A Question

[s0ap sudz]

Hello fellow Escapees,
I am 15 years old and I want to become a priest as an adult. But I love to play games, sometimes violent ones, such as Gears of War. My question is do you think it is "weird" or "strange" if a priest played violent video games? Also, I did not now what category under "off topic discussion" or "video game discussion". I apologize for any mistakes.

 

[gmer412]

This probably belongs in off-topic discussion, as we're not discussing any specific games. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with being a priest while playing video games. After all, they're just games. THat said, it'd be a bit weird. I'm not the best person to talk, because I'm not really religious, but I don't see anything wrong with it.

 

[LucanDesmond]

I know a priest that plays games. Not very violent ones... he LOVES Tomb Raider games, but still, hes a priest in his 50's that plays games. I think it doesn't really matter as long as you're happy.

 

[Galletea]

I think your best bet would be to talk to a priest. Depending on which denomination of Christian you are, it may be acceptable.
I don't think many people here have the required knowledge to be able to help you I'm afraid.

 

[Bagaloo]

I would question whether or not its slightly contradictory to a priests beliefs, seeing as "love thy neighbour" etc etc doesn't really come through in games like GTA or GOW.

But then, its modern age and its just a recreational activity, certainly for me playing a video game doesn't reflect a particular belief I have, its just recreational fun.

 

[The Iron Ninja]

I'm pretty sure those two things wouldn't really go hand in hand. I know very little about priesthood, but I would think that you probably need to cut back on the violent games if you seriously want to be considered for priesthood.

Things might change though, you may find in ten or more years that such things are absolutely normal for a priest. There are eleven year olds growing up playing violent games, whether or not this is harmful for them I'm not going to say, but I think that it's going to be something that is widely accepted as normal in the years to come, so it's possible it'll be overlooked completely and it wont matter if you play such games.

Though I would suggest you ask a church guy (whatever you call 'em, I haven't been to a church in 16 years) instead of gamers, as they would most likely have a better inkling of what is required of you.

 

[crimsondynamics]

No, although senior members may frown upon it. Christianity is about faith, not pastimes. If you sink into a violent video game world, there is nothing wrong. How many times have we gamers tried to explain the videogames don't turn children into psychos? Not enough, it would seem.

You make it sound like video games are bad!

 

[s0ap sudz]

It's funny. I just remembered my uncle is a Minister, yet some of his favorite movies are the Kill Bill series.

 

[Theo Samaritan]

My dad's a priest in the Mormon church.

He listens to rock of various styles including metal.

When faith becomes your life, it stops becoming faith.

 

[Alone Disciple]

Well, after reading many previous threads here and understanding that many here on Escapist Forums have much to say on a the very sensitive subject of religion, let me offer my $.02.

I say let your conscious be your guide. If you feel in your heart, not because someone said so or what society says, but really listen to your own individial heart and soul and feel that this is an obstacle in your faith or walk with God, then perhaps you need to examine your feelings more closely.

Assuming you have a religious background and want to continue in your faith (and I'm guessing Catholic because you said priest as opposed to pastor/mentor/rabbi, etc) I'm serious in saying this is between your heart and God. If you can play a video game and are able to seperate yourself from it at the end of the day, and feel comfortable with your walk with God, then perhaps it's okay.

Religious or not, if you feel addicted to a game or it begins to be a controlling force in your life, maybe it's time to step away.

Now your focus is on violent video games. Myself, I am a 38 year old Christian and I admit I play GoW and CoD4. I feel secure in my walk with God/Christ, although some of the subject matter and swearing perhaps I'm a bit more sensitive to than others. I can't answer this for you, but if you feel that the viloence portrayed in any game distracts you, or takes your focus of of what you feel God has planned out for you, or somehow sits wrong with you, maybe you need to look into the reasons as to why?

The sheer fact you asked this question means you have a yellow flag within yourself that a certain game may not be sitting well with your growth.

Fish Food Carl and I are at extreme opposites when it comes to our belief systems, but I will agree with him that games in and of themselves don't turn you bad. It's how you interpet them and what you do outside. If they consume you and interfere with yoru walk, then..bad. I also agree with another here above...I'm not sure at first glance I want to know my pastor plays Grand Theft Auto IV, but then again I do, and I don't believe my ticket will be punched on that account. But then again, my calling is not that of being a priest.

Also, don't beat yourself up. You're 15 and your maturity is only beginning. Remember, true believers are not supposed to judge...that's a mortal trait, but only the Almighty has the authority and knowledge to know us inside and out. I don't think any of us here can truly answer with an certainity....listen to your conscious

 

[Aardvark]

I'm sure if they had shotguns and chainsaws in biblical times, the old testament would be full of dudes carving eachother up in the name of the Lord. Even lately, you've got Christians all over the place who are wishing violence and death upon people who don't believe in their particular brand of Christianity. The only weird thing is your embracing of pretend violence, rather than actual violence.

 

[zoozilla]

I would say it's not big deal, but if you feel that playing such games would not be appropriate, you have to make the decision.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

have you read the bible? it's an OVERLY violent book that describes genocide and massacres and orgies of violence

so go ahead and play the games you like

 

[Phantom2595]

have you read the bible? it's an OVERLY violent book that describes genocide and massacres and orgies of violence

so go ahead and play the games you like

I agree, but now I want to go read the bible...

 

[crimson5pheonix]

I think you should, as long as you don't show up the Pope with you're m@d sk1llz.

 

[Phantom2595]

I think you should, as long as you don't show up the Pope with you're m@d sk1llz.

If I could get that close to the pope, I would turn him into a gamer. Since the pope can't sin, then violent games aren't bad.

 

[TsunamiWombat]

An Answer!

Not really. I've been a aquainted with a few people who've studied to become clergy, and it is quote "Not all sunshine and buttercups in the rectory".

Priest swear, priests get horny. Priests are human beings. The difference is they focus their lives on the spiritual, not the physical. So, you can play your games, but someday your going to have to choose between l337 skillz and Jeezus Skillz. Almost everything is healthy in moderation. And hey, if there were more gamers with devout religeous beliefs, maybe we could have some christian themed games that DON'T suck ass (Still waiting for a gamr that lets me play as an angel and fight demons in an invisible war for the souls of humanity)

 

[black lincon]

hey I've had decans who did weirder things, as in teach me evolution works and that the church is on many levels a dogmatic structure (really that's what she taught me).

 

[Silver]

Last priest I met makes chain maille in the basement of his church and hold weekly roleplaying sessions, with books owned by the church. I'd say you're in the clear.

 

[Steve Dark]

I think it would be good to have a Priest who understood that playing video games doesn't mean we want to perform the acts depicted therein. Just like reading a Gotrek and Felix novel doesn't mean the reader wants to shave off their hair and cut people up with an axe!

Though just as a general point, I think you should wait till you're a little older before deciding you definitely want to be a priest. I can't even remember what I wanted to be when I was 15, and I'm only 20 now.