Story of the Month-April, Mindflights Magazine
"...because the words that come out of your mouth mean something..."
All my life I wanted to race at Talladega. But the night before the Cup race, I sat in my apartment shakin’ like a leaf.
I was Lightnin’ Jack Davis. I was the guy who went around sayin’ he could beat the devil. I had the big promo poster that showed me leanin’ against the side of my car, black number 21, with my catchphrase at the bottom: Speed is my friend.
I was the hottest rookie on the circuit and didn’t mind sayin’ so. A few days ago all I wanted was to win the Cup. Now, all I wanted was a way to skip out on the biggest race of my life.
Some people think my attraction for NASCAR came from me growing up so close to the speedway and spending my summers working there. That’s only part of it.
When I was ten, we visited my grandma, and I loved it because around her house were the longest, steepest hills in all of West Virginia.
First day there, I took my bike out, and with as powerful a push forward as I could muster, I slammed my feet onto the pedals and pumped like I had Satan at my heels. I took a full eighth of a mile to build up speed on the level straightaway as I pushed toward the start of the slope. When I peered over the top, I pedaled even harder. I picked up speed as I raced down the hill and kept haulin’ until my pedals spun freely. The wind whipped my face and at one point I felt the bike leave the pavement. Flyin’. I was flyin’!
Then, I realized I didn’t have a plan to stop. After a brief panic, I figured I had a few choices. I could slam into a mailbox and end up at the hospital, I could try running along the curb to slow down and most likely chew up my tire, or…at the bottom of the hill, a field fenced off by barbed wire waited to welcome me. Now, that would have been one of the bad choices, except I saw a board left lying on the curb. I figured if I hit it going fast enough it would act like a ramp and send me flying over the fence.
Now that was a choice.
I gritted my teeth, aimed the bike and forced every pedal’s worth of power I could pull from the thing. When my front tire slammed into the board, I flew into the air, my bike landed in the barbed wire, but I went on another three feet and crashed down in the nice, soft mud.
I was a mess, but I wasn’t hurt even though my mom got plenty upset. But I stuck a hand on my hip and told her, “Don’t worry, Mom. I could outrace the devil if I wanted to, ’cause speed is my friend.” And being a mom, she repeated that little quote a million or so times, and what can I say? It took. And it was true. I loved speed. For me, that was the attraction.
My fans in the stands even echoed the story. “You’re faster than any devil, Lightnin’ Jack! Whip the devil’s butt!”
I’d laugh and promise to do it.
But wouldn’t you know? During the qualifying rounds for the Cup race the devil called me out. No, he wasn’t wearing a red suit. He came in the form of an old woman. Lots of older ladies come to the track and cheer and yell right along with all the guys and have a good time. So when this old woman, sidled up to me at the track, I didn’t think too much about it…at first.
She looked me in the eye and said, “Lightnin’ Jack, you think you can beat the devil? Well, I gotta message for you, boy. He’s got your number, and you’re gonna die.”
She yanked out a container with red dust in it and tossed it at me.
While I was waving my way out of that cloud, Hank, who heads up my operations team, called security.
“You okay?” Hank peered at me from underneath his #21 ball cap. “That old biddy get any of that junk in your eyes?”
I brushed it off me. “No. What’s her durn problem?”
Hank gave a dry, short laugh. “She sounds like Satan’s number-one fan. Crazy old bird. Takes all kinds. I’ll have the guys make sure she doesn’t get on the track anymore.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
This morning, the old lady made the papers, just not in a good way. The headline read, “Self-described, ‘back-country witch’ found dead after ritual involvement.”
The paper explained how police found the old lady’s body covered in evil markings. No explanation how it happened. My stomach felt like lead, and all the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. You know that feeling you get walking past the graveyard at night? Like there’s something with you, except you’re supposed to be alone? That’s what I felt.
Tom, one of the pit crew, gave me a whack on the shoulder. “Well, she ain’t gonna be riding her broom anymore. Wonder if the devil got her? Or maybe she summoned Pumpkinhead! Whoooo!”
He wiggled his hands in the air like some dumb kid on Halloween, and I snapped, “Shut up!”
That was the day we did qualifying rounds. After years of driving in starter races, and dealing with ARCA cars, and traveling to Loews and Atlanta, I was doing what we set out to do. I met Hank in Atlanta and he was the one who decided my driving was worth the hassle of gettin’ a car and team together. We had so much riding on that day and suddenly I was so spooked, I barely bagged a starting position of thirty-second. Thought I’d be sick.
Everything startled me. That’s the best way I can explain it. It ain’t smart to be twitchy in a stock car.
The guys were all cool about it, even Hank. But, dang, I could’ve done better.
That night, I’d close my eyes, and I could see that old woman, one gnarled finger pointing at me. She kept calling at me in a dead croak, “You mocked Satan! Nobody beats the devil, boy. But he is going to beat YOU!”
The only reason I got up and went to the track the next morning was because I still couldn’t figure a good way out of it. Even if I died, there were people I couldn’t let down. The witch cursed me, and I knew it. But I sucked it up and went to Talladega.
The raceway did make me feel a lot better, though. The smell of exhaust alone cheered me up.
I got dressed in my coveralls, got together with the team, went over the strategy, got my car in my crummy thirty-second position, and when the white flag waved, I realized…I was okay. No headless horseman had showed up to haul me away, or Pumpkinhead, or Freddy Krueger. All of a sudden I felt like the dumbest kid on the block for lettin’ some crazy old lady scare me so bad. With the sun up and the engines roaring, I was ready to go.
I heard Hank’s voice over my radio. “How ya’ doin’ out there, kid?”
I hit my intercom. “Remember all that mess with the old lady?”
“Uh, yeah…”
“Well, forget it. It’s time to get to work.”
“Now yer talkin’!”
I gripped my wheel and focused. I always said every race was mine to win, and this one wouldn’t be any different.
Johnny Fizbin and Mike Raider were both driving and on my team. Our plan was that when we had five laps to go we’d make our moves, earlier if the game changed a little, but at the latest by then. We were counting on each other to ride our drafts for better placement. This many cars back, I surely hoped neither of them would get greedy.
I held my position, lap after lap.
Some people think it doesn’t take much to drive in NASCAR, but let me tell you, try taking one hundred and eighty-eight laps around a track doing close to two hundred miles per hour, while the track temperature itself sits at about one hundred and thirty degrees. Yeah, it takes skill and focus.
It’s also why, when I first heard the roaring sound, I thought maybe my lack of sleep was getting’ to me.
See, I made it all the way to lap 178 when stuff started getting weird.
In my mind, I started wondering, Should I pull over? Get some water tossed in my face? What?
No reason not to keep going.
Then I heard it again. Wasn’t anything strange about hearing an engine on the speedway, but this sound practically filled my car. It didn’t sound so much like a stock car as it did an oncoming tornado. The kind of loud, ongoing roar that tells you anything in its path better get out of the way. Right at that moment I saw it. A car so fast and dark, it whipped past me in a black blur.
My heart leaped into my throat.
Hanks voice came over the radio right away. “Jack! You’re swervin’ awfully bad! You got a problem?”
“I—I—I...” That’s when I heard a voice in the seat next to me say, “Quit stammering and answer the man. But watch what you say or they’re gonna think you’re crazy.” And when I glanced over, I dang near lost control of the car. I didn’t know whether to scream or puke or what. A guy sat there wearing racin’ coveralls, with a red ball cap on his head. He had mirrored sunglasses and a reddish mustache that twitched a little when he talked.
I’d been lookin’ at that guy all my life. My heart skipped a beat ’cause I’d even cried like a girl…when he died.
“Dale Earnhardt?”
To see the rest...check out
http://www.mindflights.com/item.php?sub_id=5344
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Paint it Black
Because this story is set to shortly come out in the Goth-zine, "Coach's Midnight Diner" I can't post the whole thing here yet. But here's the first 'movement.' Since the main character is a symphony musician the story is set up in movements like a symphonic work. Cute idea, scary story.
I. Molto Grave’
When a loved one not only dies, but races to death’s dark embrace as if it were a prize or reward it cuts us to the core. The heart is left with a single agonized cry of Why?
That question became my own last March when my brother took his life. The discovery was unbelievable. But he didn’t die alone. My brother was a cultist. He and twenty-seven others took knives to their own throats and they did it because they thought space aliens were coming to take them away.
I could almost handle believing he was unhappy and distraught over his divorce. But…space aliens?
I am, by profession, a violinist with the Dallas Symphony. My brother, Rick, and the others took their lives after spending time in a cult called ‘Heavens Temple,’ based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. For many hours, I researched this group, hunting to see if, among other things, it still had a following in Santa Fe. It did.
Here’s the core of the ‘Heaven’s Temple’ entire belief system: mankind is about to be recycled and the Ascended Masters are coming to help a few chosen souls shed their mortal bodies and raise them up to heaven. ’Hey Rick, the aliens want you! Kill yourself! ‘
I didn’t buy it.
That summer, I decided to leave Dallas and take a summer job playing for the Santa Fe Opera because then I could further look into things without alarming my family.
The Sunday before I left, I played the special service music at my parent’s church, and then went to their home for supper. It seemed to cheer mom up for a little bit. She’d been awfully quiet since the funeral.
When it was time to leave, my father walked me outside and shook my hand. “Well, son, thanks for playing the service. Your mom needed a few braggin’ rights.”
“Thanks, Dad. You think she’ll be okay?”
My father shook his head. “I don’t know.”
I leaned back against my little Tercel. From sheer habit my violin case was tucked under my arm.
Dad looked me over and gave a small laugh. “You remember all the crap Rick used to hand you about taking up the fiddle instead of playing football?”
“Yep.” I said feeling the wetness start down my cheeks. “I still can’t believe he did it, Dad. I miss him.”
“I know you do. And you know what bothers me? I don’t think he did anything crazy as suicide.”
“You think he was murdered?”
“I don’t know. I just know in my heart, there’s more to the story. You do, too. That’s the real reason you’re going to Santa Fe.”
My father kept a step ahead of me all my life. I wasn’t surprised he had me figured out now. I wiped my eyes and nodded.
“Thought so,” he said. “I’d do the same thing if I didn’t think it would upset your mom. Find out whatever you can, but be careful, call me if anything strange happens. Your mom couldn’t stand to lose another son.” His voice broke, “Neither could I.”
We stood on the driveway and embraced each other until he gave me a light whack on the back and said, “I’m proud of you, son. You’re a damn fine musician.”
I. Molto Grave’
When a loved one not only dies, but races to death’s dark embrace as if it were a prize or reward it cuts us to the core. The heart is left with a single agonized cry of Why?
That question became my own last March when my brother took his life. The discovery was unbelievable. But he didn’t die alone. My brother was a cultist. He and twenty-seven others took knives to their own throats and they did it because they thought space aliens were coming to take them away.
I could almost handle believing he was unhappy and distraught over his divorce. But…space aliens?
I am, by profession, a violinist with the Dallas Symphony. My brother, Rick, and the others took their lives after spending time in a cult called ‘Heavens Temple,’ based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. For many hours, I researched this group, hunting to see if, among other things, it still had a following in Santa Fe. It did.
Here’s the core of the ‘Heaven’s Temple’ entire belief system: mankind is about to be recycled and the Ascended Masters are coming to help a few chosen souls shed their mortal bodies and raise them up to heaven. ’Hey Rick, the aliens want you! Kill yourself! ‘
I didn’t buy it.
That summer, I decided to leave Dallas and take a summer job playing for the Santa Fe Opera because then I could further look into things without alarming my family.
The Sunday before I left, I played the special service music at my parent’s church, and then went to their home for supper. It seemed to cheer mom up for a little bit. She’d been awfully quiet since the funeral.
When it was time to leave, my father walked me outside and shook my hand. “Well, son, thanks for playing the service. Your mom needed a few braggin’ rights.”
“Thanks, Dad. You think she’ll be okay?”
My father shook his head. “I don’t know.”
I leaned back against my little Tercel. From sheer habit my violin case was tucked under my arm.
Dad looked me over and gave a small laugh. “You remember all the crap Rick used to hand you about taking up the fiddle instead of playing football?”
“Yep.” I said feeling the wetness start down my cheeks. “I still can’t believe he did it, Dad. I miss him.”
“I know you do. And you know what bothers me? I don’t think he did anything crazy as suicide.”
“You think he was murdered?”
“I don’t know. I just know in my heart, there’s more to the story. You do, too. That’s the real reason you’re going to Santa Fe.”
My father kept a step ahead of me all my life. I wasn’t surprised he had me figured out now. I wiped my eyes and nodded.
“Thought so,” he said. “I’d do the same thing if I didn’t think it would upset your mom. Find out whatever you can, but be careful, call me if anything strange happens. Your mom couldn’t stand to lose another son.” His voice broke, “Neither could I.”
We stood on the driveway and embraced each other until he gave me a light whack on the back and said, “I’m proud of you, son. You’re a damn fine musician.”
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Interview with Game Developer Patrick Frye
First appeared in Infuze Magazine June 2005
Patrick Frye reprinted it on his webzine, ICEPOWERED, earlier this year.
This interview is pretty old now but our motivations haven't changed and neither has the industry all that much.
Michele: We'd like to know about you, who you are, how long you've been a Christian and a bit about your technical background.
Patrick: My name is Patrick Frye. I was raised in a Christian home but I don't think I truly understood what it meant to be a Christian until about five to six years ago. Up until then I consider my faith to be nominal. This was partially due to the church I was attending at the time, which didn't teach the Word. Then I again, I may have been thick-headed.
I worked for a Department of Defense contractor where I produced the software that controlled satellite communications systems in spy planes used by the U.S., Britain, and Australia (along with some other NATO countries). It was stressful since there were always deadlines to meet.
Now I work in a service oriented department at a non-profit Christian ministry so the amount of work goes up and down and... no deadlines.
What is your position at TGS and how did you become involved there?
I'm the Lead Engine Designer, a.k.a. "code monkey." I provide the tools for the level designers and artists; it's their job to produce the actual content for the game. Of course, that means if the resulting game is horrible I can't be blamed. Just kidding. I actually have been submitting many ideas during the pre-development design stage for Nightmares. In the first game, Eternal War: Shadows of Light, I didn't have any input at all into game play since I came on very late in development. Most of my work was in upgrading the original engine with additional features and fixing major issues.
As for how I joined TGS... If I was going to work in the game industry I wanted to produce games that not only entertained but could teach a solid Bible-themed message. Along with a group of other people I started a company called Gamers Underground Movement Productions. To make a long story short that endeavor failed and I decided to set aside my own plans in favor of furthering the Christian game industry in whatever capacity was available. I believe that one of the largest issues facing the Christian game industry is the fragmentation of the talent pool, since everyone seems to want to develop their own little pet project. At this point the industry realistically cannot support that. So I set about looking for a solid Christian game developer that seemed to have a good track record. I submitted my resume to TGS and was immediately accepted.
Tell us about Eternal War and please discuss some of what is involved in the making of a game.
Here is the storyline in a nutshell:
Eternal War takes place in the suicidal mind of John Coronado, a desperate teen ready to take desperate measures to escape his "personal hell."
You are Mike, a friend sent to help John out of his pain and struggles before his time runs out. Traveling down the road of malice and destruction, Mike is faced with hundreds of obstacles ahead of him to overcome through the only power that John thought abandoned him."
There are a variety of specialized fields involved in game production including:
* Management (Finance, Marketing, Sells, Website, etc)
* Game Design Leads
* Programming (Rendered, Sound, Networking, Engine Architecture, Scripting, Physics, etc)
* AI Programming (I list it separately because it's pretty much its own field)
* Script Writers
* Level Designers
* Sound/Recording Artists
* 3D Modelers
* 2D Texture Artists
* Play testers
* Musicians
For learning more about the game industry I suggest www.gamedev.net and www.gamasutra.com.
How do see the ministry possibilities for the Christian gaming industry?
In movies the message is given to the audience and it's only passive interaction. With video games the audience becomes involved and they are forced to think about the message and to make decisions based upon it. Brain research scientists have discovered that a person's thinking can either be changed or solidified by modifying or reinforcing the brain's neural pathways. While it is difficult to change old neural pathways with enough dedication it is possible.
The U.S. military has taken this research and they use 3D combat simulations in order to desensitize soldiers to possible violence they might face in their first real combat and hopefully prevent them from freezing up and getting themselves killed.
Most people don't realize this, but the video game industry has already surpassed the movie industry in worldwide net profit. It could also be said that the ability to effect society is already greater. Movies usually run between 1.5 to 2 hours and most people spend a limited amount of time thinking on the subject matter contained within. AAA title video games usually contain anywhere from 12 to 60+ hours worth of game play content and many gamers will play popular games for months or years. While playing these games, certain neural pathways are consistently being reinforced. Because of this the potential to effect people is huge -- both positively and negatively.
So far this great potential has not been met. The "message" in the storyline of most video games is usually fairly neutral in scope and for the most part does not hold a social agenda. Just like Nintendo's Mario, most games still consist of a hero, a basic goal, and a bunch of bad guys blocking the player's path to the goal. It's slowly gotten better with in-game cut scenes and game play scenarios and environments that actually mesh and belong in the story. Technology and funding for years was mostly the limiter but those limitations are slowly being erased. Game developers are just now starting to talk about games where players will feel for the characters and think of moral situations. This brings about the possibility of producing games that can change the audience's views and thinking on moral issues.
I will state one caveat right now: those who claim video games were the cause of incidents like the Columbine school shooting are just looking for an easy target to blame for responsibility... other than themselves. At the same time those who claim that playing video games does not effect them at all usually are not being honest with themselves. Reality lies somewhere in between.
In males, depending on the game type, there is usually a raise in blood pressure and heightened aggression. This effect is limited in duration and usually dissipates within minutes after the person has stopped playing the game. Now the effect on a person's thinking is dependent on the subject matter and the perspective the person chooses to take when playing the game. As for me, when I play a First Person Shooter I view it the same way as I do paintball. Just like the board game of chess, I'm out to beat my opponent(s) by "tagging" them with a certain set of rules and tools (weapons).
On the other hand, the Columbine shooter's anger at their classmates caused them to recreate their classrooms in custom levels in the old game Doom. In this manner they simulated killing their classmates over and over before actually considering doing the deed in reality. If a person views playing video games in a similar way they should not being playing video games and should seek counseling!
Desensitization towards violence is also a rightful worry when it comes to children. During that stage in life the brain is still developing and is highly malleable to change. If a child's boundaries are being taught through video games and not by their parents then I would be worried also. At the same time children should be taught that there are real repercussions to their actions, whether it be in reality or in a game.
Publishers are very careful about claiming video games have no correlation with violence... mainly so the bottom-line isn't effect and so they cannot be held legally liable; not because all game developers actually believe this. Isn't it odd how software publishers claim educational software can teach children to think a certain way yet deny that "just for fun" games can have any effect on the mind? An employee at Id Software once made a statement to this effect: "After a very long session of play testing one level designer noticed that he was automatically thinking of ways to defeat and kill his fellow employees as he walked the hallways. His brain could not tell the difference between reality and a video game. Now even though this was a short time effect on his mind needless to say this freaked him out."
The Grand Theft Auto series is famously used an example, since in it the player role-plays as a criminal who is out to gain power using any means possible. The game play mechanics are laudable but the message detestable. But that is not the only way to package a message to an audience. The games Fable and The Sims did not comment on homosexuality but merely introduced it matter-of-factly by allowing the player's character to marry a non-player character of the same sex. While not actively advocating homosexuality through words, the message was still the same: homosexuality is normal behavior. In fact, not reinforcing homosexuality in the game as "special" only enhances this message.
In the same way, Two Guys Software doesn't plan on bashing the audience over the head with the Bible every time they play our games. We plan on integrating moral themes into our games without disrupting the player's game play experience. In Christian literature, authors Ted Dekker and Shane Johnson go about writing their stories the same way. The characters, settings, and plot draw the reader in and then they are introduced to concepts where they think about moral issues, and sometimes the basic message of the gospel, sometimes without God or Jesus mentioned until the very end. This way non-Christian audiences are not immediately scared off by blatantly Christian packaging of the message.
When it comes to EW: Nightmares, the plot will be considerably darker in content. This is where we'll probably get the most flak from the Christian gaming community, but we're not too concerned about that. This time around we're going to approach the story more authentically. We've been doing research into the real-life effects that abusive use of drugs, porn, suicidal thoughts, rage, and occult influences have on people. It's not a basic "messed up kid who needs help" story again, we're aiming more for a chaotic conflict zone, each zone having it's own type of chaos that the player interactively helps a game character overcome. So the game will be a lot darker but also much more powerful in message.
Where do you see the industry headed?
At this time the largest problem facing the Christian game industry is the lack of adequate financial investment. The majority of companies are being run from home and the work is done only on available spare time outside of normal day jobs.
The other huge problem in the industry is this: Everyone wants to own their own little company and pursue their own little vision of a great game; they want full control and to be "the boss". Some times this is due to pride, but usually it's the heartfelt desire of people to fulfill their dreams. While these desires are laudable this also severely fragments the talent pool since we have hundreds of little companies/groups made up of maybe 5 to 10 people on average.
I'm reiterating this point from above because I consider it so important: I quickly realized that the only way to succeed is to set aside my dreams for the short term and join an already established company that appears to be succeeding. Perhaps in the future, once the Christian game industry has matured, I might be able to develop my own dream but I must learn to be patient. To complete my thought, if all the available people would band together under one company it might be possible to be competitive. If we have a hundred people working part-time on the side it would be approximately equal to about twenty to twenty-five full-time workers. Of course, managing all that would be crazy and be a full time position by itself but at least it would be possible to competitive with the secular industry and thus financially successful.
One of the reasons these small groups fail is because they are overly ambitious. They have grand visions but do not consider the reality of creating their vision in terms of resources, time, and capabilities. Some people are just starting to realize this error. As one game developer put it: "I'm just sick of project ideas -- whole projects even -- just being discarded because there's no time or it gets old or its too hard." Then these groups run into another problem, that of reducing their game to the point where it is irrelevant in the market. Most "simple" game play styles are available in such quantity that many are even free! It's quite impossible to sustain a working business plan which includes profitability when faced with such a situation.
Another problem is the lack of business sense in the industry. The majority of people starting these Christian game developers have no clue what to do when it comes to even simple business practices. The last paragraph could be used as an example. For another example, when I started Gamers Underground Movement Productions with several others, none of us had any practical experience at running a business. Fast forward to the future. TGS does receive help from Christians in the secular industry but day-to-day decisions are still left up to us, as well as marketing and other disciplines we are sorely lacking in.
Only once the talent pool is consolidated into professionally operated corporations funded by investors and run by experienced managers do I see the Christian game industry as being able to stand on its own. It's going to be a hard road and I imagine it will be years before the fruits of our labor pay off and the Christian game industry has settled down into a more settled, more "normal" routine.
What, if any, have been your biggest obstacles in dealing with the Christian community?
You'd be surprised at how the majority of mainstream Christian publishers we've talked to say Christians should not play video/computer games. It's practically the same situation that occurred with the Christian music industry in the 60 and 70s, where those with the money and who were in control of the industry said rock and roll is evil. At the same time it's amazing how many secular magazines/newspapers (like Fortune, MSNBC, etc.) are asking to interview us (TGS) about these emerging "religious games." The secular media actually paints a brighter picture than most Christians, estimating that the Christian game industry will exceed five hundred million dollars in several years.
One of the few Christian publications I've seen that has even mentioned the Christian game industry is World Magazine. But even then their editorial had a negative slant, quoting Mack and others out of context, and complaining that we have any type of violence in our games. Conflict of some type in video games is pretty much unavoidable, as is a certain level of violence. In the letters to the magazine section I saw letters about that article printed over a period of several months. These letters were all negative, saying they were appalled we were making such games and calling us hypocrites. Do I see these same people screaming about the blood-soaked, gory descriptions in the popular Left Behind series?
The reason most Christians don't play Christian games is the same reason why most gamers don't play our games: With the resources we're forced to work with we can only produce games that are five to seven years behind the game play curve (or worse). The AAA titles of the late 90's were made with a budget of less than a million and maybe twenty to forty people. Today's games are made with budgets typically exceeding several million dollars (two million dollars a month for Valve Software's recently released bestseller Half Life 2) and a staff of over one hundred people. The original Half Life was released in 1998 and to this date, the Christian game industry hasn't produced a game that can match it -- though, to be fair, many recently released secular games don't match it either. To put it pointedly, the majority of gamers have grown tired of games that play like Quake 1... and that's the quality level a spare time budget allows developers to make. While it's impressive that Eternal War: Shadows of Light met and exceeded the gameplay of Quake 1 considering it was developed on spare time and a limited budget, it still isn't enough to compete with today's market.
Now, the problem isn't a lack of Christian talent -- there are many Christians already working in the secular game industry in companies like Sierra, Activision, Electronic Arts, etc. These guys have even expressed interest in joining Christian game developers like N-Lightning or Two Guys Software. The problem is that the majority of these guys have families, mortgages, and bills to pay. Joining a Christian game developer would mean a huge pay in cut that, quite frankly, they can't afford at this time.
Many publishers will look at TGS and other Christian game developers and then claim the reason they aren't interested in backing us up is because of our lack of major financial success (or in the case of secular publishers mainly just because we're Christian in the first place). What they don't seem to comprehend is the lack of success is largely due to a lack of money, marketing, business management, and store shelf space... things only they could provide. It's a Catch-22 since we first have to be financially successful in order for them to consider providing the necessities required for us to be financially successful in the first place.
Why does there need to be a Christian game industry that creates games specifically to be marketed to Christians alone? Can't Christians just work from within the mainstream game industry?
When I think of the Christian game industry I agree that it shouldn't be centered around games created specifically to be marketed to Christians alone. Preaching to the choir or specifically targeting a yet-to-exist Christian game market has always seemed a waste of time to me, though I know others in the industry might disagree. It's possible that type of business plan might be financially sustainable in the long run, but that's not my interest. Two Guys Software's goal, for example, is to reach out to hardcore gamers with Biblically sound values and game play that anyone could appreciate. The idea is to overtly integrate moral issues and a message into the game play so that non-Christians don't feel like they're being bashed over the head with the Bible.
We've actually received more interest from secular media outlets like Forbes and MSNBC and mostly scorn from Christian publishers and media. "Christians shouldn't play video games, especially if they have any sort of violence at all in them" is usually the type of response I hear. There are actually many Christians in the mainstream game industry, from Sierra to EA, but I know from experience that the publishers will bulk at the idea to produce games that discuss sound moral issues in any manner; even if the Bible, God, or Jesus is not brought up explicitly. Using the word "Christian" will almost always get you shown the door immediately. That is why there is a "Christian" game industry, because at this time it seems that is the only way the games will be produced.
Where do you see TGS five years from now?
I cannot give an exact time frame but we're expecting the development of EW: Nightmares to take several more years. We're currently seeking financial investment and/or support by a mainstream publisher, either Christian or secular.
If a young person wished to become involved with the Christian gaming industry, what advice would you give them?
To be able to make good games you have to recognize good games and the game play mechanics behind them. What makes a "good" game is a fickle thing and often requires the tweaking of many variables over a period of months in order to balance out the game play.
I would recommend reading game development websites and magazines so you can become familiar with the industry. Depending on your planned specialty you may have to be well grounded in technical matters.
Patrick Frye reprinted it on his webzine, ICEPOWERED, earlier this year.
This interview is pretty old now but our motivations haven't changed and neither has the industry all that much.
Michele: We'd like to know about you, who you are, how long you've been a Christian and a bit about your technical background.
Patrick: My name is Patrick Frye. I was raised in a Christian home but I don't think I truly understood what it meant to be a Christian until about five to six years ago. Up until then I consider my faith to be nominal. This was partially due to the church I was attending at the time, which didn't teach the Word. Then I again, I may have been thick-headed.
I worked for a Department of Defense contractor where I produced the software that controlled satellite communications systems in spy planes used by the U.S., Britain, and Australia (along with some other NATO countries). It was stressful since there were always deadlines to meet.
Now I work in a service oriented department at a non-profit Christian ministry so the amount of work goes up and down and... no deadlines.
What is your position at TGS and how did you become involved there?
I'm the Lead Engine Designer, a.k.a. "code monkey." I provide the tools for the level designers and artists; it's their job to produce the actual content for the game. Of course, that means if the resulting game is horrible I can't be blamed. Just kidding. I actually have been submitting many ideas during the pre-development design stage for Nightmares. In the first game, Eternal War: Shadows of Light, I didn't have any input at all into game play since I came on very late in development. Most of my work was in upgrading the original engine with additional features and fixing major issues.
As for how I joined TGS... If I was going to work in the game industry I wanted to produce games that not only entertained but could teach a solid Bible-themed message. Along with a group of other people I started a company called Gamers Underground Movement Productions. To make a long story short that endeavor failed and I decided to set aside my own plans in favor of furthering the Christian game industry in whatever capacity was available. I believe that one of the largest issues facing the Christian game industry is the fragmentation of the talent pool, since everyone seems to want to develop their own little pet project. At this point the industry realistically cannot support that. So I set about looking for a solid Christian game developer that seemed to have a good track record. I submitted my resume to TGS and was immediately accepted.
Tell us about Eternal War and please discuss some of what is involved in the making of a game.
Here is the storyline in a nutshell:
Eternal War takes place in the suicidal mind of John Coronado, a desperate teen ready to take desperate measures to escape his "personal hell."
You are Mike, a friend sent to help John out of his pain and struggles before his time runs out. Traveling down the road of malice and destruction, Mike is faced with hundreds of obstacles ahead of him to overcome through the only power that John thought abandoned him."
There are a variety of specialized fields involved in game production including:
* Management (Finance, Marketing, Sells, Website, etc)
* Game Design Leads
* Programming (Rendered, Sound, Networking, Engine Architecture, Scripting, Physics, etc)
* AI Programming (I list it separately because it's pretty much its own field)
* Script Writers
* Level Designers
* Sound/Recording Artists
* 3D Modelers
* 2D Texture Artists
* Play testers
* Musicians
For learning more about the game industry I suggest www.gamedev.net and www.gamasutra.com.
How do see the ministry possibilities for the Christian gaming industry?
In movies the message is given to the audience and it's only passive interaction. With video games the audience becomes involved and they are forced to think about the message and to make decisions based upon it. Brain research scientists have discovered that a person's thinking can either be changed or solidified by modifying or reinforcing the brain's neural pathways. While it is difficult to change old neural pathways with enough dedication it is possible.
The U.S. military has taken this research and they use 3D combat simulations in order to desensitize soldiers to possible violence they might face in their first real combat and hopefully prevent them from freezing up and getting themselves killed.
Most people don't realize this, but the video game industry has already surpassed the movie industry in worldwide net profit. It could also be said that the ability to effect society is already greater. Movies usually run between 1.5 to 2 hours and most people spend a limited amount of time thinking on the subject matter contained within. AAA title video games usually contain anywhere from 12 to 60+ hours worth of game play content and many gamers will play popular games for months or years. While playing these games, certain neural pathways are consistently being reinforced. Because of this the potential to effect people is huge -- both positively and negatively.
So far this great potential has not been met. The "message" in the storyline of most video games is usually fairly neutral in scope and for the most part does not hold a social agenda. Just like Nintendo's Mario, most games still consist of a hero, a basic goal, and a bunch of bad guys blocking the player's path to the goal. It's slowly gotten better with in-game cut scenes and game play scenarios and environments that actually mesh and belong in the story. Technology and funding for years was mostly the limiter but those limitations are slowly being erased. Game developers are just now starting to talk about games where players will feel for the characters and think of moral situations. This brings about the possibility of producing games that can change the audience's views and thinking on moral issues.
I will state one caveat right now: those who claim video games were the cause of incidents like the Columbine school shooting are just looking for an easy target to blame for responsibility... other than themselves. At the same time those who claim that playing video games does not effect them at all usually are not being honest with themselves. Reality lies somewhere in between.
In males, depending on the game type, there is usually a raise in blood pressure and heightened aggression. This effect is limited in duration and usually dissipates within minutes after the person has stopped playing the game. Now the effect on a person's thinking is dependent on the subject matter and the perspective the person chooses to take when playing the game. As for me, when I play a First Person Shooter I view it the same way as I do paintball. Just like the board game of chess, I'm out to beat my opponent(s) by "tagging" them with a certain set of rules and tools (weapons).
On the other hand, the Columbine shooter's anger at their classmates caused them to recreate their classrooms in custom levels in the old game Doom. In this manner they simulated killing their classmates over and over before actually considering doing the deed in reality. If a person views playing video games in a similar way they should not being playing video games and should seek counseling!
Desensitization towards violence is also a rightful worry when it comes to children. During that stage in life the brain is still developing and is highly malleable to change. If a child's boundaries are being taught through video games and not by their parents then I would be worried also. At the same time children should be taught that there are real repercussions to their actions, whether it be in reality or in a game.
Publishers are very careful about claiming video games have no correlation with violence... mainly so the bottom-line isn't effect and so they cannot be held legally liable; not because all game developers actually believe this. Isn't it odd how software publishers claim educational software can teach children to think a certain way yet deny that "just for fun" games can have any effect on the mind? An employee at Id Software once made a statement to this effect: "After a very long session of play testing one level designer noticed that he was automatically thinking of ways to defeat and kill his fellow employees as he walked the hallways. His brain could not tell the difference between reality and a video game. Now even though this was a short time effect on his mind needless to say this freaked him out."
The Grand Theft Auto series is famously used an example, since in it the player role-plays as a criminal who is out to gain power using any means possible. The game play mechanics are laudable but the message detestable. But that is not the only way to package a message to an audience. The games Fable and The Sims did not comment on homosexuality but merely introduced it matter-of-factly by allowing the player's character to marry a non-player character of the same sex. While not actively advocating homosexuality through words, the message was still the same: homosexuality is normal behavior. In fact, not reinforcing homosexuality in the game as "special" only enhances this message.
In the same way, Two Guys Software doesn't plan on bashing the audience over the head with the Bible every time they play our games. We plan on integrating moral themes into our games without disrupting the player's game play experience. In Christian literature, authors Ted Dekker and Shane Johnson go about writing their stories the same way. The characters, settings, and plot draw the reader in and then they are introduced to concepts where they think about moral issues, and sometimes the basic message of the gospel, sometimes without God or Jesus mentioned until the very end. This way non-Christian audiences are not immediately scared off by blatantly Christian packaging of the message.
When it comes to EW: Nightmares, the plot will be considerably darker in content. This is where we'll probably get the most flak from the Christian gaming community, but we're not too concerned about that. This time around we're going to approach the story more authentically. We've been doing research into the real-life effects that abusive use of drugs, porn, suicidal thoughts, rage, and occult influences have on people. It's not a basic "messed up kid who needs help" story again, we're aiming more for a chaotic conflict zone, each zone having it's own type of chaos that the player interactively helps a game character overcome. So the game will be a lot darker but also much more powerful in message.
Where do you see the industry headed?
At this time the largest problem facing the Christian game industry is the lack of adequate financial investment. The majority of companies are being run from home and the work is done only on available spare time outside of normal day jobs.
The other huge problem in the industry is this: Everyone wants to own their own little company and pursue their own little vision of a great game; they want full control and to be "the boss". Some times this is due to pride, but usually it's the heartfelt desire of people to fulfill their dreams. While these desires are laudable this also severely fragments the talent pool since we have hundreds of little companies/groups made up of maybe 5 to 10 people on average.
I'm reiterating this point from above because I consider it so important: I quickly realized that the only way to succeed is to set aside my dreams for the short term and join an already established company that appears to be succeeding. Perhaps in the future, once the Christian game industry has matured, I might be able to develop my own dream but I must learn to be patient. To complete my thought, if all the available people would band together under one company it might be possible to be competitive. If we have a hundred people working part-time on the side it would be approximately equal to about twenty to twenty-five full-time workers. Of course, managing all that would be crazy and be a full time position by itself but at least it would be possible to competitive with the secular industry and thus financially successful.
One of the reasons these small groups fail is because they are overly ambitious. They have grand visions but do not consider the reality of creating their vision in terms of resources, time, and capabilities. Some people are just starting to realize this error. As one game developer put it: "I'm just sick of project ideas -- whole projects even -- just being discarded because there's no time or it gets old or its too hard." Then these groups run into another problem, that of reducing their game to the point where it is irrelevant in the market. Most "simple" game play styles are available in such quantity that many are even free! It's quite impossible to sustain a working business plan which includes profitability when faced with such a situation.
Another problem is the lack of business sense in the industry. The majority of people starting these Christian game developers have no clue what to do when it comes to even simple business practices. The last paragraph could be used as an example. For another example, when I started Gamers Underground Movement Productions with several others, none of us had any practical experience at running a business. Fast forward to the future. TGS does receive help from Christians in the secular industry but day-to-day decisions are still left up to us, as well as marketing and other disciplines we are sorely lacking in.
Only once the talent pool is consolidated into professionally operated corporations funded by investors and run by experienced managers do I see the Christian game industry as being able to stand on its own. It's going to be a hard road and I imagine it will be years before the fruits of our labor pay off and the Christian game industry has settled down into a more settled, more "normal" routine.
What, if any, have been your biggest obstacles in dealing with the Christian community?
You'd be surprised at how the majority of mainstream Christian publishers we've talked to say Christians should not play video/computer games. It's practically the same situation that occurred with the Christian music industry in the 60 and 70s, where those with the money and who were in control of the industry said rock and roll is evil. At the same time it's amazing how many secular magazines/newspapers (like Fortune, MSNBC, etc.) are asking to interview us (TGS) about these emerging "religious games." The secular media actually paints a brighter picture than most Christians, estimating that the Christian game industry will exceed five hundred million dollars in several years.
One of the few Christian publications I've seen that has even mentioned the Christian game industry is World Magazine. But even then their editorial had a negative slant, quoting Mack and others out of context, and complaining that we have any type of violence in our games. Conflict of some type in video games is pretty much unavoidable, as is a certain level of violence. In the letters to the magazine section I saw letters about that article printed over a period of several months. These letters were all negative, saying they were appalled we were making such games and calling us hypocrites. Do I see these same people screaming about the blood-soaked, gory descriptions in the popular Left Behind series?
The reason most Christians don't play Christian games is the same reason why most gamers don't play our games: With the resources we're forced to work with we can only produce games that are five to seven years behind the game play curve (or worse). The AAA titles of the late 90's were made with a budget of less than a million and maybe twenty to forty people. Today's games are made with budgets typically exceeding several million dollars (two million dollars a month for Valve Software's recently released bestseller Half Life 2) and a staff of over one hundred people. The original Half Life was released in 1998 and to this date, the Christian game industry hasn't produced a game that can match it -- though, to be fair, many recently released secular games don't match it either. To put it pointedly, the majority of gamers have grown tired of games that play like Quake 1... and that's the quality level a spare time budget allows developers to make. While it's impressive that Eternal War: Shadows of Light met and exceeded the gameplay of Quake 1 considering it was developed on spare time and a limited budget, it still isn't enough to compete with today's market.
Now, the problem isn't a lack of Christian talent -- there are many Christians already working in the secular game industry in companies like Sierra, Activision, Electronic Arts, etc. These guys have even expressed interest in joining Christian game developers like N-Lightning or Two Guys Software. The problem is that the majority of these guys have families, mortgages, and bills to pay. Joining a Christian game developer would mean a huge pay in cut that, quite frankly, they can't afford at this time.
Many publishers will look at TGS and other Christian game developers and then claim the reason they aren't interested in backing us up is because of our lack of major financial success (or in the case of secular publishers mainly just because we're Christian in the first place). What they don't seem to comprehend is the lack of success is largely due to a lack of money, marketing, business management, and store shelf space... things only they could provide. It's a Catch-22 since we first have to be financially successful in order for them to consider providing the necessities required for us to be financially successful in the first place.
Why does there need to be a Christian game industry that creates games specifically to be marketed to Christians alone? Can't Christians just work from within the mainstream game industry?
When I think of the Christian game industry I agree that it shouldn't be centered around games created specifically to be marketed to Christians alone. Preaching to the choir or specifically targeting a yet-to-exist Christian game market has always seemed a waste of time to me, though I know others in the industry might disagree. It's possible that type of business plan might be financially sustainable in the long run, but that's not my interest. Two Guys Software's goal, for example, is to reach out to hardcore gamers with Biblically sound values and game play that anyone could appreciate. The idea is to overtly integrate moral issues and a message into the game play so that non-Christians don't feel like they're being bashed over the head with the Bible.
We've actually received more interest from secular media outlets like Forbes and MSNBC and mostly scorn from Christian publishers and media. "Christians shouldn't play video games, especially if they have any sort of violence at all in them" is usually the type of response I hear. There are actually many Christians in the mainstream game industry, from Sierra to EA, but I know from experience that the publishers will bulk at the idea to produce games that discuss sound moral issues in any manner; even if the Bible, God, or Jesus is not brought up explicitly. Using the word "Christian" will almost always get you shown the door immediately. That is why there is a "Christian" game industry, because at this time it seems that is the only way the games will be produced.
Where do you see TGS five years from now?
I cannot give an exact time frame but we're expecting the development of EW: Nightmares to take several more years. We're currently seeking financial investment and/or support by a mainstream publisher, either Christian or secular.
If a young person wished to become involved with the Christian gaming industry, what advice would you give them?
To be able to make good games you have to recognize good games and the game play mechanics behind them. What makes a "good" game is a fickle thing and often requires the tweaking of many variables over a period of months in order to balance out the game play.
I would recommend reading game development websites and magazines so you can become familiar with the industry. Depending on your planned specialty you may have to be well grounded in technical matters.
An Interview with Demonologist Keith Johnson
Appeared in Teenage Magazine 2007
When God works we glory in His miracles and greatness. When Satan works we remember that the Christian walk is no game.
Keith and Sandra Johnson are paranormal investigators. For a number of years they have helped people with their questions and problems regarding this field. Along with hosting a local paranormal talk show in their native Rhode Island, Keith also serves as consulting demonologist for TAPS, The Atlantic Paranormal Research Society, whom many have seen on the sci-fi channel hit series, Ghost Hunters.
Keith graciously took time to answer a few questions exclusively for TeenAge...
TeenAge: Please tell us who you are and a little about your organization, New England Anomalies Research.
Keith: We founded New England Anomalies Research, in October of 2004, as a means of investigating the paranormal as a team, as well as assisting people who are facing situations which may possibly involve paranormal phenomena. More and more frequently, we find that people are requesting help with these types of situations, and they are often extremely grateful to find an organization they can turn to for help.
TeenAge: When someone hears the term ‘Demonologist’ it tends to sound a little bit scary; as if a demonologist is someone who hangs out with demons. Would you define the term for us and explain what it is that you do?
Keith: Essentially, a demonologist is someone who studies the history, theology, nature and activity of the demonic realm, and is able to apply this knowledge.
TeenAge: How does your Christian faith help you when dealing with these situations?
Keith: It is through our Christian faith that we feel protected when entering a situation where a demonic entity may be involved. We know that we are not dealing with these situations under our own authority, but that we are protected and guided by Jesus Christ.
TeenAge: On the heels of that question, Keith, how did you and Saundra each become involved with paranormal studies? Is that how you met?
Keith: Sandra and I actually met when we were involved in a theater project together. As far as becoming involved in paranormal research, my interest was originally peaked by the fact that I grew up in a house when paranormal phenomena occasionally took place. Sandra also developed an avid interest in this field, and this, combined with our Christian faith and desire to assist others who were seeking answers, led us to investigating these types of cases together.
TeenAge: What happened on your most startling or frightening investigation?
Keith: A fourteen-year-old boy was subject to demonic possession, and while we were helping him, his aunt also went under possession. This was a perfect example of demonic spirits working together.
TeenAge: Can demons read minds?
Keith: Demons can mainly pick up impressions, and can seemingly read the thoughts of someone who is demonically influenced. However, they cannot read the thoughts of someone who has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
TeenAge: Can Christians become possessed?
Keith: A Christian cannot normally become possessed, as in being taken over by a demonic entity. However, a Christian can be tempted and even demonically influenced to a degree, if his or her guard is down. This happened on at least one occasion to the Apostle Peter.
TeenAge: When it comes to paranormal investigations, a very common set of initials one hears are the letters EVP. Could you explain what that means and how it relates to your investigations?
Keith: EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena. Essentially, this is disembodied voices being picked up on either a magnetic or digital recording. Often these voices are picked up during a paranormal investigation, sometimes even while we are interviewing the client. They are generally only heard when the recording is played back. However, we would caution that voices caught in this manner are not necessarily the voices of departed human beings, and they can also be very deceptive.
TeenAge: My thirteen year old friend wants to know when you hear voices on an EVP how can you tell if they are demonic or human spirits?
Keith: If a voice captured in EVP form reacts negatively to any mention of God or Jesus Christ, then it is likely that of a demonic spirit. Most EVP messages are very brief and whispery, and often of a negative or sarcastic content.
TeenAge: You occasionally work with TAPS on the sci-fi channel show, Ghost Hunters. I heard part of an audio once for a show that Ghost-Hunters never aired. It featured Keith performing an actual exorcism and was really quite frightening. But I recall hearing a great deal of Christian prayer also going on during the same episode. Any thoughts on why it wasn’t shown? Too scary, or too Christian?
Keith: There are actually quite a few episodes of Ghost Hunters which, for a variety of reasons, do not wind up being aired on TV as part of the series. This particular episode was perhaps considered a little too controversial. However, an upcoming preview of it was shown, which resulted in many people asking questions about what actually happened. Let me just say that the exorcism was successful and the victim was eventually freed. The entire session was extremely physically and emotionally draining on me.
(Because there were so many inquiries, I did wind up writing out what happened in full story form, which can be found on the stories section of our web site: www.nearparanormal.com.)
Teenage: Many teenagers are fascinated with the occult. Could you offer any words of wisdom, or even warning for those who want to learn more about it?
Keith: The occult can be very dangerous, and also very, very deceptive. At first, it can even sometimes seem very alluring, such as the opportunity to gain advantages or to communicate with the spirits of departed loved ones, as through the Ouija board or automatic writing. But make no mistake...these are false promises, designed to trap people into getting in over their heads. It is often easier to lure in a demonic entity than it is to get rid of one. These spirits have the wisdom of the ages, and will look for any opportunity to infiltrate the life of someone who may be lonely, depressed, or spiritually vulnerable. But also, take comfort in the fact that Jesus gives us protection always read this out loud when entering a situation where the demonic may be involved. against these unholy forces through faith in Him. A good method of protecting oneself against demonic forces is to put on the "Armor of God," which is described in Ephesians, chapter 6. Sandra and I always read this out loud when entering a situation where the demonic may be involved.
_______
In case Ephesians 6 doesn't ring a bell, here's the section to which Keith is referring:
Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
A good passage to remember, no matter what you happen to do.
When God works we glory in His miracles and greatness. When Satan works we remember that the Christian walk is no game.
Keith and Sandra Johnson are paranormal investigators. For a number of years they have helped people with their questions and problems regarding this field. Along with hosting a local paranormal talk show in their native Rhode Island, Keith also serves as consulting demonologist for TAPS, The Atlantic Paranormal Research Society, whom many have seen on the sci-fi channel hit series, Ghost Hunters.
Keith graciously took time to answer a few questions exclusively for TeenAge...
TeenAge: Please tell us who you are and a little about your organization, New England Anomalies Research.
Keith: We founded New England Anomalies Research, in October of 2004, as a means of investigating the paranormal as a team, as well as assisting people who are facing situations which may possibly involve paranormal phenomena. More and more frequently, we find that people are requesting help with these types of situations, and they are often extremely grateful to find an organization they can turn to for help.
TeenAge: When someone hears the term ‘Demonologist’ it tends to sound a little bit scary; as if a demonologist is someone who hangs out with demons. Would you define the term for us and explain what it is that you do?
Keith: Essentially, a demonologist is someone who studies the history, theology, nature and activity of the demonic realm, and is able to apply this knowledge.
TeenAge: How does your Christian faith help you when dealing with these situations?
Keith: It is through our Christian faith that we feel protected when entering a situation where a demonic entity may be involved. We know that we are not dealing with these situations under our own authority, but that we are protected and guided by Jesus Christ.
TeenAge: On the heels of that question, Keith, how did you and Saundra each become involved with paranormal studies? Is that how you met?
Keith: Sandra and I actually met when we were involved in a theater project together. As far as becoming involved in paranormal research, my interest was originally peaked by the fact that I grew up in a house when paranormal phenomena occasionally took place. Sandra also developed an avid interest in this field, and this, combined with our Christian faith and desire to assist others who were seeking answers, led us to investigating these types of cases together.
TeenAge: What happened on your most startling or frightening investigation?
Keith: A fourteen-year-old boy was subject to demonic possession, and while we were helping him, his aunt also went under possession. This was a perfect example of demonic spirits working together.
TeenAge: Can demons read minds?
Keith: Demons can mainly pick up impressions, and can seemingly read the thoughts of someone who is demonically influenced. However, they cannot read the thoughts of someone who has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
TeenAge: Can Christians become possessed?
Keith: A Christian cannot normally become possessed, as in being taken over by a demonic entity. However, a Christian can be tempted and even demonically influenced to a degree, if his or her guard is down. This happened on at least one occasion to the Apostle Peter.
TeenAge: When it comes to paranormal investigations, a very common set of initials one hears are the letters EVP. Could you explain what that means and how it relates to your investigations?
Keith: EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena. Essentially, this is disembodied voices being picked up on either a magnetic or digital recording. Often these voices are picked up during a paranormal investigation, sometimes even while we are interviewing the client. They are generally only heard when the recording is played back. However, we would caution that voices caught in this manner are not necessarily the voices of departed human beings, and they can also be very deceptive.
TeenAge: My thirteen year old friend wants to know when you hear voices on an EVP how can you tell if they are demonic or human spirits?
Keith: If a voice captured in EVP form reacts negatively to any mention of God or Jesus Christ, then it is likely that of a demonic spirit. Most EVP messages are very brief and whispery, and often of a negative or sarcastic content.
TeenAge: You occasionally work with TAPS on the sci-fi channel show, Ghost Hunters. I heard part of an audio once for a show that Ghost-Hunters never aired. It featured Keith performing an actual exorcism and was really quite frightening. But I recall hearing a great deal of Christian prayer also going on during the same episode. Any thoughts on why it wasn’t shown? Too scary, or too Christian?
Keith: There are actually quite a few episodes of Ghost Hunters which, for a variety of reasons, do not wind up being aired on TV as part of the series. This particular episode was perhaps considered a little too controversial. However, an upcoming preview of it was shown, which resulted in many people asking questions about what actually happened. Let me just say that the exorcism was successful and the victim was eventually freed. The entire session was extremely physically and emotionally draining on me.
(Because there were so many inquiries, I did wind up writing out what happened in full story form, which can be found on the stories section of our web site: www.nearparanormal.com.)
Teenage: Many teenagers are fascinated with the occult. Could you offer any words of wisdom, or even warning for those who want to learn more about it?
Keith: The occult can be very dangerous, and also very, very deceptive. At first, it can even sometimes seem very alluring, such as the opportunity to gain advantages or to communicate with the spirits of departed loved ones, as through the Ouija board or automatic writing. But make no mistake...these are false promises, designed to trap people into getting in over their heads. It is often easier to lure in a demonic entity than it is to get rid of one. These spirits have the wisdom of the ages, and will look for any opportunity to infiltrate the life of someone who may be lonely, depressed, or spiritually vulnerable. But also, take comfort in the fact that Jesus gives us protection always read this out loud when entering a situation where the demonic may be involved. against these unholy forces through faith in Him. A good method of protecting oneself against demonic forces is to put on the "Armor of God," which is described in Ephesians, chapter 6. Sandra and I always read this out loud when entering a situation where the demonic may be involved.
_______
In case Ephesians 6 doesn't ring a bell, here's the section to which Keith is referring:
Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
A good passage to remember, no matter what you happen to do.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Bless the Children: Appeared in AlienSkin Magazine Jan. 2007
Excerpt........
My name is Glob. Around sundown today I went above ground to get groceries, and this is how my trip went.
I was a little miffed when I went to the TV/Stereo shop on the corner. I just wanted to catch a glimpse of the news, find out what’s going on in the world, y’know? So I’m watching, and the next thing you know, this dumb show comes on about these lousy little reptiles that get doused in nuclear waste then, ‘Bammo!!” They transform into heroes! Man, like, what if they were nuclear tapeworms? Would they eat the bad guys from the inside out? They should have made a show about us. At least we used to be human.
My girlfriend, Bucket, says we still are. I don’t know.
So anyway, I’m standing there, my hood is pulled over my head when the manager yells, “Hey, kid! If you aint’ buyin’ get out!”
And I thought I wasn’t a Rhodes Scholar.
Well, I already had my chain jerked a little anyway, so I spun around and stuck out my tongue. The dude screamed like a girl then started saying swear words about the costume shop down the street.
“Go on!” he cried. “Get!”
I said a few words about his over-sized rear and took off.
I took my usual path down the alley that runs adjacent to S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, USA.
Chet’s Diner was my first stop. Sitting on the back steps were the four bags he leaves everyday. I leaned forward and smelled the soup. Mmmm, minestrone. I peaked in one bag and saw he had included a can of V-8 especially for our girl Loosey. She needs extra vegetables, but her jaw doesn’t work very well. I also noticed the bags were sturdy and had handles. Good ol’ Chet.
Of course, before this had been Chet’s place it had been Sal’s, and Tawan’s and also Larry’s.. But hell, those guys couldn’t deal and became real inconvenient. Inconvenient people die. My mother taught me that.
So old Chet is a good boy. We help him, though, it’s only fair. Like the time he was robbed. Friggin’ burglar stole a ton of money and equipment. Expensive stuff. Police couldn’t find him, but we did. Chet got his stuff back and I let Patch abort him. He didn’t live long. A good deal all around.
Next stop was the church. Father Hillary left a small box of medicine we needed with a note attached; ’Will have extra clothes, blankets and batteries tomorrow. The ribbon is in with the medicine.’
I felt excited and tore open the bag for a look. There it was, a strand of velvet, all ruby-red and soft. It was a present for Bucket. Man, I knew she’d love it. She loves tying things around her head. I also saw Father Hillary had included his usual present: a Bible. I gave asnort of laughter and chucked it to one side. That Father Hillary, sometimes he’s a hoot. Always talking about the great life you can find just reading the Bible. Maybe it hasn't dawned on him that I'm dead, so what's a dead man need with a life? But the Father is still a pretty good one. I’ll have to carve a lot of flesh before I find a replacement for him.
I put the box in with the juice and headed for my last stop, Wilma’s Natural Food Mart. She was supposed to leave us organic apples, but when I got to her back door, I didn’t see anything.
Disgusted, I pounded on the door. Wilma opened it and peaked out. She’s thin with gray lines in her hair, always wears blue jeans and acts like she’s doing me a big, fat, favor. She’s got it wrong.
She looked at me and stuttered, “Oh, its-its….y-you.”
“You-you? Who-who?” I talk like that to her. Freaks her out. “Say who I are.”
“I’m not calling you that-that name.”
I told her, “My name Glob. I wanna apple.”
“You’re not a glob.”
“Liar.”
Her eyes said she was a little scared and guilty at the same time. I thought, N.G., Wilma, N.G.
“Look,” she told me opening the door. “Come in. We have to talk.”
“I wanna apple,” I said and waddled in after her.
She lead me to her office which was a real mess, let me tell you. The paperwork on her desk looked so jumbled you’d have thought it had a life of its own. There were bills held in check by a marble paper-weight; a spiked message skewer over-flowed with messages and order sheets covered her desk like insulation. Being an orderly kind of guy, I was just plain friggin’ appalled. And this slob was supposed to help me. Tsk, tsk.
She sat in her rotten old desk chair and motioned for me to sit.
I told her, “Glob stand.”
“Uh…all right,” she stammered. Then she smiled in that same kind of way Bucket does sometimes. Except, when Bucket does it, she’s usually congratulating a two year old for pooping in the right spot. I aint’ two years old. This chick spoke like we reached some major compromise.
“All right…Glob. Stand. But we will talk. I’ve been letting this arrangement go on too long. You must see that you need help! My church has a youth Pastor who could help you to...”
“I wanna apple.”
Her eyes flashed, “Stop talking like that! You’re not stupid! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you! But you do need spiritual help and physical help. The swellings are there, but you could see a doctor! You could be a normal boy!”
Her words punched a button with me so big and touchy I wanted to nail her right there. But I was in a bad position. I kept cool and moved closer to the desk.
“Gimme apple! Gimme now!”
She rolled her eyes to the ceiling and said, “That’s it young man! You can’t be more than fourteen and if there are other children like you down there…don’t you see? They need a doctor! Jesus didn't save your lives just to have you hold them captive in the dark till they all die or don’t you care?”
Inside my anger flared like an exploding volcano. Didn't care? She had NO idea! But since she was about to die, I told her the truth. I leaned forward on her desk and gave her my most intelligent smile. “Wilma, Wilma, tsk, tsk. My clan is officially dead. Or so you’d expected when a person is aborted. But a few of us made it, as you well know…”
I never used this voice with her and I could see her face go slack with fright, as if she had just learned a fatal secret. She had.
Wilma gasped, “You’re normal!”
I grinned and yelled, “Surprise!” Then snatching up the paper-weight, I slammed it into her temple and she slumped to the floor. I felt the side of her neck and found no pulse. But it didn’t matter. I felt in my pocket for my switchblade, pulled it out and snicked it open. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, I yanked her head up and slit her throat. No hard feelings, but when I kill someone, I make sure they’re really dead.
I waited at the back door to her office. I could hear the clerk out front yakking on the phone and having a grand old time. No one else was in the store. I slipped out. Near the back door I found the sack of apples and oranges she was supposed to leave for me before she came down with the bleeding heart sickness.
I grabbed the sack and left.
Does it end well? Hmmmm....we'll have to see!
My name is Glob. Around sundown today I went above ground to get groceries, and this is how my trip went.
I was a little miffed when I went to the TV/Stereo shop on the corner. I just wanted to catch a glimpse of the news, find out what’s going on in the world, y’know? So I’m watching, and the next thing you know, this dumb show comes on about these lousy little reptiles that get doused in nuclear waste then, ‘Bammo!!” They transform into heroes! Man, like, what if they were nuclear tapeworms? Would they eat the bad guys from the inside out? They should have made a show about us. At least we used to be human.
My girlfriend, Bucket, says we still are. I don’t know.
So anyway, I’m standing there, my hood is pulled over my head when the manager yells, “Hey, kid! If you aint’ buyin’ get out!”
And I thought I wasn’t a Rhodes Scholar.
Well, I already had my chain jerked a little anyway, so I spun around and stuck out my tongue. The dude screamed like a girl then started saying swear words about the costume shop down the street.
“Go on!” he cried. “Get!”
I said a few words about his over-sized rear and took off.
I took my usual path down the alley that runs adjacent to S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, USA.
Chet’s Diner was my first stop. Sitting on the back steps were the four bags he leaves everyday. I leaned forward and smelled the soup. Mmmm, minestrone. I peaked in one bag and saw he had included a can of V-8 especially for our girl Loosey. She needs extra vegetables, but her jaw doesn’t work very well. I also noticed the bags were sturdy and had handles. Good ol’ Chet.
Of course, before this had been Chet’s place it had been Sal’s, and Tawan’s and also Larry’s.. But hell, those guys couldn’t deal and became real inconvenient. Inconvenient people die. My mother taught me that.
So old Chet is a good boy. We help him, though, it’s only fair. Like the time he was robbed. Friggin’ burglar stole a ton of money and equipment. Expensive stuff. Police couldn’t find him, but we did. Chet got his stuff back and I let Patch abort him. He didn’t live long. A good deal all around.
Next stop was the church. Father Hillary left a small box of medicine we needed with a note attached; ’Will have extra clothes, blankets and batteries tomorrow. The ribbon is in with the medicine.’
I felt excited and tore open the bag for a look. There it was, a strand of velvet, all ruby-red and soft. It was a present for Bucket. Man, I knew she’d love it. She loves tying things around her head. I also saw Father Hillary had included his usual present: a Bible. I gave asnort of laughter and chucked it to one side. That Father Hillary, sometimes he’s a hoot. Always talking about the great life you can find just reading the Bible. Maybe it hasn't dawned on him that I'm dead, so what's a dead man need with a life? But the Father is still a pretty good one. I’ll have to carve a lot of flesh before I find a replacement for him.
I put the box in with the juice and headed for my last stop, Wilma’s Natural Food Mart. She was supposed to leave us organic apples, but when I got to her back door, I didn’t see anything.
Disgusted, I pounded on the door. Wilma opened it and peaked out. She’s thin with gray lines in her hair, always wears blue jeans and acts like she’s doing me a big, fat, favor. She’s got it wrong.
She looked at me and stuttered, “Oh, its-its….y-you.”
“You-you? Who-who?” I talk like that to her. Freaks her out. “Say who I are.”
“I’m not calling you that-that name.”
I told her, “My name Glob. I wanna apple.”
“You’re not a glob.”
“Liar.”
Her eyes said she was a little scared and guilty at the same time. I thought, N.G., Wilma, N.G.
“Look,” she told me opening the door. “Come in. We have to talk.”
“I wanna apple,” I said and waddled in after her.
She lead me to her office which was a real mess, let me tell you. The paperwork on her desk looked so jumbled you’d have thought it had a life of its own. There were bills held in check by a marble paper-weight; a spiked message skewer over-flowed with messages and order sheets covered her desk like insulation. Being an orderly kind of guy, I was just plain friggin’ appalled. And this slob was supposed to help me. Tsk, tsk.
She sat in her rotten old desk chair and motioned for me to sit.
I told her, “Glob stand.”
“Uh…all right,” she stammered. Then she smiled in that same kind of way Bucket does sometimes. Except, when Bucket does it, she’s usually congratulating a two year old for pooping in the right spot. I aint’ two years old. This chick spoke like we reached some major compromise.
“All right…Glob. Stand. But we will talk. I’ve been letting this arrangement go on too long. You must see that you need help! My church has a youth Pastor who could help you to...”
“I wanna apple.”
Her eyes flashed, “Stop talking like that! You’re not stupid! I don’t think there’s anything wrong with you! But you do need spiritual help and physical help. The swellings are there, but you could see a doctor! You could be a normal boy!”
Her words punched a button with me so big and touchy I wanted to nail her right there. But I was in a bad position. I kept cool and moved closer to the desk.
“Gimme apple! Gimme now!”
She rolled her eyes to the ceiling and said, “That’s it young man! You can’t be more than fourteen and if there are other children like you down there…don’t you see? They need a doctor! Jesus didn't save your lives just to have you hold them captive in the dark till they all die or don’t you care?”
Inside my anger flared like an exploding volcano. Didn't care? She had NO idea! But since she was about to die, I told her the truth. I leaned forward on her desk and gave her my most intelligent smile. “Wilma, Wilma, tsk, tsk. My clan is officially dead. Or so you’d expected when a person is aborted. But a few of us made it, as you well know…”
I never used this voice with her and I could see her face go slack with fright, as if she had just learned a fatal secret. She had.
Wilma gasped, “You’re normal!”
I grinned and yelled, “Surprise!” Then snatching up the paper-weight, I slammed it into her temple and she slumped to the floor. I felt the side of her neck and found no pulse. But it didn’t matter. I felt in my pocket for my switchblade, pulled it out and snicked it open. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, I yanked her head up and slit her throat. No hard feelings, but when I kill someone, I make sure they’re really dead.
I waited at the back door to her office. I could hear the clerk out front yakking on the phone and having a grand old time. No one else was in the store. I slipped out. Near the back door I found the sack of apples and oranges she was supposed to leave for me before she came down with the bleeding heart sickness.
I grabbed the sack and left.
Does it end well? Hmmmm....we'll have to see!
Soul Mate and Blessed Infant: Appeared in Infuze Mag. June 2005
It doesn't happen too often, but once in a blue moon I write poems. The first was a poem, the second became a medieval style song, performed locally.
Soul Mate
I always knew you were there,
A companion almost too good to be real.
Someone who could do the impossible
And love me...
just the way I am.
I always prayed you were there,
the elusive soul-mate
only others seemed to find.
You fill my heart,
You touch my soul
Just knowing you exist...
I thank God for you,
again and again,
I thank God for you...
Blessed Infant
Blessed Infant rest your head
Sleep baby, sleep
Laying in a manger bed,
Sleep baby sleep.
A thousand stars may grace the skies,
but one shines brightest for you tonight.
Come so that we may have life,
Sleep baby, sleep.
Sleep baby, sleep.
Soul Mate
I always knew you were there,
A companion almost too good to be real.
Someone who could do the impossible
And love me...
just the way I am.
I always prayed you were there,
the elusive soul-mate
only others seemed to find.
You fill my heart,
You touch my soul
Just knowing you exist...
I thank God for you,
again and again,
I thank God for you...
Blessed Infant
Blessed Infant rest your head
Sleep baby, sleep
Laying in a manger bed,
Sleep baby sleep.
A thousand stars may grace the skies,
but one shines brightest for you tonight.
Come so that we may have life,
Sleep baby, sleep.
Sleep baby, sleep.
On Rejection: Appeared in Perpetual Mag. Spring 2008
“But it’s a good story!” the Writer insisted. “This is a Christian horror magazine, isn’t it? So what’s wrong with being a little scary and a little ugly? It’s the genre, man!”
Waldo folded his hands. “You know, the Bible says in all things we are to give God the glory. Here, you’ve written about a teen-aged girl who suffers terrible, frightening things after becoming involved with witchcraft. How is God glorified?” To emphasize his point, Waldo held the manuscript aloft. He always felt such gestures were important to set himself above the Writer. “What spiritual lesson could this possibly teach?”
The Writer shrugged, “Uh, stay away from witchcraft?”
“Yes, but does it, in the process, clearly point the reader to God as the one great Creator over all? And where are the Bible verses? You used so few one might doubt your allegiance to the True God.”
Waldo could see the Writer’s jaw drop.
“Look mister,” the Writer said. “Just because I’m not spewing Bible verses every other line doesn’t give you or anyone else call to doubt what I believe!”
Waldo smiled. Bringing this one down would be easy.
“Well, I suppose it was too difficult to write in a character that could have witnessed to the girl.”
The Writer threw up his hands. “I could have, but it doesn’t always work that way!”
Waldo rose from his chair. He would stop this man in his tracks, and use his own religion to do it, too. “It will never work that way if people don’t have the example set before them!”
The Writer rolled his eyes. “Look, Waldo, what do you want? A scary story or a witnessing tract?”
Waldo frowned. He liked the Writer’s attitude more with every passing minute. His went easy. “Well, I can see an excellent story coming together right in front of us! This is all about someone almost violently opposed to Christianity trying to find a way to slip their doctrine before an unsuspecting Christian audience. But notice: in the end our merciful, living God will triumph!”
Waldo took a seat again.
The Writer’s face had the wide-eyed, slack-jawed appearance of total shock. “Do you really think that’s what’s going on here?”
“The Bible says, ‘Ye shall know them by their fruits.’”
“Y’know, I’ve dealt with plenty of other Christian publishers and no one, no one acts like you! So what? I didn’t write what YOU thought I should write and that makes me ‘violently opposed’ to Christianity?” His shock melted into anger as the sound of his voice skipped a decibel. “And then you have the guts to throw a Bible verse at me?”
Waldo sat back. “Now, now, in the name of my Lord, calm yourself.”
“What?”
“You have to admit, yours is not a Christian story.”
“It’s my story!”
Waldo paused. “Your story?”
The Writer spoke, his voice low, breaking, “Yeah, the names are changed to protect the innocent. I had to come to a really low place in my life before I realized I needed to change. I was hoping if somebody could read about it and see where this stuff leads, it might spare them the trip.”
“Or…” Waldo said, gently, “…it could draw more people to evil…”
Eyes shining, the writer whispered, “Maybe…”
“Please,” Waldo said. “I can’t use this story, but please take it. Spend time in prayer and ask the Lord God what it is He really wants you to write about.”
The Writer silently took the manuscript from his hands and left.
A few minutes later Waldo pulled out a cell phone and punched in a number.
“Yes,” he said to the man on the other end. “I believe I’ve devastated another one. Tell the Elders our coven’s plan is working perfectly….”
Waldo folded his hands. “You know, the Bible says in all things we are to give God the glory. Here, you’ve written about a teen-aged girl who suffers terrible, frightening things after becoming involved with witchcraft. How is God glorified?” To emphasize his point, Waldo held the manuscript aloft. He always felt such gestures were important to set himself above the Writer. “What spiritual lesson could this possibly teach?”
The Writer shrugged, “Uh, stay away from witchcraft?”
“Yes, but does it, in the process, clearly point the reader to God as the one great Creator over all? And where are the Bible verses? You used so few one might doubt your allegiance to the True God.”
Waldo could see the Writer’s jaw drop.
“Look mister,” the Writer said. “Just because I’m not spewing Bible verses every other line doesn’t give you or anyone else call to doubt what I believe!”
Waldo smiled. Bringing this one down would be easy.
“Well, I suppose it was too difficult to write in a character that could have witnessed to the girl.”
The Writer threw up his hands. “I could have, but it doesn’t always work that way!”
Waldo rose from his chair. He would stop this man in his tracks, and use his own religion to do it, too. “It will never work that way if people don’t have the example set before them!”
The Writer rolled his eyes. “Look, Waldo, what do you want? A scary story or a witnessing tract?”
Waldo frowned. He liked the Writer’s attitude more with every passing minute. His went easy. “Well, I can see an excellent story coming together right in front of us! This is all about someone almost violently opposed to Christianity trying to find a way to slip their doctrine before an unsuspecting Christian audience. But notice: in the end our merciful, living God will triumph!”
Waldo took a seat again.
The Writer’s face had the wide-eyed, slack-jawed appearance of total shock. “Do you really think that’s what’s going on here?”
“The Bible says, ‘Ye shall know them by their fruits.’”
“Y’know, I’ve dealt with plenty of other Christian publishers and no one, no one acts like you! So what? I didn’t write what YOU thought I should write and that makes me ‘violently opposed’ to Christianity?” His shock melted into anger as the sound of his voice skipped a decibel. “And then you have the guts to throw a Bible verse at me?”
Waldo sat back. “Now, now, in the name of my Lord, calm yourself.”
“What?”
“You have to admit, yours is not a Christian story.”
“It’s my story!”
Waldo paused. “Your story?”
The Writer spoke, his voice low, breaking, “Yeah, the names are changed to protect the innocent. I had to come to a really low place in my life before I realized I needed to change. I was hoping if somebody could read about it and see where this stuff leads, it might spare them the trip.”
“Or…” Waldo said, gently, “…it could draw more people to evil…”
Eyes shining, the writer whispered, “Maybe…”
“Please,” Waldo said. “I can’t use this story, but please take it. Spend time in prayer and ask the Lord God what it is He really wants you to write about.”
The Writer silently took the manuscript from his hands and left.
A few minutes later Waldo pulled out a cell phone and punched in a number.
“Yes,” he said to the man on the other end. “I believe I’ve devastated another one. Tell the Elders our coven’s plan is working perfectly….”
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