draconis

Pastors use Halo 3 to attract young men Microsoft's Halo 3 has tapped into a market that has been called hypocritical by some as ministers and pastors host "Halo" nights to attract male youths. The newest installment of the violent game, in which the sole point is to harm and maim your enemies as the infamous Master Chief, has been picked up as a marketing tool for churches to reach out to young men, the New York Times reported Monday. The Colorado Community Church in Englewood, Colo., is one of those trying to reach out to teens by hosting Halo tournament nights. Tim Foster, 12, and Chris Graham, 14, can be found sitting in front of three TVs, battling it out in violent virtual combat using a game that cannot be bought by anyone under the age of 17 due to its "M for Mature" rating. "It's just fun blowing people up," said Foster. Youth Minister Gregg Barbour said the games bring the youths in and because of them they will stay for his Christian message. "We want to make it hard for teenagers to go to hell," Barbour wrote in a letter to parents at the church.

DO you think this is a good idea or hypocritical ?

draconis

mamab

Actually, at the church I attend, their youth department has a number of xbox, wii, and psp systems, as well as internet accessibility and other games. They have about 160 youth on Wednesday and Thursday nights, so it brings them in. Several have made decisions after being told about Jesus during the church services. I haven't made up my mind yet as to whether it's a good idea, but the end result is good.

draconis

I had to really think about this before responding.

If it gets the kids off the streets and into a safe enviroment then great.

If if helps a kid to find the path to hope, love and faith even better.

draconis

mamab

What I find so interesting is that some of the kids they reach would never set foot into a church in any other circumstance, so I guess it is a good idea. I personally don't like the Halo games, but that's me.

draconis

Well that was what I was saying that I think the ends justify the means. I had to think hard about it but like I said worst case is it gets the kids off the streets.

draconis

tater03

Personally I think they have a good idea but I just don't get why you would have to pick the game Halo? I mean there are other games that you can still have fun with and they don't have to be one of the most violent ones.

draconis

Because Halo is the best selling game of all time, the most hyped and most played of any console game. Like counter strike is for the PC.

draconis

SageMother

It just never stops! I think that people should find their way to whatever their religion is or will be, on their own. This isn't much better than the people talked into doing unspeakable things based on a promise of virgins falling at their feet in paradise.

Isn't this predatory behavior?

mamab

I don't believe it IS predatory behavior. I believe they truly are doing what is best to reach those that are lost.

SageMother

How is enticing a young person with some incentive, like Halo, not predatory? It is using bait to lure the mark into a situation they wouldn't normally seek without the bait. It's like enticing a child into a car using candy.

draconis

How the heck is it different then a local teen center doing it. Or a scouting camp, or one of a thousand gaming stores? I have seen Lan parties at schools and libraries. Why not a church too?

draconis

draconis

Other churches use potlucks, backyard BBQs, swim parties ... pick your enjoyment.

draconis

evenow

I guess it all depends on the type of church it is. For the more fundamentalist churches that don't approve of secular entertainment (movies, music, etc) I think this would be a hypocritical act. But for other places that just see this as a tool to connect with younger church members I see this as an advertisement about the beliefs of the church: "in the world but not of the world" and also "we know this game says 17+ but we know you play it anyway."

I think its a bit different than the child molester analogy because the intent isn't A:illegal (kidnapping, rape/murder) B:deemed socially inappropriate/harmful and C:is completely voluntary (and in most cases need an adult to get to the church, I'd imagine).

Yup, I agree. But I don't begrudge anyone advertising. I have no problem telling people I'm not interested in something and neither should anyone else. It doesn't sound like the children were harassed and chained inside once they got there, and I'd hope that a 14 year old would no how to say "that's cool, but no thanks."

draconis

By the sounds of the church they are using it to advertise but not harass. Further the young people going do have a choice.

A) Say no thanks.

B) Don't go.

Also how do we expect people to find their own way if they do not know they have options.

draconis