Progressive religious groups, concerned by the violence and theology in the "Left Behind" Christian video games, have asked Wal-Mart not to sell them.
The "Left Behind: Eternal Forces" game is a spinoff from the best-selling "Left Behind" apocalyptic series and carries a rating of T for "teen" because of its violent elements.
"What is at issue here is this is an instructional video teaching young Christian children about an ideology of religious violence," said author Fred Clarkson, a member of the advisory board of the Campaign to Defend the Constitution, a liberal group that opposes the religious right, in a teleconference call with reporters Tuesday (Dec. 12).
Wal-Mart is continuing its plans to stock the game, and the company producing it said critics are mischaracterizing it.
"The game is about good vs. evil, not Christian versus non-Christian," said Jeffrey Frichner, president of Left Behind Games.
"When people understand that, they love what we're doing because who doesn't want to fight against evil?"
Clark Stevens, co-director of the Campaign to Defend the Constitution, said the protest is focusing on "the hypocrisy that exists within the religious right" because some affiliated with it, including Focus on the Family, have supported the game even though they generally speak against violent video games. The protest does not seek the removal of any other violent games.
Bob Waliszewski, a media specialist for Colorado-based Focus on the Family, said it views the game as one parents can play with their kids.
"Quite frankly, it's a game that has a lot going for it from a game-player's perspective, while highlighting some of life's biggest issues, such as Christ's second coming, salvation and the end times," he said.
A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said the product has been selling in select stores and online.
"As always, the decision on what merchandise we offer in our stores is based on what we think our customers want the opportunity to buy," said Tara Raddohl of Wal-Mart.
