What type of message does this send to children?

@speakeasy (4171)
United States
October 8, 2007 1:39pm CST
Churchs are proving Halo 3 to children as young as 12; even though this game is rated M - Mature and is not allowed to be sold to people younger than 17. This is a very violent video game with a lot of "killing" going on. It is also very "popular. But, churches across the US have started purchasing copies and renting TVs and game systems to put on regular "Halo nights" for men and boys as young as age 12. Their justification is that it "get's them in the door" of the church. But, what type of message is this sending to these young boys and men? The church does not approve of killing; but, it is OK if it is in a video game? If something goes against what we teach and believe it is still OK, if you listen to the other things we have to say? The end justifies the means? Here is the full story - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/07/us/07halo.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th Some of the parents weren't even aware that it was rated M - Mature. We have more than enough violence in our society, We protest when other countries teach their children that violence is acceptable in the name of religion. But, is this any better? What do you think about this?
1 person likes this
2 responses
kiobug
@kiobug (2250)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I think the churches have good intentions and are on the right track but Halo 3 is not exactly an ideal way to bring together men and boys. They need to do something more traditionally father son oriented.
speakeasy
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I wouldn't even be upset if they had a video game night as long as the video game was more age appropriate. I would still feel that it was getting them into church under false pretenses though.
kiobug
@kiobug (2250)
• United States
10 Oct 07
I agree with you. That seems to be common here too. A lot of kids my age go to church just for the youth groups. They all get to hang out at church together.
carmelanirel
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
9 Oct 07
Oh that is so wrong. My daughter said something yesterday about this, but not knowing about halo3 I thought maybe it was rated T for teen and if the youth are playing, then they are teens. (I didn't think it was appropriate, but forgot about it until now). Now that you said it is rated M, that goes to show that some churches will do anything, including bringing something destructive into the church, just to increase their attendance..They will be judged for this unfortunately, unless they realize their mistake..:(
speakeasy
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
9 Oct 07
That's a lot of the problem - buying and allowing children as young as 12 to play a game that they cannot purchase unless they are 17. If a parent lets their child go to church for a "video game night"; those parents should be able to expect the church to use video games that are age appropriate and that do not promote realistic violence and warfare.