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Track: A Student's Guide to Gaming
Gaming is multi–billion–dollar industry, which has been growing massively in the last few years. It seems that everyone is gaming in one way or another. You might not think that the Bible has anything to say about gaming, but Reagan Rose has written this helpful book on what our relationship with gaming should look like. Track is a series of books designed to disciple the next generation in the areas of culture, doctrine, & the Christian life. While the topics addressed aren’t always simple, they are communicated in a manner that is.
104 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2022
About the author
Reagan Rose
3 books58 followersReagan is the founder of Redeeming Productivity, a media ministry focused on a biblical approach to personal productivity. Reagan has a Master of Divinity from The Master's Seminary and lives in Michigan with his wife, Kim, and their three children.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 6, 2022
Balanced, succinct, and Biblical.
You don’t see writing quite as level-headed as this where the roads of video games and Christianity intersect. But Reagan strikes a fair balance and maintains a consistent sense of brevity that’s just right for the audience he’s addressing.
You don’t see writing quite as level-headed as this where the roads of video games and Christianity intersect. But Reagan strikes a fair balance and maintains a consistent sense of brevity that’s just right for the audience he’s addressing.
September 18, 2022
Really useful for discipling younger Christians who want to think well about enjoying video games to the glory of God. Works through common temptations, and how God has made us with purpose.
February 27, 2026
Growing up, I viewed video games as inherently "bad," while my husband—who experienced a season of gaming addiction in his youth—came from the opposite background. Now, raising teenagers, we’ve struggled to find a middle ground. Reagan Rose’s "A Student’s Guide to Gaming" was the perfect solution.
My husband’s "legalism radar" is usually very high, but he found this book remarkably balanced. I, on the other hand, appreciated that it wasn't permissive; it challenged our teens to look at their hearts and their time through the lens of God's glory. Rose doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all checklist; instead, he skillfully guides readers to use Scripture to examine their own hearts and determine what is truly glorifying to God.
Reading this together as a family provided a fantastic framework for dialogue. The chapter-end questions sparked good conversation rather than defensiveness. Our teens felt respected by the author's perspective and are actually asking for the next book in the series. This is a definitive thumbs up from our family!
~Jen
My husband’s "legalism radar" is usually very high, but he found this book remarkably balanced. I, on the other hand, appreciated that it wasn't permissive; it challenged our teens to look at their hearts and their time through the lens of God's glory. Rose doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all checklist; instead, he skillfully guides readers to use Scripture to examine their own hearts and determine what is truly glorifying to God.
Reading this together as a family provided a fantastic framework for dialogue. The chapter-end questions sparked good conversation rather than defensiveness. Our teens felt respected by the author's perspective and are actually asking for the next book in the series. This is a definitive thumbs up from our family!
~Jen
April 13, 2022
This little book is so different from what I expected. I've never been a gamer myself, but I still read the book expecting it to feel like a scolding of those who enjoy this recreation. It is nothing of the sort. Instead, it graciously applies biblical wisdom to the evaluation of gaming within the broader framework of a biblical worldview, pointing out positives as well as presenting appropriate cautions. For anyone who spends time gaming this would be a really beneficial, edifying, wisdom-gaining read.
November 29, 2023
Incredibly helpful in understanding the allure of games through a recovered gaming addict’s stance. Well worth reading if you feel weighed down by the hours a loved one wastes staring at a colourful box…
January 17, 2022
What does God think about video games? In A Student’s Guide to Gaming, Reagan Rose will help you think about what your relationship with gaming should look like.
God is Greater than Video Games
Why are video games fun? They allow you to participate in the action. But not only are the fun -- they are addicting. They were designed this way. And for this reason, Rose says that we must be cautious about video games and think critically about their place in our lives. We dishonor God with our video game idolatry, and Rose helps us see how we can replace the fleeting nature of video games with the real thing -- God.
The book pinpoints four ways that God and his design is greater than our video games. First, the mission of God is greater than what video games have to offer. Second, we were designed for dominion in the real world with real risks. Third, face-to-face fellowship is superior than simulated fellowship. And fourth, we were created to have real rewards for our work.
Unapologetic Discernment
I most appreciated how Rose tackles the difficult subject of violence in video games. He is clear that it comes down to an issue of the heart, but he is also aware that video game violence is different than television, movies, and even Biblical violence because you get to control it in video games. His main point is that Christians should not enjoy the kinds of violence that God hates even if it’s pretend.
The book closes by impressing upon the reader an attitude of unapologetic discernment and giving a gameplan for gaming. Students, youth ministers, parents, and teachers should read this book. But since all of us with smartphones have access to an endless amount of games and entertainment, we could all use this wisdom in seeing how we spend our time.
Turn Your Eyes
Your relationship with gaming should stand in the shadow of your relationship with God. And if you would turn your eyes away from the screens and onto the Savior, you’ll find the way to live a true, adventurous, and abundant life.
I received a media copy of A Student’s Guide to Gaming and this is my honest review.
God is Greater than Video Games
Why are video games fun? They allow you to participate in the action. But not only are the fun -- they are addicting. They were designed this way. And for this reason, Rose says that we must be cautious about video games and think critically about their place in our lives. We dishonor God with our video game idolatry, and Rose helps us see how we can replace the fleeting nature of video games with the real thing -- God.
The book pinpoints four ways that God and his design is greater than our video games. First, the mission of God is greater than what video games have to offer. Second, we were designed for dominion in the real world with real risks. Third, face-to-face fellowship is superior than simulated fellowship. And fourth, we were created to have real rewards for our work.
Unapologetic Discernment
I most appreciated how Rose tackles the difficult subject of violence in video games. He is clear that it comes down to an issue of the heart, but he is also aware that video game violence is different than television, movies, and even Biblical violence because you get to control it in video games. His main point is that Christians should not enjoy the kinds of violence that God hates even if it’s pretend.
The book closes by impressing upon the reader an attitude of unapologetic discernment and giving a gameplan for gaming. Students, youth ministers, parents, and teachers should read this book. But since all of us with smartphones have access to an endless amount of games and entertainment, we could all use this wisdom in seeing how we spend our time.
Turn Your Eyes
Your relationship with gaming should stand in the shadow of your relationship with God. And if you would turn your eyes away from the screens and onto the Savior, you’ll find the way to live a true, adventurous, and abundant life.
I received a media copy of A Student’s Guide to Gaming and this is my honest review.
August 7, 2023
I picked up this slim volume based on a friend’s recommendation. I found the author’s biblical perspective very helpful and the precepts he gives can be applied to more than just gaming.
My son picked this book up without being asked and he was inspired by the chapter “It’s not your time to waste.”
My son picked this book up without being asked and he was inspired by the chapter “It’s not your time to waste.”
May 5, 2022
I went through this one with my boys, and it yielded some fruitful discussions. Biblically-balanced wisdom for a culture that has grown far beyond Super Mario Bros. And Duck Hunt. Highly recommend!
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July 11, 2024Clarifying
As usually, Reagan is thought-provoking, convicting, clarifying, and biblical. Drawing out the imitation dominion, fellowship, and reward that cause video games to be “too good” was so helpful and straightforward! I wish I had been given this book in my teens. A useful resource for parents, pastors, and gamers to examine their habits and desires biblically and graciously.
As usually, Reagan is thought-provoking, convicting, clarifying, and biblical. Drawing out the imitation dominion, fellowship, and reward that cause video games to be “too good” was so helpful and straightforward! I wish I had been given this book in my teens. A useful resource for parents, pastors, and gamers to examine their habits and desires biblically and graciously.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews