Bible-Themed Video Game Stirs Controversy Within Christian Community

By Grayson Kamm First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL ?- The makers of a new video game say its Biblically themed action is designed to stir ??thinking and talking? about matters of eternal importance.? But opponents on the First Coast say it?s offensive to Christian beliefs.

With flashy graphics and intense action, ?Left Behind: Eternal Forces? has the hallmarks of a hit video game, but with a Biblical twist. Set just after the Rapture in the Book of Revelation, the game puts you in charge of civilians and soldiers with the Tribulation Force ?- an armed group fighting against the army of the Antichrist.

That fighting sometimes means killing. And some religious groups are furious.

?Christ?s central message has always been one of understanding and love. And for people to use Revelation and misuse Revelation in such a way ?- is grotesque,? said Avery Garner, a leader of the Christian Alliance for Progress, a nationwide group based on the First Coast.

The game?s website says it offers positive, inspirational content. But Garner says a game can?t be both Biblical and brutal.

?The central message should not be that we should revel in the slaughter of people who oppose us or people who we perceive to be evil. There was nothing in Christ?s ministry like that,? Garner said.

In the game, converting people to your cause is the highest goal, and there are consequences to killing. Wild gun slinging actually hurts your score and keeps you from winning the game.

Your soldiers pray for guidance. Kill too many innocents, and they?ll just refuse to fight.

The game?s makers say ?Left Behind? will bring the Bible to a wider audience and that some violence is vital to a game set at the end of the world.

But Garner argues even one simulated murder is too many in a game based on Biblical themes. ?This makes them a buck. This is a money market for them. This has nothing to do with teaching children or young people about theology,? he said.

The game sells for about $40. It?s been given a rating of ?T? for ?Teen.? That means the game is recommended for children 13 and over because of violent content.

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