In the sweet by and by

The birthdays in the previous post are from Dr. Mac's Cultural Calendar, which also notes that today, Sept. 23, is also in a sense the birthday of a peculiarly American version of Christianity.

On this day in 1667 in Williamsburg, Virginia, a law was passed barring slaves from obtaining their freedom by converting to Christianity.

Consider what the implications of this were for these Christian slaves and the Christians who bought and sold them. How could these Christians read together the words of St. Paul's letter to the slave-owner Philemon, delivered on behalf of Philemon's runaway slave Onesimus?

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good-- no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Or how could these Williamsburg Christians read this, from Paul's epistle to the Galatians?

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The law in Williamsburg, which was later embraced throughout the colonies (slavery, in 1667, was not only a southern phenomenon), meant that the body of Christ now encompassed both slave-owners and their slaves. How could these people still be said to be "one body" or "all one in Christ Jesus"?

Something had to give. The behavior and lifestyle of colonial Christians was in conflict with Christian teaching. They would either have to change their behavior, or change the teaching. Guess which seemed easier?

The Great American solution to the conflict between slavery and Christianity was a shifting of focus from this world to the next. American Christianity became wholly otherworldly, preoccupied with heaven and unconcerned with earth. All questions of justice became purely eschatological. The sin of slavery produced the heresy of "pie in the sky when you die."

(The relationship between bad theology and bad behavior -- heresy and sin -- is a chicken-and-egg conundrum. The case of American slavery is a classic example of this cause-and-effect-and-cause downward spiral.)

This otherworldly focus continues today as it began -- as an excuse for injustice. In the centuries since Williamsburg passed its law it has become more refined. It's most popular -- and complex -- form today is the apocalyptic premillennial dispensationalism described in the "Left Behind" novels of Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

One of the things "left behind" by this American religion is the Christian imperative for justice. When justice in this world appears difficult, costly or inconvenient, the temptation will always be to look away, turning our eyes, instead, to the sweet by and by.

Comments

[Ted K]

They say the road to hell is paved in good intentions. As I remember Ed Morgan's _American Slavery/American Freedom_, Anglican missionaries were among those who supported this law. As they saw it, without the law masters were barring missionary access to slaves. After the law was passed and masters no longer had to fear the loss of property, the doors of the slave quarters were opened to them. Slave conversions were still rare until the Great Awakening in the 18th century and even most did not happen until the Second Great Awakening in the 19th. By that later date, both Pro-slavery theologians and the "conservatives" who wanted to reform the institution were citing the letter to Philemon as "proof" that American chattel slavery was in accordance with the literal word of the Bible.

Ted K

[merricat]

Maybe the Williamsburg Christians preferred to focus on Ephesians 6:5:

"Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ"

fools

[Chris]

Was this guy abused as a child or something? Seriously, what is his problem? I think I know the answer to that, YES! He was one of those that were constantly picked on by the more,"popular", crowd, and quite possibly other such forms of authority. He sees anything that represents a form of authority as a threat, and thus, the verbal bashings via the internet,"worst diatribe ever". Kind of reminds me of the comic book guy from the "Simpsons". Do me a favor, and move out of your moms basement.

[adam]

you completely misread those passages. the point is that in the body of Christ it doesn't matter if your slave or free. Not that their shouldn't be any slaves, or free people. That wouldn't make sense. That's like saying there is not difference between men and women any more. Men and women are now the same sex! Go gays and womens libbers.

[JD]

Great Left Behind blog! I link to you from my site. Thanks.

[mandy lawson]

All I really want to say is that I really am shocked at how you feel about the series. I really am! In my opinion it is by far my second favorte of all time second only to the bible ofcourse. I am very sad that you feel the way you do and while I might completely disagree with you I only feel sympathy and concern for you not anger. oh yeah and remember jesus loves you !!!!!!!!

[Barney jinkies Rubble]

You know, i really have to agree. I like to read, about many things, im also a christian...and i have struggled through almost two of these horrible, drivel infested "novels" and not been impressed, save for the sheer lack of quality.

Or, the immense quality they posses for being.....well, crap. and ive read more crap than anyone should have the misfortune to encounter.

Left Behind, is ....... horrid. burn all copies and go to hell. the fate will be better than suffering through this muddled, inaccurate, self righteous, juvenile garbage.

another hint, if you are even THINKING of "reading" these scribbles-do as they attempt to describe, and gouge out your eyes. its really that bad.

[LUV4USSALL]

I am suprised by the negitve response to the book.I love to read. And as a FICTION noval I think it was good. I was able to read it with out filling my head with sex and graphic violance. I found it refreshing even though it was not extreamly deep. If nothing else it kept me from the T.V. and sparked my intrest in bible prophesy. Im more concerend with the fact that we as Christians feel the need to tear each other down.If it was that bad why dont you write a book we can read.

[Duane]

If it was that bad why dont you write a book we can read.

Patience, Luv. It is being written, one Friday at a time.

[Robin]

As a Wiccan in America; I am glad someone is adressing this.

Those who wrote the Left Behind series do actually believe what they write in that dribble. The fact that someone went and made a video game makes it worse.

I know a few Evangelicals that actually feel embarrased by this lunatic fringe.

[SJR]

There has been alot of misleading information spun throughout the public and media regarding Left Behind Eternal Forces game. I encourage you to visit www.menofgod.us & download a trial version. I believe the first hand experience will allow you the opportunity to judge for yourself and put these rumors to a rest.
Here is a statement from the CEO, Troy Lyndon, to clarify some of the misconceptions and propaganda:
LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces
A PC Game

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY endorses our game. Read below to find out why!
Our game DOES NOT encourage killing.
Our game is NOT anti-Semitic.
Our game is NOT anti-Muslim or anti-Islamic.

It is anti-EVIL! The ultimate bad-guy is the Antichrist who wants to eliminate all faiths and all religions, except his and he is deceiving the entire world.

Our game does NOT teach the pre-tribulation theology of the book series, except that this worldview is utilized as a FICTIONAL backdrop of the game.

In the past several days, numerous people have been and continue to spread misinformation about the game.

Our game is the first game ever to encourage the use of PRAYER and WORSHIP as the most effective means to resolve conflict.

Physical warfare is discouraged as the LEAST EFFECTIVE means for resolving conflict…and a gamer loses points for using a gun.

This is the world’s first high-quality inspirational game which intends to model positive behavior by discouraging physical warfare.

Please play the game for yourself and help us to get out the TRUTH.

In an industry which creates so much gratuitous violence and gore, LEFT BEHIND: Eternal Forces presents a healthy alternative. We need your help to get the word out!

PLAY THE GAME and find out for yourself that this game is about the battle of good versus evil.

Here are a few things said by others:
- The Anti-Defamation League, although they speak out against the book theology, says “Conversion to Christianity in the game is not depicted as forcible in nature, and violence is not rewarded in the game.”
- AOL says it is a “Positive Moral Message”
- Focus on the Family says “Finally! A game Mom and Dad can play with Junior”
- Concerned Women for America says “A game we can wholeheartedly recommend!”
- Wired Magazine “Few are as ambitious and polished as this PC title.”
- ArsTechnica.com “This is a game that Christian parents can buy their kids, and one that Christian kids can play themselves without any guilt about "questionable content."”
- Women of Faith says “In an industry that is full of destruction with no hope, the LEFT BEHIND game
- Clint Thomas from Chaos Theory says “For years we’ve been telling kids what to run from and not what to run to, until now!”

Should you have any concerns about this game, please go to the contact us page on our website at www.leftbehindgames.com and we’ll do our best to connect with you.

Sincerely,
Troy Lyndon
CEO, Left Behind Games Inc.

[SJR]

This statement is posted from an employee of Left Behind Games on behalf of Troy Lyndon, our Chief Executive Officer.

There has been in incredible amount of MISINFORMATION published in the media and in online blogs here and elsewhere.

Pacifist Christians and other groups are taking the game material out of context to support their own causes. There is NO “killing in the name of God” and NO “convert or die”. There are NO “negative portrayals of Muslims” and there are NO “points for killing”.

Please play the game demo for yourself (to at least level 5 of 40) to get an accurate perspective, or listen to what CREDIBLE unbiased experts are saying after reviewing the game at www.leftbehindgames.com/pages/controversy.com

Then, we’d love to hear your feedback as an informed player.

The reality is that we’re receiving reports everyday of how this game is positively affecting lives by all who play it.

Thank you for taking the time to be a responsible blogger.

[Alexela]

If we want impartial reviews, how about not taking ones posted by the company that made the game. Even their best friend would have to concede there's at least the appearance of a conflict of interest there. I found Game Rankings.com's meta review that averages 14 reviews. It reveals an average evaluation of 47% (i.e., 2.4 stars out of 5). The absolute best review from that entire lot (85% -- hardly orgasmic) had this to say:

"The game begins with a long live action video intro of the Rapture, where you see people like an evil looking sour-faced person reading a science magazine, and Christians feeding the homeless... The interesting thing is that a lot of the existing not-bad people on earth have white Christian backgrounds. You'll read in their Life Story how college professors threatened to fail anyone in their classes who believed in God, so the students were cowed into not becoming the faithful who were taken to heaven...The evil people are part of the Carpathia's "Global Community." There are only a few of these models, notably an Indian who's a computer worker, a Muslim who's a terrorist, a Latino ex-con out of prison, and a man named Rossberg who controls Hollywood...
As a missionary, you recruit neutral people to your Trib Force (as the Left Behind series calls the Tribulation Force for short) by using your hero unit's "Recruit" special power. This causes your hero to proselytize a neutral person until they become your Friend. Neutral or evil character models have various outfits and ethnicities, but once they become good guys, they all become Caucasian redhead models...As we mentioned before, the streets are filled with rappers, and anyone in your Trib Force has to steer clear of them. Any person who walks too close to a rapper will hear their rap song, and anyone who hears a rap or heavy metal song will have their Spirit level lowered. So if you see a rapper or heavy metal musician, you can either shoot them dead to protect your people's faith, or counteract them with your gospel singers or other spiritual warfare units...Eternal Forces has a lot of new and innovative elements for an RTS game, but it may be too slow paced for people who want action and aggressive gameplay. If you're a fan of the Left Behind movies or books, though, you may enjoy being able to shape the world like the heroes in the canon works do."

Keep in mind, this is the MOST FAVOURABLE review of the 14 these guys could find. Even this one describes it as a game with long dull stretches (I left out the description of those), in which people who like science are boring and hostile to religion to the point of abusing their authority, and successfully proselytizing people alleviates them of the curse of non-Whiteness. And how to you keep the scourge of diversity at bay? By thought policing them to keep at bay any ideas or music that might not be consonant with your teachings. Because, y'know, too much freedom of speech might slow down their tithing. Sorry, I mean, salvation.

In the immortal words of the Game Spot review (the 4th least favourable... out of 14), "Don't mock Left Behind: Eternal Forces because it's a Christian game. Mock it because it's a very bad game." (with all due thanks to whoever dug this quote up and posted it on some other thread).

In a nutshell, yes, we're taking the game on its merits. It just doesn't seem to have very many.

[Justin]

I have played the demo - and that even makes it scarier. Forget the fact that it is bloodless. There are bodies piled up of people killed by the so-called "Christians" who carry high tech weapons and use them to kill who they think are the forces of the antiChrist.

It is frightening to see that the Left Behind Games people are willing to support killing (uh hem - "defending") in the name of Christ. This is the equivalent of Islamofascists calling for the death of the infidels who they perceive are attacking their way of life.

Left Behind is calling for a Christian jihad - and it is the same thinking that led to the crusades and inquisition where thousands lost their lives because of what they thought.

Fundamentalists are showing their hand - willing to use violence in the name of Christ. They spit out the term "Christian Pacifist" as if it's evil.

Jesus was the ultimate "Christian Pacifist" - He laid down His life. It's time to wake up and see that these so-called "Christians" are taking America in a very scary direction. They are reviving the beast power of Revelation and themselves are representing the true antiChrist.

[Jenn]

I hardly want to dwell on the spinoff Left Behind computer game, except that I've seen this same bit of blog comments spam elsewhere, importuning everyone who dares to type the words "Left Behind" to be "responsible bloggers." How upsetting to see its reposting here, as well. It is baffling.

But here is what is notable: The main problem I find in the game to which the blogspam (twice) alludes, Mr. Clark actually speaks to in the above post. In the Left Behind game--it's a real-time strategy game of War, for those of you unacquainted--all Christian characters are part of the Christian Army. Of all the people milling around, there is no "real" Christian who is not already fighting; all the people milling about are unsaved.

As a believer in both Christ and Pacifism--and a reviewer of video games who has been contemplating reading LaHaye's series of books--this very particular game mechanic, devoid of any shade of grey, is both disturbing and insulting. It's clear that the cleft between "types" of Christians is ever-widening.

In the Left Behind video game, there is no such thing as a Real Christian who will not take up very, very literal arms, and literally fight against human beings. There's no spiritual metaphor here: this is the content of the game. Left behind, indeed.

It speaks to a larger dogmatic problem: Protestants suspecting Catholics of being "un-saved"; the idea of "You say you're saved, but to be sure, why not go up to the pulpit and do it again, profess again"; "I appreciate you say you're saved, but come with me to MY church." These people tend to live aggressively, with certainty of their own salvation, and a lack of certainty of everybody else's.

I believe my faith is good enough for God to admit me, yet it seems never quite enough for everybody else.

In a sidenote, I've examined the game's box at length; that glowing quote from "Concerned Women for America" can be attributed to none other than Beverly LaHaye.

[Richard]

Jenn said: "Of all the people milling around, there is no "real" Christian who is not already fighting; all the people milling about are unsaved."

"You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of My mouth." Rev 3.

God doesn't leave much wiggle room when it comes to anything.

Never read the Left Behind books myself. Everything the bible teaches seems to run counter to the idea of a rapture. God has rarely been known to give anyone the easy way out. Certainly all the martyrs of history bear witness to that.