Eternal Forces thoughts

[Guest]

Maybe this has come up before on the forums, so please ignore this or point me to any previous discussions that might have arisen.

I've seen this new game, based on the Left Behind series, mentioned a few times in the past, and it looks like it has now launched.

This in an article about it on MSNBC.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16175897/

The article seems to make it sound like only liberal theologians are opposed to the game, which adds yet another twist.

I've found it quite disappointing that someone would even consider this a true representation of Christianity, but wonder what others thought about it.

[Guest]

I heard a comercial the other day, that said "DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND THIS CHRISTMAS!!" go buy the game etc...

To me, if I believed in that system of eschatology, I would take the idea of people being "left behind" a lot more seriously than that. To me, it's not the violence in the game, although that's plenty bad, it's this franchise that's being made out of what these brothers hold as a biblical doctrine.

Why not sell Moses and Jesus action figures while we're at it? It's just getting ridiculous. Just one more piece of useless Christian consumer junk to add to the pile of garbage at most Christian bookstores.

The sad part about all this, (and all the other junk in Christian stores), is that they are merely catering to the current demand in Christian consumerism. Is it any wonder the church in America is in the shallow spiritual water that it's in?

Is this what we want the world to think Christianity is? Bumber stickers, keychains, video games, and cute T-shirts?

Ok. *takes deep breath* Sorry, Had to vent a little.

God bless,

[Guest]

i'm right there with you, derek.

TK

[Guest]

I'm going to protest against this video game by not buying it. Then again, I don't play video games.

All joking aside, this is kind of a serious issue. Let's say that some poor sould gets saved through playing this game. They will only be turning to Christ to escape "the great tribulation" and what happens when they later find themselves in a trying situation? What happens when they face real and lasting persecution? This whole system creates very self-centered Christians and sets up an "us vs them" mentality. I was once a strong dispensationist and it felt like a heavy burden to carry. When I later dismissed this theology in favor of a more holistic, historical approach it felt as though the weight came off my back and I was free. The truth often has that effect on people.

[Guest]

To me, if I believed in that system of eschatology, I would take the idea of people being "left behind" a lot more seriously than that.

I think this is a really good point.

To me, it's not the violence in the game, although that's plenty bad, it's this franchise that's being made out of what these brothers hold as a biblical doctrine.

I would have to say that even the violence bothers me, as it seem to be promted in the name of Chritianity. We often profile other religions as being violent, but this sure doesn't make Christiantiy appear any differnt.

Why not sell Moses and Jesus action figures while we're at it? It's just getting ridiculous. Just one more piece of useless Christian consumer junk to add to the pile of garbage at most Christian bookstores.

Someone else seems to have already thought of this.

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/11/17/jesus.doll.ap/


Though in favour of these dolls, I know some partents would say that they would rather their kids play with these dolls, than the say a skimply dressed, shapley fashon doll.

I think that many times (for these Christian cosumer indevors) the initial motivation is good. They want to provide a good christian alternative, but in the end these things usually become driven by profit margins, for which I do agree it's distrubing.

[Guest]

I know nothing about video games (well very little...my son tries to tell me stuff, but my eyes glaze over.) I'm not sure why we need Christian alternatives to every thing the world comes up with to amuse themselves.

[Guest]

The sad part about all this, (and all the other junk in Christian stores), is that they are merely catering to the current demand in Christian consumerism. Is it any wonder the church in America is in the shallow spiritual water that it's in?

Is this what we want the world to think Christianity is? Bumber stickers, keychains, video games, and cute T-shirts?

The world already thinks that this is all that Christianity is. You would think Christians would have better discernment than to fall for this stuff - that is the sad part - they don't! They think bumper-sticker evangelism is the way to go.

(1 Tim 6:5-10 KJV) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. {6} But godliness with contentment is great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. {8} And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. {9} But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. {10} For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The visible church has lost the concept of holiness and godliness because they think they can be like the world and not suffer persecution. It is where the whole Left Behind mentality comes from that wants to escape every trial without consequence. They have to change the end of the book, the hope that we have, who true Israel is, and even the gospel itself. Is it any surprise they have another "Jesus" who is more like Santa Claus as well?

Not to me. Coveting the things of the world is what marks them.

[Guest]

I think that many times (for these Christian cosumer indevors) the initial motivation is good. They want to provide a good christian alternative, but in the end these things usually become driven by profit margins, for which I do agree it's distrubing.

This is the problem. The idea that we need an "alternative". I think the motivation may be good, but the mentality is all wrong.

People get rid of the grosser sin in their life, and then turn to lightly Christianized versions of all the garbage they were into when they were pagans.

Why not just be disciples? All of these things were a waste of time when I was a pagan, the Christian versions are no less so.

[_Dolphin]

Ijhk

[Guest]

Maybe this has come up before on the forums, so please ignore this or point me to any previous discussions that might have arisen.

I've seen this new game, based on the Left Behind series, mentioned a few times in the past, and it looks like it has now launched.

This in an article about it on MSNBC.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16175897/

The article seems to make it sound like only liberal theologians are opposed to the game, which adds yet another twist.

I've found it quite disappointing that someone would even consider this a true representation of Christianity, but wonder what others thought about it.

I just beat the False Prophet on level 18 last night!
All I have left to go is Antichrist on level 19 and then cast the dragon into the lake of fire on the final level.

I can't wait to see what the Millenium is like!

However, I have a hard time progressing in the game because my character was raptured at the beginning of level 2!