Faith Leaders Call On Wal-Mart To Pull Violent Video Game
FAITH LEADERS CALL ON WAL-MART TO PULL VIOLENT VIDEO GAME
For Immediate Release
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Contact: (202) 557-7440
Washington, D.C., Thursday, December 21, 2006 – Thirty-three faith leaders from around the country, representing Christians, Muslims and Jews, today released an open letter to Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott, calling for him to pull the video game “Left Behind: Eternal Forces” which encourages religious violence and to “stop promoting religious intolerance in our volatile political and religious climate.” In the game, players must attempt to convert non-Christians – including Muslims and Jews – and can shoot and kill those who don’t convert. Excerpts and a link to the full letter are below.
“[We] are deeply troubled ... The video game, ‘Left Behind: the Eternal Force’ encourages ‘Christian’ players to kill all others if unable to convert them. In an age where faith leaders around the globe are calling for religious tolerance, how can Wal-Mart justify marketing a video to our young people with content that advocates religious violence and glories in the death of others? This is not only appalling, but is in direct contradiction to many of our shared and deeply held religious beliefs.”
“It is incomprehensible that a company that purports to support traditional family values would endorse violence … In the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, we have seen many forms of religious intolerance which, as people of faith, we have fought tirelessly against. Wal-Mart’s careless choice to sell this reckless and dangerous product undermines interfaith efforts to build tolerance and peace in a volatile world. This game sponsors the notion that God sanctions brutal violence against those who are different, and dehumanizes those who are not Christian.”
“Wal-Mart promotes itself as a family friendly business with a social conscience, and thus has a responsibility to ensure the quality and impact of its merchandise. Children learn values not only from their parents and school, but from the media to which they are exposed. By planting the seed that murder for any reason is justifiable and that death is part of a game seems a disreputable and immoral way to make a profit. We firmly believe that Wal-Mart is being socially irresponsible by continuing to sell this game after its potential harmful impact has been brought to the company’s attention.”
“As people of faith we are also saddened that Wal-Mart would exploit religion to sell youth entertainment products rooted in violence. We have to ask whether Wal-Mart has considered the repercussions should impressionable teenagers and adults follow through with actions based upon the misguided religious beliefs expressed in this game.”
“Please, we urge you, remove the video game ‘Left Behind: Eternal Forces’ from your stores immediately before one of these children commits an act of violence they believe is sanctioned by God and the society in which they live.”
“We find it inexcusable that any Christian groups would support the underlying premise of this game. In the past all of us – Christians, Muslims, and Jews—have sat at various tables to talk about peace and justice in our communities, nations, and the world, and have been working toward a better understanding and acceptance of each other. Our efforts have been focused on promoting unity across all faiths. This game, however, works to undermine the substantial progress we have made together.”
An Open Letter from Faith Leaders to Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott:
http://walmartwatch.com/img/blog/faith_letter.pdf
