Video Shame

Seems there’s no end to the ways that people can warp the basic tenets of Christianity — like loving thy neighbor and tolerance — to serve their own sick and twisted purposes. Case in point, there’s a new Christian video game slated for release this coming October that is nothing more than a paramilitary mission simulator for children. And if that’s not bad enough, its creators will be distributing it through mega-churches around the country. Yup, Christ, the Prince of Peace, would have just loved that! If you’re not already feeling ill from the hypocrisy and immorality of it all, read on.

1). In the video game, you are a foot soldier in a paramilitary group whose purpose is to remake America as a Christian theocracy, and establish its worldly vision of the dominion of Christ over all aspects of life. You are issued high-tech military weaponry, and instructed to engage the infidel on the streets of New York City. You are on a mission — both a religious mission and a military mission to…

A. …spread the love of Jesus Christ by protecting His flock.
B. …forcefully save the souls of all you encounter.
C. …convert or kill Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, gays, and anyone who advocates the separation of church and state — especially moderate, mainstream Christians.
D. …rid the city of child pornographers and abortionists by any means necessary.

2). This violent and hateful real-time Christian strategy video game is targeted for young boys and its creators are linked to:

A. The empire of mega-church pastor and Rick Warren, best selling author of “The Purpose Driven Life.”
B. Rev. Pat Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network
C. Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University
D. Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson


ANSWERS

1. C: The game immerses children in present-day New York City and rewards them for how effectively they role play the killing of those who resist becoming a born again Christian. Guess we missed that part in the New Testament where Christ strapped on a machine gun and threatened to use it if people didn’t start converting, pronto.

The game also offers players the opportunity to switch sides and fight for the army of the Antichrist, releasing cloven-hoofed demons that feast on conservative Christians and their panicked proselytes. The dialogue includes people saying, “Praise the Lord,” as they blow infidels away.

2. A: Man oh man Rick, you’ve got some explaining to do. The international director of Warren’s Purpose Driven Church, Mark Carver, is a former investment banker who serves on the Advisory Board of the corporation created in October 2001 to develop and market this game. They plan to distribute their merchandise through pastoral networks, especially mega-churches. God help us.