For a long time, Evangelical Christians have kept video games at a distance, often seeing them as harmful. They’ve been labeled as violent, overly sexualized, or even spiritually dangerous distractions that don’t belong in a believer’s life. But what if the church has been too quick to judge? What if video games, instead of pulling us away from God, could actually bring us closer?

I still remember the excitement I felt as a kid when I found an old Sega Genesis tucked away under some remote controls at a local Goodwill. After convincing my mom to buy it with the promise that I’d balance my gaming with reading, I was hooked. It came with a few game cartridges, and once I got it all set up, I was transported into a vibrant world where I was the hero, battling evil. Until then, my experience with video games had been limited to simple educational ones like *The Oregon Trail* or playing *Tetris* on an old black-and-white Gameboy. But now, my eyes were opened to something much bigger.

At the same time, my faith was also a big part of my life. My parents helped me see God in a way that connected both my imagination and my reality. Looking back now, I realize the same part of me that loved the stories of good versus evil in video games also drew me toward my faith. But at that time, it was hard to reconcile the two because the church often warned about the dangers of video games. They spoke of teens getting sucked into dark influences, becoming violent, or simply wasting time that could be spent reading the Bible. The message was clear: video games were seen as a risk to both our minds and souls.

But times have changed. Video games have evolved into massive, detailed worlds with rich narratives and lifelike graphics. Today, nearly half of the world’s population plays video games, making the gaming industry bigger than movies, TV shows, and music combined. Video games now blend visual art, music, writing, and acting into one interactive experience. Despite this, many in the church still hold onto outdated views, suggesting that video games are at best a waste of time and at worst, spiritually corrupting.

However, after years of studying both theology and video games, I’ve come to a different conclusion: instead of distracting us from God, video games can actually help us see Him more clearly.

In the Bible, one of God’s first roles is that of Creator. He made a world filled with creativity, beauty, and diversity. As humans made in His image, we have that same instinct to create beautiful things. We’ve seen this throughout history in literature, art, and architecture—like C.S. Lewis’s Narnia or the grand cathedrals of Europe. And now, with video games, we have a new way to reflect God’s creativity by building our own virtual worlds.

When we play games like *Skyrim* or *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, we’re not just exploring pixels on a screen. We’re stepping into worlds created by people who used their imagination—a gift from God—to craft something amazing. These digital landscapes can stir within us awe and wonder much like any great piece of art.

God also loves stories. The Bible itself begins with “In the beginning,” setting up a narrative that spans thousands of years with twists and turns along the way. Jesus didn’t just teach theology; He told parables—stories designed to help people understand deep truths. And as people made in His image, we too understand life best through stories.

Video games take storytelling to the next level by allowing us to actively participate in the story rather than just watch it unfold. Games like *The Last of Us* or *Life is Strange* let players make decisions that affect how the story plays out. This kind of engagement can help us think more deeply about our own lives and decisions, reminding us that our choices matter in the larger story God is writing for each of us.

As Christians, we care deeply about questions of morality—about good and evil, right and wrong. Video games often explore these same themes. Even early classics like *Super Mario Bros.* or *Sonic the Hedgehog* were about heroes defeating villains to save someone or something important. As technology has advanced, so has the depth of these moral questions in video games.

Take *Red Dead Redemption 2*, for example. In this game, you play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw trying to find redemption in the Wild West. In one powerful scene, Arthur has an honest conversation with a nun about his sins and his desire for forgiveness—a moment that rivals even the best films in its emotional depth. It’s a profound exploration of morality and redemption, echoing the core message of Christianity.

Of course, like any form of media or art, we need to approach video games with wisdom and intention. But dismissing them entirely as harmful would mean missing out on an incredible opportunity to see glimpses of God’s truth and beauty through this medium—both for ourselves and for millions of people around the world.

So next time you pick up a controller and dive into an epic quest or gripping narrative, remember: it’s not just entertainment. You might just be experiencing a little bit of God’s creativity and truth right there on your screen.