Justin Hale

Clarification of your specific concerns would be helpful because the game itself appears to have the equivalent of the second mildest 'G-rating' the entertainment industry assigns to publicly released media, warning parents that children under 7 years of age may find aspects of the game mildly violent or emotionally confusing. 

If it is simply the idea of mostly nondescript characters 'spawning' and the theme of 'beds' in the background, I think this is on par with conservative double-entendre back in the 1950's and early 60's designed to make adults chuckle while kids remained largely aloof to any mature connotations. Especially given the times, it may even be a helpful move within the industry to step away from overt sexual references and graphic depictions and return to more subtle implications. 

The Biblical rule on all of this subject matter is pretty clear. We have the liberty in Christ to explore whatever we please, but we should be clear in our own conscience when we do:

"And in that way, by sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ." (1 Corinthians 8:12).

"One person judges one day above another, another judges every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind." (Romans 14:5).

One of these verses is about eating certain types of food or food produced in a particular way. The other is about observing certain holidays or cultural festivals. Nevertheless, this theme is the same and is a Biblical principle. If your own conscience causes you to be less than 100% confident about ANYTHING, examine the thing and yourself because God is definitely telling you something.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean that your pang of conscience is about this game or even any of its themes. It may simply be that other brothers or sisters in Christ find it objectionable, or find the entire industry behind it objectionable. It is wise to acknowledge this and not to participate in anything until you are confident in your own mind that you find it supportable.

Afterwards stand fast in your belief so that others can learn from your example. Being wishy-washy serves no one.

‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16).

This is Jesus in the book of Revelation speaking to a 'wishy-washy' church. If you are 'cold' about something, own it. That means if it gives you no spark and you believe it to be uninspired and vain, stand on that confidently and let people know. However, if you are 'hot' about it because it sparks something in you and you find it an inspiring way to spend your time, own that too. Let other people know that there is something worthwhile there. Either way, this firm choice pleases the Lord because we all learn from it together. You can also be 'wrong,' realize it and change your mind. That is just as helpful to us all as long as you are then just as firm on that change as well.

The only thing that makes Jesus want to 'spit out' the experience itself is to witness us hypocritically vacillating back and forth between support and opposition. Nobody learns anything from this lack of personal confidence and enthusiasm.

April 10 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report