Games for the Ghetto...

In his book Roaring Lambs, Bob Briner describes the Christian subculture as the "Christian Ghetto". Why? Because a ghetto is an isolated segment of a society that is difficult to escape due to factors such as limited opportunities, self imposed or culturally imposed restrictions, etc... Miriam Webster dictionary actually defines ghetto as: "an isolated group b : a situation that resembles a ghetto especially in conferring inferior status or limiting opportunity."

There are things within each ghetto that keep people focused on being segmented and separated from the rest of society. These things are also seen by the surrounding communities, and the surrounding communities can't understand them, cause they are only relevant to those stuck in the ghetto. And if you've ever really been through a ghetto, you know that there is not much beauty to be found there, they are littered with trash and junk.

I am a firm believer that we as Christians have created our own "isolated group" or ghetto, complete with our own trash, I mean games, to keep us entertained. Here are a few of my own personal favorites...

Your Best Life Now Board Game












It's described as "an entertaining and educational way to take inventory of yourself and accountability of your actions." Really? Through a board game?

Or how about Left Behind The Board Game ?












"This unique game can give players a heightened awareness of the "end times."" Fantastic. Now I can defeat the antichrist with a roll of the dice and the move of my plastic marker. Who knew it could be this easy?

Or even take the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised land. Yes, you too can make it to where Moses never did when you play Exodus: The Game of Passover










I know that I sound cynical and jaded here, and I haven't even touched on the various candies (Testa-Mints, Scripture Chocolates, God's Gum, etc...), clothing, wireless phone services, T.V. stations, movies, etc... But I really think that we are abdicating our call as salt and light in this world. What good does it do us to lock ourselves away from this world, instead of engaging in it and being an agent of change in it? God wants to redeem this world and the lives of the people in it, through his people. The church is to be focused outward, not inward.

Some might argue that these "good" things battle against the evil in this world. I do believe that there is evil in this world, but rather than run from it, we should be trying to penetrate it. Rob Bell says in his book Velvet Elvis "Why blame the darkness for being dark, it's far more helpful to ask why the light isn't as bright as it should be."

So what are we doing about that? Are we penetrating the darkness? Are games like these bringing light to dark places, or simply helping barricade the doors of our ghetto? What do you think?

UPDATE:

The junk just keeps a comin! I just recieved this little bit of info... Left Behind the Video Game.