Articles

Can Christians Play Video Games?

Published: Apr 11, 2026

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

It is our conviction 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.

However, if video gaming negatively impacts a Christian’s sanctification or duties, it should not have a place in that Christian’s life.

This is a nuanced topic without a clear cut yes/no answer. It depends on the individual Christian, and the subject of their interest.

But, in order to help you trace your way to an answer…

Is Video Gaming Prohibited or a Matter of Discernment?

A great place to start when weighing if something, such as video gaming, is acceptable for Christian consumption is to ask two questions:

  1. Has God, through the Bible, identified this practice as good and acceptable?
    • If yes: Proceed according to God’s instruction.
  2. Has God, through the Bible, explicitly prohibited this practice?
    • If yes: Avoid it.
    • If no: Then we exercise good discernment based on biblical principles.

Does Video Gaming Help or Hinder Your Christian Growth?

Still with us? If so, that means you’ve concluded that video gaming is something that hasn’t been prohibited, and is at least potentially allowed.

Consider these areas of the Christian life, 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 is negatively impacting your spiritual growth or hindering your responsibilities – step away, prayer for wisdom, and speak with your pastor and/or parents.

Final Considerations

There’s some overlap with the previous sections, but ask yourself these final questions:

  • Has God, through the Bible, explicitly prohibited this practice?
  • Would my participation 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)
  • Would this negatively impact my spiritual growth or Christian duties? (Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 3:1-2, James 4:17, 1 Peter 4:2)
  • Am I confident that my participation is not sinful? (Romans 14:22-23)
  • Could this become a legitimate stumbling block for another Christian? (Proverbs 22:6, Romans 14:19, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, 1 Corinthians 10:23-25)
  • Would 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. Yes, we are afforded wonderful freedoms as part of our union with Christ, but there are boundaries in place for our own good and for the good of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Video gaming can become a distraction which pulls us away from what’s important. Or worse, it can become an addiction or idol that governs our life. If gaming regularly occupies the majority of your time or thoughts, that should give you pause.

Consider also how your choices affect not only you, but those around you. Playing a game that glorifies lawless, depraved behaviour sends a confusing message.

We must be sensible about what we let into our lives.

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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