Game Politics ([info]gamepolitics) wrote,
2006-04-19 19:30:00
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What Would Jesus Play?

We get a fair amount of chatter about religion here on GamePolitics. Sometimes, it even gets a little heated.

So we found Ryan Stone's piece in the student paper at North Greenville College an interesting read. NGC is a Southern Baptist liberal arts school in Tigerville, South Carolina.

In his column, Ryan (seen at left) mentions that last year his church's Halo tournament fund-raiser was scrubbed when someone complained about the violence in the M-game.

As Ryan explains it, "The church member cited many articles from Focus on the Family and other highly conservative publications, to basically say that playing Halo was unhealthy and not a Christian thing to do."

But later, Ryan began thinking about whether Jesus would indulge in some Halo multiplayer action.

"I think there is a line that is sometimes crossed in the making of video games," he writes, "but for the most part the violence doesn't bother me. I looked at Jesus and the many things he did that fought the conservative and religious people of the day, how he bucked the system and I wondered if I met Jesus would he come over and play a game that involved shooting people?"

Ryan concludes that the Son of Man would be up for it.

"...There is a feeling that video games bring up in males that make them feel like they could be the hero and actually save the world. Jesus, my Creator that gave me that urge to want to be the hero that saves the day, would most likely partake in a friendly game of Halo. He'd probably even beat me terribly and make me look like I'd never played. I'd even hope for a little humorous religious smack talking."

Not fair though, to use God mode...

Tags: game violence, god mode, halo, north greenville college, religion and games, religious gamers, ryan stone

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[info]father_time89

April 20 2006, 01:49:16 UTC 6 years ago

What would Jesus play? Oh he'd play Soul Calibur 3 and try to destroy the evil soul blade, or he could just play as himself in that game.

[info]gatz111085

April 20 2006, 01:50:14 UTC 6 years ago

So would Chuck Norris

[info]whitedingo

6 years ago

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[info]wedgetalon

April 20 2006, 01:49:41 UTC 6 years ago

Not fair though, to use God mode...

Bah-dum-cha!

Interesting article, GP. Good find. :)

[info]pelka64

April 20 2006, 01:51:15 UTC 6 years ago

What would Jesus play?

http://www.toysnjoys.com/xbox/thebiblegame.jpg

But seriously anyone ever played it? Is it any good?

[info]seifd

April 20 2006, 01:55:58 UTC 6 years ago

Re: What would Jesus play?

Add Sunday Funday, Super Noah's Ark 3D, and Veggie Tales: Minnesota Cuke and the Coconut Apes; and you have Jesus's play list.

[info]wedgetalon

6 years ago

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[info]j_man924

6 years ago

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[info]riffraff1138

April 20 2006, 01:58:53 UTC 6 years ago

This question has already been answered.

[info]exaggeration17a

April 20 2006, 02:03:53 UTC 6 years ago

Don't forget this one!

[info]jakethejuggalo

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[info]getwellgamer

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[info]silver_derstin

April 20 2006, 02:00:00 UTC 6 years ago

Whatever Jesus would play, he'd end up losing in the end, sacrificing himself for the cause, ressurecting and saving everyone from digital carnage.

That's why I don't invite him over to LAN parties anymore. Epiphanies when playing UT2004 is NOT cool.

[info]the_obakeneko

April 20 2006, 11:17:23 UTC 6 years ago

Nah, he's alright. You gotta have someone to draw fire while you dive for that last flag, and he's always willing to do it - if just because he knows he only has to wait three days.

[info]exaggeration17a

April 20 2006, 02:01:39 UTC 6 years ago

This is just too hypothetical for me. Conservatives who say that playing violent games isn't a "Christian" thing to do are just looking for a quick negative label to get people to stop doing something they don't like, in my opinion. However, applying WWJD to video games hurts my head almost as much as the anti-SUV "what would Jesus drive" thing that came out a while ago.
I don't see why it's so hard to keep religion out of this debate. The argument arises from ideological differences that may be linked to religious upbringing but are completely unrelated to faith. Just agree to disagree, k? If the other side isn't willing to consider your viewpoint, just step back. leave them alone and don't bring hate and hostility into the equation.
*sigh* It's hard to be a pessimist with idealitic philosophies.

[info]wedgetalon

April 20 2006, 02:06:18 UTC 6 years ago

Religion is in this debate because it was about a youth group wanting to play a game and a member of the church complaining.

[info]exaggeration17a

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[info]jerico6

April 20 2006, 02:07:46 UTC 6 years ago

What does God have to say about this....

Well, It's been a while since I talked to god so I will let contact God for his opinion on this:

Jerico6: Hey God?

God: (sounding annoyed) Hello Jerico6. Do any problems with JT again?

Jerico6: No not really. I want to ask you a few questions relating to Ryan Stone's column.

God: (instantly getting a smile on his face) go on.

Jerico6: Question 1: Do christians have a problem with violence.

God: It depends. Some of the most violent stories that I know about are recorded in the bible. Remember the crusifiction of Jesus?

Jerico6: Yeah, I remember. I love Jesus. I love him for dying for our sins.

God: I know Jerico6. All christians do. But everyone, even non-christians, should be thankful for Jesus's sacrifice. You are a good person Jerico.

Jerico6: Thanks God, but what did you mean by "depends"?

God: I believe that violence should not be used to justify a cause. Neither do I believe that violence just for the sake of violence is right. But In Halo or Zelda, the violence is appropriate for the stories of the game.

Jerico6: What about games like GTA?

God: Well, GTA is not my cup of tea, but I do not believe that it's the work of Satan.

Jerico6: But what about people like JT-

God: Don't listen to people like JT. People like JT and Fred Phelps are not true christians. Christians need to be loving and non judgemental of their fellow man. Christians
should be kind, loving, and understanding of their fellow man. While I may not approve of a game like GTA, I don't believe it's the work of the devil because it does not require you to murder innocent. Remember one important commandment: Thou shall not murder.

Jerico6: Oh okay, that's cool. Thanks. What's your opinion on Ryan Stone?

God: Ryan Stone has a special place besides me in Heaven. Jesus would agree with me. I am his father. And yes, Stone is correct in saying that Jesus would creme him in Halo.

Jerico6: Thanks god for answering my questions.

God: No problem. Anytime.

That was an delightful talk with God if I may say so myself.

[info]silver_derstin

April 20 2006, 02:14:25 UTC 6 years ago

Re: What does God have to say about this....

One True Scotsman, one preaching and one false generalization later, God still doesn't realize that Jesus is playing him for fools while raising an army of brainwashed video gamers against him.

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[info]dragonmick

April 20 2006, 02:08:48 UTC 6 years ago

"Judas, quit spawn-camping."

[info]enmitywithin

April 20 2006, 02:50:31 UTC 6 years ago

touche honky.

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[info]silver_derstin

April 20 2006, 02:11:26 UTC 6 years ago

Playing Halo might not be the Christian thing to do, but it sure is the Norse thing to do. Whole lot of nice germanic values in there, all bundled up in a DVD-rom. If anyone has gripe about what you play, tell them that it has values you like are hidden somewhere in it, and then talk about it for 6 hours without letting them chip in.

Then turn around, say "How does it feel to be on the receiving end for once?" and keep on playing.

[info]jerico6

April 20 2006, 03:07:04 UTC 6 years ago

Playing Halo might not be the Christian thing to do

I do NOT believe playing Halo does NOT make you a Christian. Even if you love Halo, You can still be a loving Christian accepted by God. If you Play Grand Theft Auto, you can STILL be a loving Christian.

[info]wedgetalon

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[info]imahori

April 20 2006, 02:22:46 UTC 6 years ago

Intent

Intent is the key to all of this. If you play because you're a hateful violent bastard that loves the thought of shooting people, it's probably not the most Christian thing in the world to do. If you play because you enjoy the competition, the teamwork, the challenge and all those goodies, then it's probably fine and not much different then a sport like baseball.

Jesus probably wouldn't be playing video games just because He'd have more important matters to attend to, He also wouldn't be condemning those who do.

[info]jerico6

April 20 2006, 02:29:16 UTC 6 years ago

Look who's going to heaven....

Ryan Stone is definately going to heaven. Like I said in the last comment, Jesus loves us gamers.

[info]the1jeffy

April 20 2006, 02:30:42 UTC 6 years ago

"What can I say?"

"Jesus is fucking metal."

I'm suprised this guy isn't wearing a WWJD bracelet, since his article is really just a slightly more "gamey" version of that phenomena.


WWJD?

WTFSIC,ICTFM.

If anyone can figure out the acronym, hopefully you're smart enough not to be offended by it.

[info]the1jeffy

April 20 2006, 02:34:41 UTC 6 years ago

Re: "What can I say?"

I re-read the artcle. I missed:

We didn't feel like starting something, so we decided to call the tournament off.

Talk about cowardice. This type of capitulation will onlt allow the demonization of our pasttime and culture to continue. Why even bother to ask if Jesus would play Halo if you aren't even going to fight for it's right to be played?

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[info]cecil475

April 20 2006, 02:46:59 UTC 6 years ago

What Would Jesus Play?

Four words.

Super Mario Brothers 3

(Ok. Maybe not. It's just a game I'm still addicted to.)

- Warren Lewis

[info]jerico6

April 20 2006, 02:55:14 UTC 6 years ago

Re: What Would Jesus Play?

Jesus would play Kindgom Hearts.

[info]wedgetalon

6 years ago

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[info]bustermanzero

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[info]braindead1

6 years ago

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[info]sqlrob

April 20 2006, 03:56:32 UTC 6 years ago

Oh no, the church can't push violent media

[info]jerico6

April 20 2006, 04:00:34 UTC 6 years ago

That movie made me cry. I, however, Liked The Last Temptation of Christ much better.

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[info]i_iv_v

April 20 2006, 04:09:01 UTC 6 years ago

I think Jesus would play Black & White.
And I don't mean that in the sense that he uses a computer to play it.
I'm talking about the real deal Black & White :P.

[info]gatz111085

April 20 2006, 04:34:23 UTC 6 years ago

or maybe Jesus is like "come on dad let me have a turn!"

[info]the_obakeneko

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[info]djtyrant

April 20 2006, 04:41:28 UTC 6 years ago

Awesome article GP :)

I totally agree with Ryan's piece and have even ran some Halo tournaments/fun nights at the church I attend without any huge issues yet (thankfully).

I personally think he is right on that God would down with playing some Halo.

~JimmY

[info]howdoyouplead

April 20 2006, 05:46:40 UTC 6 years ago

I bet he would be the best commander in BF2.

[info]sabin_blitz

April 20 2006, 13:06:52 UTC 6 years ago

The thought of not being blown away by one's own artillery strikes comes to mind. That, and not teamkilling.

[info]lost_watcher

April 20 2006, 06:25:33 UTC 6 years ago

http://www.penny-arcade.com/docs/jesusgldldr.gif

Yup.

[info]finaleve

April 20 2006, 06:58:39 UTC 6 years ago

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

unfortunately the games we play, no one gets hurt til after the controller is put down and is tackled because he was owned pretty good.

Love the article. I just wish that there were more people like Ryan.

[info]slyfoxx

April 20 2006, 07:29:49 UTC 6 years ago

Ryan raises a good question, but I'm not sure how to answer it. But I will say that it's not the games you play that make you Christian, Norse (sorry if the termonolgy is wrong), or a follower of any other religion; it's how you act and live in real life. In my opinion, games shouldn't really affect that unless they totally open your eyes to something inspiring.

Now I think I'll go play some Doom 3

[info]automancer

April 20 2006, 07:54:04 UTC 6 years ago

What Would Jesus Play?

Everyone knows that Jesus would play The Sims. (So that's why the ladder keeps dissapearing from the pool.)

-Auto

[info]jennytabby

April 20 2006, 07:55:12 UTC 6 years ago

I'm glad there are other Christians out there than dont think games are bad and stuff ^_^. I wouldnt normally play Halo myself, but I can understand why people play the games.

IMO I see Jesus playing Animal Crossing the most. He likes to help his fellow man so why not have him play a game where the whole aim is helping the other villagers out as well as building your own house?

[info]joemag

April 20 2006, 07:55:38 UTC 6 years ago

Jesus plays WoW

And you'd think he'd roll priest but you'd be wrong.

He rolls Shaman... why?
waterwalking

[info]getwellgamer

April 20 2006, 14:46:10 UTC 6 years ago

Re: Jesus plays WoW

I think Jesus would roll a Pally, because they do best in a group helping others and never freaking die if they're played right.

[info]arjei

April 20 2006, 08:12:09 UTC 6 years ago

Obviously, what "WWJD" really means is "What Would Jesus DDR (to)?"

After all, if he can walk on water, he can pass Paranoia Survivor Max on the first try. :P

[info]open_sketchbook

April 20 2006, 10:23:59 UTC 6 years ago

I officially claim this for Flash video use.

[info]sabin_blitz

6 years ago

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[info]thefremen

April 20 2006, 09:30:20 UTC 6 years ago

this really reminds me of PA...

Mike and Jerry have portrayed Jesus as shooting chatters in Quake 3 and throwing the blue sparks in Mario Kart for the 'cube.

That comic is soooooo borderline sacreligious, or maybe it crossed the border with the "jesus is fucking metal" thing.

Anyways, Jesus would not play Halo 2, he would do more productive things. However, he would not condemn those who do, and he sure as shit wouldn't sit in front of his computer for hours writing emails to the FBI and spamming GP.

[info]open_sketchbook

April 20 2006, 10:27:48 UTC 6 years ago

Re: this really reminds me of PA...

If he felt he could connect to people through a video game, he might, though.

And I bet you that Jesus is passing the time in Heaven with an Xbox Live connection and a copy of Halo 2.

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