Hmm.
I must be the only Methodist Youth Pastor here on VGC, eh?
Ultimately, it comes to a few core things about playing any M-rated game:
#1. Does it, or will it influence and effect you in a negative way? Obviously RE4 has a bit of Violence last time I checked (on PS2, lol). But will doing that effect you?
M-rated games are rated as such for M-rated mentalities. Some people can't get through RE4 or GTA, or other M-rated games and not be influenced and effected by them. The most important thing you must ask yourself: is playing this game going to effect my core character, and change myself?
Resident Evil 4 is pretty much by-the-book in terms of gameplay, there are no 'evil' choices like KOTOR, and your pretty decent (in terms of moral character) in the game. IMO, in that way, it wouldn't be a problem.
So then, it comes down to: can you handle the violence and not be effected by it? Also, Resident Evil 4 is ultra-awesome (duh, 95% avg. ranking on gamerankings.com). Will you be addicted by the game, and take your focus away from reading the Bible, and/or prayer? Will the game keep you up too late and prevent you from Bible studies, and having good moral and ethical character (ie, 5hr gaming binge followed by really poor school attendance/abilties the next day).
Those are questions you must ask yourself. Ultimately, the core characteristic of any Christian is to glorify God. Resident Evil 4 is "neutral" in the fact that it may, or may not, effect you, like many other things in life. You MUST determine yourself if you can handle the game, and what it offers, for good, bad, or awesome.
The game can be said for anything in life gaming-wise. Does it take time away that you normally spend with God? Do you spend time in prayer/Bible reading at all? Is it because of videogames? If so, spend less/no time with games until you build a close and good relationship with Jesus Christ. That should help you determine if a game is good or not.
Just merely chosing crazy, insane choices in a game don't validate you being good, or bad in real life. What matters is if you randomly bashing people with a car in GTA:SA is what you are about in real life.
Now, obviously there should be limits: henati/pron games and activities aren't good at all, and should be avoided, so no hot coffee mods, kids :)
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
