Violent Video Games … for Christians?

Filed Under pop culture, rants, religion

I am utterly gobsmacked. What disgusts me even more than the idea of killing “for Christ” (or playing at being the antiChrist) is the horrendous tint of green washing over the whole thing. Church as an Industry. I have no problem with SAHMs selling stationery out of their homes, Christian bookstores, and the like. What horrifies me is the commodification of Christianity, and the conversion by consumerism approach some people are taking to it. It’s more than disappointing; it’s grotesque. I wonder how successful this game will be.

Left Behind Games

The comments to the article are worth reading, as well, including the one by Truth999, who offers a rebuttal.

Comments

4 Responses to “Violent Video Games … for Christians?”

Matt on June 1st, 2006 3:46 am

I really cannot get my head round stuff like this. Strictly speaking, I am of the view that Christians should be staunch pacifists - and that violence only breeds more violence - but I do struggle with this when thinking about Nazi Germany.

However, I am of the view that these Christians who see violence as a legitimate option must be reading a different New Testament.
Layman on June 1st, 2006 12:43 pm

The report in the Talk2Action piece is very inaccurate. The game does not have the player try to establish a theocracy or kill people who don’t convert. In fact, you are penalized for killing people, even though Christian forces are fighting against the anti-Christ’s army.

See more about the nature of the game, with quotes from secular reviewers who have actually played it:

http://christiancadre.blogspot.com/2006/06/truth-about-left-behind-video-game.html
LaReinaCobre on June 1st, 2006 4:53 pm

I went to your blog and read your posting (and the comments) about this. Thanks for the information. While I still do not like the IDEA of the game, what disturbs me more (as I mentioned in my entry) is the industry surrounding it.

And unfortunately, as a former religious follower, I am all too familiar with desires of many to impose their religious laws and values on the rest of the world. Jonathan’s follow up posting about the commercialization of Christianity in the US and the world as part of a larger scheme doesn’t sound too far fetched to me.

Do you have any thoughts or corrections on his “part 2″ post?
Anonymous on June 3rd, 2006 7:27 pm

I have found my new faith. I am now a dominionist! These guys are awesome! Let us institute Christian Law! I have always thought that a priests daughter who does not remain a virgin should be put to death!

see Leviticus 21:9