Christian groups cross with Left Behind

Religious organizations take exception to faith-based real-time strategy game, saying it promotes violence and intolerance.

An assortment of Christian organizations is hoping that when faithful gamers leave their favorite retailers this holiday season, they'll leave behind one new religious real-time strategy game. Groups including CrossWalk America, Christian Alliance for Progress, The Center for Progressive Christianity, and The Beatitudes Society are calling for a boycott and a recall of Left Behind Games' first title, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, saying it promotes a number of decidedly un-Christian values.

Released earlier this month and famously mocked on The Daily Show, Left Behind: Eternal Forces is based on the Left Behind novels, which depict a world after the Rapture. That's where the authors believe the faithful are taken up to heaven, leaving everyone else behind to fight a climactic battle between good and evil.

A petition hosted at CrossWalk America's site asks Left Behind Games to recall the game. The petition cites the game's manual and in-game tutorial in saying that Eternal Forces involves killing non-Christians and Christians who don't convert to a particular form of Christianity, teaches teens that activists are "wolves in sheep's clothing," that rock and pop stars are "formidable spiritual opponents," and that non-Christian aid workers like doctors and nurses are enemy forces who can be killed. It also points to a passage on the game's Web site that says the Antichrist is "an imposturous one world government seeking peace for all of mankind," saying the game teaches players that those who seek peace are with the forces of evil.

In a post on her blog, Beatitudes Society executive director Rev. Anne Howard called the game reprehensible, saying, "we cannot be silent in the face of a video game that promotes killing, violence, intolerance, and a hideously false reading of the Bible."

A recall seems unlikely however, as the company has invested heavily in this, its first game. Earlier this month, the company filed its quarterly financial report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, saying that its net losses since its inception in August of 2002 through the end of September 2006 totaled more than $27 million.

Left Behind Games CEO Troy Lyndon responded to the protest with a statement of his own.

"Those throwing rocks at our game simply haven't played it through," Lyndon said. "There is no 'convert or die' in the game. There is no blood, gore or gratuitous violence of any kind. … Left Behind Games' desire is to have a positive impact on an industry that traditionally has had a dark influence on gamers and the world."

To find out how Left Behind: Eternal Forces plays as a game, check out GameSpot's less-than-heavenly review.

134 Comments

  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted Feb 21, 2007 10:52 pm PT

    the game is so stupid i didnt even know it ever existed. I as a Christian am not worried that people will be changed by this load of bull because 99% of people never knew it even existed. Dont worry Crosswalk etc no one cares about it

  • CookiesCream

    Posted Dec 28, 2006 12:50 am PT

    Hear Hear! Bar it!

  • boo_dat

    Posted Dec 3, 2006 12:44 am PT

    LMAO

  • faizali86

    Posted Dec 1, 2006 3:40 am PT

    i never heard of this game but probably people will start playing this to see what its all about.

  • RaiKageRyu

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 8:26 pm PT

    RE:Santas_Hitman

    Amen to that.

  • Santas_Hitman

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 7:35 pm PT

    :
    if there was no religion in the first place there would be no violence.

    98% of wars are religion/faith based.

    I'm curious to know where you came up with that statistic. But something just tells me you made it up. Most wars are not started by religion/faith, but rather they are started by greed. Religion/faith is just what they use to justify their greed since that is an easy way to convince people they are doing it for "good". Getting rid of religion would do nothing, it would only force people to find another way to justify their greed. Getting rid of greed on the other hand would probably get rid of wars, but we all know thats impossible since greed is an element of human nature.

  • TavLok

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 6:28 pm PT

    "Those throwing rocks at our game simply haven't played it through," Lyndon said. "There is no 'convert or die' in the game. There is no blood, gore or gratuitous violence of any kind. … Left Behind Games' desire is to have a positive impact on an industry that traditionally has had a dark influence on gamers and the world."

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    So christian recruiters with guns patrolling the streets is cool? And everything else in the game industry is having a dark influence on gamers and the world?

  • Canaduckhunt

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 6:18 pm PT

    I've read the book series and they were great but honestly, I have no idea how they would translate into a video game. I wouldn't be too worried about the content of the game because no one is even going to play it. People know Christians don't support the killing of non-christians. I don't know who made this game or what they were thinking, but bottom line, any time wasted playing this game would be a lot better spent reading the actual books.

  • zippyzee

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 6:17 pm PT

    if there was no religion in the first place there would be no violence.

    98% of wars are religion/faith based.

    it ok that the president hese religious nuts worship to kill civilians, but you can't do it in a video game. thats a sin.

  • GTAPsychoFan

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 5:08 pm PT

    no violence and no **** religious catholic game? WTF!? this is stupid, c'mon games with no violence? mmm sims? man i don't know. violence in games is cool, is relaxing,.

  • godoftheds

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 4:33 pm PT

    i hate overly religios folks they are too concerened abut what I beleive

  • JackDelahunt

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 3:47 pm PT

    Religious people need to calm down. if you watch Sounth Park you'll actually see a moral that is quite true (Athiests always crapping out their mouths, lol).

  • Nradd99

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 3:44 pm PT

    "The petition cites the game's manual and in-game tutorial in saying that Eternal Forces involves killing non-Christians and Christians who don't convert to a particular form of Christianity"

    hmmm... sounds a lot like the crusades.

    "...saying the game teaches players that those who seek peace are with the forces of evil."

    What is it that Bush and his born-again cronies have accused anti-war protesters (and many of their opponents, for that matter) of?

    "we cannot be silent in the face of a video game that promotes killing, violence, intolerance, and a hideously false reading of the Bible." Just like the Passion of the Christ? I'm pretty sure these same organizations loved that piece of trash.

    "non-Christian aid workers like doctors and nurses are enemy forces who can be killed."

    Who was it that blew up the abortion clinics again? I don't think it was atheists. "It also points to a passage on the game's Web site that says the Antichrist is "an imposturous one world government"

    Sounds a lot like what our current government is trying to be. I don't mean to suggest that this game reflects Christianity, as most Christians are perfectly sane, reasonable people. However, the games alleged messages do seem similar to some of the things preached by the small minority of religious fanatics in our country, likely those who make up these groups who protest the game.

  • shakery

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 3:24 pm PT

    Shouldn't they be doing something productive, like boycotting homosexual military funerals or something like that instead?





    (it's a joke, chill)

  • Mr_Saturn26

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 3:21 pm PT

    as long as i can play as satans army, all is right with the world.

    why cant religions leave games, movies and anything that has religion in it alone. i dident care when i went to the theather and saw a bunch of nuns saying that the price of the movie ticket to The De vinvci code is my soul. i dont care when they protested agaist merchandizing of the movie The passion of christ, which i did not and did not want to see. i dont care if they want to protest, i would tell them to go ahead. no one cares and people will buy the thing anyway.

  • Lucifer007

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 2:59 pm PT

    oh please like that game would have sold anyway

  • stealthrodent

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 2:29 pm PT

    ....christians pfffff

  • grey-flood

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 2:10 pm PT

    now i can understand that why I dident see any copy of this game in iran.
    however I have lost nothing that was bad.

  • BL1NDS1DE

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:56 pm PT

    I care as much about this news story as i do for this game.

  • Jo-El_Kung

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:50 pm PT

    I read the whole Left Behind book series, and I've never even heard of this game. No wonder it's selling so bad: no one knows it exists.

  • nappan

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:41 pm PT

    "GrimBee: Infact, what they are doing is make MORE people buy this game"

    I'm pretty sure the sales of this game will be disastrous regardless of the press. Every review has been abysmal, and not that I'm saying anything here, but the copy protection stinks. McJesus is free on bittorrent! lol

  • GrimBee

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:39 pm PT

    Sorry guys, just some contradictions here...

    "The petition cites the game's manual and in-game tutorial in saying that Eternal Forces involves killing non-Christians and Christians who don't convert to a particular form of Christianity, teaches teens that activists are "wolves in sheep's clothing," that rock and pop stars are "formidable spiritual opponents," and that non-Christian aid workers like doctors and nurses are enemy forces who can be killed. It also points to a passage on the game's Web site that says the Antichrist is "an imposturous one world government seeking peace for all of mankind,""

    Well... if you say that, then you can say that The Terminator illudes the possibility of a second coming because it doesnt say in revelation that "the machines will rise". Also, apparently the religious references in the matrix trilogy (the nebuchanezer is the name of the ship, for example). Apparently there are no religious groups in that film, and everyone is barely clothed and dances like apes.. maybe they should of boytcotted that premise instead?

    OR, Ghostbusters... aren't spirits supposed to go somewhere else? And not be captured and turned into slime? Why dont they boycott the Ghostbusters for making you believe that when you die, you go around haunting people and making slime all over the place...??

    Honestly, these guys, if they had both faith and WISDOM (both go hand in hand) then they wouldn't just go for the most prolific commercial thing, and attack it.
    Infact, what they are doing is make MORE people buy this game. I mean, if they had ANY inspirations from "god" then wouldn't they know this already?

    Hmm...

  • nappan

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:37 pm PT

    "K1LLSWITCH
    This game is commendable and as a christian I'm happy to see that positive content such as the Left Behind novels is becoming a video game despite if the game sucks or not. "

    What's commendable about a game based on the nuttiest evangelical ideas of what christianity should be, and which is filled with horrible and laughable stereotypes? Lets just get some info here...

    "Enemy units feature college-trained secularists, devils, and foul-mouthed rock stars"

    Ooook... college-trained secularists... so, people with an education who didn't drink the Kool-Aid. Right.

    "Similarly, the game has a 1950s-style attitude about men and women. Only males can become priestlike disciples and handyman builders, whereas only women can become nurses. Female units are actually designated as such and given ridiculous titles like "Friend Woman" and "Medic Woman," a sexual distinction that unsurprisingly isn't extended to their male counterparts. Finally, the game isn't politically correct when it comes to race, either, because a fair number of the bad guys bear Arab and African names."

    Wow, a crazy evangelical game about "the rapture" is both wackily sexist, and blatantly racist... just like the people who buy into this c**p! What a shock. "You seek out these people and directly target the ones you want to save with the recruit ability. If all goes well, he or she will soon be turned into a friend in either a Ned Flanders-like sweater ensemble or a sensible skirt and pumps. These drones can then be sent to training centers for instruction in their new Christ-inspired careers."

    Teeeeerrific. You take the people who are different from you, turn them into absurd charictatures, then send em to "training centers". It would be funnier if there wasn't a huge load of people who would like ot see that happen in real life.

    Yep, a game that comes from a book series that's on the fringe of modern thought filled with stereotypes, sexism, racism and creepy nazi overtones... what's not commendable about that? Pffft.

  • GrimBee

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:25 pm PT

    I consider myself religious, but I hate things like this... its more about "battle of the religions" rather than "battle for peoples lives".
    Christianity, should know that the world is going to be corrupt, etc, etc and that the riteous will be taunted and scrutinized. I mean, faith is all about your own self, and god... end of story. If you feel you need to act in a way as to help people, then so be it.

    I believe that you will feel what is the right thing to do, you go to places like church etc, to feel closer to god, and basically you live life to your best. And when you die, you hope and have faith that the effort you put into the world, will be known in the afterlife....

    Now... im sorry, but films, games, music... pssh! There are far worse things going around than this.
    You know what bugs me; You can safely make a porno, or an extremely violent movie. And alot of religious groups wont say anything.
    But you make a movie or game or song which says something about a religion... and then they go crazy!

    Strange isn't it. If I was in their religion, I first would look at correcting myself before casting the stone. I mean, their own scriptures tell them that people have "free agency" to do as they please. Christ even taught to HELP people who are doing the wrong thing, not to point the finger...

    And another thing, all the effort religious groups put into banning games and films and music... how about people getting killed? raped? beaten? starving? First of all, I would be more concerned about helping people who have suffered a tragedy, or help some dissadvantaged family get on their feet, than waste the resources and energy on something like this.

    Its all well and good protecting your beliefs, but you can never change what other people think of it.
    At the end of the day, it says that Lucifer will do all that he can to turn the world against religion... but you know, this isnt the way to deal with it.
    As christ says "those who are for me, are with me"... maybe they should be more christlike perhaps?



    Er... anyways... So, Gears of war, sounds good doesnt it

  • syxpack

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:19 pm PT

    I have no problems with this game.

    I find it incredibly stupid that there is news on this, like there haven't been worse games on the market.

    The "Christian" groups need to realize games are not going anywhere and if you are going to try and get to that market with your message, what better way than to make an entertaining game.

  • PolishPunisher

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:14 pm PT

    Im a strong Catholic and have no problem with this game being released.

  • K1LLSWITCH

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 1:12 pm PT

    This game is commendable and as a christian I'm happy to see that positive content such as the Left Behind novels is becoming a video game despite if the game sucks or not. But what people of the faith ask is to be represented properly based on the bible. Yes some people don't live life according to the good book but thats between them and God. To not represent a particular faith properly is like replacing "christians" with Nazi's. Well the christians should be happy their game is on the market why complain? Well because we aren't like Nazi's, for instance. Our goal as chrisitans is to live life like God in righteousness. I agree most people think that they're holier than thou and those people don't represent the faith. And those kinds of attitudes is not encouraged.

    As I've stated before if they want to make a game or what not based on a faith, race, etc they need to do it right. Do research and learn what these novels are about let alone what the faith is about.

  • dougcl1979

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 12:29 pm PT

    that's funny considering the most intolerant people I ever came acrossed were christians

  • limafoxtrot

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 12:24 pm PT

    So aren't these some of the highest selling Christian books? At least according to the Left Behind people - wouldn't that mean the books also promote these same things since the game is based on them?

    Oh well - I'm sure Left Behind will enjoy the free advertising and sales boost from these complainers

  • jmartinez1983

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 12:15 pm PT

    I love how so often people get up in arms about games that aren't even good. By protesting this game the Christian groups have given it MUCH more publicity that it ever would have garnered had they left it alone. Same probably for that Rule of the Rose game. Sometimes its better to ignore something bad and let it die than bring it to light and help it thrive... well doesn't really seem like anything will help this game thrive, but you get my point.

  • Lunatic816

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 11:46 am PT

    weeee this is fun!

  • fanboy999

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 11:12 am PT

    I consider myself a Christian and I would never play this game. I've never read the books either. Just because I go to church on most Sundays doesn't mean I can't enjoy games like Gears of War and Call of Duty 3. I know that playing M-rated games is considered bad by some people. I just don't see it. I can clearly distiguish the line between my real life and the games I play. Most action games have violence as a means to stomp out evil. I see nothing wrong with that. Most all shooters I've played focus on the good vs. evil story everytime. The object is that good wins. Who could be against that?

  • Merl57

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 10:56 am PT

    it also promotes horribly crappy, out of touch, not fun, and just plain poorly executed games. What we need is a game like oblivion only your fighting Satan. Violence shouldn't even be an issue ITS NOT THE REAL WORLD ITS A VIDEOGAME. I don't jump on mushrooms and watch their eyes pop out and laugh at them screaming, thats just mario, see what I mean?

  • Unassigned

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 10:41 am PT

    When will people realize that they do not have the civil right NOT to be offended....geez relax already and put your energy elsewhere.

  • mk_2

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 10:40 am PT

    @macacd

    perhaps, because his family really really supports christianity.
    Here's what his father commented about nonbelievers.
    "I don't know that atheists should be regarded as citizens, nor should they be regarded as patriotic. This is one nation under God." says Bush (the first)

    http://www.holysmoke.org/sdhok/aa011.htm
    http://www.robsherman.com/information/liberalnews/2004/0204.htm
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_persecution_by_Christians#United_States

  • cmontyx49

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 10:28 am PT

    I'm sorry, I thought this was America where they can make whatever game they want.

  • K1LLSWITCH

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 10:09 am PT

    nappan I'm not twisting anything. I never said that X religion is right and Y religion is wrong. I just said that if anyone wants to create a christian video game, novel, or anything do it right. Base it on the novels themselves or even base and research the bible, the only one with such a name, to create this video game.

    It's no different than if someone created a game based on sexual preference, creed or race and totally fouling that up based on their perception of either of them. If anybody is going to document or base a game from any of these things do it right. I understand that many of us here on Gamespot don't agree with christianity because of whatever reason. With everything that a person does they need to be respectful with one's religion or background. This story is based on misperceptions of a religion and that a religious sect wants them corrected or eliminated because this video game misrepresents who or what we are. Thats all this is. Truthfully are we going to rush out and purchase this game? No. So why are we getting upset at christians if we don't care about this game?

    I'm not trying to get into a religious debate on who's right and who's wrong. If you want to debate on if the bible is truth or if you want to debate your views of christianity send me a PM.

  • Kravyn81

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:55 am PT

    Very true, Nappan. Nice reply.

  • nappan

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:49 am PT

    "K1LLSWITCH
    Your missing the point Hvac0120 the game is based on a christian novel. Christians don't act or behave in that way. If a developer wants to create a game based on a christian novel or even the bible do it right. "

    No, you don't get it, because you say X is right, and another christian will say X is wrong, and that Y is right. It's the narrow minded view of the fundamentalist or those certain of their correct interpretation of a 2000 year old heavily edited, redacted series of books and such who can say "right" when they talk about religion. A rocket scientist can say they were right about theory when they succeed in putting their machine in orbit, religion... is all opinion.

    Which bible are you talking about anyhow? The Torah and related books, which are 5k+ years old? The re-write called the bible, which was put together over hundreds of years, with parts added or removed or edited in the first 700 or so years of it's life to please various kings and emperors? Or the King James version, which is the most recent "correct" bible? Or maybe you just mean the "right" that is the interpretation of your particular sect of christianity or congregation.


    The sad fact is that christianity is as fractured and based in sects as any other religion, and more so than some. Right... pffft, what is right after all? Pure hypocrisy.

  • gozalo

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:46 am PT

    lol, christians

  • chuchogalot

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:39 am PT

    Awsome, you can play as Satan army

  • K1LLSWITCH

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:37 am PT

    Your missing the point Hvac0120 the game is based on a christian novel. Christians don't act or behave in that way. If a developer wants to create a game based on a christian novel or even the bible do it right.

  • Kravyn81

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:37 am PT

    Christians hating on fellow Christians

    It's ARMAGEDDON!!!!

  • K1LLSWITCH

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:34 am PT

    This article is still up in the air as the details isn't presented. Christians want to be represented correctly. It's no different with any religion whether if it's a documentary or a video game, research is needed in order to do any of these things. To me, as a christian, a Left Behind video game is a bad idea as there really isn't any point in terms of gameplay. The books and movies is pure dialogue how can one insert any action? But christians have a right, just as Burger King has a right, to create video games if they want to.

    The misrepresentation of christians in this Left Behind video game is one of many problems we have today in this country and around the world. Slowly we're being hated while our rights are being taken away by the day. Heck we can't even call the upcoming holiday Christmas anymore. Without Christmas, and the meaning behind it, whats the point of celebrating? Again this is one of many problems that we face everyday.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:24 am PT

    When are people finally going to realize that these are games...

    GAMES!!!!!!!

    Things that you can do in a virtual world, that may or may not be moral, correct, or the right thing to do in the real world.

    There are EDUCATIONAL games that do TEACH math, science, reading, ect, but this type of game is not to TEACH.

    Most games are not TEACHING MATERIAL.

    If I want to create a game that has nuns running around in thong bakinis selling their asses to devils who worship god and kill babies, then I can and it can be a great game, but IN NOW WAY would I be TEACHING gamers that these activities should or are happening.

    Go eat some bread, drink some wine and relax, If you don't want your kids playing the game do what you should be doing an...

    BE A PARENT!!!

    Watch what your kids play and check with your childrens-friends-parents about what games they are playing at their friends houses. Explain to your children that games are for fun and not something you do in real life.

    If you BE A PARENT, your kids will grow up just fine!

  • LexLas

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 9:20 am PT

    There are so many different point of views in religion that it will never be in one's favor in the right direction. Even people in their own religion don't agree on specifics of their religion so this does not suprise me. I myself have not read this article and will not play any religious games as I know it won't be what I expect and for good reason religion should not be made into any type of games ?? I have never seen a board game called get Jesus to the cross ???? or anything in that prospective ??? It makes no sense ???
    It's like saying lets play a game in which we say what our government and irs do with our money ?? The answer will never really be what is going on, because we really don't know, just like religion there are too many different beliefs ???

  • nappan

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 8:48 am PT

    People here keep talking about going around killing, but the spooky thing is that the game doesn't have you killing, but converting and brainwashing. Frankly I'd prefer the killing, which is a MUCH more honest portrayal of how religions (christianity included) have "converted" in the past.


    No no... in this game you convert people to your side then send them training camps (hahah... nothing creepy about that *gulp*) and turn them into friendly units. Frankly it makes me weep for a good old fashioned bloodbath.


    "fanboy999
    I'm a Christian and I would not play any "Christian" games. I go to church to learn more about my religion. I play games for fun and escape from the reality of this world. And no, I'm not a nut like some of you make all Christians out to be."

    Understand fanboy999, with a few exceptions no one here is really calling you a nut. It's fundamentalist, evangelical etc christians who are at issue. I admit that personally I would add the catholic church into that mix, but every religion has it's extremes and orthdoxies. Personally, I'm jewish, and agnostic and I cannot claim that religion plays a prominant role in my life except where being horrified by what our government is doing in denial of the principles of the seperation of church and state. You seem like a reasonable person who happens to believe things which I do not... I can live with that. It's the kind of person who isn't content to believe what they want to believe, but feels a need to make me believe as well that I have a problem with, and I think that goes for most of the people in this board.

  • Bill-Rizer

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 8:30 am PT

    Oh please, here we go again . . . let's protest a game and raise a big stink simply because we don't think is morally correct. DON'T PREACH TO ME! I will be the one who decides what is morally correct to me, not some person standing in front of a crowd of people wearing a fancy cloak calling himself a preacher of God's word. If you don't like the game, don't buy it, don't play it, but please, don't try to convert the rest of us into believing what you believe because THAT is morally incorrect. They call this game a "hideously false reading of the Bible", well ALL readings of the bible could be considered that! Who are you to say that your reading is the correct one!?!? Gimme a break.

  • michelle_moraes

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 8:20 am PT

    Those people who distort Christianity... oh well. Hopefully it won't sell well.

  • MWRHC

    Posted Nov 30, 2006 8:16 am PT

    *GASP* a T game? most unholy!....ok time to go back to Zelda TP

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