Another massively popular Halo video game is out, which means another controversial opportunity for churches to outreach to youth.
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(Photo: AP Images / Nick Ut)Tristan Greenwood 12, looks at a display showing the box for Microsoft's latest game "Halo 3" at Universal Studios Citywalk in Los Angles on Monday, Sept 24, 2007. The new version of the most popular Microsoft Xbox 360 video game franchise, goes on sale at midnight.
Already passed $300 million in sales, Halo 3 is being picked up by some churches to draw youth, causing some Christians to shake their heads.
"If you want to connect with young teenage boys and drag them into church, free alcohol and pornographic movies would do it,” said James Tonkowich, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, a nonprofit group that assesses denominational policies, according to The New York Times. “My own take is you can do better than that.”
In the final installment of the Halo trilogy, superhero Master Chief is back on 26th Century Earth to save the galaxy from the religious alien forces of the Covenant. The Covenant believes the key to activating a network of "halos" – massive ring worlds floating in space – is in Northern Africa somewhere. And these halos are seen as a path to their ascension and salvation. But turning them on would destroy all life in the galaxy.
Five years after Halo 2 was released, Halo 3 gives loyal gamers answers to what happens in the end with all those angry aliens and to the game's mysterious, armor-clad protagonist.
Microsoft Corp. announced last week that Halo 3 has become a global phenomenon and the game is one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.
Given that, hundreds churches are utilizing Halo as an effective tool for outreach.
“We play Halo, take a break and have something to eat, and have a lesson,” said Austin Brown, 16, of Sweetwater Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Ga., explaining that the pastor tried to draw parallels “between God and the devil."
Youth ministries specialist Lane Palmer of the ministry Dare 2 Share says the game speaks to the very real spiritual war going on today.
"According to the Bible, after Satan was dishonorably discharged from his duties in heaven, he took a mighty army of fallen angels with him and declared war on the objects of God’s grace and love: human beings – and especially those who are in the Lord’s army as Christians," wrote Palmer in column.
"Make no mistake, the dark forces of the spiritual world have marked you for destruction, and no amount of quick moves, strategy, or teamwork will win this fight," he added.
Dare 2 Share encourages youth to use Halo 3 as conversation starters to witness to their friends.
"What role are you being called to play in the battle for your friends' souls?" asks an e-mail the organization sent to 50,000 young people about how to share their faith using Halo 3.
Studies have shown the negative influence of media, including video games, on young people. A recent Barna Group poll revealed that American children will have seen countless murders among the more than 30,000 acts of violence that they are exposed to through television, movies and video games.
But youth workers say churches need to be up-to-date on the latest cultural trends especially something that young people are inevitably going to participate in.
"Video games are a living and breathing part of our culture and will only continue to grow," said Tim Schmoyer, pastor of student ministries at Evangelical Covenant Church of Alexandria, Minn. "We need to be aware of the messages and values kids are unconsciously swallowing and teach them to consciously filter it all through Scripture." Continue >>
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Has anyone here ever played Halo 3? Has anyone ever watched a teenager play it? How much do you think the story line affects their personal life or way of thinking. Most of them, underage or not, will play Halo 3 wether in church or not! The differences to me is wether or not Christ is being preached in truth. If those kids come to understand the gospel of Christ and turn from sin and wickedness and serve God then let the program continue. I worked at an organization once that gave food away if you were willing to sit for 20 min and listen to a preacher preach the gospel. Some people will never listen or care to visit a church or hear a preacher unless they find some benefit in it for them. If those kids come to church play a game and walk out thinking I need Jesus and want to serve Him then if Halo is that much of a problem they will drop it and stop playing.
What's interesting is that the Halo story is about a man cleaning up after a radical religious cult. The idea of the Covenant itself is a organization that is driven by blind faith. Their ignorant deeds almost cause the destruction of the galaxy and it takes a "normal sensible" man of technology to bring them down. The story itself is a protest against Christians, Muslims, Jews, or any other religious institution.
Do christians really need to depend on this story to show Christ's message? No. That woud be wrong. Instead they need to find another medium...probably one with that doesn't have marines cursing in it, anti- religion undertones, and aliens being blown up from a plasma grenade.
Also....the Master Chief is not comparable to Christ. If people really think that then they are speculating over the material, taking the character out of context, and really just trying to twist the game to serve their own purposes. Do you really think kids won't recognize how hypocritical this whole thing is? That it all seems like a desperation move from chrisitan pastors? Cause I gotta tell you....it does seem that way.
Despite the best or worst argument anyone can make on behalf of Halo, youth pastors and leaders need to remember it's rated M-17. That means unless a parent give express consent, it is illegal for someone under the age of 17 to purchase or play the game. Youth ministries need to be careful about using this game because one reasonably upset parent could bring a serious legal battle your way!
ROMANS 1:12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
I know that these video games are being designed with addictive elements. Students have shown this to be true and many of our youth and adults are addictive to these games. I don't see how spending hours of these games is profitable to the faith, but I know that many will justify it.
"Make no mistake, the dark forces of the spiritual world have marked you for destruction, and no amount of quick moves, strategy, or teamwork will win this fight," he added.
Churches need to go on the offensive and some playing defense. Go out and fulfill the great commission instead of conforming to the world to attract the world to go to you church or youth group.
"I say whatever can be used to bring people to Christ, use it."
Is Christ not enough? Can a redeemed soul not reach out to a lost soul to convey hope? Christ is sufficient. He always has been. He always will be. Why do we believe that we can compromise the principles of the Word of God and then claim that we are doing it for him (?) Doesn't anyone else see that?
'God has made it plain that He abhors violence, that it's sin, and that it causes Him pain.'
"You definitely did not get that from the bible... senseless violence he does not tolerate, but violence is an inevitable human trait. We must use violence for certain things such as wars, capital punishment, etc."
You said it "senseless violence he does not tolerate". Our God is a sovereign God. Yes, man is inherently evil and violent in nature however these are sins that are a part of our original sin. We are to reject this violence. As far as war. We do not pray for war. War happens as a result of sin. It's man's inability to follow the letter of the law in the Word of God. We must pray for a stop to war however we must prepare ourselves for when evil men come to kill and destroy that which is sacred (according to the Word of God). Yes, violence will continue to happen until he returns to judge the living and the dead but we are not to promote violence. That is an abomination. Capital Punishment is not done violently. It is performed after a court has convicted the individual and the sentence is carried out somberly. Even in the case of electrocution. A bag is placed over the face as to not exploit the horrific face of the condemned.
Gratuitous video violence is just as evil as the real thing. We are guilty of adultery for looking at a woman with lust without actually entering into an affair with the women.
"He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Luke 22:36
Why would he tell people to buy a sword, if not to use it? at minimum for defense of some kind.
To protect that which is holy. Our family, our friends, and family. When we are in defense of others we are justified by the Lord. We come to the defense of others who cannot otherwise defend themselves. We are called to purge evil from our homes, our neighborhoods, and our country. For that we must be prepared. Once again we don't pray for war but we will fight if evil men come looking for it. That is completely different from playing "games" that numb us to the horrors of the slaying of people and the bloodshed that ensues. Using a depiction of human suffering and imminent death as a form of entertainment? Does it sound like a "good" activity for a person claiming to be a follower of Christ?
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Speaking only for myself, of course, I don't find Jesus boring in any way!!
God pursues a love relationship with us through His son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He is my Brother, my Father and my Best friend. He will, and never has turned me away, nor made fun of me when I want to talk with Him about anything at all! I try to express my side of this love relationship through my interactions with the people I see every day. I sometimes fail at this, but God gives me the grace and mercy to get up and try again! That is why I think Jesus is so amazingly and infinitely wonderful!!!
Is Halo 3 a good way to reach out to people? I don't know... But we should try to reach out in anyway we can!
Only the wicked would be bored with the historical Christ and the historical Church. This is what happens when the Church turns away from the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism), it eventually fills up with unbelievers.
http://polemos.net/Doctrines%20of%20Grace%20%20(Calvinism).html
eastendjim,
'How about hookers, heroin, hold 'em poker and human sacrifice?'
The last time I checked, Jesus hung out with the prostitutes. Using Heroin? Yeah, that I will not agree with. Hold'em Poker? Why not? Or are you one of those people that claim that Christians should not gamble? Please note that in the Old Testament and the New Testament, nothing is said about gambling. Just take 'casting lots' for example...
For a mature Christian I see no harm in playing video games, watching 'R' rated movies, skydiving... etc, etc. Now for those weak in their faith, babes in Christ... yes, maybe they should not put themselves in a position that could cause them to sin.
'Why is Jesus suddenly so BORING.'
Frankly, after 2000 years, the Body of Christ has made Him boring. Each Sunday, kids of all ages hate going to church... for the most part. Why? Because, nothing is being taught. The Sunday School lessons are bland, the preaching is often worse since you know... nothing doctrinal is being taught at all. Why do you think all of these churches who teach another gospel are so popular?
Because! They make the alternative sound so much better! You will be RICH (if) you have ENOUGH FAITH! You can SPEAK IN TONGUES! You can PROPHESY! God talks directly TO YOU AUDIBLY everyday! You will NEVER be sick, if you have enough faith! Etc, Etc.
Being told that God talks to you through His Word requires us to read, and to study. People do not like that... they want an EXPERIENCE!
But more so, we can all blame ourselves because frankly... Christians have made Christianity boring since we are allowed to do NOTHING.
"I say whatever can be used to bring people to Christ, use it."
zenodaddy,
How about hookers, heroin, hold 'em poker and human sacrifice?
That should keep em coming to Christ.
Knowledge of God's sovereignity, sin, judgement, hell, God's love through the substitution of His Son and the defeat of death in the resurrection seemed to be sufficient for almost 2,000 years.
Why is Jesus suddenly so BORING.
Grace & Peace,
James
Firstly I believe the word is clear when it states that we are to put no unclean before our eyes. Killing, Death, Violence, Blood & Gore. If God is Love and this is the opposite of Love than what does that make it (?)
Secondly, having been a serious gamer for years I have come to a realization (and there is scientific evidence to back this up) that just as with pornography; violence releases chemicals in the brain that lead to aggression as well as the competition especially in multiple player online gaming. Competition isn't evil. Violent aggression is.
To act like playing this game is good as a way to bring youth to the church is sending the wrong message to young kids (or teenagers) that you can be a follower of Jesus Christ and still live as the world does. This completely contradicts the Bible. Ok. I can grant that it probably would draw kids to play the new game but what kind of meaningful spiritual experience can come from a game that is based in fantasy? How can you call someone to be Salt & Light to a dying world and allow them to believe that it is still acceptable to be part of practices that are clearly outside of the word. It is like saying that I could bring pornographic materials into the church to show young men that these types of films objectify women and create in our mines an unrealistic image of women in general and of marriage that will only end up in disappointment and anger. Or how about drugs to show kids first of all what they are but then as well as we shouldn't do them because not only is it illegal but it destroys the Lords temple and brings you out of fellowship with the Lord. It is amazing how Satan can spin these concoctions and then get the Lord's own to carry out this wickedness. How about Christian movie night or how about one of the many games that are not violent. How about a sports game or maybe a retro game from say Atari. Pac-man Playoffs? :)
I would be very upset if my teenagers were at a Youth Ministry that allowed them to play a video game rated 'Mature'. My 15 y.o. son & 17 y.o. daughter are not allowed to play video games at my home that are rated 'Mature'.
Trust me I was not suggesting being "politically correct". Simply that God hates violence, to suggest otherwise simply isn't biblical. Please see Genesis 6. God destroyed all with the flood save Noah and family because the people were constantly thinking and doing evil and were filled with violence. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, to not resist an evil man. Just two examples, there are many more. We are not to practice personal violence, to enjoy it, to engage in it. God has ordered it's use at times for His purpose, that is His right and prerogative, and we are not to question His decision to do so, it's His creation and can do with it what He wills. I do not think you will find any mention in scripture of God telling anyone to go out and be violent, or think violently for the fun of it. If you can find such a passage please post it.
I agree that until Christ's return and the end comes, violence will continue, that most certainly isn't a reason to encourage it, or glorify it as these kinds of games do, let alone try to pass it off as some kind of Bible study tool.
The reason why not to use this video game to reach out to youngsters is simply that it's basis is sin. Football, racing and concerts may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they are not promoting the kind of violence portrayed in Halo. They are not based on sin either.
Why shouldn't Christians use these kinds of games? Because they promote that which God hates. That should be enough. Do you really want to be engaging in a behavior that you know is something that God feels that strongly about?
As an adult I can not say that a brother or sister should not play this game, or see that R rated movie. If you want to fill your head with that kind of thing that is between you and God. I would remind you that "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit". (Romans 8:5) But I can and do strenuously object to pastors and youth leaders fostering this kind of stuff on kids and even adults in their charge.
::begin quote::
You definitely did not get that from the bible... senseless violence he does not tolerate, but violence is an inevitable human trait. We must use violence for certain things such as wars, capital punishment, etc.
::end quote::
Interesting point, even Jesus advocated buying a sword
"He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Luke 22:36
Why would he tell people to buy a sword, if not to use it? at minimum for defense of some kind.
'God has made it plain that He abhors violence, that it's sin, and that it causes Him pain.'
You definitely did not get that from the bible... senseless violence he does not tolerate, but violence is an inevitable human trait. We must use violence for certain things such as wars, capital punishment, etc.
He even sanctions violence in the NT. Our God is not a Politically Correct God. Peace, Love and Harmony come through Him Only and until He returns it is going to continue to happen.
As for using video games to reach out to youngsters... why not? We use movies like 'Narnia' to reach people, we use football events, racing events, rock concerts, etc... I agree that the Christian overtones may be a bit out in left field... I say whatever can be used to bring people to Christ, use it.
As for the question of if Christians should play these games... I do not see why not. We are not to live in a bubble wrapped with bubble wrap and keep our heads in the sand.