MY BORING SELF

Gaming  is one of my most preferred hobbies among many and the idea of being submerged into a world where possibilities are  limited only by your creativity, is such an enticing experience.

     Games across all platforms (PC , Wii, PSP, etc) provide not only myself but gamers all across the world hours of entertainment and fun right in the comfort of our own home where  you can do anything you want…well almost.

GRAND THEFT AUTO 4 REVIEWS

The Grand Theft Auto series is not something new. This is the fourth installment of the series and Rockstar North’s (makers of this game) latest offering  maybe one if the best. With excellent graphics,  cool and funny

soundtracks, complex puzzles all packed into an open ended storyline, it is no wonder that GameSpot1 gave

 Grand Theft Auto IV a 10/10 score and the game even made it into the “Editor’s Choice” list.

MDA CENSORSHIP RATING

Despite the wonderfully designed graphics, sound and gameplay,  the content that gamers are exposed to are extremely explicit. In Singapore this game has been rated by the Media Development Authorities2 (MDA) under M18.

Meaning that the content of this game or anything that is rated under this category is inappropriate for anyone under 18 years of age. In America, the  Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) descriptor states that this games contains, blood, intense violence, partial nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of drugs and the use of alcohol.

 BIBLICAL STAND POINT

I was thinking, “Come on, it’s a game there is no real consequence  when anyone plays this game. Shooting people, stealing cars, visiting prostitutes, drinking  are things that are already so common in reality but playing it in games or watching it in the movies is not going to do anything except possibility raising the electricity bills or causing one to become a couch potato.” However, I find it hard to reconcile this chain of thoughts to these verses in the bible. In Matt 5 : 13-16 Jesus calls us salt and light of the world and we are to shine before others so that when they see our works, they glorify God. In Phil 4:8 , Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. FYI, The Thais have this game banned because someone robbed and killed a taxi driver and he mentioned that he did it to recreate a scene in the game3.

HELPING EACH OTHER

I am celebrating the 8th anniversary of my 18th birthday this year and therefore in the eyes of the law, have

every right to purchase this game. If I want to play it till the cows come home I can, despite all these, I cannot help but feel torn between my right, my desires and my testimony to you coupled with my service to God. Therefore I would like to urge all youths who have the same understanding of these verses as me, to join me in keeping away from anything that might compromise  our call as salt  and light of the world and challenge each other to think on things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise.

     May God help us all … especially me and may He be glorified.