In class yesterday we primarily reviewed the issue of games and violence. One thing that we did not get to talk too much about before was how the study of religion and rituals could potentially help justify the issues gaming violence; I really enjoyed discussing this idea because I do think it is possible for religious studies to help out gamers.
I think it a double-edged sword to say Christians can dwell on such a morbid and horribly violent event such as the crucifixion but gamers can’t play violent video games. Why is it okay for Christians to constantly reflect on such a violent death and not be considered violent themselves while gamers are constantly criticized for playing violent games? Whenever a shooting occurs somewhere in the world, people start analyzing the kind of media that was part of the shooter’s life. Why don’t they look at other aspects of a person’s life? I bet a few of the well-known shooters of the world have been Christians, but I doubt you will ever hear the argument, “this person went on a violent rampage because they were obsessed with Jesus’ violent death.” Reflecting on the crucifixion is a ritual and so is gaming, so why is it that one thing supposedly makes people violent while the other just makes a person religiously devout?
It is a well-known fact that most of the wars in the world have some religious basis, yet most people still associate religion with peaceful means. It amazes me that so many people are focused on banning violent video games while thousands of people are dying and killing each other every day in the name of God. I’m not condemning religion, I actually believe religion can serve in infinitely positive ways, but I think people need to look at the bigger world picture when they are talking about violence instead of just putting all the blame on video games.
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