"We believe parents need a substitute for the degrading moral values of 'Grand Theft Auto' or some of the top-selling titles," Lyndon said. And you can't get gamers to switch over from "Grand Theft Auto" if you only offer a conflict level of, say, Pong.
Why do they need a substitute? Why do we constantly feel the need to model ourselves after the world? Consistently the Christian media makers are a step behind the secular one mimicking their every move.
"Rather than forbid young people from viewing their favorite pastime, I prefer to give them something that's positive," said Tim LaHaye, an author of the "Left Behind" book series who is supporting the game developers.
How is this positive? Really, how?
"To evaluate whether a game is a 'Christian' game you need to ask this: 'Does it make young people more compassionate? Does it make them more interested in human rights?' " she said.
And of course, there's another question: Does it connect with players spiritually?
Lyndon, the Left Behind Games CEO, said parents who have seen the game are thrilled. They say it will instill good Christian values in their children — and they're especially excited about the "pray" button.
Christ said to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute you. He Himself didn't beat on the people who beat Him, He submitted Himself to the judgment and went to the cross praying for those who would crucify Him. Are we called to do any less? Are we to push our "pray" button as we pull the trigger? Well? Did Paul throw stones back as people tried to kill him? Did Peter, as he was being crucified, demand his followers to hunt down the people doing this and "pay them back?" Did Jim Elliot and his fellow missionaries fight back as they were being killed while trying to bring the message of Christ to the Huaorani Indian tribe (the Aucas)? Is this how we are to spread the message of Christ? I think not.
If not, why do we think it is acceptable to put such actions before our children as entertainment?
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