Article Image Alt Text

Talking Violence & Gaming

Recently, the debate came up about violent video games as the cause for mass shootings and violence in general.

In fact, I recently was in a group where an individual went on and on about how he believed playing all those shooting and killing games is the root of the violent behavior we see so much in news.

After I let him go on and on about it, I calmly stated that grew up playing said games and in fact, Call of Duty 4 was my favorite game of all time. I then said I have not recently taken part in any mass shootings or violent behavior. Que the moment of awkward silence. You could hear a pin drop. Then I said, so did most of the kids I grew up with in Generation X. So much for that theory.

Every generation has the answer to the problem such as the person in the group conversation. In past generations it might have been those that chopped up cars to make hot rods, greasers. In another generation it was the ones who served or drank alcohol during prohibition.

What I believe is that there are just bad apples. No matter wince they come and how they were raised these mass shooters and violent offenders are just rotten to the core. Now why they are rotten is open for discussion as well. Could be an in balance in brain chemicals, drug addictions or any number of things. What I do know is that in general, a person who believes in God and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ are far less likely to carry out despicable acts against human beings.

What I also know is when it comes to drug addicts or people acting badly, that enabling them is not the answer. It hurts deeply to see a loved one turn to drugs or crime. All we want to do is help them. In some cases, a helping hand or being a friend can help but in other cases the best recourse is tough love. A person only changes if they truly want to change. Some people have to hit rock bottom before they will want to change-- some will not.

I speak from experience. I had a misspent youth of my own making. I had people try to help me as well. I was young and thought I knew it all as most youth do. I only really changed when I found God and honestly wanted to make the change for the better… living a life in a positive manner. I made this change some thirty years ago and have not thought twice about returning to that life.