christiangamer

This place exists to help Christians get a better grip on gaming. The video gaming industry is exploding for good reason. Production values are up; graphics are incredible; and the interactivity on offer is incredibly compelling. I believe that video games are awesome; usually. I also know that they are expensive; and that some are not appropriate for kids (and maybe some aren’t appropriate for anyone). I’m not really a writer, but I am a gamer and a Christian and feel compelled to do anything I can to help folks make good decisions for themselves and for their kids.

As far as what I do for a real-life job; I’m a youth minister at a small church that’s full of video-game-playing teenagers and concerned parents.

How I personally feel about strong content in games:

Games are an artistic out for creative people just like those who make movies and write books. Contrary to popular film-critic-belief; I believe games are an art-form. In all artwork, content can be disturbing or offensive to the viewer – and it’s up to that viewer to set realistic boundaries and guidelines about what they choose view and support.

I think a lot of folks out there believe that Christians are anti-everything just for the heck of it; or because we are holier-than-thou jerks; or that we are trying to force our beliefs down other’s throats… I don’t think that’s accurate.  I believe you see so many debates and outcries over content simply because most Christians want to protect their kids from the influence of mature content in any given art form. That’s how I feel. When I’m playing Fallout 3 and my daughter comes bounding in I pause/turn off the game because I don’t want her viewing or hearing the content.

Mature games typically don’t “offend” me – but they do worry me because of the impact and influence they may have on our culture and our kids. I’m a believer in Jesus Christ – but I know the place that I live. I know that the real world is full of real people and very “mature content”. Do I like it; no, but I don’t expect the world to play by my rules either. The real world is Rated R (or worse). The Bible itself has very strong content in it because it was written in a real world (seriously – you should check it out!). I don’t want to draw very many strong conclusions about content for readers. My ultimate goal is not to boycott or ban anything – but simply to hand out some info on what’s what – and try and have fun while doing it!

I really hope it helps!