Is playing games a sin or not accepted?

Anastasios · Post by **Anastasios** » Mon 13 December 2004 11:03 pm

The only thing that doesn't vary is that the best course of action is to not play them at all.

I couldn't disagree more. I read a study just last year that children that play video games have better hand-eye coordination than children who don't.

There is nothing intrinsically evil about playing video games just like there is nothing intrinsically evil about swimming, taking a walk, eating cheese on a regular day, or chewing gum. You can't say it's better "not" to do any of these things.

Anastasios

ORPRcamper · Post by **ORPRcamper** » Mon 13 December 2004 11:34 pm

Dear TomS, it seems again that you have, once again, misjudged the age of those who have a presence on this forum.

http://www.euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/vi ... sc&start=0

ania · Post by **ania** » Tue 14 December 2004 10:23 am

I'll have to ask my grandparents about Fr. Seraphim playing games, as they knew him. I'll ask my parents about Met. Philaret too. St. John I'd have to search a little more, as my dad and grandparents only met him a few times so I'd have to call up someone closer. However, in the history of ROCOR there are many anticdotes of heirarchs and monks joking & playing. I remember growing up in Jordanville a good deal of the time the monks were quiet, prayerful, and some very very strict, but from time to time they "let loose," (a very strict monk being introduced to a SuperSoaker was an interesting experience a few years back).

ORPRcamper · Post by **ORPRcamper** » Tue 14 December 2004 1:17 pm

in response to ania's post, I'd like to say that almost every member of the clergy that I have met has a good sense of humor

basil · Post by **basil** » Wed 15 December 2004 7:37 am

In a travel book about Athos, I remember reading how the monks were childlike and without guile (unlike us on this board). There was talk of some of the monks there being light-hearted at times, even playing a little. I don't remember specific mention of games, but I think we shouldn't image them as serious and without joy--that sounds more like the Western monastic tradition.

The monks are our examples, so I don't think it's bad for families to emulate their piety, but you would just have to know your children. You don't want to drive them away by being too strict in your requirements of them. You have to balance things. If you're single and can discipline yourself, do it watchfully so that you don't drive yourself away from the faith by being too rigorous.

Basil

Mor Ephrem · Post by **Mor Ephrem** » Fri 17 December 2004 7:52 pm

basil wrote:
I don't remember specific mention of games, but I think we shouldn't image them as serious and without joy--that sounds more like the Western monastic tradition.

Dear Basil,

How many Western monks do you know?