"Christian" Halloween Hell Houses - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

DaveOrion · 10-31-2007, 09:15 AM

Although I've never been to one, and never will, I have seen these on the tube. I was utterly disgusted by the "holier than tho" attitude of these religious zealots who claim to know God's will & are more than ready to show all the sinners that their paths will lead them straight to hell.

I know its a free country but this behavior only seems to strengthen the bonds of intolerance & promote unrealistic views of people who choose to lead a different lifestyle or terminate a pregnancy for what ever reason.

I quick breakdown of the Christian Hell House.....

Quote:

Hell Houses
A Hell House consists of a group of horrific scenes within a type of haunted house. The customer walks through a sequence of tableaus designed to create terror and revulsion. The last scene is different; it is typically a portrayal of heaven. The visitors are then asked to accept salvation by repenting of their sins and trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Hell Houses are a relatively new evangelistic technique used by many hundreds of conservative Protestant churches in North America. One intent is to proselytize the unsaved public. Another is to promote certain conservative Christian beliefs:

that abortions kill human babies;

that sexual orientation is a matter of choice, can be changed, and that God hates same-sex behavior;

that everyone who is not saved will go to Hell when they die (perhaps sooner, if Jesus returns);

that underground Satanic cults engage in widespread sacrifice of humans.

Some hell houses are disguised to resemble conventional secular haunted houses. The customer only realizes that they have a religious theme after they have bought their ticket and gone part of the way through the scenes.

Typical scenes are:

A realistic reenactment of the murder of Cassie Bernall, a teenager victim at the Columbine High School in 1999-APR. She was allegedly asked whether she believed in God, answered yes, and was murdered on the spot. The incident never happened. But the story has taken on a life of its own, and is frequently referred to in conservative Christian magazines, books, and radio programs.

A person being sacrificed during a Satanic ritual. The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) web site warned of Wiccan rituals and stated "... evidence persists that some Satanists and voodoo groups offer sacrifices -- usual animals, but, possibly, human babies" at this time. 15

Women undergoing very bloody late-term abortions, complete with screaming, lots of blood, and particularly insensitive, uncaring health providers. This scene has been partly abandoned in recent years in favor of a portrayal of guilt and depression arising from Post Abortion Syndrome.

Gays and lesbians being tortured in hell for all eternity because of their behavior while they were alive on earth.

The dangers of "dabbling" in the occult and becoming demon possessed.

Personal tragedies arising from pre-marital sex.

Disastrous tragedies and loss of life resulting from drunk driving.

A man having an argument with his wife and is later seduced by his secretary.

Witches pressuring a depressed teen to murder his fellow students.

A 9/11 ground zero scene.

History of Hell Houses
The earliest hell house may have been created by Trinity Assembly of God in Dallas TX. It was popularized by Rev. Jerry Falwell in the late 1970's. The concept was picked up in 1992 by Keenan Roberts. His first Hell House was in Roswell, NM. Since then, he has become a pastor of the Abundant Life Church in Arvada, CO. He sells "Hell House Outreach™" kits to other churches. Included is a 263 page manual which covers "everything from media publicity to casting and costume." 4 A few excerpts from the The 1997 Hell House Outreach Manual are:

"Pieces of meat placed in a glass bowl to look like pieces of a baby... purchase a meat product that closely resembles pieces of a baby."

"Theatrical Blood. Because a large amount of blood is used in this scene and in others, someone should be responsible for mixing a vat of it each evening..."

"Chrissy [the woman having an abortion] starts crying. She is extremely distraught...the medical staff is cold, uncaring, abrupt, and completely insensitive..."

Included in the kit is a video of the previous year's Arvida Hell House and a special effects CD. 2 According to Roberts' literature, the CD includes "the voice of suicide, the voice of God, and the bone-chilling demon declaration of 'HELL HOUSE' in the opening scene..." The 1999 price of the kit was $199 U.S. It has since gone up to $208.80. He commented to National Public Radio: "We're not doing this to win a popularity contest. We're saying look, sin is hurting our nation and Jesus Christ is the answer to what you're going through." Roberts has received international attention through an appearance on the Phil Donahue Show, and reports in the London Times, MS Magazine, New York Times, Newsweek, etc. He told the Denver Post that the exhibit was designed to "show young people that they can go to hell for abortion, adultery, homosexuality, drinking and other things unless they repent and end the behavior." 10 In his first three years of business, Roberts sold 300 kits, and had 20,000 guests. His own Hell House reports about 7,000 or 35% Christian conversions (instances of personal salvation). Admission is $7.00 U.S. or $6.00 if you have brought canned goods for the needy. Bill Geerhart has recorded a somewhat unsympathetic blow-by-blow account of his passage through the Arvada Hell House. 3

Roberts will not have a display in 2004. He told the Associated Press: "It's not gone away; we're just taking a year off." He said that his Hell House idea is now used by more than 500 churches in 14 countries. 13

The American Atheists website stated in 1998:

"Another example of a 'Hell House' extravaganza is in Kingsport, Tennessee where the Higher Ground Baptist Church estimates it will attract nearly 9,000 visitors to its gallery of horrors. Dubbed 'Judgment House,' the tour includes nine scenes and a cast of 200 actors. The themes mimic previous shows which stretch back to 1993 -- drunk driving, suicide and teen rebellion. This year, one exhibit will attempt to portray a teenage girls who dies after having an abortion. The minister in charge of the 'Judgment House' presentation told reporters, 'We have all kinds coming... Devil worshippers, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Catholics, everyone'."

http://www.religioustolerance.org/hallo_he.htm

Any thoughts on this practice???

Bill O'Rights · 10-31-2007, 10:16 AM

I really have no inherent problem with it, except for...

Quote:

Some hell houses are disguised to resemble conventional secular haunted houses. The customer only realizes that they have a religious theme after they have bought their ticket and gone part of the way through the scenes.

I mean...do they have something to hide? Does it have to be subversive? To each their own, but at least be up front about it.

Ustwo · 10-31-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

I really have no inherent problem with it, except for...

I mean...do they have something to hide? Does it have to be subversive? To each their own, but at least be up front about it.

When you are spreading gods word, you use any means necessary right?

Glory's Sun · 10-31-2007, 10:24 AM

I've been to a few of them and what I got out of them was they were used only as a tool of fear to try and convert people to the religion. They all had some stupid sermon at the end to try and get people saved and use the imagery to enhance their message. Add that to the fact that the actual "horror" scenes were pretty fucking lame, I won't ever be going back.. even though it was fun to try and disrupt the actual service at the end.

Infinite_Loser · 10-31-2007, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveMatrix

I know its a free country but this behavior only seems to strengthen the bonds of intolerance & promote unrealistic views of people who choose to lead a different lifestyle or terminate a pregnancy for what ever reason.

I didn't even read the article because this will quickly turn into one of those "Christians are at the root of all our social problems!" threads. Ironic, since most Christians would argue otherwise

. However, since you mentioned it, what are these "Unrealistic views" you speak of? I'd ummm... I'd really like to know.

Also, your allusion to abortion in this case is, for all intent's purposes, a red herring. Everyone who is pro-life isn't a Christian and everyone who has an abortion is an atheist (Or a non-Christian). Just so you know...

Bill O'Rights · 10-31-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

When you are spreading gods word, you use any means necessary right?

How would I know? I'm an atheist.

All I'm saying here is...why not. I've seen stupider haunted houses, I'm sure. I just wish that they'd be a little more up front with what they are.

Ooooh...maybe they could add the Spanish Inquisition. That had to be some scary shit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infinite_Loser

everyone who has an abortion is an atheist

What?!?

Willravel · 10-31-2007, 12:48 PM

Why not have one room where Richard Dawkins is converting Christians that were on the fence?

The_Jazz · 10-31-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill O'Rights

Ooooh...maybe they could add the Spanish Inquisition. That had to be some scary shit.

Why in the world would the Babtists want to acknowledge anything that those godless Catholics have done?

Willravel · 10-31-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infinite_Loser

everyone who has an abortion is an atheist

Man, I hope that's a typo. Or was made in jest.

analog · 10-31-2007, 02:42 PM

Everyone stretches the truth and lies to get others to believe them, why would these so-called Christians be any different?

Ustwo · 10-31-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

Man, I hope that's a typo. Or was made in jest.

Actually I would hope so if they were from abrahamic religions.

If I believed in god I'd sure as hell not want to say hello to it after flushing a kid.

"Hey there, God, Jesus, ummm you must be the holy ghost, yea well, sorry about that whole abortion thing, you know, I just didn't feel I had you know the time."

DaveOrion · 10-31-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustwo

Actually I would hope so if they were from abrahamic religions.

If I believed in god I'd sure as hell not want to say hello to it after flushing a kid.

"Hey there, God, Jesus, ummm you must be the holy ghost, yea well, sorry about that whole abortion thing, you know, I just didn't feel I had you know the time."

Wow, golly gee Ustwo if I didn't know better I'd swear you were another one of those "holier than tho" guys who had all the answers & knew exactly what the proper thing to do in any circumstances was.....

But since that isn't the case, as we all know, I'm sure you comfortable in your belief of..... well, nothing I suppose....more power to that view....

Many women, both theists & atheists, have had abortions for a variety of reasons, none of which I'd dare to presume the right to tell them what to do with there own body, or will I ever.......none the less in my youth I was a stanch believer that abortion was murder.........until I came into contact with numerous women who had abortions, for a variety of reasons. Some were family members & close personal friends who undoubtedly had at least some guilt from the experience, & some were even convinced they'd go straight to hell because of it. I knew then that nobody should live with such guilt or shame because of a decision that seemed right at the time........As far as I know, theres only one unforgivable sin.......but hey, this isn't an abortion thread, right???

I thought this was a thread about hell houses......

Charlatan · 10-31-2007, 04:24 PM

Wow. If I didn't know how zealous some people on the fringes can be I would have sworn this just another urban legend.

I am with Bill on this one. If you want to make the effort go for it. Just be straight up about what you are doing. I know that if I stumbled into one of these thinking it was a conventional haunted house I would be thoroughly pissed and would demand a refund at the very least.

shakran · 10-31-2007, 04:42 PM

I'm kind of flummoxed that it's considered recent. Hell it's been around so long, King of the Hill did an episode about one years ago.

Ustwo · 10-31-2007, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

Wow. If I didn't know how zealous some people on the fringes can be I would have sworn this just another urban legend.

I am with Bill on this one. If you want to make the effort go for it. Just be straight up about what you are doing. I know that if I stumbled into one of these thinking it was a conventional haunted house I would be thoroughly pissed and would demand a refund at the very least.

But you are dealing with a completely different mindset. Anyone willing to do this kind of thing doesn't really care what you think.

Infinite_Loser · 10-31-2007, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

Man, I hope that's a typo. Or was made in jest.

Yeah. That's a type. Sorry >_>

Was supposed to say isn't*.

Val_1 · 11-01-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infinite_Loser

... everyone who has an abortion is an atheist...

Actually, I don't think there are that many atheists out there.

Infinite_Loser · 11-01-2007, 05:16 PM

*Points to his comment posted just before you*

DaveOrion · 11-01-2007, 05:49 PM

I think its safe to say that IL meant to post..... "everyone who has an abortion isn't an atheist"......then again, I could be wrong.....

senselocke · 11-07-2007, 12:51 PM

Oooh, I wanna find out where these are. I'll get a whole group of my friends together. Scotty would try to fellate the woman having the fake abortion, Christian would shout "Bang bang!" when the Columbine chick gets shot, I would produce a spork and steak sauce for the satanic sacrifice, we would cheer and whoop congratulations at the possession, Marie would scream "Sisters, you have come to me!" at the witches, Eddie would start to masturbate at the "gays in hell" bit while I made out with Drew and Marie and Crystal got it on, and we would all point to Jesus and shout "The Messiah has returned" and break out in gross and inappropriate displays of eroticism while heckling the sermon at the end.

Then, we would all demand our money back.

Think about it, it would be FUN to bomb these things.

Not that I inherently disagree with any religion, mind you, just the bigots that make up the bulk of believers.

Is there a tour schedule?

10-31-2007, 04:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Wow. If I didn't know how zealous some people on the fringes can be I would have sworn this just another urban legend. I am with Bill on this one. If you want to make the effort go for it. Just be straight up about what you are doing. I know that if I stumbled into one of these thinking it was a conventional haunted house I would be thoroughly pissed and would demand a refund at the very least. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

11-01-2007, 05:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
Infinite_Loser Junkie Location: Lake Mary, FL	Points to his comment posted just before you __________________ I believe in equality; Everyone is equally inferior to me.

11-01-2007, 05:49 PM	#19 (permalink)
DaveOrion Playing With Fire Location: Disaster Area	I think its safe to say that IL meant to post..... "everyone who has an abortion *isn't* an atheist"......then again, I could be wrong..... __________________ *Syriana*...have you ever tried liquid MDMA?....Liquid MDMA? No....Arash, when you wanna do this?.....After prayer...

10-31-2007, 10:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	I've been to a few of them and what I got out of them was they were used only as a tool of fear to try and convert people to the religion. They all had some stupid sermon at the end to try and get people saved and use the imagery to enhance their message. Add that to the fact that the actual "horror" scenes were pretty fucking lame, I won't ever be going back.. even though it was fun to try and disrupt the actual service at the end.

10-31-2007, 12:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Why not have one room where Richard Dawkins is converting Christians that were on the fence?

10-31-2007, 02:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
analog Banned	Everyone stretches the truth and lies to get others to believe them, why would these so-called Christians be any different?

10-31-2007, 04:42 PM	#14 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	I'm kind of flummoxed that it's considered recent. Hell it's been around so long, King of the Hill did an episode about one years ago.

11-07-2007, 12:51 PM	#20 (permalink)
senselocke Upright Location: Hades. Well, Missouri, but you say poTAYto, I say poTAHto...	Oooh, I wanna find out where these are. I'll get a whole group of my friends together. Scotty would try to fellate the woman having the fake abortion, Christian would shout "Bang bang!" when the Columbine chick gets shot, I would produce a spork and steak sauce for the satanic sacrifice, we would cheer and whoop congratulations at the possession, Marie would scream "Sisters, you have come to me!" at the witches, Eddie would start to masturbate at the "gays in hell" bit while I made out with Drew and Marie and Crystal got it on, and we would all point to Jesus and shout "The Messiah has returned" and break out in gross and inappropriate displays of eroticism while heckling the sermon at the end. Then, we would all demand our money back. Think about it, it would be FUN to bomb these things. Not that I inherently disagree with any religion, mind you, just the bigots that make up the bulk of believers. Is there a tour schedule?