wine (if it's red, it might be good for you, and Jesus made wine, so loosen up already) with them. For 90 percent of folks, it's probably fine. However, some people have good reasons for refusing, and in any case why not respect their personal convictions?
Do you feel hurt when others say that they don't like MMORPGs? It's just their opinion. I just don't understand why my fellow gamers seem to be so easily offended when people don't like their hobby (because people do say some unkind and generalizing things) yet turn around and do the same thing.
I played WoW in beta, and afterwards. Now I play LOTRO, because I got bored with WoW end-game stuff (I don't like raiding). I'm not all that in to Ren Faires, mostly because they're a bit on the spendy side and I don't like large crowds of people. But I have no problems with them or the SCA. I enjoy going to the theatre too, and have acted professionally. And I've done tabletop gaming since I was in middle school (though honestly I've not had a group in ages, it's hard to fit something in that I have to travel for into my already very busy schedule). So I'm not approaching this as an enemy to our hobby.
I think you can enjoy something and not feel another person's compulsions against it, while still acknowledging that yes, there are some things that some folks may find objectionable in it without denigrating their intelligence or common sense.
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/4/2008 5:53:02 AM
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car2ner
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quote:
But I don't think anyone should pooh-pooh the concerns that some people have with fantasy RPGs, computer or otherwise.
I don't mind if people ask. Infact, I had the same concern myself. Once I started to play I realized that it was more about logic, problem solving, math, team work, planning (and I don't raid either). The occult is just marketing, the tease to get you into the game I guess. It is a tease that would have kept me out of the game if someone else hadn't corrected my assumption.
I don't mind if it isn't someone else's idea of entertainment, either. Far be it from me to play the voice of God to another christian.
Ren Faires draw occult minded people, BUT atleast they are open about it. It is not a hidden sin like so many of us carry around and we don't see. But that is another topic.
_____________________________
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/25/2008 2:35:24 PM
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jkdjr25
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I'll throw my two cents in here because the linked article hits on several things that I'm interested in.
Personally I think the article was astonishingly, poorly researched. Most of the complaints are listed as things that the author heard from other people or read online somewhere. If that's the case then its laziness on the part of the writer or a deliberate attempt at a propoganda piece.
For starters his complaint about Dungeons and Dragons should have listed the name of the book he quoted. For all I know he could be quoting first edition material which is thirty years out of date. His complaints about the imagery of Magic the Gathering do have some validity but Magic is not really intended as kid's game. It is honestly intended for people in highschool and up, at least that's my opinion.
Let me be frank. I'm a Christian gamer. I've been playing Dungeons and Dragons for about fifteen years now. I've also played Vampire the Masquerade, Shadowrun, and Legend of the Five Rings. I've play World of Warcraft and other fantasy games and not once have I ever tried to cast a real spell. Why you ask? Because I know that such things are wrong. Most of it is pure fantasy that's used in context to the story being told.
I ask as a fellow Christian that my fellows not get bent out of shape because some of us like fantasy. These arguments remind me entirely too much of the fiasco in the eighties when groups like the 700 Club attacked He-Man and She-Ra. Do your own research and come to your own conclusions, but don't attack me or mine for coming to a different one.
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I reject your reality and subsitute my own.- Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/26/2008 1:03:22 PM
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caoimhin
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The author claims that World of Warcraft is a "gateway into the occult." I'm old enough to remember when we were told that rock music --even Christian rock-- is a gateway to drug use, promiscuity and witchcraft. Or that secular education is a gateway to unbelief. Or that playing cards is a gateway to gambling or fortune telling. Etc. Etc.
All these "X is a gateway to Y" arguments look to me like the Pharisees' placing a hedge of man-made commandments around the commandments of God. Both are unbiblically deterministic. Applied consistently, the result is cultural isolationism: we don't interact with the world around us except with "Say, brother! Have you heard of the Four Spiritual Laws...?" or some other corny, dated technique that allows us to feel OK about claiming "I have the answer" without bothering to find out what the question is. Or even worse, holing up in a "holy" enclave waiting for the Rapture without doing anything inconvenient like loving our neighbor.
Thus we nullify the commands of God for the sake of our tradition.
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/27/2008 6:04:31 AM
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car2ner
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The way some of them whine and fuss they might not be reached in game either. But we still need to be role models. The other day my husband and I (little gninja gnomes cuties that we are) broke down an arguement inside the stormwind battle masters room. We just did silly cute gnome stuff, a boomkin sat on my head, and a dance party broke out on the rug. Those are just the highlights. Sometimes an injection of good will can turn the whining around. Sometimes not. Just like in real life.
BTW, we recieved a catalogue of Celtic items, that included alot of very attractive Druidic pieces. (not from any games) I might play a druid in game for the tatical advantages, but I would not purchase wear or use those real life druidic items. It is one thing to be a sneaky panther to get the bad guy... another to play around with "animal spirits" in real life... ick!
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/27/2008 7:23:39 AM
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Diggy6783
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In regard to the several mediums of entertainment that may promote certain themes of the occult, and hidden meanings n such, I'll speak on a movie. The golden compass. Is anyone aware of it's book series? I don't wish to slander a name or be part of a propaganda. However, to my understanding, it's a 'childrens book' written by an author who is atheist. In the series, they kill God, and do as they please.
Now, that sounds as spiritually unsound as I've ever heard, and I don't particularly relish the idea of reading such a thing, even for the sake of validity. If a piece of entertainment is dressed up, to be fed to kids, with such a dark tone, would you still dismiss those parts, and take it purely as entertaining cinema for the minds of our young, impressionable kids? Where exactly do you draw the line, if at all?
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Love, Peace & Nappiness
Nappiness in the joining of people, not hair.
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 2/29/2008 6:20:04 AM
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car2ner
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We can only shelter kids for so long. And to shelter them completely is a bad idea. I've seen the results of that, the young adult may go "bonkers" when finally out on their own. So many things to try that they hadn't been exposed to as a child.
But, the idea of exposing them to some of the things in life that we need to stay away from, is a bit like giving an innoculation. This has to be done by the parents because there are so many variables when it comes to what we should show our kids. As young adults, they will find stuff and either decide it's not worth their time or investigate it.
Back to the games. There are games I can't stand (like FEAR) but I doubt that playing it will make my sons vampire killers. And there are games that are just plain in bad taste. They have shown no interest. I think it is because of the balance of the rest of our walk. The games alone do not lead our offspring one way or another. It is their walk that influences their choice of games.
_____________________________
http://www.car2ner.2ya.com
"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/2/2008 6:03:43 PM
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hymnHIM
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Car2ner,
Here is my very unpopular but biblical answer to the statements you posted above. God tells us to raise our children in the way they should go. Does he mean allow them to find there own way, doing it their way? Certinly not. There must be a level of "shelter" or better put protection from these influences. Where is the line drawn for whats to be allowed and not? From us? No, from God, or who do we really serve?
Also, we are Christians, we are in, now let us move on, as the writer of Hebrews says. Paul refers to a Christian life in the analogy of an athlete, who is constantly training, putting off all things everywhere else, and focusing on the race. Focus, Jesus said if thine eye be single. Focus.
Now back on topic
quote:
Back to the games. There are games I can't stand (like FEAR) but I doubt that playing it will make my sons vampire killers.
But, could it peak their couriosity in vampires? In the occult? What are they imagining while playing? Have you listen to them?, I have. And these games do have an effect, this is proven time and time again. If you want to see what adults and children are talking about in these games I urge you to go to a chat room at the GAMES MANUFACTURES SITE. See for yourself.
quote:
I think it is because of the balance of the rest of our walk. The games alone do not lead our offspring one way or another. It is their walk that influences their choice of games.
The games are a reflector of their spiritual condition, but to deny that they do not shape them, is denying reality. The reality is that games much like any media shape the way adults and children think, react, and view the world. To say that they dont believe they are a warloc is sometimes/most of time true. BUT, to say that they are not "hungry" for this type of power or control over varibles in their lives is quite another. My understanding is completely leaning on God, not on our understanding of any kind. Realistic or make-believe. The powers welded in these games are all worldly/occultish, and in no way reflect what God has called us to do in any situation. To practice anything else is error.
Children do not need any more freedom, what they need is direction, in Love. I have heard it said that "my children dont really like reading, or reading the bible", well then as a man or woman of God its time to fall on our knees and pray fervently for them, and to Love them, purely.
God bless,
Dan
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/2/2008 6:47:46 PM
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rlj
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I let my 3 kids play WoW and they seem to love it. The main problem I have with the game is the Warlock and sometimes some of the clothing gets skimpy. My worry for it isn't the "occult" connection because I think that is a minor thing. I can explain that to them and it isn't a big deal. The same way I can explain the biblical passages about stoning people to death, incest and sacrifising babies to Baal.
However this is entertainment and explaining the bible is a neccessary thing. Different forms of entertainment have different effects on different kids and/or people. I am well aware of the lore concerning the Blizzard games. They are fantasy games, I know they are fantasy games and when you delve into the lore with the exception of the Warloch class both sides are at war with the Burning Crusade, not with it. This can be explained.
As for what got me interested in the occult as a kid was books by John Bellairs. Those things taught many rules of witchcraft - what the colours mean for example. The number of kids interested in the occult is minor and I would honestly say it isn't the thing that worries me the most. What worries me the most are violence, sex - pregnancy or rape, drug use, deviant behavior, etc. While the occult is possible there are far far more partiers and fornicators in hell then those dabbling in Witchcraft.
Lastly when the kids get on my nerves or kids in general there are times when I wish I could be like Elisha (or Elijah?) and summon the bears to deal with them. ; )
_____________________________
-Roger
This is who I'm voting for. He is from the same party I voted for last time. This is consistent with my belief in the failure of the two party system and my disgust with it.
http://www.baldwin08.com/#
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/2/2008 7:18:21 PM
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hymnHIM
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quote:
I let my 3 kids play WoW and they seem to love it.
So this makes it moral or good?
quote:
As for what got me interested in the occult as a kid was books by John Bellairs. Those things taught many rules of witchcraft - what the colours mean for example. The number of kids interested in the occult is minor and I would honestly say it isn't the thing that worries me the most. What worries me the most are violence, sex - pregnancy or rape, drug use, deviant behavior, etc. While the occult is possible there are far far more partiers and fornicators in hell then those dabbling in Witchcraft.
wow, thats quite a statement. First, how do you know how many kids are involved in the occult/witchcraft? Second, your list of worries, many/all are glamourized in many of these games. Third, how do you know who is in hell? This is all opinion, not based on any reasearch of any kind, either secular or Christian. This is not based on the word of God, but experience and limited at that.
quote:
Lastly when the kids get on my nerves or kids in general there are times when I wish I could be like Elisha (or Elijah?) and summon the bears to deal with them. ; )
God bless you,
Dan
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/2/2008 9:33:24 PM
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car2ner
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This is where you have to know your children. Wow has good elements as well. My holy palidan is all about the light. It has alot of jewish/ christian tone to it's sayings, etc. Granted, the gear is skimpy. But then again, so are the clothes in the windows of the mall. Perhaps we should never let our kids go to the mall. Or watch the cheerleaders on professional sports (Put some clothes on those women, plz!!!).
Again, I don't like the occult but when you start to play it is more about logic, problem solving, math, team work, riddles, patience, planning, finding the hidden references to real life situtations and politics and pop culture, great music, wonderful artistic senery. etc. Many people pay little or no attention to the lore.
If it is distracting anyone, adult or child, from their calling in Christ, then these games should not be played. I can only speak for Wow. I wouldn't call it witchcraft.
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"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/3/2008 4:36:10 AM
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rlj
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quote:
Third, how do you know who is in hell? This is all opinion, not based on any reasearch of any kind, either secular or Christian. This is not based on the word of God, but experience and limited at that.
Those who die without Christ. I know of far more who do and have done drugs, drunkens, fornicators and adulterers then I know people involved in the occult. The rise of Wicca, the Occult, etc. has been a result of the Spiritually bankrupt nature of our current culture over the last few decades. I don't believe that Role Playing especially on the computer enhances this to any significant degree. WoW, Everquest, Vanguard, Everquest 2 have their flaws but occultic influence isn't one of them or is very minor. The consistent problem with MMO's is the time involved and how it can (and does) impact other areas of life. While there are people who spend too much time on the old tube they can still Tivo or tape their shows and watch them later. Can't do that always in MMO's because there are time sinks involved. (ie multi-person Raids) In most MMO's now Role-Playing is non-existant anyway. Plus if you like the genre they're just fun.
quote:
But then again, so are the clothes in the windows of the mall. Perhaps we should never let our kids go to the mall. Or watch the cheerleaders on professional sports (Put some clothes on those women, plz!!!).
Preach on that! Lol! We all ended up on the Horde side here though with the Forsaken being the favored race. Nothing at all pleasant about looking at those, lol.
On a seperate note though a game everyone will be familiar with in the next year is Conan. It is a game that pulled off a MA rating with nudity. That one is one that won't be played in my home ever.
_____________________________
-Roger
This is who I'm voting for. He is from the same party I voted for last time. This is consistent with my belief in the failure of the two party system and my disgust with it.
http://www.baldwin08.com/#
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/3/2008 8:31:50 PM
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hymnHIM
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quote:
Those who die without Christ. I know of far more who do and have done drugs, drunkens, fornicators and adulterers then I know people involved in the occult. The rise of Wicca, the Occult, etc. has been a result of the Spiritually bankrupt nature of our current culture over the last few decades.
well, one out of three questions isnt bad....I guess,
I do agree with "those who die without Christ", but to say that you know of only a few witches or occultists is irrational. Further, when the bible talks about sorcery it uses the greek word pharmakia where we get the word pharmacy from. Irony....I dont think so, so drugs should be in your list of witchcraft/sorcery. Wrong opinions usually stem from wrong understanding or rationalized behavior. These games are an example of the latter. They glamorize all that is wrong in society (many of them do). If we as Christians want to see any kind of real change in peoples lives, we must first start with ourselves. Again, Paul uses the analogy of an athlete who TRAINS diligently, striving for the goal that is ahead. This may seem like a little thing, but these little things add up to where there is no time for God, or really anyone else, in reality. Lastly, I ll coment on your understanding of our spiritually bankrupt culture. Media of this type is both a shaper and reflector of our society. To say that it is brankrupt(society), and then partake in its very nature, and defend it...... hmmm, nuf said. I AM NOT saying you are not a Christian, or not saved, simply not thinking this through to its logical outcome.
As I posted earlier, I knew this thread would degenerate into moves and non-sense questions on the game, not on its effects or its morality. I write this in Love and God bless you,
Dan
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/3/2008 8:58:33 PM
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faithfulljoe
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rlj
Those who die without Christ. I know of far more who do and have done drugs, drunkens, fornicators and adulterers then I know people involved in the occult. The rise of Wicca, the Occult, etc. has been a result of the Spiritually bankrupt nature of our current culture over the last few decades. I don't believe that Role Playing especially on the computer enhances this to any significant degree.
How in its very name "role playing" states that you are playing a role. If I act like a homosexual in a play and kiss another guy am I not still comitting a sin?
quote:
The number of kids interested in the occult is minor and I would honestly say it isn't the thing that worries me the most. What worries me the most are violence, sex - pregnancy or rape, drug use, deviant behavior, etc. While the occult is possible there are far far more partiers and fornicators in hell then those dabbling in Witchcraft
I would agree that their are bigger and better worries out there...but I would say that role playing games enhance this.The result of our current culture is because of games, music, tv, and books having a huge infulence on how we view the world. Our society has gotten futher and futher away from the Lord and his teaching.
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/4/2008 6:02:20 AM
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car2ner
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quote:
As I posted earlier, I knew this thread would degenerate into moves and non-sense questions on the game, not on its effects or its morality. I write this in Love and God bless you,
I admit that I did endulge in some inside jokes with another gamer, and we have a thread where we can do that all we want, BUT I have been making sure to bring it back to the opening topic.
I did a study on violence in t.v. a few decades back. After watching students it seemed to me that the choice of shows ws influenced by their personalities more than the shows influencing personality change. My youngest son sings many songs that Honor our Lord in his public school chorus. He still proclaims himself an athiest. (sad sigh) He enjoys the challenge of singing these pieces well and performing. The games he plays does not teach him to be a witch anymore than this great music has taught him to be a christian.
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http://www.car2ner.2ya.com
"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/4/2008 6:09:28 AM
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car2ner
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quote:
If we as Christians want to see any kind of real change in peoples lives, we must first start with ourselves. Again, Paul uses the analogy of an athlete who TRAINS diligently, striving for the goal that is ahead. This may seem like a little thing, but these little things add up to where there is no time for God, or really anyone else, in reality.
BTW, I agree with this completely. The biggest problem with these games is not the witchcraft but the time element. Another poster brought that up. ANYTHING that takes away the time that should be spent doing the work of God, needs to be rethought, no matter how pretty or ugly it looks at first.
_____________________________
http://www.car2ner.2ya.com
"May your days be long and your hardships few".
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/4/2008 9:41:19 AM
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rlj
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quote:
How in its very name "role playing" states that you are playing a role. If I act like a homosexual in a play and kiss another guy am I not still comitting a sin?
In MMO's now Role-Playing is non-existant and will get you flamed in public channels and is frowned upon. The culture now in MMO's isn't one of Role-Playing it is one of making your toon, playing that toon and getting as much gear and prestige as possible based on that game's (or server within that game) rules. That competes with the social aspect of the game which at times can make them seem more like glorified chat rooms with 3d graphics and sound. The Role-Playing element of the MMO's I've been involved with has been non-existent. Then there is the fun of just the competiton or the challenge. For some people they meet up with real life friends or family doing these. It isn't unheard of to be in a guild where you have parents, a couple of kids, an uncle, and a couple of their friends all hooked up. I can't say that in my 13 or so odd years of playing MMO's I have ever seen anyone discuss, put on boards, etc. talks about satanism, etc. There was one guild on my old Everquest server that was founded by Wiccans and they said so. They were slooking for (but didn't recruit exclusively) Wiccans. 1 guild in 13 years. As for most of the Sony Fantasy MMO's those were founded or started with the help of Brad McQuaid who has gone on record as saying he intentionally left religion, magic, etc. in his games vague and without religious background based on the world because he was raised by Christian parents, said he was christian, and didn't want that to distract from the game.
I possibly could disagree with that second statement to. If you were in a play based on the story Philadelphia why would that be wrong? If it was a "Brokeback Mountain" kind of play I wouldn't bother giving it any time to see for myself, lol.  If the play was some kind of spiritual allegory why would that be wrong? Are we talking about a peck on the cheek or heavy making out? If it is heavy making out why would that be different then a play (or a tv show, movie, etc) with two heterosexual couples making out? The sexual sins are the only ones that Christ said thinking about causes you to actually do them. That is a different thing entirely. (Matthew 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." NIV)
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I do agree with "those who die without Christ", but to say that you know of only a few witches or occultists is irrational. Further, when the bible talks about sorcery it uses the greek word pharmakia where we get the word pharmacy from.
In the Fantasy based MMO's i have played I have never seen references to illicit drug use. Drinking yes but not drug use. I am full aware of the translation of the word but the discussion on Witchcraft and what is implied in the OP is different then using the example of drugs. Baal and Ashtorath worship, Wicca, Satanism, etc. are seperate from but not exlusive of drug use. You can do drugs and not be in the Occult and you can be in the Occult and not do drugs.
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To say that it is brankrupt(society), and then partake in its very nature, and defend it...... hmmm, nuf said.
With fear and trembling we work our salvation out. There are christians who own movies I would never own, watch T V shows that I would never watch and listen to music that I could never listen to (If I could hear it well enough at this point, lol) it is something that is up to each of us to decide. That doesn't make me righteous for not taking part in those things and it doesn't mean I'm wrong for playing a MMO.
I agree that there are MMO games that are bad- take a look at Age Of Conan if you want to see one I would never touch, I don't believe this is one of them. On the non-MMO front I passed on both Crysis and Call of Duty because of the language and my kids. GTE will never end up inside my home if I have anything to say about it. When my oldest daughter (9) began to amuse herself with having mommy and daddy (or whoever) make out in Sims 2 instead of building houses and such it was time to steer the kids away from that.
From a content standpoint WoW isn't that bad. From a timesink standpoint that is a topic for a different discussion. ; ) While there are many things that can distract from what we are supposed to be doing (hunting for example can get pretty time consuming) MMO's can be nefarious for this.
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The result of our current culture is because of games, music, tv, and books having a huge infulence on how we view the world. Our society has gotten futher and futher away from the Lord and his teaching.
There is some merit in that. However men's hearts since the fall haven't needed media to make excuses for their depravity. I'm reading Chuck Swindoll's "Living Above the Level of Mediocrity" and was reading last night where he says that the nations Israel were supposed to drive out when entering the promised land were among the most perverse peoples in history and that pornography may have originated with them. Been doing some searches today to see what I can find that has me fascinated. (Early Baal and Ashtorath worship) There were no media, no books, yet they were still depraved.
Hehe there was a [ b] symbol in that scripture quote and it made my post look like it was supposed to be bold, lol.
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-Roger
This is who I'm voting for. He is from the same party I voted for last time. This is consistent with my belief in the failure of the two party system and my disgust with it.
http://www.baldwin08.com/#
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RE: High Tech Witchcraft? - 3/5/2008 12:04:34 AM
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hymnHIM
Posts: 131
Joined: 1/5/2008
Status: offline
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Hi Rlj,
God bless you and glad to talk about this some more.
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In the Fantasy based MMO's i have played I have never seen references to illicit drug use. Drinking yes but not drug use.
You are quoting me out of context. You said that there are more pressing things to worry about other than "games", like drugs, and that is why I answered that drugs, one of your "more pressing" matters, can be viewed as sorcery/witchcraft.
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With fear and trembling we work our salvation out.
If you mean meandering along until you finally "get it", then perhaps that is relevant, but what this verse in context means is the believers responsability for active pursuit of obedience in the process of santification, with an attitude of heathly fear of offending God and a righteous awe and respect for Him. John MacArthur
What does this mean? That we do as God has asked us to do, becuase we have the highest respect for Him, in a nutshell. So what does God ask us to do? Abstain from all appearances of evil. 1 Thess. 5:22 Would you not say that witchcraft, real and pretend, is an appearance of evil? God isnt out to hurt anyones fun, but, He does know whats best, whats really fun, and whats most important.
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There are christians who own movies I would never own, watch T V shows that I would never watch and listen to music that I could never listen to (If I could hear it well enough at this point, lol) | | |
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The fact that the series has an ideological agenda that is somewhat concealed in the movie woulg give me pause, personally.
