Behind the Fascination

Truth is a universal topic that we all seek to know and understand. Whether it’s knowing the truth or speaking the truth both are found in a growing relationship with God. When we spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, the truth is revealed to us. The question is, what is the right way and how do we know if something is right for our children or even us personally? In the case of Pokémon, let us look at the “roots and fruits” of this game. The Bible tells us that we can recognize the tree by the fruit that it bears; Matthew 7:17-20: “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

The Roots and Fruit of Pokémon

1. Pokémon is described as “Pocket Monsters”. This game makes some of its monsters out as friendly; thus, causing children to embrace certain evil spirits as friends instead of resisting them.

2. The game was created in Japan and the concepts of the game and trading cards reflect the principles of Eastern Religions and the philosophies that influenced them. Pokémon is the result of influences that are completely mystical and that embrace warrior religions. These belief systems are not compatible with Christianity.
One of the typical examples of the dark side of Pokémon is a character named Haunter; an evolved spirit that can hypnotize and has “dream eater” power (powered by the purple Pokémon energy cards which is psychic energy). His demonic power lets him drain the energy from his opponents.


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In Pokémon, the monsters actually die to their old self and evolve into the new, more powerful Pokémon. This is the teaching of eastern mystery religions and is spelled out in the Egyptian book of the dead and other occult religions. Through these children are subtly being indoctrinated into the theory of evolution and mysticism of the eastern religions.

3. Other philosophies are also evident and the influences of New Age Cults, Wicca, Witchcraft, Paganism and Satanism in this game. In the practice of witchcraft, spirits are summoned and called to stay in a circle until needed to fight off bad spirits. In these practices, they develop relationships with the so-called “good spirits” to fight the bad ones. This is totally against scripture as the only spirit we are to call on is the Holy Spirit to combat evil spirits with His Holy Angels.

4. The trading feature has become addictive in many children. It is also creating bad feelings among friends. When a child doesn’t get the card they want, they feel bad; when they do get the card they want, they feel superior. This trading game is not fostering good Christian traits but rather greed, combativeness, extreme competitiveness, and obsessiveness. Family relationships have deteriorated and children no longer talk about themselves or others but rather about when they can make another trade.

5. Some parents are concerned about disturbing behavior changes. Their children fight and display anti-social skills instead of the proper ones. Instead of this game just being one of imaginative fun, it has become addictive and changed the emotional disposition of children. Since it is a role-playing game, some of the characters are not good and this opens the door for children to receive evil influences and even demonic invasion. Children can receive demon spirits by opening themselves up to the spirits behind Pokémon.

Now, what can we do about it and what are our responsibilities? First of all, we should pray and ask the Lord for the truth about this game so He can reveal it to us. Many parents just buy the toys their children ask for it. Parents must take a more active role in praying over and researching the toys, books, and games before buying them.

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Determine if the game, video, or book involves supernatural power. There are only two sources of supernatural power — God or the devil. When it is beyond the natural, it either comes from God or the devil. If it is not from God then we should not be partaking of it.

If children have been involved for some time in these satanic games, they may need a prayer of freedom prayed over them as sometimes the devil can have a stronghold in their lives. Finally, any games, books, or cards must be disposed of due to the addictive nature of these things. Remember we are in a battle and we must stand on God’s Word to see our children protected and delivered from the influence of the wicked one. Their hearts, as well as our own, need to be guarded from all evil influences.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23. We encourage you not to let the seemingly little things, like helping choose your children’s toys wisely, be a door for unwanted evil influences in their lives. Don’t let this “little fox” destroy the minds and hearts of our children.*

 

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End Notes:

¹New Wine Online Website, July Posting, Pastor Brett Peterson

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*Betty Miller – Note: There is an excellent book entitled, Turmoil in the Toy Box, that will help parents to understand the evil influences that have influenced toymakers and thus passed this on to our children. Remember unless the toymakers have character and a godly influence they are usually making and selling toys with just a profit in mind.