Pastors use Halo 3 to attract young men

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Microsoft’s Halo 3 has tapped into a market that has been called hypocritical by some as ministers and pastors host "Halo" nights to attract male youths.

The newest installment of the violent game, in which the sole point is to harm and maim your enemies as the infamous Master Chief, has been picked up as a marketing tool for churches to reach out to young men, the New York Times reported Monday.

The Colorado Community Church in Englewood, Colo., is one of those trying to reach out to teens by hosting Halo tournament nights.

Tim Foster, 12, and Chris Graham, 14, can be found sitting in front of three TVs, battling it out in violent virtual combat using a game that cannot be bought by anyone under the age of 17 due to its "M for Mature" rating.

"It's just fun blowing people up," said Foster.

Youth Minister Gregg Barbour said the games bring the youths in and because of them they will stay for his Christian message.

"We want to make it hard for teenagers to go to hell," Barbour wrote in a letter to parents at the church.