Modern Warfare

The accused was unapologetic of the 77 deaths he caused by bombing and mass killing on July 22 in Norway; even blaming an ‘inconsiderate’ individual for parking a car on a strategic space that could have caused more people killed in the Parliament Building.

When asked how he learned to make a bomb, he said that he gathered the information from the internet.  In his testimony in court, the 33-year-old said he had read more than 600 internet bomb-making guides. He testified that he played the computer game “Modern Warfare” for 16 months starting in January 2010, primarily to get a feel for how to use rifle sights.

In many homes, children are confined in their bedrooms, playing non-stop video games. Parents tend to prefer their children to spend time in the digital universe rather than go out in the harsh environment of the real world. An expert commenting on the dangers of too much digital gaming in one’s life said that “Most parents today - who spend big bucks on these games to keep their kids busy - don't fully "understand" what's being taught with these video games.”

While psychologists would say that imagination and relaxation develop creativity; we all know that too much of anything can cause imbalanced thinking. Overindulgence brings about a habit, a vice that becomes a leech to one’s physical, emotional and spiritual life.  Patiently the devil takes control over one’s life, as he did with the self-confessed mass murderer in Norway.

Instead of busying in addictive virtual games, we can prevent Satan’s influence by keeping ourselves busy for God and for others. Fill the heart and mind with Godly-thoughts through Bible-reading and prayer. Do good deeds to others especially the least of our brothers and sisters. Render service to the Church and charitable institutions.

When we are filled with the Spirit of God; then the devil will flee. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He (Jesus) that is in you, that he (the devil) that is in the world (real or virtual)” 1 John 4:4. In the war between good and evil; God is with certainty, the victor.