Left Behind?
If you've been around this blog much, you've probably noticed that we reference YPulse.com from time to time. We like Anastasia (it's her blog) and think that she's got a good pulse on what's going on with the youth that we are all so affectionate about.
In a recent article at HuffingtonPost.com, she suggests that the use of military terms in the Christian movement, especially in the youth culture (think Battle Cry), is over the top and even repulsive to nonbelivers (like herself). Citing references like the formerly mentioned Battle Cry, Stephen Baldwin's Livin' It and a Left Behind video game, she writes, "I believe that progressive youth ministries need to proactively work to demilitarize the language being used to reach young people and preach a version of their religion that is inclusive and respectful of diversity..."
One comment that was left (there are over 50) said, "Please don't confuse the use of militaristic metaphors (the Bible is full of 'em, as well as athletic, legal, fiscal, and other ones) with the reconstructionist paradigm of the "religious right." Another suggested "Most of these sound an awful lot like Hitlerjugend rallies. Maybe they're afraid when teens learn to think for themselves, they might figure out what a load of crap they're being sold (and I do mean sold)."
So where do we stand with this? The fact is, Barna states that over 60% of our current kids won't be active in the church by the age of 30. Folks, regardless of whether you believe her opinions or not, the facts are still the facts. Where is the disconnect from the foundation that's laid during the youth group years and the disenchantment of the twenties?
In a recent article at HuffingtonPost.com, she suggests that the use of military terms in the Christian movement, especially in the youth culture (think Battle Cry), is over the top and even repulsive to nonbelivers (like herself). Citing references like the formerly mentioned Battle Cry, Stephen Baldwin's Livin' It and a Left Behind video game, she writes, "I believe that progressive youth ministries need to proactively work to demilitarize the language being used to reach young people and preach a version of their religion that is inclusive and respectful of diversity..."
One comment that was left (there are over 50) said, "Please don't confuse the use of militaristic metaphors (the Bible is full of 'em, as well as athletic, legal, fiscal, and other ones) with the reconstructionist paradigm of the "religious right." Another suggested "Most of these sound an awful lot like Hitlerjugend rallies. Maybe they're afraid when teens learn to think for themselves, they might figure out what a load of crap they're being sold (and I do mean sold)."
So where do we stand with this? The fact is, Barna states that over 60% of our current kids won't be active in the church by the age of 30. Folks, regardless of whether you believe her opinions or not, the facts are still the facts. Where is the disconnect from the foundation that's laid during the youth group years and the disenchantment of the twenties?
3 Comments:
http://donmillerfans.net/category/dons-answers-to-your-questions/
Donald Miller recommends a book on Christians and war on this site. Scroll down to the "?? war terminology ??" post on August 9.
This statement is posted from an employee of Left Behind Games on behalf of Troy Lyndon, our Chief Executive Officer.
There has been in incredible amount of MISINFORMATION published in the media and in online blogs here and elsewhere.
Pacifist Christians and other groups are taking the game material out of context to support their own causes. There is NO “killing in the name of God” and NO “convert or die”. There are NO “negative portrayals of Muslims” and there are NO “points for killing”.
Please play the game demo for yourself (to at least level 5 of 40) to get an accurate perspective, or listen to what CREDIBLE unbiased experts are saying after reviewing the game at www.leftbehindgames.com/pages/controversy.com
Then, we’d love to hear your feedback as an informed player.
The reality is that we’re receiving reports everyday of how this game is positively affecting lives by all who play it.
Thank you for taking the time to be a responsible blogger.
Hey, with so many people having an opinion about this game, how many have actually played it? And what credibility do they have? Focus on the Family has publications which can set the record straight for everyone…at http://www.pluggedinonline.com/thisweekonly/a0002989.cfm.
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