Gaming With Discernment

Can Christians Play Video Games?

Published: Apr 11, 2026

Updated: May 16, 2026

Let’s address this head-on: Can Christians play video games as part of reasonable Christian liberty? The fast answer is yes, but the practical answer is nuanced. It depends entirely on the individual Christian and the specific game in question.

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. However, this liberty is not a free pass; it requires wisdom.

However, there are circumstances where a Christian should avoid certain video games, lessen their gaming time, or even quit altogether. The goal isn’t to create a blacklist of forbidden games, but to equip you with a framework to make wise decisions for yourself and your family.

Common Questions:

  • Can a Christian play Doom Eternal?
  • How many hours per day is too much?
  • Can Christian parents play video games?

Rather than giving rigid answers to these sorts of questions — which vary by person and circumstance — we want to point you to Scripture and encourage the use of good discernment. Below is a guide to help you trace your way to an answer.

1. What Even is?

When checking to see if a game is suitable for your consumption, it helps to ask: ‘What kind of themes and content does this include and/or encourage?’

In the case of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, for example, a case could be made that it’s a family friendly game that encourages teamwork.

With Grand Theft Auto V, on the other hand, it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say it’s predominantly a crime and depravity simulator.

It’s important that we be real when vetting the media we consider allowing into our lives. Before proceeding, do some quick research into the game you’re considering. You’ll reach a more informed conclusion if you have a firmer handle on what the game is about and the themes it contains.

2. Is It Prohibited or a Matter of Discernment?

A great place to start when weighing if something 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 instructions.
  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.

Most video games fall into the second category: not explicitly prohibited, but requiring discernment. Note: While some things are clearly commanded (like prayer) or forbidden (like theft), video gaming itself is generally a ‘neutral’ activity whose morality depends on how and why it is used.

3. Does it Help or Hinder Your Christian Growth?

Still with us? If so, that means you’ve determined that it’s 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, hit the pause button, pray for wisdom, and re-evaluate.

The Positive Side: Conversely, ask if gaming can support these areas. Leisure is a gift from God, and healthy recreation can be a legitimate part of a balanced Christian life.

4. A Handy, Final Checklist

To summarise, ask yourself these questions regarding the specific game or habit:

  • 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)
  • Would this become a 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. 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 and for the good of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Video gaming carries risks: it can become an addiction, an idol, or a stumbling block. If gaming occupies the majority of your time or thoughts to a detrimental degree, that should give you pause. But if played in moderation and with discernment, it can simply be a harmless, enjoyable part of life.

Consider how your choices affect not only you, but those around you. Grand Theft Auto V, for instance, promotes behaviors at odds with Christian values; playing it might send a confusing message to others. However, a game that fosters creativity or family bonding might do the opposite.

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

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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