Left Behind video game should be left out of stores

A while ago I wrote that I wish the Left Behind series of books had never been written. A friend pointed out to me that she had been encouraged to re-examine her faith after reading the books and that she consequently devoted herself more fully to God. That is awesome and the glory goes to God in that. Unfortunately, a new video game, endorsed by Mr. LaHaye himself, only reinforces my disappointment with this group of well-meaning (I hope and believe) Christians.

Here’s an excerpt of a review of the game written on the Leadership Journal blog:

Tyndale’s new video game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, is set for release in October, and its already coming under fire from both conservative and liberal Christians. Set in present-day New York City, the game pits the army of the Antichrist against born again Christians. Players are rewarded for winning converts or killing those who resist the gospel. Dialogue in the game includes Christians shouting “Praise the Lord” before blowing away unbelievers.

Players may also switch sides and fight for the Antichrist with an army of cloven-hoofed demons that feast on the faithful. One of the game’s creators finds the “prayer button” particularly nifty. Before going into holy war, a Christian may pray to boost their “Spirit Points.” Honestly, I’m not making this up—I wish I was. </p>

Tim LaHaye, author of the Left Behind books, says the video game was created to reach a new population with the gospel. “We hope teenagers like the game,” he said. “Our real goal is to have no one left behind.” So far Christian video games have been unsuccessful at breaking into the very lucrative youth gaming market, but Eternal Forces’ co-creator Jeffery S. Frichner is hopeful. “It’s got all the Christian stuff, and it’s still got all the cool stuff.”<!–p>