Hutaree Militia and ‘Left Behind’ Video Games

Let’s face it, the members of the so-called “Christian” militia group, Hutaree, is in no way Christian.  These people have not read their Bibles.  However, they may have read the “Left Behind” series of books about the End Times.

Even so, I’m betting that they have not read much of anything, so I’m not blaming the authors of the Left Behind series per se.  If I had to guess at the motivation behind these men believing that they had to fight the forces of the Anti-Christ, I would look at the “Left Behind: Eternal Forces” video game where just such a scenario is played out.

When I read the “Left Behind” video game series Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), I found these descriptions of the game.  They just happen to coincide with what this militia group believed was their “Mission from God”.  From the FAQ, (emphasis mine).

What aspects of the game will keep it challenging to the players?
The story-line play within the game allows the gamer to defend themselves from the forces of the Anti-Christ using 2 separate types of warfare, ending in a major battle for the streets of New York City. In multi-player game mode, gamers will command the Tribulation Forces and Global Community Peace-keepers and defend themselves from total destruction.

Does anyone get killed in the game?
People do perish in our game just like some do in the book series. This is a real strategy game, so the gamer controls his forces just like you do in chess game.

Why does this game have to contain violence at all? Why is it necessary for a fun and successful game?
Violence is not required to make a fun game. However, it is required to make a game about the end of the world in the Left Behind book series. We have taken great care to make certain that there are real consequences for poor gamer behavior, unlike most games in the market. For instance, unnecessary killing will result in lower Spirit points which are essential to winning.

CHRISTIAN MEDIA FAQ

What is the level of violence in the game?
Our game includes violence, but excludes blood, decapitation, killing of police officers, etc. Our game is expected to be widely accepted by the mainstream and Christian marketplaces, just as they have accepted Star Wars games which are “T” for teen rated. We have taken great care to make certain that consequences for poor gamer behavior will adequately reflect the gamers actions. Accordingly, unnecessary killing will result in lower Spirit points.

How does your game compare to more widely known games such as Grand Theft Auto or 25 to Life?
LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces was developed to provide an alternative form of entertainment to those desiring more positive game content, while still engaging core gamers in battle. The difference is that our game features fictional battles set on the stage of an apocalyptic world. Our game includes no intestines, no blood spatter, no severed limbs, no vulgar language, no sexual conduct, no morally reprehensible conduct – such as cop-killing, prostitute-bashing, or other criminal behavior, no Bible-bashing believers, no Bible thumpers, no radical extremists killing in the name of God, no abortion clinic stalkers…or other such content in the games you mention.

Are guns used by Christians against non-Christians? Why or why not?
The storyline in the game begins just after the Rapture has occurred – when all adult Christians, all infants, and many children were instantly swept home to Heaven and off the Earth by God.

The remaining population – those who were left behind – are then poised to make a decision at some point. They cannot remain neutral. Their choice is to either join the AntiChrist – which is an imposturous one world government seeking peace for all of mankind, or they may join the Tribulation Force – which seeks to expose the truth and defend themselves against the forces of the AntiChrist.

Does the violence depicted in the game run contrary to Jesus’ message on “love your enemy”?
Absolutely not. Christians are quite clearly taught to turn the other cheek and to love their enemies. It is equally true that no one should forfeit their lives to an aggressor who is bent on inflicting death.

Forgiveness does not require absolute defenselessness. Apparent contradictions on behalf of Christians are often the result of them placing greater importance on the message, than in caring for others. LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces is a game which provides great entertainment while encouraging fascinating discussions about matters of eternal importance.

It is very unfortunate that people have decided to warp God’s message and make the Biblical End Times all about surviving and winning military campaigns against the Anti-Christ.  The primary conflict is a spiritual one, not a military struggle. In my Bible, Jesus defeats the Anti-Christ almost instantaneously and requires no legions of Christian soldiers to help Him accomplish his task.

This Hutaree militia group does demonstrate that weak-minded individuals looking for a cause can latch onto this type of “Christian warrior” meme, and turn it into a deadly serious real-life version of a bad video game.