For some people, the scariest thing about the Rockford House of Horrors is that this “haunted house” is run by a local church.

House of Horrors is an hour-long walk through “real-life” horrors. These scenes include a boy’s suicide, domestic violence, abortion and drunk driving.

Imagine the terror of walking into a dark room with walls covered in Marilyn Manson posters; loud, indistinguishable rock music is playing; and a teenage boy is pacing back and forth. He pulls at his hair and screams that he “can’t take it anymore.” He delivers a dramatic five-minute monologue about how his parents don’t understand him. He tells you he feels worthless and stupid. He then picks up a shotgun. A shot rings out and the light turns off. When they come back on, fake brains are sprayed across the wall behind the boy.

“It sucks because it’s the same stuff every year. It only scares little kids and old people,” said Rockford resident Annie Pruitt, 19, of her experience.

If the scenes don’t scare you, then the preaching might. After walking through disturbing reenactments, you are led into a bright, white room, where you are then told about the wonders of Jesus Christ.

Perhaps churches should save preaching for Sunday mornings and leave the haunted houses to Michael Myers.