Do nuns play video games?

[Theophorus]

I doubt that religious would be playing video games all that much considering they cannot own property. You need a tv, console, or PC, not to mention everything else, to play video games.

Even as an ordinary lay person I am torn concerning video games, especially Gears of War, and my faith. One the one hand, the social interactions and potential for sharing of faith that games bring are good, yet it is also true that the games themselves don’t really serve any long-term useful purpose.

Regardless someone who has consecrated their life to God would probably have little time or patience, much less permission or reason, to play Xbox Live or anything serious like a secularized person such as myself.

Many convents have tv’s, consoles and PC’s, it depends on the order. I know a good and holy hermit nun, who lives in a skete, writes Icons, and I would bet that the only clothes she owns are her habits.She has a better computer than I do and more friends on facebook too! (although to be fair the computer is related to her iconography)

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

What about fun and Joy? these are also the hallmarks of the great saints

I guess that Belloc was wrong when he said:

“Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine,
There’s always laughter and good red wine.
At least I’ve always found it so.
Benedicamus Domino!”

Or is poetry totally pointless and superfluous as well?

Agreed. I’d bet the likes of philip are also unaware that video games are very creative pieces of work in of themselves. There are games that challenge your strategic thinking skills (Solitaire, Chess Master, Pokemon even). There are games that train your reflexes (Wii Sports, Patapon, and Dance Revolution).

Finally if you’re an artist, I know plenty of really beautiful RPGs with really stunning fantasy concept art behind them.

 

[lil_flower_luv]

Some of my closest friends are sisters and nuns. I’ve never asked if they like video games specifically, but they like to play pool, chess, checkers, board games, cards, and plenty of sports (soccer, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball, to name a few ). They are normal people like you and me; they have free time and like to have fun. They are beautifully lit with the love of God and whatever they do, they do it joyfully and most contentedly.

 

[AcolyteLector]

Ah, but a more pertinent question would be: Do priests play paintball?

Soon to be followed by: Do monks play monopoly? Do Carthusians play cards?

 

[PattiDay]

Sister, Leocadia,

Your post made me laugh. I went to your website and I see that you don’t get too much opportunity to update. I hope you are feeling well now. Your story of Jim touched my heart. God bless you.

 

[philipmarie]

To be full of joy, you don’t need to play video games. In fact, video games usually cause the opposite of joy. When I used to be addicted to this online game, I became angry, proud, when it took a bit too long to for the game to load (it wa sonly 1 second!), I would punch and hit the computer with my fists and would argue with my sister alot over such trivial things as who’s turn it is to stay on the computer.

As to games such as checkers, chess, pool, sports, etc… for crying out loud, those games and sports are utterly innocent. Saint Aloysius was fond of playing football with his friends, while Siant Charles Borromeo was fond of playing chess. When somebody asked them what they would do if, while playing their games, an angel from heaven appeared to tell them that in five minutes the world would end, they both said that they would keep on playing. They are a great way to spend you time with friends and family although one must beware of wearing modest clothes when practicing sports. No shorts or tight fitting clothing but lets not go off topic by going into modest dress.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

To be full of joy, you don’t need to play video games. In fact, video games usually cause the opposite of joy. When I used to be addicted to this online game, I became angry, proud, when it took a bit too long to for the game to load (it wa sonly 1 second!), I would punch and hit the computer with my fists and would argue with my sister alot over such trivial things as who’s turn it is to stay on the computer.

Says you. If anything your experience just speaks of immaturity on your part (no offense, and besides I’ve had a phase like that). I suggest you just need to really grow up but that doesn’t mean you stop playing. You just see it in a different (though no less positive) perspective.

I’ve been gaming for over 10 years and I’ve had four siblings through that whole span. Let me tell you now as the eldest of the troops, siblings fight over anything within their vicinity. Replace video games with robot toys, water guns, board games, and even books, you’ll get the same result of crying, screaming, and fist fighting. It’s not a matter of what it is. So long as it was something for us to really enjoy, chances are a war will be waged over its possession.

As to games such as checkers, chess, pool, sports, etc… for crying out loud, those games and sports are utterly innocent. Saint Aloysius was fond of playing football with his friends, while Siant Charles Borromeo was fond of playing chess. When somebody asked them what they would do if, while playing their games, an angel from heaven appeared to tell them that in five minutes the world would end, they both said that they would keep on playing. They are a great way to spend you time with friends and family although one must beware of wearing modest clothes when practicing sports. No shorts or tight fitting clothing but lets not go off topic by going into modest dress.

And you think people can’t play these same games on a computer/TV/handheld screen? Are you even aware that a majority of RTS games are really just very, very advanced forms of chess?

And I’ll have you know, video games are the one thing I ever have in common with my youngest, 13-year-old little brother who otherwise hates me. Most of our conversations always end up with him snarling or bawling at me because I keep reminding him to pick up after his really bad grades. When we talk video games though (in fact, right now, we’ve gone back to playing Pokemon), you wouldn’t think we’d have so much animosity between us. It was like we were having our own “Christmas truce”.

 

[lil_flower_luv]

To be full of joy, you don’t need to play video games. In fact, video games usually cause the opposite of joy. When I used to be addicted to this online game, I became angry, proud, when it took a bit too long to for the game to load (it wa sonly 1 second!), I would punch and hit the computer with my fists and would argue with my sister alot over such trivial things as who’s turn it is to stay on the computer.

Yes, if playing video games is not something YOU can handle in good Catholic conscience, then don’t do it.

Video games may be a fun pastime for others.

Siant Charles Borromeo was fond of playing chess. When somebody asked them what they would do if, while playing their games, an angel from heaven appeared to tell them that in five minutes the world would end, they both said that they would keep on playing.

You left out the part where St. Charles said he didn’t need to stop because he was playing with Christ.

 

[Theophorus]

Ah, but a more pertinent question would be: Do priests play paintball?

Soon to be followed by: Do monks play monopoly? Do Carthusians play cards?

I think the Carthusians play cluedo and they are quite good at charades too!

 

[estesbob]

Question in the title

Does slot machines count? my Aunt was a sister of Charity and used to go to vegas once a year.

 

[Jwlynas]

Does slot machines count? my Aunt was a sister of Charity and used to go to vegas once a year.

…“Sister Act” was based on a True Story? Well, that’s made my day.

 

[Tonaw]

I’ve been discerning for the Priesthood for a number of years now and I recently had a talk with my Vocation Director. He explained to me about when you are priest you go to hang out with your priest brothers and YES he mentioned **Wii! ** Although I know my Gameplay with go down immensely because I want to work extremely on my interior life it is a slight comfort to know that it isn’t banned, me being a gamer since I was 5 years old. I have a childlike nostalgia when playing video games.Also I have evangelized gamers through online games like Animal Crossing City Folk. Some games also have cool religious stuff in them as well and it’s an inspiration for my Artwork. Video Games are in themselves a form of Artwork, as much so as paintings or movies or any other art.

Don’t let Video Games be an excuse not to follow the Will of God. All of creation can be used to fulfill His most holy Will.

 

[estesbob]

…“Sister Act” was based on a True Story? Well, that’s made my day.

She always laughed about the strange looks she got from people passing by.

 

[philipmarie]

We aren’t infallible so I’m going to change my attitude a bit regarding video games. I think it is OK to play a few video games now and then but we should be careful with playing violent video games. Put Resident Evil 5 in the bin and play decent video games such as Batman: Arkham Asylum (although beware of the strong language in it and the sensuality and the very occasional violence. It is a lot less violent than most ordinary video games in that Batman doesn’t kill people but one should still be careful).

LostWanderer, I am sorry that you have that problem with your brother. Your not alone, because I have the same problem with my sister who really hates me. I just can’t speak to her, I can’t even tell her to watch a video on you tube or to hear a song. In all truth and without joking, it is the stupid media’s fault and those stupid kid sicom’s fault that she has such a rotten attitude.

However, you shouldn’t be mean or angry to your brother. You should bear his insults and hatred patiently and not mind them. You shouldn’t base your relationship off on video games but should base it off on love and respect.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

We aren’t infallible so I’m going to change my attitude a bit regarding video games. I think it is OK to play a few video games now and then but we should be careful with playing violent video games. Put Resident Evil 5 in the bin and play decent video games such as Batman: Arkham Asylum (although beware of the strong language in it and the sensuality and the very occasional violence. It is a lot less violent than most ordinary video games in that Batman doesn’t kill people but one should still be careful).

Meh, I personally find a fair number of violent games to be pointless but I do give credit to half of them for good gameplay. Gameplay is what I focus one when I longer have no care for the story. As far as nuns go though, I too don’t see them as the type to play arcade style games but that has more to do with them being simple folk who enjoy simple, casual stuff like chess, bowling, or solitaire than crazy, tough reflex games like Tekken, Guilty Gear, Dance Dance Revolution, or Guitar Hero. XD

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I picture nuns playing classic Nintendo: a little Super Mario, Punchout, Castlevania, maybe Rush 'n Attack

 

[philipmarie]

Well gameplay is important and on that level even those violent video games deserve a little praise. I say a little praise, because compare programming a video game to converting an entire tribe of people to the Catholic Faith. If you want a Catholic video game, watch this: youtube.com/watch?v=nRMiRFJzIKA

OK, that was obviously fake but it isn’t necessarilly blasphemous. It is though over the top!

 

[Tonaw]

Yeah. You shouldn’t play a game that you wouldn’t watch a movie of. For example a game filled with sex and violence is like watching a movie of the same criteria.

Another thing. When we watch Movies together there is a certain sense of communion but for the most part we may be just looking at the screen like in a movie theater. But with video games there is a talking back and forth and more of an interaction.

As always though there most be a certain detachment from the items themselves. We must be attached to our Lord above anything. We must put our God before anything even if that thing may be fun. The divine will of our Lord must come first and must be the sole motivator of our lives and vocations.

 

[pnewton]

I know of cloistered convent of discalced Carmelites that are some of the biggest basketball fans in San Antonio. They watch all the Spurs games and have met with the players. Having fun is also part of the religious life. Like everything else, it is done with measure and discipline.

 

[The_Old_Medic]

Nuns do NOT spend every free minute praying, nor should anyone that is reasonable expect them to.

Nuns are human beings, just like the rest of us.

When I was in a Monastery, we played games during recreation. Had video games been available, I have no doubt we would have played ones that were not offensive or irreligious. I can tell you, some of our games got pretty competitive (ping pong, chess, baseball, basketball, etc.)

Even contemplatives have actual recreation time. The body, and the soul, need recreation for optimal health.