Convert or Die
Left Behind: Eternal Forces has hit the shelves just in time for Christmas. In the videogame, based on the popular novels by Tim Lahaye, gamers will take on roles in either the Tribulation Forces, a Christian army, or Global Community Peacekeepers, a UN like peacekeeping force led by the anti-Christ. As a Christian soldier, your goal is to attempt converting those who are not Christian, to save their souls for when the Christian god returns -- failing that, fragging their asses is justified. Who needs saving? Well, the usual heathen suspects: Jews, Muslims, Hindus -- basically, anyone who isn't Christian. All of this takes place in the oft battered New York City.
Christian mythology has always been good fodder for entertainment, and I'm quite sure the premise of the Left Behind story makes for a great videogame. I am concerned however about the marketing of the game. The game is being pushed heavily to Christian kids via evangelical channels. Christian parents concerned about violence and sex in video games are being encouraged to give Left Behind: Eternal Forces as a Christmas present this year. What would make a better present for the season that one with a message? Unfortunately, the message is the problem. This game is yet another example of the continued extremism, and marginalization of Christianity. For parents concerned about the potential damage of videogames to their kids, I offer the same advice I would offer to those concerned about other violent games: don't ban your kids from playing the games -- play it with them, but also engage in open dialogue to present context. While popular (violent) games are motivated to make as much money as possible, Left Behind: Eternal Forces is motivated on spreading divisive propaganda.
Christian mythology has always been good fodder for entertainment, and I'm quite sure the premise of the Left Behind story makes for a great videogame. I am concerned however about the marketing of the game. The game is being pushed heavily to Christian kids via evangelical channels. Christian parents concerned about violence and sex in video games are being encouraged to give Left Behind: Eternal Forces as a Christmas present this year. What would make a better present for the season that one with a message? Unfortunately, the message is the problem. This game is yet another example of the continued extremism, and marginalization of Christianity. For parents concerned about the potential damage of videogames to their kids, I offer the same advice I would offer to those concerned about other violent games: don't ban your kids from playing the games -- play it with them, but also engage in open dialogue to present context. While popular (violent) games are motivated to make as much money as possible, Left Behind: Eternal Forces is motivated on spreading divisive propaganda.
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