Wed, May 31 2006

Video game portrays "Left Behind" theology

My own personal belief system does not include the scenario presented by the "Left Behind" series of stories. And so, I was fascinated to learn that there will soon be an action-filled video game based on the supposed post-rapture evangelization of our planet. The game is entitled "Left Behind: Eternal Forces". If what this article says is true, the game will include the chance to take up arms and blow away those individuals who do not accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. (Apparently, you can also choose to take similarly violent steps against Christians, if you decide to play on the side of the Antichrist.)

Marketers expect the video game to fly off the shelves once it's released later this year. For some reason, marketers expect it to sell particularly well to megachurch-goers. The megachurches I've visited seemed to be more focused on praise music and picnics. But perhaps diligent marketers have caught a hint of some subcutaneous itching in megachurch-goers that they feel they can successfully scratch with this role-playing product.

History shows that periods of what we call "spiritual awakening" or "spiritual revival"often accompany times of extreme upheaval and political change. Are militant, religious-based video games simply a reflection of how society currently handles all sorts of conflict? Or are they instead a manifestation of what Matthew 24 refers to as "wars and rumors of wars"? I guess we'll find out in the coming months.

(A tip of the Stetson goes to Boing Boing for the link.)

posted at: 08:10 | category: /Religious and Spiritual | link to this entry