7 Considerations in the Age of Video Games
In my young adult action and adventure novel, Why Save Alexander, the main character is aspiring to become a pro gamer in the world of e-sports.
For over two decades I have been speaking to youth and parents about making wise media and entertainment choices from a Biblical Worldview. One of the hot topics has been the subject of video games.
It was not uncommon to have teens asking me what I thought about their favorite game. I originally brought up four things for them to consider for themselves instead of just hearing my opinion.
1. The Bible teaches us to redeem the time. Video games can be an enormous time sink. Is this the best use of your time?
2. Research is proving what mom’s already know — video games can be addictive. This can become problematic in the home and for personal responsibilities. Is gaming under control or are you under its control?
3. Is there anything in the game you’re playing that if you did in real life would break one of the moral laws of God?
4. Video games often foster a false sense of accomplishment. This is usually at the cost of real-life accomplishments that are neglected due to a fixation on playing video games.
In the last few years I’ve modified my questions a little and have added three more considerations.
I’ve recently written a short E-Book that explains all seven considerations in more detail and I tell my personal story regarding video games.
Phillip Telfer
President
Phillip Telfer started teaching and mentoring teens as a youth pastor and camp speaker. He now directs the non-profit ministry Media Talk 101 and is author of the book Media Choices: Convictions or Compromise? Phillip is excited about the recent publication of his first young adult novel Why Save Alexander. He produced, and co-directed the award-winning documentary Captivated: Finding Freedom in a Media Captive Culture, and founded the annual Christian Worldview Film Festival and Filmmakers Guild. Phillip loves Jesus, his family, and his local church. He’s finicky about coffee so he took up the hobby of home roasting and when he needs to unplug, he can be found in his workshop crafting things from wood. He and his wife Mary have been happily married for thirty-two years and are blessed with four children, and three grandchildren.