The Great Separation

Paganism, Pornography, and Violence: Video Game Reality.

Where fantasy births real nightmares. - I am not someone come lately to the video game market place. In the 90's I spent nine years working in a retail game shop. I spent far too much time playing video games then. And today I still play video games on occasion, though I limit my time considerably. My time spent in this market place has taught me a thing or two about the game companies and the people who play the games.

There is a wide variety of people who play and design the games, many creative and intelligent and socially stable. But there is, like in other areas of culture, sub-groups of people who are a huge driving force because of their passion and even need for video games. In many ways these people are addicted much like the drug addict.

The horror here is that the addiction is a mental one not stimulated by outside drugs but by the immersion into a false realm that increases one's self-centeredness and reshapes one's concept of reality.

Social misfits, introverts, and anti-social individuals become extreme in their behaviors over time. They get trapped in a cycle of wanting the next great game because, like a drug addict or a porn addict, the previous game has grown dull. Even worse, a new more extreme game must be played to give them a mental high.

I've stated it before, as have others, video game violence is a special breed of monster when compared to the violence one views on TV or even reads in print. The danger in video games is that they are interactive. The one putting the axe blade in the cranium of the on-screen character is the player. This type of interactive violence will eventually desensitize the player to acts of violence and increase aggression.

Consider the X-Box murders here in Florida I posted about some time ago.

Or the Serial Killer video Game, 'Manhunt', where a player acted out a "virtual kill" on a live person. The teenager killed another teen by stabbing and then beating him to death with a hammer.

Then there's also this item I posted about: Teen Kills Toddler for Playing With His Playstation 2.

Yesterday an article headlined on the Drudge Report grabbed my attention. It concerns a popular game on the Playstation3 titled, "god of war II." This game contains nudity and is so violent that it earned a rating marking it inappropriate for anyone under 18.

The article is reported by Glen Owen and Rhodri Phillips for the Daily Mail: Slaughter: Horror at Sony's depraved promotion stunt with decapitated goat.

What is horrible is how this game was recently promoted in Europe. In a display of degenerate Paganism a goat was freshly slaughtered, it's bleeding decapitated head hanging by tendrils on a table while women paraded around topless.

If that is not bad enough, guests were invited to eat offal from the stomach of the goat. What this says to me, to use a cliche, is that the inmates are now truly running the asylum. And that I think is very dangerous.

Sony ran a spread on this debauchery in their gaming magazine.

Sony of Europe is of course back tracking now saying that they do not condone the slaughter of this animal for the purpose of promotion, but it's not really the slaughter of the animal that is the problem here. It's the reveling in the slaughter. It's this mindset that is psychologically troubling about this industry.

If you are a parent or someone who buys video games for others, I suggest you read the Daily Mail article and the other posts I've mentioned.

It's past time to be wary of what you're teens and young children are playing. Pick up a video game magazine. What you find there should shock you.

Related:

Update of X-Box Murder/Mutilations.
Teen Kills Toddler for Playing With His Playstation 2.
"Manhunt" Video Game Player Acts Out Virtual Kill on Real Person.
New Zealand Bans Computer Game.
Is this Kind of Realism Useful in a Video Game? Shellshock: Nam '67.
6 Murdered over $150 X-Box Video Game System.

From the Protestant Church of Smyrna

They hate you because of me -

Update: 2007-05-04

Please follow this link for updated information. The torture reported in the letter below that I posted is over embelished and inaccurate.

This comes to my attention via Jodi, whereisjodi, and Stacy, Active Christian Media.

It is a must read and details the love for Christ of Christians in a area of the world where darkness is in power.

Reprint of Letter on three Christians Martyred in Turkey.

Dear friends,

This past week has been filled with much sorrow. Many of you have heard by now of our devastating loss here in an event that took place in Malatya, a Turkish province 300 miles northeast of Antioch, the city where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

On Wednesday morning, April 18, 2007, 46 year old German missionary and father of three Tilman Geske prepared to go to his office, kissing his wife goodbye taking a moment to hug his son and give him the priceless memory, “Goodbye, son. I love you.”

Tilman rented an office space from Zirve Publishing where he was preparing notes for the new Turkish Study Bible. Zirve was also the location of the Malatya Evangelist Church office. A ministry of the church, Zirve prints and distributes Christian literature to Malatya and nearby cities in Eastern Turkey. In another area of town, 35 year old Pastor Necati Aydin, father of two, said goodbye to his wife, leaving for the office as well. They had a morning Bible Study and prayer meeting that some other believers in town would also be attending. Ugur Yuksel likewise made his way to the Bible study.

None of these three men knew that what awaited them at the Bible study was the ultimate testing and application of their faith, which would conclude with their entrance into glory to receive their crown of righteousness from Christ and honor from all the saints awaiting them in the Lord’s presence.

Picture Perfect Friday: Gimpy&Hoppy

Caleb, Sara, Hannah, and Noah gave me a gift package to help with my cabin fever. Hoppy here was in it and now he goes everywhere with me.

Hal's ACM Movie Review of: Hidden Secrets.

Title: Hidden Secrets

Run Time: 90 min.

Produced by: Pure Flix Entertainment

Rating: N/A (I would suggest PG)

Staring: John Schnieder, David A. R. White, Tracy Melchior, Reginals Vel Johnson

Theatrical Release: April 30, 2007.

Score: 3.5 coffee cups out of 5 coffee cups.

Review By: Hal

First let me explain my "coffee cups" reference in the scoring. I love coffee. Need I say more? Some people score with stars, some lemons, some not at all. I do coffee cups. A five coffee cup movie would be "The Passion" or "Amazing Grace." Such ratings are few. Whenever I see a movie in a theater I send out a text message via my phone with a short review to a number of friends. That's where the coffee cup scale was born.

This movie is slated for a theatrical release this coming Monday and it was an honor to receive a preview DVD copy to review for Active Christian Media. Both my brother and I viewed this film and this is my review. You can read Phil's review here. I asked Phil to review it because he is far more the movie dude than I am. He absolutely loves going to the theater, has a number of movie posters, and quite the library compared to my short stack. I tend to be more of a classic film kind of guy.

That said, I think you should buy a ticket for this movie. There is a number of people in the movie making industry who are Christians and are trying to make movies that honor the Lord. This is one of them. We should support such endeavors.

This is a refreshingly family friendly drama mixed with light humor. Though I don't think I would recommend it for young children because of some of the mature themes, it certainly would be good for parents and teens.

The characters were delightful and surprisingly accessible to me as a viewer. What I mean by that is that I would like to know each one of the characters and count them as a friend. This says a lot for the talent of the actors, director, and the writers.

Without giving away too much, there are a number difficult issues in our culture today being dealt with from a Christ centered perspective along with the main plot of the "hidden secret" between the two main characters. I think that in the limited amount of time a movie has this sort of muddles things a bit.

The story is a good story and it kept me engaged in watching, there are a couple of scenes that were awkward to me and left me wondering if it wasn't a bit forced. I will say that in watching it a second time, the plots were easier for me to follow.

Overall the message is one of forgiveness and redemption and the impact a man of God can have on the lives he meets in his walk with Christ. And that should be a testatment to all of us. If you are a one to cry at movies there is a good chance you will be crying at the end. I liked very much the inclusion of the music group Building 429, the song of theirs played at a key moment of realization for three of the characters is one of my favorites.

Phil's ACM Movie Review of: Hidden Secrets.

Title: Hidden Secrets

Run Time: 90 min.

Produced by: Pure Flix Entertainment

Rating: N/A (I would suggest PG)

Staring: John Schnieder, David A. R. White, Tracy Melchior, Reginals Vel Johnson

Theatrical Release: April 30, 2007.

Score: 3 out of 5

Review By: Philip

“When your past becomes your present” is the tag line for Hidden Secrets. It creates an interesting image. Years after going their separate ways, a group of friends reunite when they all must return home for the funeral of an old friend. Of course memories, old loves, and hidden secrets come to the surface. What makes this story unique is that the characters deal with their issues in light of their faith and struggle to follow God’s story for their lives.

Unfortunately Hidden Secrets falls short of what it could have been. It is loaded with talented actors but the material is flat. There are brief moments of success. The comedic writing and timing was excellent, and in fact, they try to bill this movie as a comedy of sorts. It really is more drama with touches of humor. Perhaps, if they had decided to be one or the other the story would have been more solid. Also, the messages of hope and redemption are strongly and positively presented, which is nice to see for once in a motion picture.

In the end there are some miss-steps. The director never seems to find his rhythm.  A number of the scenes feel disconnected from the rest of the movie and thus, leave you wondering “why was that there?” Just as you settle in you are disrupted by some transition scene that simply was just unnecessary. Some of these were intended for comedic effect, while others were meant to move along one of the many sup-plots.

The many sub-plots created another issue. There were at least four sub-plots that did not directly affect the main plot, which revolved around the love triangle of the main characters. With so many plots to flesh out none of them receive anything more than a brush at the surface.  As a result, some serious topics didn't receive adequate time because the writers had to wrap them up in neat little packages by the end of the movie. The story would have been better served had they simply focused on the main characters and their stories.

In the end Hidden Secrets played more like a well done TV movie from Lifetime than a full featured motion picture. Good character interaction and some truly funny moments make it worth the time. In the end the good message and decent acting garnered this movie its three of five rating.

Update on my foot status.

Honest, I didn't stick it in my mouth -I've learned a lesson: take everything the ER people have to say with a grain of salt. Actually, maybe you better use the salt shaker.

As I told some of you privately, the ER staff made me a bit worried when they seemed to think it odd how I broke my foot. And then when they started telling me that reasons could be anything from cancer to bone disease to bone deficiency to coincidence... well the seed of fear was planted. Granted, that seed may be more a problem with my natural inclination for worry.

I should have taken several cues from a number of facts.

1. The paperwork the ER gave me detailing my broken bone claimed that the break was in my HAND!
2. The bone doctor office they referred me to was not on call for them the day I went into the ER and when I called the bone doc they were like, "No you're not supposed to be calling us, call the ER back."
3. The doctor's office that was on call told me that they didn't know they were on call till they were notified of that fact Monday morning.
4. The ER told me there were two broken bones, but after getting my X-Rays, I couldn't really see two breaks myself but only one break, which is the case. Though I will admit that one X-Ray might look like there is a possibility of two breaks.

The good news is that orthopedic doctor tells me that it is common to break the bones in the foot the way in which I broke my foot. So no worries as to any of the reasons for the break. And she tells me that bones in the feet heal fast.

The bad news she told me is that I broke the worst bone in the foot to break in the worst possible place. I never do anything easy. :-p

My doctor went on to say that this bone doesn't heal as fast and doesn't always heal properly which may lead to a need for surgery. So say a prayer in that direction [of not needing surgery] for me if you would.

I've got to go back in two weeks for more X-rays and a check up.

I will say this for the ER staff. They got me in quick and even worked a few things so that I wouldn't have to be sitting around for four or five hours. They were pleasant too, and dealt with me well and quickly. And in the end I guess that's what an ER staff is supposed to do. Get people stabilized and out to the more specific docs.

Thanks again.

I Broke My Foot.

I just can't get a break! - Oh, wait a minute, yes I did.

I broke the two outside metatarsals of my right foot last between 8:30 and 9. Spent two hours in the emergency room this morning. Yeah. That's right I waited till this morning to go in. Kind of hoped it wasn't broken but realized it was this morning when I tried to get out of bed.

The fact was pressed even further into my head when my dad's dog sat on my foot.

The fact came even further into my pain seared mind when I hit the side of my foot with the crutch in an attempt to get the dog off my foot!

Yeah.... Felt real good.

This Must Explain my Need for Chocolate.

It's all so clear know! - This is a great item to come back from my self-imposed blogging hiatus.

Last night at prayer group my dad handed me a print out of this new "scientific" finding:

Chocolate gives people more of a buzz than passionate kisses:

British researchers said Monday they were stunned to discover that people get more of a buzz from eating chocolate than passionately kissing their lovers.

The next study I imagine will ask the question, "Which costs less over a life time? Passionate kisses or Dove Dark Chocolate?" I'm guessing the chocolate is less demanding on the finances. Of course the passionate kissing probably burns more calories than letting Dove Dark Chocolate slowly and seductively melt in my mouth.

hmmm... Excuse me. I need to go get a Dove Dark Chocolate buzz.

Goodbye...

...for a little while. - This morning I had to have my best friend, Rocco, put to sleep.

At the moment I'm ok with it. I thank the Lord for the nine years Rocco followed me around everywhere I went - frustratingly, even to the restroom at times. I'm finding though that sadness is coming at me in waves, particularly when I turn around and expect to find him looking up at me wondering where we are going. Rocco was fourteen years old. A very good old age for a Dalmatian of his size.

Something happened to his heart I think during the night around 4am and I spent the time with him waiting for the opportunity to get him into the vet.

I have memorial service to attend today as well. The father of one of the dear families in my church passed away last week late Thursday. I was with them as he passed as well, so the last few days have been a bit stressful. I don't even want to think about the birthday I passed last week or the number of other difficulties I find myself in right now.

I am assured, though, that my God is still in control.

All this to say, I'm taking some time off from blogging on The Great Separation. I don't know how long. Week? Two?

We'll see. Maybe one of the couple of guest bloggers I've had in the past will chime in while I get away from here.

I just need to cut something out of my life right now, and Rocco wasn't it.

Oh, I will probably repost an old item, and I have a review I need to do for Active Christian Media of the movie "Hidden Secrets." So, Stacy, if you're reading this perchance, that happy obligation will still be done. In fact, my brother is planning on writing a review of it too for this blog. So no worries.

I just want to thank the Lord again, for His mercy and goodness. Be my strength and shelter, Father.

The Great Separation will continue.

Take a Cup of Hot Cocoa (Chocolate) & Call Me In the Morning.

Well of course it's good for you! - I got this link from my brother this morning. Seems a cup of hot chocolate is good for the heart. Better even than those high blood pressure meds!

Curl up with a cocoa and keep a heart attack at bay-News-UK-Health-TimesOnline.

Drinking a traditional cup of cocoa at bedtime can help to lower blood pressure as effectively as prescription medications, researchers say.

The cool thing is that I've been indulging in hot cocoa before bedtime for a while now. Sort of a ritual with me actually. And I've never been in better shape!

Of course regular exercise is a big factor too.