The metaverse is a virtual reality (VR) world, a digital "space," where people can interact through avatars, exploring digital realms, participating in commerce, work, learn, and socialize. If you've seen the film Ready Player One (2018), then you're familiar with the possibilities of VR environments. There's a lot to do in the metaverse! But is this digital universe a safe place for Christians to live their lives through work and play?
Simulated worlds like the metaverse have been a subject of science fiction for over a century. Often these tales serve as cautionary tales, warning society against escaping reality in favor of a simulation. While we ought to value the real world over virtual ones, we can also acknowledge the value of a tool like the metaverse.
Today, we can see a lot of benefits from using simulated worlds—especially when they very clearly can serve the benefit of humanity and help to bring people together. Those who are unable to travel for whatever reason (whether due to physical disability, location, health, etc.) can access the ability to travel virtually and participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible.
During the worst of the COVID pandemic (2020-2022), most people around the world found themselves quarantined for extended times, unable to see friends or family, go to work, or participate in important events such as graduations, weddings, or even funerals. Having the ability to be "present" with each other (from virtually anywhere with an internet connection) went a long way to ease the loneliness and isolation many were suffering.
Schools have utilized video streams to continue the education process when in-person attendance was prohibitive. Some people have "attended" family events or church through Zoom meetings or video streams when they couldn't travel. During the pandemic, some high schools held their graduation ceremonies inside Minecraft realms! Virtual environments have great potential for enriching people's lives through connection, education, and exploration.
The metaverse or any other simulated world is simply a neutral tool, and just like any other tool, it can be used for both good and bad purposes. Virtual worlds present us with choices, and we need to make sure we are making healthy ones that glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Video game addiction is a well-known issue today1. Many games are designed to serve as candy for the brain, which gives a temporary sense of relieving anxiety, stress, or depression. While gaming, enjoying VR environments, and scrolling social media can serve as a way to relax or as coping mechanisms for awhile, if we become dependent upon them or use them as an escape from reality and responsibilities too often, then we're not using this tool very wisely.
We also need to be aware that, while social media can be a fun way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, it should never fully replace real, in person, human interaction. We need the presence of others to truly thrive. God created us with physical bodies in a real, physical world. We aren't made to lose ourselves in an artificial, non-physical existence forever.
Ultimately, the use of virtual worlds is a matter of personal conviction. Paul talks about this in Romans 14, but the key is in verse 5: "Each . . . should be fully convinced in their own mind..." (Romans 14:5). James 4:17 clarifies: "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." If you find that spending time in virtual worlds causes you to sin, but you do it anyway, you've sinned because you went against your personal conviction. Personal convictions keep you on point and accountable to yourself, to others, and to God.
If we choose to participate in virtual worlds, with others or alone, we need to consider if our actions align with our conscience and God's will (Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 1:12).
Even in the metaverse, our faith ought to guide our words and actions. If we engage in healthy, positive interactions, then the metaverse can be a good way to connect with others. Whether we find ourselves navigating the metaverse OR real life, let's keep those biblical principles in mind.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." —Philippians 4:8
The metaverse can be fun, useful, and exciting if used wisely—and it's important to enter in with spiritual discernment. Your actions in the digital world should reflect Jesus as much as they would in the real world.
"...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." —Matthew 5:16
REFERENCES: 1. "Addictive behaviours: Gaming disorder." World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/addictive-behaviours-gaming-disorder [Accessed 5-15-24]
The metaverse or any other simulated world is simply a neutral tool, without morality, and nothing to fear. That said, just like any other tool, it can be used for both good and bad purposes. Virtual worlds present us with choices, and we need to make sure we're making healthy ones that glorify God (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31).
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
