Gaming With Discernment

Can Christians Play Video Games?

Published: Apr 11, 2026

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Let’s not waste any time: Can Christians play video games as part of reasonable Christian liberty? Yes, but it depends on the Christian and the video game.

Our conviction is that video gaming as an activity is not inherently sinful or prohibited, and is something that Christians can enjoy appropriately as part of reasonable Christian liberty.

That said, there are indeed circumstances where it is sinful for a Christian to partake in video gaming. Some Christians should avoid certain video games, or avoid video gaming altogether.

Our hope is that this article will help you decide not only if video gaming is something you should partake in, but also how you can make the right call on a per-game basis.

The most sensible way to assist you, is to point you to Scripture and encourage the use of good discernment. To point you in the right direction, we’ve put together a three-part guide – a series of considerations – to help you trace your way to an answer.

Part 1: Mandatory, Permitted or Prohibited?

A great place to start when weighing if something is acceptable for Christian consumption, is to start with these two questions:

  1. Has God, through the Bible, identified this practice as good and acceptable?
    • If yes – proceed according to God’s instructions
    • If no – proceed to the next question
  2. Has God, through the Bible, prohibited this practice?
    • If yes – avoid it
    • If no – then we exercise good discernment based on the the principles we adopt from studying the Bible

Part 2: Does it Help or Hinder Your Christian Growth?

Still with us? If so, that means you’ve determined that the thing you want to do has not been prohibited, and is at least potentially allowed.

Here’s where things get real.

Consider these areas, and if video gaming is adversely affecting any of them:

  • Spiritual growth:
    • Growing in sanctification/likeness to Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 2:3-5, 1 Peter 1:14-16)
    • Distancing yourself from sinful behaviour (Romans 12:9, Romans 14:22-23, Ephesians 4:22-23, Ephesians 5:11, Ephesians 5:15-16, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 1 Peter 1:14-15)
  • Christian duties:
    • Prayer and meditation (Psalm 1:2-3, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:8, 1 Peter 4:7)
    • Bible study (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 2:15, Hebrews 4:12)
    • Spousal responsibilities (Ephesians 5:22-24, Ephesians 5:28-29, Titus 2:4)
    • Raising children (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4)
    • Church attendance and fellowship opportunities (Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 10:24-25, James 5:16)
    • Evangelism opportunities (Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 6:3, 1 Peter 3:15)
    • Work (Proverbs 12:11, Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Timothy 5:8)
    • Living peaceably (Romans 12:18, Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-13, Hebrews 12:14, James 3:17-18)

If a video game, or video gaming in general, is negatively impacting your spiritual growth or hindering your Christian responsibilities, then you would do well hit the pause button (metaphorically), pray for wisdom, re-evaluate video gaming’s role in your life, and seek guidance from your pastor.

Part 3: A Handy, Final Checklist

And if the previous sections haven’t weeded out the thing you’re evaluating, try this out for size:

  • Would your participation in or involvement with this dishonour or displease God? (Matthew 22:37-38, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 5:11, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:22)
  • Are you confident that your participation in or involvement with this is not sinful? (Romans 14:22-23)
  • Could your participation in or involvement with this negatively impact your own spiritual growth or Christian duties? (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 3:1-2, James 4:17, 1 Peter 4:2)
  • Could your participation in or involvement with this become a legitimate stumbling block for another Christian? (Proverbs 22:6, 1 Romans 14:19, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, 1 Corinthians 10:23-25)
  • Could your participation in or involvement with this cause non-believers to fall further away from Christ? (Matthew 18:6, 2 Corinthians 6:3, Colossians 4:5-6)

The Takeaway

Christians are to live sacrificially. We are slaves to Christ because we were called to be. He is good, and so are His commands. Yes, we are afforded wonderful freedoms as part of our union with Christ, but there are boundaries in place for our own good.

Video gaming has the risk of becoming a dangerous addiction and idol, and hinder spiritual growth and duties. For example, if we’re spending the majority of our time playing World of Warcraft, or even thinking about World of Warcraft, then that should give us pause.

It even has the potential to become a legitimate stumbling block to other Christians, or push non-Christians further from Christ. Another example – Grand Theft Auto V contains, and arguably promotes, morals and behaviours that are at odds with Christianity; if a Christian were to play such a game, what message would it send to fellow Christians and non-Christians in their life?

We must be sensible about what we let into our lives, and we must consider how it affects not only us, but those around us.

Balancing Liberty and Wisdom

As a ministry, we must clearly distinguish between Biblical doctrine and our opinion. We walk a fine line in encouraging or discouraging games based on their moral and spiritual content. We pray we never confuse readers, become a stumbling block to fellow believers (Romans 14:13-14, 1 Corinthians 8:9), or negatively impact anyone’s walk with the Lord (Matthew 18:5-7). If we should fall short, please use our contact form to reach out and offer correction.

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