Love for Action: A sin?

[Lost_Wanderer]

I’m the kind of guy who likes action. Things like fight scenes, big explosions, battles between armies (be they space-age or medieval) are just some of the things I get a kick out of. I also like playing a lot of action-oriented games that have that type of content (as well as make me say things like “EAT MAH LIGHTNING BOLT SUCKAZ!!! >8D”.)

One time on these forums though, someone told me off for liking stuff like that and said I was like those dudes who glorified the Roman Coliseum. He also said the same thing for people who liked wrestling, boxing, and martial arts competitions.

Now, personally, I see a huge difference. First off, gladiators killed each other. I don’t cross that line and I think neither do others who like competitive combat.

What gets me though is that, recently, I’ve been getting the impression that there are people here who seem to look down on guys like me who like the thrill of combat. I looked up the Catechism just recently but couldn’t find anything that condemned me for it so why do some folks here insist I should find something better to do?

 

[Dan_Brooker]

I am new to this site and yours was the first message thread that I clicked on. I was born and raised Catholic (went to Catholic school through college) but for a long time did not consider myself Catholic. My wife was interested in becoming Catholic and that led me back last year. On your question - in my humble opinion, as long as you enjoy the “action” without confusing it with real violence and as long as it does not interfere with your work or relationships with others, it is not a sin.

A similar example is drinking alcohol. Fine in moderation, but if it gets in the way of the rest of your life, i.e., family, friends, church, work, etc., or if it physically harmful to your health, it could be considered sinful

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I am new to this site and yours was the first message thread that I clicked on. I was born and raised Catholic (went to Catholic school through college) but for a long time did not consider myself Catholic. My wife was interested in becoming Catholic and that led me back last year. On your question - in my humble opinion, as long as you enjoy the “action” without confusing it with real violence and as long as it does not interfere with your work or relationships with others, it is not a sin.

A similar example is drinking alcohol. Fine in moderation, but if it gets in the way of the rest of your life, i.e., family, friends, church, work, etc., or if it physically harmful to your health, it could be considered sinful

Yeah that’s always been the basic moral code for everyone like me but I’ve met a few people here who give me the impression that even the act of liking virtual/non-lethal violence (and I stress on the virtual/non-lethal part), is something that should be frowned on. I really don’t get it…

I guess these people must be one of those pacifist types… (maybe a little too pacifist).

 

[Justin_A]

I think people are miss lead about combat competition. I am an extremely avid catholic. My faith is my most cherished Possession. I have also done martial arts for 7 1/2 years.
Martial arts is NOT about fighting! It is the mastery of your self through a martial] art.
You learn to defend your self. While you learn these arts you also learn, self confidence, and other things that may even help you on your path to heaven. Our black belt creed says: “As a dedicated student of the martial arts, I live my life be the principals of black belt, modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control, and indomitable spirit”! Competition is a way to non violently use the skills you acquire. It also improves technyk.
There is nothing wrong with liking battles and explosions or martial arts as long as you respect life. Martial arts for example: in class we have two other creeds.
One states that were we to find our self in the position to protect some one in need, that it is our duty, and obligation to do so.
The other states that we are to respect all human life from conception to natural death.
As for war movies. One of my favorites is Black Hawk Down.
Another is Saving Private Ryan. As I watch them I enjoy the action, but I also honor those who went down to PROTECT our country and to stop tyranny.

Is it a sin to honor those who gave their lives for a cause? A GOOD cause? Other movies may be less so. Games…As long as it’s not just a first person shooter game based on things that will never happen, then I’m ok, but I do not condemn people who play them either.

I think that as long as you don’t cross the line, respect life, and do not make death and destruction an idle, than your fine.