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Pokémon - A Biblical Examination
Renee Rodriquez, Children of Promise Services
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It's everywhere... it has hit the market in the form of television, cartoons, collectable toys, movies, books and video-games. Many people around the world are talking about it, buying into it, and consuming hours of time with it. It comes in all forms, shapes, styles, colors, and functions. It is one of the hottest crazes of the century; one of the largest money makers in the world; and has one of the most strategic multi-level market plans ever conceived. This phenomenon has crossed all cultures, languages, nationalities, socio-economic groups and age barriers. Crimes have been committed because of it; and the media has reported break-ins, riots, and gambling. It has been banned from some of America's schools because of its pull and distractions to our kids. There were reports that approximately 500 children went into seizures the first time this animated show was aired in Japan. It has infiltrated our homes, schools, families, and... churches. Pokémon... a game that is for sport, friendly, fun, strategy, exciting, challenging, and innocent... or is it? Is this game a harmless form of strategy, techniques, skill-building, in a fight between "good vs. evil"; or is there something hidden, dangerous, or even occultic behind this phenomenon? A closer look at occult practices. The Occult:
Variation and Practices:
Belief Systems of Witchcraft: To worship nature (Mother-Earth) with an emphasis on the four guardians: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Gregor, author of Witchcraft and Magic defines magic as: "an attempt to gain control over nature by supernatural means. It consists of spells, charms, and other techniques intended to give man what he cannot achieve with his normal human powers." 6 "Symbolic purification rights where mental powers are used for physical healing, revenge, blessings." 7 "Use of hallucinogenic drugs used to lower the control of the mind." 8 "Curses, spells, are cast on people for evil purposes or to make people respond in the way you want them to. May be placed on people, places, events, and animals. Potions may be used." 9 All of the above mentioned beliefs adhere to a self-centered focus. "Witchcraft leads to self-realization, self-deification, and self-glorification... and ultimately to reincarnation (in view of its adherents.)" 10 "Reincarnation is part of an evolving process whereby man becomes more perfected by evolving into a higher spiritual being through mystical experiences." 11 So what do all these witchcraft, new age concepts, magic, curses, and Satanism have to do with Pokémon? After all, it looks so innocent, and thousands of kids in America and around the world are having fun! The mission is for your child to become the world's greatest Pokémon master by winning every battle and collecting all 150 Pokémon. Some will prefer to be Pokémon breeders by learning how to "bring out their inner strength and personality." There are allies and so-called friends and enemies fighting the "evil" of truth and love while they capture and control all rare Pokémon. I is suggested in the Official Pokémon Handbook by Maria S. Barbo, that the more techniques your child can teach them, the closer you and your Pokémon become. There are several suggestions to befriend these Pokémon characters. Pokémon (pocket-monsters) are creatures that come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities that are like plants, animals, and ghosts. They each have names, elements, battle techniques, levels of ability, and a level of evolution. Not only is it suggested to train them for battle, but to trade them with your friends and allow them to become your friend. Competition and face-off challenges by other trainees are required. "You must accept, it's rude to refuse." 12 The Pokémon handbook states that certain Pokémon, if captured, will be loyal to only you, and that the child must take care of them and they will be loyal companions. Why this sense of loyalty, friendship, and communication between these mindless creations and our children? Are these characters just "make-believe"; or are we training our kids to be open to something beyond this "innocent" game; such as familiar spirits or spirit guides? In the strategy of the game of Pokémon, many various Pokémon use occult techniques involving: witchcraft, elemental stones (water, thunder, and fire), poisons, powders, potions, curses, piercing, electric shock, teleport, mind-control, hypnosis, psychic powers, confusion, and meditation. Several attitudes and behavior portrayed by Pokémon are: violence, gangs, hostility, rage, revenge, fear, anger, stubbornness, competitiveness, pride, secrecy, loyalty, elitism, segregation, deception, mischievousness, vanity, and sorrow. Various physical characteristics described are: moody, crabby, sluggish, lazy, sleepy, drowsy, mentally and physically slow, stunned, confused, headaches, amnesia, paralysis, excretion of odors, foaming at the mouth, picky eating, transference of energy, sticking out tongue, coughing and wheezing, high-pitched screeching, scratching, growling, tackling, biting, trampling, kissing, sweating, fainting, scorching, evolving, and cloning. Let's look at several Pokémon characters and the handbook's description of their purpose. Abra - ability to read minds... sense danger and teleport (or move) itself - and you - to another place... he uses brainwaves to move things around in its sleep... he makes a good ally.13 Kadabra - uses its strong mind... sends special brainwaves that give headaches to anyone who gets too close.14 Alakazam - powerful brains - "... if you're very nice to it, Alakazam will help you with your homework." 15 Machop - makes a loyal companion and great teacher.... he studies all types of martial arts.16 Poliwrath - use of waterstones to evolve - has many fighting characteristics but will use hypnosis to soothe an enemy to sleep. Maybe Poliwrath will hypnotize you.17 Seel - a lovable friend.18 Chansey - is good to become friends with. Its magical powers bring happiness to any trainer who can capture it.19 Dragonair - is so gentle even the air around it feels calm... he is good to have around on a rainy day.20 "You have a big influence on a Pokémon when you train it yourself. You're there to teach it other techniques, practice it's battle strategies, and give it lots of love. That brings out a Pokémon's inner strength and personality, making it a healthier, stronger, happier friend." 21 Let's look at what the Bible tells us about certain practices and how to handle them. Deuteronomy 18:10 NIV "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these detestable practices the Lord you God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord you God." 22 Scripture is also clear concerning creation's purpose: to reveal God's invisible qualities; His eternal power and divine nature; being clearly seen and understood; in order that man would be without excuse. According to Romans 1, men chose to exchange the glory of our immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. They became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts became darkened. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served "created things" rather than the Creator. Because men have not retained the knowledge and Word of God they have become perverted and filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, depravity, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. Also we see that man has invented ways of doing evil, children disobey parents and in callousness of their hearts they not only continue to do these godless deeds but approve of others who practice them. According to 1 Peter 5:8, we are exhorted to be self-controlled and alert for our enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We are to resist him and stand firm in the faith. Satan is going after vulnerable, innocent victims; seducing the children through the industry of entertainment by lawless men of error who lure young minds through the lusts of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It is time for the body of Christ to stand up for truth and walk in obedience to the Word of God by not partaking in certain practices that this world embraces. In conclusion: as a parent, do you desire your children to play with fire, poison, drugs, magic, and violence? Would you allow your child to be trained into a secret elite society where he/she would achieve status, power, or position at any cost? Would you give him/her a handbook on Satanism or witchcraft with a license to perform occult activities including curses on friends, family, or whomever he/she chooses? I dare say any parent with a conscience would answer emphatically, "NO, NO, NO!!!" Pokémon is not innocent child's play; but rather, a deceptive, pre-conditioning toward New Age Philosophy and Satanic involvement.
References
Children of Promise, Services; Renee Rodriquez; copyright © 1999 |
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