The New York Times has an interesting piece on Halo 3 - specifically on how church groups are using the game as a tool to attract new members to the congregation.
Quote:
First the percussive sounds of sniper fire and the thrill of the kill. Then the gospel of peace.
Across the country, hundreds of ministers and pastors desperate to reach young congregants have drawn concern and criticism through their use of an unusual recruiting tool: the immersive and violent video game Halo.
The churches hold 'Halo' nights and stock game rooms with the M-rated title, hoping to get young, prospective congregants into the fold in the process. Church officials compare the practice to old standbys of Protestant churches, including fairs and camping trips as tools to keep young people away from less wholesome, more dangerous, activities.
However not everyone is happy that a violent, M-rated game is being used in this manner.
Quote:
But the question arises: What price to appear relevant? Some parents, religious ethicists and pastors say that Halo may succeed at attracting youths, but that it could have a corroding influence. In providing Halo, churches are permitting access to adult-themed material that young people cannot buy on their own.
Of all the places I could see Halo being used, a church would be one of the last.
In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston first person shooter's are not allowed at church related functions. I would spend at least one night of the weekend at our Youth Center. Place had pool tables, ping pong, NBA Jam arcade machine, 2 TV's. So my friends and I would go up there to hang (we were also friends with the supervisors). All the computers have really are RTS games. I can't even bring up my copy of Metroid Prime and play it up there.
I actually have the Youth Center's old copy of Goldeneye from before the rule. My youth minister was about to pitch it, and I said I'd give it a good home.
It's amusing to read about conservative christian churches welcoming teens with a game about war waged by religious fanatics following the beliefs of their prophets derived from reading ancient scripture without context, ultimately racing towards a suicidal and foolish end.
It's amusing to read about conservative christian churches welcoming teens with a game about war waged by religious fanatics following the beliefs of their prophets derived from reading ancient scripture without context, ultimately racing towards a suicidal and foolish end.
Ick. This is repulsive. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy Halo and happen to be a very religious person. That being said if someone brought a copy of halo to church and started a lan party I would be sick. I accept that its part of our culture that we enjoy violence and Halo is awesome. Once again, don't play it at church. Show some decorum for God's sake.
It gets them in the doors and thats all they care about.... A old friend of mine done this with his youth group. Doubled in size within weeks. Then the legalism begins....
It's amusing to read about conservative christian churches welcoming teens with a game about war waged by religious fanatics following the beliefs of their prophets derived from reading ancient scripture without context, ultimately racing towards a suicidal and foolish end.
Hehe... I was going to post a comment but why when you already captured it so beautifully...
I don't see any issue here. Religion of any kind always finds ways to lure people into it's embrace. Halo is substantially less troubling than "You will burn in eternal damnation forever if you don't read this book!".
Then there is the fact that the Bible is quite a bit more violent and disturbing than Halo 3. Though I certainly see the humor in the choice of game as far as it's backstory goes.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dorkandproudofit
I prefer growling to screaming. I like the sensation of humping a literal bitch.
It's amusing to read about conservative christian churches welcoming teens with a game about war waged by religious fanatics following the beliefs of their prophets derived from reading ancient scripture without context, ultimately racing towards a suicidal and foolish end.
It's amusing to read about conservative christian churches welcoming teens with a game about war waged by religious fanatics following the beliefs of their prophets derived from reading ancient scripture without context, ultimately racing towards a suicidal and foolish end.
This quote fucking wins. It points out the biggest reason WHY Halo shouldn't be the game used, and it has nothing to do with the violence.
That sir, is a brilliant observation. Bravo.
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