A Student’s Guide to Gaming
What does God think about video games? In A Student’s Guide to Gaming, Reagan Rose will help you think about what your relationship with gaming should look like.
God is Greater than Video Games
Why are video games fun? They allow you to participate in the action. But not only are the fun – they are addicting. They were designed this way. And for this reason, Rose says that we must be cautious about video games and think critically about their place in our lives. We dishonor God with our video game idolatry, and Rose helps us see how we can replace the fleeting nature of video games with the real thing – God.
The book pinpoints four ways that God and his design is greater than our video games. First, the mission of God is greater than what video games have to offer. Second, we were designed for dominion in the real world with real risks. Third, face-to-face fellowship is superior than simulated fellowship. And fourth, we were created to have real rewards for our work.
Unapologetic Discernment
I most appreciated how Rose tackles the difficult subject of violence in video games. He is clear that it comes down to an issue of the heart, but he is also aware that video game violence is different than television, movies, and even Biblical violence because you get to control it in video games. His main point is that Christians should not enjoy the kinds of violence that God hates even if it’s pretend.
The book closes by impressing upon the reader an attitude of unapologetic discernment and giving a gameplan for gaming. Students, youth ministers, parents, and teachers should read this book. But since all of us with smartphones have access to an endless amount of games and entertainment, we could all use this wisdom in seeing how we spend our time.
Turn Your Eyes
Your relationship with gaming should stand in the shadow of your relationship with God. And if you would turn your eyes away from the screens and onto the Savior, you’ll find the way to live a true, adventurous, and abundant life.
I received a media copy of A Student’s Guide to Gaming and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.