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Agreed 100% my friend. I'd love to sit down with these people and list the pro-/con statistics of religion vs Halo.
when I went to primary school we had Chapel services every saturday, but fortunately due to all the RPG's I had played I had learnt that any religion would use my faith to create a giant demon to destroy the planet or that they were some group of people trying to hypnotise everyone or they were an evil cult that wanted to infect me with a parasite and so on.
I agree with you 100% I've brought this subject up with my friends a million times (I bitch about the way the church works all the time) I think it's completely fuxed up... things really need to change.. :\
Don't wuss out and say "not that I mean to insult anybody's faith". You do. In fact, you did, don't run and hide now.
E-Extra:
You don't know me very well if you think I'm worried about upsetting people. Trust me, I'm really not. I just don't agree with insulting people's personal beliefs when I can insult an entire indoctrination process.
Now, if you have an actual problem with what I said, by all means come out and say it, but leave the strawman behind, m'kay?
You don't know me very well if you think I'm worried about upsetting people. Trust me, I'm really not. I just don't agree with insulting people's personal beliefs when I can insult an entire indoctrination process.
Now, if you have an actual problem with what I said, by all means come out and say it, but leave the strawman behind, m'kay?
“If you want to connect with young teenage boys and drag them into church, free alcohol and pornographic movies would do it,” said James Tonkowich, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, a nonprofit group that assesses denominational policies. “My own take is you can do better than that.”
Last time I checked, church's do give out free alcohol (during communion) and pornography (check out the Sodom and Gomorrah stories in the bible some day). So, good on the church for embracing its heritage of booze and pornographic sex.
Last time I checked, church's do give out free alcohol (during communion) and pornography (check out the Sodom and Gomorrah stories in the bible some day). So, good on the church for embracing its heritage of booze and pornographic sex.
Heh heh. Pastor Chief! Heh heh!
I love it.
That is a crate full of hippos if every I did see one. Maybe they can host a big Resistance: Fall of Jesus tournament in Manchester Cathedral too?
I love it.
That is a crate full of hippos if every I did see one. Maybe they can host a big Resistance: Fall of Jesus tournament in Manchester Cathedral too?
Let me guess, the Prophet of Truth gets explained as the Prophet Muhammed? And Master Chief is Jesus, who sacrifices/risks his life in all 3 games to save mankind? But then he can't really die forever, because he has a Faith shield that regenerates if he stops fighting to pray for a few seconds. And let's not forget Cortana, biblical whore of the Gravemind.
"But Sir, why does Jesus kill Grunts in the back when they are turning the other cheek and running away?"
'Because they backstabbed us on 7/7, little Charles'
O, the joys of a manipulated world-view!
"But Sir, why does Jesus kill Grunts in the back when they are turning the other cheek and running away?"
'Because they backstabbed us on 7/7, little Charles'
O, the joys of a manipulated world-view!
It's really sad that a videogame blog, and an excellent one at that, is turned into an anti-Christian mouthpiece. I will write it off to immaturity. Yes, Christian evangelists try to spread the word...including to children. Wow...what a travesty! They actually are trying to spread a positive spiritual message to help people live healthier lives...how utterly horrible of them. I usually love Destructoid, and I defend it when the PC crowd jumps all over it for no reason...but this time you are dead wrong.
Believe it or not, the majority of gamers in the United States are indeed Christians. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Believe it or not, the majority of gamers in the United States are indeed Christians. Sorry to burst your bubble.
"I usually love Destructoid, and I defend it when the PC crowd jumps all over it for no reason...but this time you are dead wrong."
Translation: It's okay for Destructoid editors to have opinions unless they're opinions that personally offend me, then I'll just write them off.
Yeah, THAT's mature. The Christian friends I have would rather debate with me than write me off and bury their heads in the sand, but thanks anyway.
Translation: It's okay for Destructoid editors to have opinions unless they're opinions that personally offend me, then I'll just write them off.
Yeah, THAT's mature. The Christian friends I have would rather debate with me than write me off and bury their heads in the sand, but thanks anyway.
I remember my church (5 years ago when I still went there) had a Youth Group Halo 2 match once. I thought it was pretty random and nonreligious at the time, but I didn't think it was a widespread issue or anything.
I think that religion should be taught to kids. But not in a fun way. In a boring, crammit down your throat method. That way, kids are insulated from the brain changing effects or religion. Think vaccine. Most of the best anti-religion or anti-religious organization friends of mine were made that way. And some of the most devout ones were ones that "Discovered" religion in University (or College for you Americanoes) where public school kids.
I can honestly say, Catholic school made me into a free thinking man. And those who didn't make it into the realm of free thinking? When making flour, you have to separate the chaff from the wheat.
I can honestly say, Catholic school made me into a free thinking man. And those who didn't make it into the realm of free thinking? When making flour, you have to separate the chaff from the wheat.
i'm an atheist but this is entry is entirely retarded. a church's primary goal is redemption and salvation of individuals. it's in the bible that you should go out and spread the word -- that is to say, establish places of worship where people can meet and hold church. if it takes a simple childish video game to attract the flock, then so be it. it's not deceptive if you're up front about it -- come play halo 3 and maybe hear about god, too. also, i see no issue in wanting children to learn and worship god based on how their peers and family do it in church. it's a form of indoctrination into that social sphere.
if you are religious and believe in god, you will want your children to as well -- everyone is assuming that there is a god and he is the only god to be worshiped. if you're an outside body not involved in the indoctrination of the young, then your opinion really doesn't matter two shits. everyone that attempts to get the young to worship the god of the parents' choice do so not from a malicious intent; it's quite the opposite.
it would be a much scarier country (that what it already is) if parents were not allowed to indoctrinate their children into their chosen religions. that would be the revocation of a liberty. that is unacceptable. so it is an acceptable evil to allow religion to propagate as such. really, you're beef is with religion and not with the benign methods of the religious to do what they feel is right.
you're bitching and their doing something. if you really felt hard about the thing you're trying to feign anger toward, you'd do something about it than sit on your fat ass and blog.
if you are religious and believe in god, you will want your children to as well -- everyone is assuming that there is a god and he is the only god to be worshiped. if you're an outside body not involved in the indoctrination of the young, then your opinion really doesn't matter two shits. everyone that attempts to get the young to worship the god of the parents' choice do so not from a malicious intent; it's quite the opposite.
it would be a much scarier country (that what it already is) if parents were not allowed to indoctrinate their children into their chosen religions. that would be the revocation of a liberty. that is unacceptable. so it is an acceptable evil to allow religion to propagate as such. really, you're beef is with religion and not with the benign methods of the religious to do what they feel is right.
you're bitching and their doing something. if you really felt hard about the thing you're trying to feign anger toward, you'd do something about it than sit on your fat ass and blog.
@Jim Sterling
Oh I am not about to write you off...I do hope you see the light some day. I am just saying, often destructoid makes offbeat, unpopular assertions and you are a lone voice in the wilderness that is...well, right However, for a videogame site to have an editorial that goes out of its way to make anti-Christian comments...it's non-sensical, and you have no idea how many of your readers you are insulting. Do I think that using Halo is a bit strange as a choice of evangelical tool...yeah I agree with you to a point. However, I really feel to turn that into some reason for indicting all organized religion is ridiculous and weak. Your post was more of a rant, a venting if you will...and I am not sure what is doing on a videogame blog site. It's insulting to the many of us who practice our faith.
God bless you.
Oh I am not about to write you off...I do hope you see the light some day. I am just saying, often destructoid makes offbeat, unpopular assertions and you are a lone voice in the wilderness that is...well, right However, for a videogame site to have an editorial that goes out of its way to make anti-Christian comments...it's non-sensical, and you have no idea how many of your readers you are insulting. Do I think that using Halo is a bit strange as a choice of evangelical tool...yeah I agree with you to a point. However, I really feel to turn that into some reason for indicting all organized religion is ridiculous and weak. Your post was more of a rant, a venting if you will...and I am not sure what is doing on a videogame blog site. It's insulting to the many of us who practice our faith.
God bless you.
I may not be one bit religious, but even I can see that the idiots that do this are just debasing their religion further. Yes, Halo 3 is an amazing game, and a fuckton of fun. But, far as I know, church is supposed to be neither. It's a place of worship, where you can go to be fulfilled in life. And again, far as I know, Halo 3 is neither of those. Unless you're a really hardcore fanboy. In which case, go get laid.
and for the sake of posterity:
if the churches can't use halo 3, then what can they use to attract young kids?
anyone ever see Sleepers?
if the churches can't use halo 3, then what can they use to attract young kids?
anyone ever see Sleepers?
If you're seriously deep with religion, stop playing video games period except for 'The Bible Game'. Don't act as if this is the first time anyone ever offended you.
On the other hand, ive havent been to church for years but..
"In providing Halo, churches are permitting access to adult-themed material that young people cannot buy on their own."
That may change ;)
On the other hand, ive havent been to church for years but..
"In providing Halo, churches are permitting access to adult-themed material that young people cannot buy on their own."
That may change ;)
Ok... I am religious, and think this is like Hanzel & Gretel. Where the witch leads them into her house to make them dinner. They should let young minds choose wether or not to do right or wrong thing. Not unless it's a HighSchool aged youth group. Then I could see MAYBE letting Master N' Chief inside the church. Not to have them advertise Halo 3 nights @ Church...
If you think the church "fishing" for souls is bad... What about those little unknown reports of the U.S. Army & "The Deciders' War Machine". Trying to recruit roadside bomb victims to Iraq & their ranks.......... THAT's My Friends is LAME!
If you think the church "fishing" for souls is bad... What about those little unknown reports of the U.S. Army & "The Deciders' War Machine". Trying to recruit roadside bomb victims to Iraq & their ranks.......... THAT's My Friends is LAME!
i don't understand where this notion that church is supposed to be unfun comes from. you people are all sorts of messed up. back in the day, i didn't find church to be particularly full of bible thumping end of the world types. granted i went to a liberal church, but hey, you can't all be losers who were raised on fire and brimstone.
Oh behave, Gareson. No body is above ridicule, not even the high almighty church or you. In a free interweb and mostly world, I'll hold my right to ridicule the church anyday. Many religions have an air of hypocrisy about them, and in regard to this Halo biz is no different. So you are saying we can criticise politicians, but because people of faith walk their righteous path, we can't. That's utter bs, whether you are offended or not, I care not.
While it not okay to fight in a hospital come church in Resistance, exceptions prevail when concerning Halo. Double standards again, that play in the churches favour.
I used to hate sunday school, because as a child you'd rather be out playing with your friends. If parents were realists, they'd give their son/daughter a presentation of all religions as well as the option for none, and ask them what they think. Indoctrination is too easy, it scary. Apparently, if I don't support 'god's club' I'm a sinner (what a cop out), instead of telling the truth that;s its really to increase numbers and presence.
I'm very glad I'm an atheist, because I can see the good and bad points of all religions with an objective mind. Offended, then be offended, I don't mind, but I'll listen to you if you have a good point to make with your own brain and not the churches hive mind.
Organised religion is all that's wrong with the world. Without it we'd be much better off.
'Hey, you, preacher, leave our games alone.'
While it not okay to fight in a hospital come church in Resistance, exceptions prevail when concerning Halo. Double standards again, that play in the churches favour.
I used to hate sunday school, because as a child you'd rather be out playing with your friends. If parents were realists, they'd give their son/daughter a presentation of all religions as well as the option for none, and ask them what they think. Indoctrination is too easy, it scary. Apparently, if I don't support 'god's club' I'm a sinner (what a cop out), instead of telling the truth that;s its really to increase numbers and presence.
I'm very glad I'm an atheist, because I can see the good and bad points of all religions with an objective mind. Offended, then be offended, I don't mind, but I'll listen to you if you have a good point to make with your own brain and not the churches hive mind.
Organised religion is all that's wrong with the world. Without it we'd be much better off.
'Hey, you, preacher, leave our games alone.'
This is the reason i'm Atheist. The church has gone to using cheap tricks to hook people into the religion they follow. We aren't talking about a social club. We are talking about a life changing decision here. It's like the recruitment rates being low for the army so they used Halo 3. It's like no one cares about what they are doing in the world anymore. It makes me really sad that a staple for power and "compassion" is using such cheap tricks to bring in seat fillers. We need to stop this somehow.
Halo brings people across the world together, in a fun competitive environment where ultimately no harm is caused.
Religion brings people together to condemn, preach and blow the actual crap out of actual other people.
Might sound like an immature conclusion, but while the debate can be batted back and forth endlessly, thats what it boils down to.
Religion brings people together to condemn, preach and blow the actual crap out of actual other people.
Might sound like an immature conclusion, but while the debate can be batted back and forth endlessly, thats what it boils down to.
to deathsaw - that's a pisspoor reason to be an atheist -- it's like you're choosing not to believe as if belief is a choice. a true atheist doesn't believe out of logic and reason.
Nice to see some debate going on here. It's an interesting topic whether you agree with my opinion or not.
I stand my my piece not being "retarded". I find it creepy that kids are being lured to Church with the promise of free games. As someone who attended these kinds of "let's make church fun for kids" groups as a child, I wholly disapprove of the confusion of a young mind.
Go watch Jesus Camp. You'll see what I mean about kids being used as clay.
I stand my my piece not being "retarded". I find it creepy that kids are being lured to Church with the promise of free games. As someone who attended these kinds of "let's make church fun for kids" groups as a child, I wholly disapprove of the confusion of a young mind.
Go watch Jesus Camp. You'll see what I mean about kids being used as clay.
While I don't agree with the practice but, I'd rather have a congregation that finds a positive way to videogames, like.. ya know.. luring kids to the church with them, then just deem them as the 'devil's tools' like many other churches (at least one's I've seen) do.
The fact that they have to use video games to lure children instead of actual honest methods really shows they need to update their ideas, because it looks as if they're getting quite irrelevant (I'm a Christian and I'm saying this too).
But this certainly isn't the first time I've seen video games used as a recruiting tool. Every few weeks army recruits come with a huge gaming system with some Xbox game. The kids at my school just need to uh... sign the tiny army paper and get in the back of the van.
Videogames= the new 'free candy'.
The fact that they have to use video games to lure children instead of actual honest methods really shows they need to update their ideas, because it looks as if they're getting quite irrelevant (I'm a Christian and I'm saying this too).
But this certainly isn't the first time I've seen video games used as a recruiting tool. Every few weeks army recruits come with a huge gaming system with some Xbox game. The kids at my school just need to uh... sign the tiny army paper and get in the back of the van.
Videogames= the new 'free candy'.
Just to let you know, people have been doing this for a while.
Counter-Strike, World of Warcraft, hell, there are even prayer meetings in StarCraft lobbies.
I don't know why you guys think this is such a terrible thing. It's not like these pastors are forcing people to enter their church and pray. They're telling the kids about Jesus. And let's be honest here. The people playing Halo 3 are either old enough to make their own decision about God, or so immature, they would just call the pastor a "shitcock".
I'm a Christian, but I won't get all pissy about someone insulting my religion. I'm so used to it, I think I've grown an immunity.
But don't bash these people for trying to spread what they believe to be a good thing. Young teenagers are definitely old enough to explore religion and the idea of God.
Counter-Strike, World of Warcraft, hell, there are even prayer meetings in StarCraft lobbies.
I don't know why you guys think this is such a terrible thing. It's not like these pastors are forcing people to enter their church and pray. They're telling the kids about Jesus. And let's be honest here. The people playing Halo 3 are either old enough to make their own decision about God, or so immature, they would just call the pastor a "shitcock".
I'm a Christian, but I won't get all pissy about someone insulting my religion. I'm so used to it, I think I've grown an immunity.
But don't bash these people for trying to spread what they believe to be a good thing. Young teenagers are definitely old enough to explore religion and the idea of God.
I disagree overall, though I can agree with the supposed hypocracy. I am a christian, who is staying home from church today to do workan is on break. But churchs in general have a warped sense of what is right and what is wrong, basing things sometimes without any guidance on the bible itself.
But as I've argued in Sunday School, many of the things that are deemed immorral, have no founding in the bible. I had people say that certain things in my life are not very Christian of me. So I ask for them to prove it and they can't.
If this is just a church reaching out to the youth, that is okay IMHO. I joked about having a movie night in my Church and how we should show Terminator 2 just to separate ourselves from the typical views of Baptists. But we don't have a tv or projector so, for now atleast, it is a no go.
But as I've argued in Sunday School, many of the things that are deemed immorral, have no founding in the bible. I had people say that certain things in my life are not very Christian of me. So I ask for them to prove it and they can't.
If this is just a church reaching out to the youth, that is okay IMHO. I joked about having a movie night in my Church and how we should show Terminator 2 just to separate ourselves from the typical views of Baptists. But we don't have a tv or projector so, for now atleast, it is a no go.
Is it so wrong that they want the kids to have fun? Play a bit of Halo 3, KNOWING IT IS A VIDEO GAME, and then learn about God and the bible? I mean it is a simple FPS, it isn't like Manhunt 2.
Christianity is so much more palatable when it's a purely spiritual endeavor. Once it becomes organized into "religion" I have a big problem. I knew someone who was a Christian friend -- awesome person whose relationship with God was completely personal. Then she got sucked into a Church and her whole view on faith became warped. She became guilt ridden and started telling her son she loves God more than him, making the kid cry.
Where before, spirituality was just a part of her life, now it IS her life. Believe me or not, I do have respect for a great deal of cool Christians who don't let their religion rule them completely. However, I find the whole idea of Church insidious and corrupt. Sorry, but that's just me.
Where before, spirituality was just a part of her life, now it IS her life. Believe me or not, I do have respect for a great deal of cool Christians who don't let their religion rule them completely. However, I find the whole idea of Church insidious and corrupt. Sorry, but that's just me.
Ok, maybe I should have read the post a little more clearly prior.
I was under the impression that the article was about people spreading the Gospel THROUGH Halo3, as in through voice chat in game.
Maybe I was a little understanding of how someone wouldn't like that, but just having a Halo night at church? I don't see what all the fuss is about.
I know for a fact that my local Southern Baptist church (Which I stay far away from, regardless) has a gameroom where kids hang out and such after Biblestudy. This includes a 360 and Halo 3.
This isn't manipulation. It's just religious socialization. Hang out with other Christian kids, make your faith a little stronger.
This is definitely not worthy of an outcry.
I was under the impression that the article was about people spreading the Gospel THROUGH Halo3, as in through voice chat in game.
Maybe I was a little understanding of how someone wouldn't like that, but just having a Halo night at church? I don't see what all the fuss is about.
I know for a fact that my local Southern Baptist church (Which I stay far away from, regardless) has a gameroom where kids hang out and such after Biblestudy. This includes a 360 and Halo 3.
This isn't manipulation. It's just religious socialization. Hang out with other Christian kids, make your faith a little stronger.
This is definitely not worthy of an outcry.
Among parents at the Colorado Community Church, Doug Graham, a pediatric oncologist with a 12-year-old son, said that he was not aware of the game’s M rating and that it gave him pause. He said he felt that parents should be actively involved in deciding whether minors play an M-rated game. “Every family should have a conversation about it,” he said.
This is the story. Forget the religious bullshit, once again we have uninformed parents allowing their children to play games why may be unsuitable for them. Personally I think the only corrupting influence on a kid playing Halo is he might think Halo is a good FPS and not derivative wank, but that's up for the parents to decide.
This is the story. Forget the religious bullshit, once again we have uninformed parents allowing their children to play games why may be unsuitable for them. Personally I think the only corrupting influence on a kid playing Halo is he might think Halo is a good FPS and not derivative wank, but that's up for the parents to decide.
Uptonogood
Who are you to say any reason to believe anything is pisspoor? I really believe because the christian faith can tell me what happens when I die. You can't tell me what happens. No one knows. Yet, ask a Christian and they can describe every detail of the afterlife to you, even what kind of potato salad there will be. This is only reinforcing it. I believe in science, not a flying spaghetti monster. God did it is not acceptable to me. Now, they want to have kids play halo 3 just so they can tell them God did it. If I offend people by what I say:So be it. I make my own choices in like as to what I want to do based off of logic and reason(sometimes) and this absolute insult is making kids think god exists because they played with him in Halo 3. So do not question why I believe because you ARE NOT me.
Who are you to say any reason to believe anything is pisspoor? I really believe because the christian faith can tell me what happens when I die. You can't tell me what happens. No one knows. Yet, ask a Christian and they can describe every detail of the afterlife to you, even what kind of potato salad there will be. This is only reinforcing it. I believe in science, not a flying spaghetti monster. God did it is not acceptable to me. Now, they want to have kids play halo 3 just so they can tell them God did it. If I offend people by what I say:So be it. I make my own choices in like as to what I want to do based off of logic and reason(sometimes) and this absolute insult is making kids think god exists because they played with him in Halo 3. So do not question why I believe because you ARE NOT me.
I agree deiga-the-semivaliant. Yes, we could sit here and criticize religion all day (I've got a few complaints of my own) but really, we should look at this a a blessing in disguise. Here is a religious organization (no matter how small) making an informed choice on videogames and is using it to help connect with youth.
On a slightly side note. I'm working with 4th graders and I'm cracking up since so many of the guys have played or are playing one of the Halo series of games (Some only have 1&2) and they freak out because I staighten them out over things like the Flood are NOT zombies.
On a slightly side note. I'm working with 4th graders and I'm cracking up since so many of the guys have played or are playing one of the Halo series of games (Some only have 1&2) and they freak out because I staighten them out over things like the Flood are NOT zombies.
Deathsaw.
You seem to leaping a little bit here. They are using it as a recruiting tool, not as a justification of Christianity in and of itself. In fact in the article there are questions being posed by the people who are having Halo night. If you think the kids are stupid enough to believe that they played Halo 3 with god, then they need to be in a "Special Classroom" filled with "Special Kids" just like them.
This is nothing more than attempting to connect to the youth using something that they already like. See Christian Rock as another example.
You seem to leaping a little bit here. They are using it as a recruiting tool, not as a justification of Christianity in and of itself. In fact in the article there are questions being posed by the people who are having Halo night. If you think the kids are stupid enough to believe that they played Halo 3 with god, then they need to be in a "Special Classroom" filled with "Special Kids" just like them.
This is nothing more than attempting to connect to the youth using something that they already like. See Christian Rock as another example.
Amen! Not only religion, I'm opposed to indoctrinating kids into society because it deprives them of the choice to act on their animal instincts. Also, by teaching them language, we constrict and shape their play-doh minds before they can exercise the right to choose what they are and are not exposed to in life, so I reject that.
Frankly, we need more children like Batboy.
Frankly, we need more children like Batboy.
Christianity and Catholicism is full of Hypocrisy no matter how you look at it.. it's even in the bible itself...
(run away now)
Exodus 20:2-17
3 you shall have no other gods before me.
4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me,
6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
(that was longer then I wanted it to be :\ sorry)
and then we go to this:
Gelations Ch. 5
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, jealousies, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
.... I thought God was incapable of Sin?
and to finish this probably pointless post, how many full on wars were caused because of Organized religion in General (and yes I'm including Christians and Catholics, don't just say "it's all those damn Muslims!)
sorry about that.... I just wanted to point that out...
(run away now)
Exodus 20:2-17
3 you shall have no other gods before me.
4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me,
6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.
(that was longer then I wanted it to be :\ sorry)
and then we go to this:
Gelations Ch. 5
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, jealousies, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
.... I thought God was incapable of Sin?
and to finish this probably pointless post, how many full on wars were caused because of Organized religion in General (and yes I'm including Christians and Catholics, don't just say "it's all those damn Muslims!)
sorry about that.... I just wanted to point that out...
I could go all day on this one, but I think the only thing I want to comment on regarding all the comments....heh. Using a fun tool to draw in the unshaped and innocent minds of children into the warm embrace of the Lord ~sneezes~ is one thing. Using a game that illustrates many of the things that are counter to the doctrine of the Holy Word ~coughs~ is quite another. The hipocracy doesn't rest in the idea of using video games or video game nights to draw in the kiddies like flies to the Theological shit-pile. It's the vehicle being used.
Granted Halo 3 is the big hot thing all the kids are drooling over like dogs for a big slab of steak, but it's a matter of course, if you're going to sacrifice your morales for recruitment at least do it with something that even remotely comes close to the stipulations from on high. Though who knows, I suppose Halo could be painted as a real Old Testament in eye for an eye, so that's sellable by a good lawyer and your lock con artist, but still. The Church can spread it's love, all well and good, more power to them, but at least they should use something that makes sense, rather then using violent video games that they protest against out one side of their pious mouths and now try to lure in the kids out the other.
Me, I'll remain faithful to the Church of the Divine Orgasm, at least that makes sense to me.
Granted Halo 3 is the big hot thing all the kids are drooling over like dogs for a big slab of steak, but it's a matter of course, if you're going to sacrifice your morales for recruitment at least do it with something that even remotely comes close to the stipulations from on high. Though who knows, I suppose Halo could be painted as a real Old Testament in eye for an eye, so that's sellable by a good lawyer and your lock con artist, but still. The Church can spread it's love, all well and good, more power to them, but at least they should use something that makes sense, rather then using violent video games that they protest against out one side of their pious mouths and now try to lure in the kids out the other.
Me, I'll remain faithful to the Church of the Divine Orgasm, at least that makes sense to me.
omgzorz.. I just thought of another way the church can get new members!!! the Christian church can host a Dimmu Borgir concert!!! that makes perfect sense!!!
(PLEASE tell me you know who Dimmu Borgir is)
(PLEASE tell me you know who Dimmu Borgir is)
@Jim
Based on what you said there, I don't think you have any idea on what the Church is or does (or even Christianity for that matter). You're grouping "Church" as if there were one church. In reality, there are many different kinds of churches on there. Protestant churches, despite being labeled as "Baptist" or "Evangelical" simply tend to depend on what the Pastor thinks about the Bible and Christ. Because Protestants focus more on individual interpretation, each of these individual churches should be a bit different. But even though they are different, they shouldn't be too different. The exception of course are crazy pastors that have really weird beliefs, but when it comes down to it, this isn't extremely common. The Catholic and Orthdox church on the other hand does not go into individual interpretation, so all interpretations are studied carefully and determined by the Vatican and so on. Now before you or anyone else says something idiotic about Priests molesting boys, everything is still ultimately human. There are going to be bad priests out there, but when looking at it, the number of them really isn't that high.
I don't know why they're using Halo 3 as an evangelical tool (because even you didn't clarify that, you just mentioned that they did and felt necessary to go on an anti-Christian rant). It sounds a bit strange, but honestly, it's probably something innocent. Just a youth group getting together and having fun. I don't see what's wrong about that. You're talking about Christ as if it were a bad thing. What, so when I'm a parent, I'm supposed to go against my teachings that Christ is our salvation? I'm supposed to keep my children uneducated about the works of God simply because they're not old enough to understand the works of the many philosophers, scientists, and theologians that connect faith and reason? Your logic is that we shouldn't teach kids basic math because we should wait until they're old enough to learn Calculus and Differential Equations. Bullshit. All education has to start somewhere, be it math or religion. When Children are educated about the works of God, they are taught the basics. As they get older, they can advance towards the more advanced stuff. What's wrong with teaching kids the basics and moving on to the more advanced stuff as they get older? It's not like Christian education teaches kids the basics and expects them to be complete. Once a Christian knows the basics and gets old enough to understand complex thinking, that's when they can move on to Plato, Aristotle, Kreeft, C.S. Lewis, etc. etc. etc.
I could elaborate on all of that a lot more, but I'm not going to because this is a videogames blog, and I agree with absolutely everything that Gareson said. Using Halo as an evangelical tool is a bit odd, and I would like to know how they're using it, however, using that as a reason to go on an anti-Christian rant is both irresponsible and disgusting.
Would you harass people based on their race? What about their sexual orientation? If not, then why is it that harassing people based on their religious beliefs is ok? Religious views are not political views. Christianity is a lifestyle that many people share, and it is not something a person goes in and out of or changes as if it were a political view on something similar. The only thing you're doing here is insulting Dtoid's Christian readers and giving way for the anti-Christians on here to insult us as well. Look at this thread. The moment any Christian enters trying to defend his or her faith, they are immediately zerg rushed with stupid, mocking comments. By insulting Christians readers, you're also insulting their friends and family.
This is a videogames blog, why does a thread have to go into Religion bashing? Why does it have to create a Christians vs non-Christians arena? Why should a group readers have to be offended and outcasted just because of their religious belief and lifestyle choice?
Based on what you said there, I don't think you have any idea on what the Church is or does (or even Christianity for that matter). You're grouping "Church" as if there were one church. In reality, there are many different kinds of churches on there. Protestant churches, despite being labeled as "Baptist" or "Evangelical" simply tend to depend on what the Pastor thinks about the Bible and Christ. Because Protestants focus more on individual interpretation, each of these individual churches should be a bit different. But even though they are different, they shouldn't be too different. The exception of course are crazy pastors that have really weird beliefs, but when it comes down to it, this isn't extremely common. The Catholic and Orthdox church on the other hand does not go into individual interpretation, so all interpretations are studied carefully and determined by the Vatican and so on. Now before you or anyone else says something idiotic about Priests molesting boys, everything is still ultimately human. There are going to be bad priests out there, but when looking at it, the number of them really isn't that high.
I don't know why they're using Halo 3 as an evangelical tool (because even you didn't clarify that, you just mentioned that they did and felt necessary to go on an anti-Christian rant). It sounds a bit strange, but honestly, it's probably something innocent. Just a youth group getting together and having fun. I don't see what's wrong about that. You're talking about Christ as if it were a bad thing. What, so when I'm a parent, I'm supposed to go against my teachings that Christ is our salvation? I'm supposed to keep my children uneducated about the works of God simply because they're not old enough to understand the works of the many philosophers, scientists, and theologians that connect faith and reason? Your logic is that we shouldn't teach kids basic math because we should wait until they're old enough to learn Calculus and Differential Equations. Bullshit. All education has to start somewhere, be it math or religion. When Children are educated about the works of God, they are taught the basics. As they get older, they can advance towards the more advanced stuff. What's wrong with teaching kids the basics and moving on to the more advanced stuff as they get older? It's not like Christian education teaches kids the basics and expects them to be complete. Once a Christian knows the basics and gets old enough to understand complex thinking, that's when they can move on to Plato, Aristotle, Kreeft, C.S. Lewis, etc. etc. etc.
I could elaborate on all of that a lot more, but I'm not going to because this is a videogames blog, and I agree with absolutely everything that Gareson said. Using Halo as an evangelical tool is a bit odd, and I would like to know how they're using it, however, using that as a reason to go on an anti-Christian rant is both irresponsible and disgusting.
Would you harass people based on their race? What about their sexual orientation? If not, then why is it that harassing people based on their religious beliefs is ok? Religious views are not political views. Christianity is a lifestyle that many people share, and it is not something a person goes in and out of or changes as if it were a political view on something similar. The only thing you're doing here is insulting Dtoid's Christian readers and giving way for the anti-Christians on here to insult us as well. Look at this thread. The moment any Christian enters trying to defend his or her faith, they are immediately zerg rushed with stupid, mocking comments. By insulting Christians readers, you're also insulting their friends and family.
This is a videogames blog, why does a thread have to go into Religion bashing? Why does it have to create a Christians vs non-Christians arena? Why should a group readers have to be offended and outcasted just because of their religious belief and lifestyle choice?
Maybe we could get a cblog spinoff for discussion?
People tend to have strong feelings either for or against religion, and dammit Dtoid, you're tearing the front page apart!
People tend to have strong feelings either for or against religion, and dammit Dtoid, you're tearing the front page apart!
@kyttie
Your post is idiotic and shows that you have not even read the Bible. I've read the Bible, and unlike you I know the context of those selected passages, and there's absolutely no "contradiction" there, hell, your point in and of itself doesn't even fit anywhere with that. This is why I chose to ignore the bulk of the comments here. Besides the pointless Christian flames, there are posts like yours that are beyond uneducated.
If you were in College and you wrote a 10 page essay about a book you've never even read, wouldn't that make it an automatic fail? It makes me laugh in pity when people like you do the same with Christianity. I'm willing to bet (judging on the comments) that each and every anti-Christian on here has not read the Bible. I'm also willing to bet that a lot of you are still in High School, and those that aren't went to college to study something that does not fall in line with philosophy or Christian theology.
Your post is idiotic and shows that you have not even read the Bible. I've read the Bible, and unlike you I know the context of those selected passages, and there's absolutely no "contradiction" there, hell, your point in and of itself doesn't even fit anywhere with that. This is why I chose to ignore the bulk of the comments here. Besides the pointless Christian flames, there are posts like yours that are beyond uneducated.
If you were in College and you wrote a 10 page essay about a book you've never even read, wouldn't that make it an automatic fail? It makes me laugh in pity when people like you do the same with Christianity. I'm willing to bet (judging on the comments) that each and every anti-Christian on here has not read the Bible. I'm also willing to bet that a lot of you are still in High School, and those that aren't went to college to study something that does not fall in line with philosophy or Christian theology.
@Shenocide
here's my reason that I'm JUST FINE with bashing the entire christian church, you're right, they won't judge people by their race, they might not judge people by their sexual orientation... but would they judge me if I said I was Wiccan? (I'm not, but it's to make a point..)
yes, they will... if it's not THEIR religion, it's EVIL and a sin... I've studied religion in depth for years, nothing in Wicca screams Evil at all... their practices are nearly the same as Christianity, except that instead of asking for god for everything, wiccans are meant to look into themselves for it... so why does the church condemn that religion so much? because they are VERY judgmental, always have been, and always will be...
Sorry Shenocide, YOU are the closed minded type of person this rant is talking about... you only look at what the church told you, instead of looking around them to see what they're not talking about...
here's my reason that I'm JUST FINE with bashing the entire christian church, you're right, they won't judge people by their race, they might not judge people by their sexual orientation... but would they judge me if I said I was Wiccan? (I'm not, but it's to make a point..)
yes, they will... if it's not THEIR religion, it's EVIL and a sin... I've studied religion in depth for years, nothing in Wicca screams Evil at all... their practices are nearly the same as Christianity, except that instead of asking for god for everything, wiccans are meant to look into themselves for it... so why does the church condemn that religion so much? because they are VERY judgmental, always have been, and always will be...
Sorry Shenocide, YOU are the closed minded type of person this rant is talking about... you only look at what the church told you, instead of looking around them to see what they're not talking about...
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