I have a bit of a conundrum. I play a computer game and have done so for many years .My favorite type of game is a first person shooter (fps) .I am a pretty decent player and play fair.I know it is just a game.I know killing is wrong. I abhor war and all that it stands for.

But... I really enjoy my gaming,my friends are also gamers. We even have several international contests we compete in.

I had an app/game on Facebook called Mafia wars and that I stopped playing because of the inherited violence involved in the game.

Whats your take on this? Play or not to play that is the question? ;)

asked 30 May '11, 15:43

ursixx's gravatar image

ursixx
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edited 31 May '11, 10:05

Barry%20Allen's gravatar image

Barry Allen ♦♦
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Answer: No. Video games offer an excellent medium for releasing energy. Using video games as a scapegoat for one's inability to differentiate between right and wrong is offensive to me.

Parents who fear their own inability to properly teach their children empathy and (easy after the former) morality look for any reason to blame that doesn't involve accepting responsibility.

This is why I think "becoming a parent"-control is more important than gun-control, or anything we could do in life.

(10 Apr '13, 21:17) Snow
1

It's so true haha. People love pointing fingers in all other directions but towards themselves. No delusions here, just look at how many people are trapped in their "righteous ways"...how many teens trapped in illusory theater of life. And then these fucked up people have kids. They become parents and grow up. - Society tells you to respect the elders...right, there's no difference between 15yo messed up teen and 55 year old messed up adult who got stuck in his ways for 40 years...

(11 Apr '13, 02:57) CalonLan
1

...as George Carlin put it, "Life is about a whole lot of BULLSHIT that needs to be DETECTED AND AVOIDED"

(11 Apr '13, 02:59) CalonLan
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I've played "violent" computer games for years and have watched and enjoyed (and still do) plenty of "violent" action movies. A part of me knows it is all entertainment and I treat it as such.

I've never had a problem with it but that might also be because my lifestyle is such that the situations represented in those computer games and movies are so obviously absurd to me, that I can't relate to them in any other way than pure fiction.

If I was, say, involved with the armed forces and I was playing a war-based computer game, I don't know if that would change my real-world behavior somehow because I would probably be able to relate to it more.

I abhor war and all that it stands for.

Your question raises a further interesting point which might give you some food for thought.

I would say that my own natural view of war is probably fairly similar to yours though I'm far less anti-war now than I used to be.

That's probably as a result of getting "told off" a number of times over the years by non-physical for being rather judgemental regarding war. If I recall correctly, I think even Rob's TReb Bor yit-NE might have had a slight dig when answering a recent question of mine through a video recording :)

I think the broader issue regarding the suppression of war, violence etc is that, in having absolute opinions that certain actions are wrong, one is also suppressing "non-physical's" desire for experience.

If a Higher Self wishes to explore the whole of a particular theme, for example, a violent one, then there must be the opportunity to explore both the light and dark aspects of it, otherwise it's a one-sided experience. So, without exception, we have all donned the roles of the violent and the peaceful in various incarnations.

I remember Abraham saying once that soldiers fighting each other in the height of battle can be just as much in alignment as someone engaging in something (peaceful) that they love.

The implication here is that it is only our human judgements that war, violence etc is wrong that lead to people such as you, and me, having strong views that it should not be allowed.

From the non-physical perspective, all experiences are valid and all experiences are being actively sought. Indeed, I've heard it said that the violent and dark lifetimes we have played in, are often some of the most interesting as far as "soul" experience is concerned.

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answered 31 May '11, 02:05

Stingray's gravatar image

Stingray
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1

"The implication here is that it is only our human judgements that war, violence etc is wrong" Couldn't agree more. Just live and let live :). Let others experience violence if it is their deepest desire. There is an abundant stream of peace, harmony and violence for all of us. We all have the freedom to choose what we want to experience. Make war (or peace), not wrongs :)

(11 Apr '13, 07:07) releaser99

A great question ursixx and it just so happens that I’m overqualified in my capacity to offer an answer, (just a small airing of my ego, lol).

I started playing video games upon the launch of Space Invaders in 1978 (yes, I’m that old, relatively). Then I started playing PC games around 1993 and have played almost every day since. I used to put in anywhere from 4 to 10 hours per day straight playing on or offline.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but it’s obvious to me now that being immersed in that virtual reality for so long was a form of escape; even though I was living on a tropical island paradise (and still am).

From 2001 – 2007, I ran a LAN club from my house with 8 computers and a maximum of 12 guys wanting to play every Saturday. Can you imagine the testosterone vibe going on?

Through my organizing everything to do with the club and the fact that it was hosted at my house I learned so much about people and their egos and am truly thankful I did so.

For instance, those who won a big game would then jump up and down and behave like a dog with 2 tails running around and boasting, me me me; they’d even self promote themselves to be 15 star generals right on the spot. While those who lost often became extremely defensive and depressed and all kinds of excuses came out, such as “the mouse didn’t respond” or “my rifle jammed” etcetera. Neither of these scenarios was a pretty sight :)

And here’s the thing, the poor winners and poor losers were the very same people. Now what I realized through this group interaction was that it’s always far better in every way to do whatever you’re doing for the fun of it and not only to win. When you have a heavy focus on competition you take the fun away from the activity.

I introduced team games to see if I could bring back the fun, but many were only interested in winning for themselves. Eventually due to all this ego action, lack of fun and a total lack of appreciation for my hard work and my sponsoring of the club, I disbanded it.

Is playing a computer game where you kill some or something wrong?

Well, first of all, from my perspective how can the act of playing FPS war games and through that process, learning so much about human nature be seen as wrong? It came through, it happened, so obviously it had value. Consciousness doesn’t make mistakes :)

Second, from the big picture perspective, right and wrong are always relative terms. It’s only our human judgment that labels something as right or wrong. I’ll give you an example below.

Judgment comes in many forms. Due to my current awareness, I maintain that right and wrong are relative terms and that when we apply those labels as an absolute; we always do so depending upon our current perspective or point of view.

On several occasions when stating my truth, I’ve risked being criticized and labeled as this or that by those who haven’t even considered the importance of understanding the concepts of right and wrong at a fundamental level; and thus they refuse to allow themselves to move beyond them.

I’ll share my experience of asking and the answers I’ve received as replies to stating this truth. I asked:

Is there really such a thing as right or wrong or are those terms always relative?

  • Answer 1. So you’re saying it’s OK to be a rapist and rape people?
  • Answer 2. So you condone pedophiles then you must be one, right?
  • Answer 3. So in your opinion it’s right to go around murdering people?

Understand that these are actual answers I’ve received from people when discussing this subject. Words are an expression of what’s on our mind. I simply raised a question, yet these were the things on people’s minds and the answers they gave in their judgmental tone.

These subjects were on their minds, not on my mind. So in the very answers given there was judgment and so in their estimation I must somehow be wrong for asking the question. Can you see the madness? Those were their own answers and the expression of their own mind, but they definitely wanted to make me wrong for their thought expressions. Think about that. Examine that!

However, from the perspective of who we really are there is only unconditional love and no judgment, because there’s no judge.

Thus, if playing FPS war games and killing computer generated characters in a virtual reality serves you and you enjoy it then it’s not wrong, period. These days I’m in and out of the virtual FPS world in no more than 1 ½ hours. There’re so many other virtual realities to explore and I love them all 8-)

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answered 31 May '11, 04:29

Eddie's gravatar image

Eddie
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I think it all depends on what meaning you are placing on what you are doing. If it feels like target practice, and you play it that way, I see no harm. Many people just enjoy shooting. I also have played games such as World of Warcraft, Doom, etc., and I did not place any meaning on it. But if you feel a niggle of "wrongness" in what you are doing, then perhaps God is asking you to see what meaning you place on it. Perhaps you are liking it too much. Personally, I do agree that I would not play a game like Mafia Wars because of what it means, as you have said. But in a game like Doom, it does get to be more about the accuracy and score than about anything else. I can see that.

I hope this helps you. I would also refer you to my answer to the question about Obeying God. Blessings, Jai

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answered 30 May '11, 18:09

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Jaianniah
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I like your answer Jaianniah. ;)

(30 May '11, 18:37) The Traveller

Thank you very much! Praise is high, when it comes from you! Blessings and Love, >>>>>>>>>>>>

(30 May '11, 19:35) Jaianniah

Thanks Jai appreciate your answer :D

(30 May '11, 19:40) ursixx

I appreciate your praise, too, ursixx...nice to see you!>>>>>>>>>>Jai

(30 May '11, 21:42) Jaianniah
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I used to be a FPS-er, and I stopped all together. I started to feel better immediately. Though it is not real people, aggressively shooting another in cartoon world or not seem to breed a want kill feeling. Me, in real life never want a gun, no need, but shooting in a game did not vibrate well with me.

I have an affinity to all sentient beings so killing for sport (animals) doesn't vibe well with me either.

I think now that you are asking the question six, you are now considering not a good vibrational match...just saying'

Good luck and don't get the map packs :)

Michael

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answered 31 May '11, 01:26

you's gravatar image

you
5.3k1053

@Micheal hmmmmmm.... points to ponder

(31 May '11, 16:39) ursixx

Ponder good :))

(31 May '11, 17:44) you

YES. you must be thinking about killing while you perform the act in the game.

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answered 31 May '11, 06:33

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evelyn
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I don't think about killing more like hitting a target.In the game you don*t "die and never come back". when you are hit you just start over.

(31 May '11, 16:29) ursixx

Then you can always play a game that does not shoot any live thing. You may differentiate that it is a game, but your subconscious does not.

(10 Apr '13, 20:48) Dragonflybreeze

Killing is not wrong because you, as a human being, don't have power over life and death. When you kill someone, you are merely removing that person from your experience. If that results in their annihilation, it's not your fault nor is it something that could be avoided by you not killing them. War is an incredibly productive activity meant to reorganize societies. Without war, life would suck. Think about how much the population of Iraq benefited from war in the last decade.

(10 Apr '13, 21:05) flowsurfer

Your last sentence rings unusually to my ears, as does the two before it.

I feel self defense is the ONLY reason we should EVER engage in true combat. Self defense here meaning first and foremost the defense of the innocent, second defending ourselves- if we allow ourselves to die then how could we protect those we love.

I believe this philosophy applies to all forms of combat, up to and including war. If I am to raise my hands to harm another it will only be with love as a motivation.

(10 Apr '13, 21:12) Snow

Defense from what? Protect from what?

(10 Apr '13, 21:18) flowsurfer

=) That's for you to decide I suppose. I like to oblige the concept I am not the only one experiencing life at this level. This being the case in my world, other's actions are their own, and may not always coincide with my own beliefs. There are those who would use their power to harm those more vulnerable than them, and this is particularly the behavior I dislike. It's not my place to tell you how your reality works, nor what is right or wrong for you, simply expressing this is how I see life.

(10 Apr '13, 21:22) Snow

Over a century ago, there was a brutal war in what is now the USA. One side justified their fighting by claiming the other side was violating the rights of others (by practicing chattel slavery); the other side justified their fighting by claiming the other side wanted to force them to pay outrageous tariffs or support their overpriced industrial products, in effect enslaving them. Both sides were sincere. Unless you find me a perfect society, you can always find a justification for war.

(10 Apr '13, 21:25) flowsurfer

A great quote featured in a James Bond movie, originating elsewhere from some wisdom unknown: "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

James replies something along the lines of "this man fights for nobody but himself."

There are always two sides to any story, and then there is the truth, the middle ground, the objective reference, whatever you like to call it. You can find any justification, and another can find a way to discredit it. So? We do what we believe is just.

(10 Apr '13, 21:42) Snow
1

I don't even need to play games to think these thoughts.

There's rarely any thought I shy away from. I don't give in to morality, which has changed throughout the history many times. And is pile of BS to me.

My roommate has a kitten, I thought of what it would be like to snap her spine when I held her. I thought of what it would be like to cut a man in half with samurai sword and stare him in the eyes as his life ends.

Unlike many, I don't feel the need to turn my eyes away from the...

(11 Apr '13, 02:23) CalonLan
1

...violent and shocking side of me. As much as I can love, that much I can hate. As much as I can be peaceful, that much I can be violent. Whatever you nourish, it's always a double edged sword.

As much as you can be happy, that much you can be sad. In the end it doesn't matter. All is just to fill up the time between birth and death. Whatever goes.

(11 Apr '13, 02:28) CalonLan

Wowowowow. Everything you just wrote resonated amazingly with me. Specifically I admire your comfort in your own consciousness, and among the consciousness of others.

I was going to ramble on this one, but I think instead I'll leave it at this: Thanks for sharing. Appreciated. ^_^y

(11 Apr '13, 02:35) Snow

Snow When you make comments & then delete, it looks like instant messaging. I deleted my comment to Cal cause I decided I didn't want to leave a permanent record of personal info online for infinity. If you have anything to say to me take it off line. When I made my comment, your comment was not showing. Had I seen it, I would have ignored this convo all together. Sorry Sweetie, was in sensitive mode.

(11 Apr '13, 03:17) ele
2

@ele, I saw the comment but then saw you deleted it, so I didn't replied directly to it. What I still want to say, if one can make you laugh, he/she can make you cry. For there's always the other side, as I said, double edge sword. With one comes another. I would like to believe it's good to be aware of it. Since e.g. in relationships, the greater happiness you're looking for, the greater heart break it can cause. The higher you climb, the harder impact will be, if you fall to the bottom.

(11 Apr '13, 03:24) CalonLan

I deleted the comments that were a reply to your comment which was deleted, rather than leaving them there replying to a non-existent comment where no sense would be found. What we're doing NOW is approaching the IMing threshold, but I wouldn't worry about it so much. Not a big deal. ;)

I also wouldn't presume to know anything about anyone's 'issues'. Anyway, don't worry about it, or that, or this. ^_^y

Let's just leave it at that was a good convo, and you know how to reach me if you desire.

(11 Apr '13, 03:26) Snow

CalonLan I actually bawled like a baby after I wrote that. I just sobbed. The raw emotion shocked me. You are absolutely right. I like it much better when you make me laugh. I'm not sure why I reacted like that. We're cool. Thanks. Thoughts don't = actions. Snow, as for issues, Cal is a drama queen & likes to have fun & you've had a few probs which you discussed at IQ. You're right, I shouldn't try to stifle anyone's thoughts. You would never harm an animal. You've said so many times here.

(11 Apr '13, 03:45) ele
1

It's more or less about the conscious comfort of mind than actions themselves. Like I can think of me being the worst human being in the world, and I'll be alright with that. Which sorts of allows me to neglect any opinion anyone forms of me. Not bound by fear. Ahh sweet life =)

(11 Apr '13, 06:29) CalonLan

CalonLan Everything you said made sense & I appreciate hearing the truth.

(11 Apr '13, 09:43) ele
showing 2 of 17 show 15 more comments

Morally it is wrong to kill, but since you are playing a game, and you appear to be a very discipline person, who makes sound decisions, then it is not wrong, because you know that it is a game, and when it is over it is over!

Example: I can visit, and attend other churches, even if I am not a member of these churches, and there is nothing wrong about this, because I know I will return back to my own church, after visiting these other churches!

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answered 02 Jun '11, 06:34

Inactive%20User's gravatar image

Inactive User ♦♦
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thanks Vee I do go to church with the family but it is to be with them and enjoy the positiveness of the assembly rather than to worship. and I know this is ok too

(02 Jun '11, 06:54) ursixx

I do miss Vee...

(11 Apr '13, 06:45) ursixx
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