Fallout 3 - be careful

While I was on active duty I worked the midnight shift (by design). The result was that when I was not on duty, or sleeping, most everyone else was working. I didn't get much of a chance to interact with the other soldiers. But I had my trusty ThinkPad and a really nice room I shared with another E-6. I quickly learned how to load up my music and a handful of computer games (I LOVE pinball sims BTW) I passed the time quickly. One day I picked up a copy of a game called Fallout, and I was 'hooked'. I enjoyed the storyline, the tongue in cheek humor. I liked being able to make moral choices while playing a game. When I learned about Fallout 2 I picked up a copy of that as well, but I never finished it as my tour of duty came to an end and it got placed on the shelf. I still own copies of both games. Given my affinity for the genre, when I learned that a new game based on the previous additions, I immediately started looking into it. Fallout 3 is not a game to be taken lightly. Especially in light of the current generations addiction to all things electronic, especially video games. A recent preview of this game the writer wrote the following:

So, in short, be afraid. Lock away your wallets and board up your front doors. Handcuff yourself to the furniture and demolish your hard drives and consoles – Fallout 3 is coming and as far as we’re concerned, it’s going to be as excellent as we could have ever hoped. When it launches then it will demolish your life, soak up your spare time and tear apart your relationships.

If that doesn't cause one to stop and think, I don't know what will. I know the intention of the author was to give his ringing endorsement, but as a Christian this helped me throw up a warning flag. ""Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive." (1 Cor 10:23, NIV) Anything can become an idol if we forgo the things of God to pursue such things. But it's not just the idol factor that I would want to warn my fellow Christians about. This game, and its predecessors, include some very "mature" content. The game is designed for the player to make their own decisions. Things like cursing out the town sheriff, helping someone blow up a town, or basically just shooting someone are all possible choices. but is that a reason to not play it? For some people the answer will be yes. I like the movie "Good Will Hunting", but it was a very "coarse". The language used is rough, the jokes can be vulgar, there is drinking and fighting, and most definitely some sex outside of marriage going on. But these were not the reasons I like that movie. The reason the language and the other things did not "put me off" is that they are a part of that culture. In those situations that is what you can expect to hear and see. Does that mean I think those things are OK? No, not by a long shot, but did Jesus shy away from these areas? The Gospels are full of examples of Jesus going out of His way to be in those situations. Not to engage in those things, but to bring the Light into the darkness. Even after spending about three years with the Master, Peter drew a sword and cut off a man's ear when they came to arrest Jesus in the garden. Several of Jesus' disciples were not refined men. Fishermen, tax collectors and the like. I guess what I am saying is that just because someone, or something, is not clean cut does not mean it must be avoided. What it does mean though, is that a Christian must never just delve into a situation without first considering the influences such an experience will have on them. Will they stand firm and help conform the world around them, or will they be conformed? As for me, I still plan on purchasing this game when it comes out around October. But I also need to make sure that I am not pursuing playing the game at the expense of the things of God and what He has given me (my relationship with Him, my health, my family, my job). This game looks like it is very well done, and if you are into playing such games I encourage you to check out the games website, read the reviews, and prayerfully consider if this is something that will be a hindrance to your walk with the Lord. Verse for today: 1 Timothy 2 : 1-6, ESV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man [1] Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.