| " *Kadabra, for instance, "emits special alpha waves
from its body that induce headaches even to those just nearby"--a level that seems
more accessible to parents than to kids. And the characters don't die. Like Scarlett
O'Hara, they just faint.
The development of the original Pokemon, the video game, was long and intense.
It has also been calculated to push all the buttons of the collective kid
conformity-based population. Japanese video-game creators Satoshi Tajiri and Tsunekaz
Ishihara spent six years designing the creatures and the game. Ishihara is also credited
with developing the trading cards.
At first Nintendo was not entirely convinced of Pokemon's potential in the United
States. Some of the company's executives weren't sure it would translate, says Tilden.
"In Japan, role-playing games are a large genre," she says, "but here
sports games or action-oriented games" are big.
Tilden includes herself in the original camp of skeptics. Even though everyone
acknowledged that Pokemon was a "brilliant game design," the Nintendo executive
says, "we did not know how much of a mass market it would be."
Pokemon mania persists in Japan and Australia (where it was launched simultaneously
with its U.S. introduction) and is about to descend on Europe. The TV show has premiered
in Britain.
The creatures have rolled over all the "Star Wars" paraphernalia and claimed
vast stretches of prime real estate in virtually every toy and video store, not to mention
bookstores, card stores and now 7-Elevens. They have staked out major territory on the
online auction site eBay, where there were 34 bids as of Friday for a regular-edition
six-box factory case of trading cards--offered for $232.50.*"
I agree with her - it is a craze, it is only a game - yet it has influences and teachings
within that require a response.
Let's see what God's Word has to say about what we let our children become involved
with: Proverbs 22:6 ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he
will not depart from it.
My son and I were trading the cards and playing the game - I observed groups of
children role playing the Pokemon characters for a period of 4 months - I watched the
anime (cartoons or Japanimation) - and I did extensive research into the subtle influences
on the whole Pokemon world before I wrote this paper.
It is out of much prompting that I finished this and I pray it helps many of you make
an informed decision about whether or not Pokemon is a game that you want your children
playing with.
Pokemon is the result of influences that are completely mystical. These are just to
name a few:
Buddhist Mysticism, Hinduism, meditation rituals, Egyptian Book of the Dead, Book of
Tao, the Analects of Confucius, the Gita, the I Ching, The Tibetan Book of the Dead: All
These Philosophies influenced Pokemon!
C.G. Jung summarizes all these philosophies in his theory of 'collective
unconsciousness', & he assures his followers of the congeniality with occultic energy
sciences and the evolutionary sciences with the occultic practices and tapping into the
water energy, fire energy, leaf energy, and wind energy you can achieve spiritual
enlightenment and success - all of which are incorporated in Pokemon.
Jung draws upon Oriental conceptions of consciousness to broaden the concept of
"projection":
Not only the "wrathful" demons/monster (pocket monsters) but also the
"peaceful" deities/spirits (pika-chu's) are conceived as animal projections of
the human psyche - the fundamental religious teaching and game play in Pokemon!
The Bible says:
EPH 5:8-17 "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as
children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and
truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds
of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the
disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is
light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you
live--not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be
foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Color energy Cards:
In the Tibetan tradition life is a sort of 'game', and they state that each of the
levels of game-existence is associated with a particular color and also certain
geographical symbols. Note the energy cards in Pokemon have colors and elements that
also refer powers and positions.
In Tibetan teaching, each person (trainer of projections) has to learn to decode his
own internal road map. The Tibetan indicators may be used as a starting point. The purpose
is clear: one should follow the signs of the three higher types and shun those of the
three lower. One should follow light and pleasant visions and shun dark and dreary ones.
Look at the Pokemon cards - both are represented and role-played by our children.
Sorcery is based on the mystical and ethical teachings of the Tao (pronounced
"dow. All powers and creatures receive their strength by the five elements: fire,
water, air or wind, soil, and the void. They teach that these powers can be manipulated by
magic.
Recently I observed a group of children who were role-playing Pokemon. They were making
evil faces and chanting their Pokemon character names over and over! One three year old
was chasing another boy almost trance like in expression saying in a deep raspy voice,
'bulbasaur attack, bulbasaur, bulbasaur.' They are, in a very conservative and innocent
way, doing what members deep into the occult practice regularly - meditating and chanting
- and this does things in the real spiritual realm! I don't believe the children
themselves are doing this as they play, but for some of the children they are feeding the
methodology into their minds and creating a desire for that kind of power. I don't believe
the writers of the game intended to indoctrinate children into mysticism or new age
believe systems or the occult - but too many aspects of Pokemon do just that - and this
can not be ignored.
In Shinto, the spirits or Kami's can be summoned, can be the agents of possession as in
Shamantic possession trance rituals, and can be utilized to aid in protection and fighting
off evil Kami's. They utilize music called Kagura that is made up of drum, flute, cymbals,
and the singing of kami uta (kami songs), each of which has the power to summon the
deities. However, the most significant action associated with kagura as shamanic rite of
possession and spirit control.
Pokemon monsters in the game and the cartoon (anime) can only say their name, so when
they talk they are really chanting their name - chanting is a form of self hypnosis and,
as mentioned, is utilized by many occultic religions to call fourth spirits!
Why would Satan influence a game like Pokemon? It opens up players to the demonic
realm, channeling (a power some of the Pokemon characters have), and possession.
Luke 11
24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking
rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.
26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and
they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
The spiritual realm is very real - and many cartoons, books/magazines, and games (ouji
boards, Pokemon, Sailor Moon, Harry Potter, and on I could go listing the MANY cartoons,
games, and books that are filled with occultic methodologies) are filled with methods of
opening childrens minds and souls to the demonic realm.
In Japan, Shinto grew out of an awe for manifestations of nature such as sun, water,
rocks, trees and even sounds (jiggly puff, a cute Pokemon sings a song and the sounds puts
all who hear her into a trance (my definition of a trance is any sleep that is induced
against the persons will) - this is a common type of teaching in Shinto and is very
evident in Pokemon)!
Shinto teaches that all such natural features were felt to have a god/elements behind
their power. Many Shinto beliefs were incorporated into Japanese Buddhist practices after
its introduction in the 6th century. Just as they believe in evolution and re-incarnation,
these ideas are manifest in Pokemon.
Some of the cards show creatures associated with Satan (dragons, ghosts, wizards,
etc)and are typical examples of the dark side of Pokemon. Haunter, an evolved spirit can
hypnotize and has 'dream eater' power (powered by the purple Pokemon energy cards which is
the 'psychic' energy). This power lets him drain the energy from his opponents.
Some eastern and New age philosophies teach this principal and call spirits that can do
this 'energy vampires'. This is just the tip of the iceberg! The Pokemon game contains
many typologies manifest in the cards that reflect the philosophies of Shinto with mystic
Buddhism, in addition to many other beliefs. Kadabra evolved from Abra. Both have demonic
powers.
Evolving -
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
In Pokemon, the monsters actually die to their old self and evolve into the new, more
powerful Pokemon. This is the teaching of eastern mystery religions and is spelled out in
the Egyptian book of the Dead and other occult religions.
In one Pokemon episode, Bulbasaur did not want to evolve - some feel this means to just
'grow up' - but the idea is to go through a substantial change and it is even suggested
that the Pokemon 'looses' its former self or in a way dies to his current psyche - a
typical example of Pokemon and it's occultic influence.
The Pokemon evolve and take on new characteristics and one (Eevee) can evolve into one
of three completely different Pokemon (Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon), which indicates a
complete change as I have asserted.
Children are subtly being indoctrinated in the theory of evolution and mysticism in the
Pokemon game. At this level, you will teach your children that God created the world, and
the world will tell your children that we evolved from Apes, and they will be so familiar
with evolution that they will instinctively believe that un-proovable theory! On a side
note, one of the latest theories of evolution is not survival of the fittest (this is
simply adaptation within a species), but 'punctual equilibrium' - species changed
spontaneously with no evolutionary steps (which is what Pokemon do).
Also, so now even believe in 'de-evolution' - that man was better in the distant past
and is growing less inteligent and physically capable, based upon some DNA samples of an
Ice man they found.
This, as all scientific discoveries, actually support creation and the Bible!
Here are a few examples:
What about evolution? The theory that contradict the second law of thermo dynamics and
ignores empirical observation:
Do you know about the earths magnetic field? It has decreased by 7% since we have begun
to measure it - meaning, if we just go 20 thousand years back it would have been too
strong to support life on this planet! That, is the biggest indicator of a young earth and
thus creation we have.
Are you aware of Polystrata fossils? It was thought that each strata repressented
thousands of years - well we have fossils that go through several layers of strata. Also,
at Mt. St. Helans, there was a hundred plus feet of lava and ash that, as it cooled formed
several layers of strata - that looks just like what scientist had said repressented
thousands of years!
Do you know the sun is shrinking at the rate of 5 feet per hour today? That mean, that
if we go back only 15 million years, the sun would have been so large the earth would have
been touched by its surface.
Are you aware that the fossil record only demonstrates micro evolution (small changes
within a species) and can not support macro evolution?
What other influences are evident in Pokemon? It gets more unbelievable and shocking as
you read on!
Wicca, Witchcraft, Paganism, Satanism, 'New Age', and other occultic influences in
'Pokemon'
Lets look at what these religions teach and a short history. Remember - Pokemon's
energy is derived from earth, water, fire, lightening, etc. - and the 'pocket monsters'
are part of a universal whole.
First - do you really believe there is power in the occultic? Let's see what the Bible
says about all this:
2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of
the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and
dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the
LORD, to provoke him to anger. AV
These are real powers that have one intention - to keep you from knowing God and
experiencing His plan and will for your life! Any game, cartoon, teaching, etc. that even
hints at occultic practice is dangerous!
Wicca, or Witchcraft is a popular and fast growing religious practice all over the
world today.
Most Witches/Warlocks consider their practice something that is learned by experience -
not by books (there books are usually hand written and called 'shadow books' or grammar
books. They go through many incredible rituals to become powerful in the 'craft'. Pokemon
trainers must go through a lot of training and ritual type actions to become 'Master
Trainers', with the ability to control the Pokemon and their powers.
Pagans use earthly powers and demonic spirits, shamans use animal spirits - their minds
are set on the flesh - the Bible says the mind set on the flesh is death!
The Bible says:
Galatians 5:16-23 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil
the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against
the flesh: and these are contrary .
the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led
of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which
are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders,
drunkenness, evellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told
you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
" AV
Through the true power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us these according to that same
passage:
v. 23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
1CO 10:19-22 "Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or
that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you
to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both
the Lord's table and the table of demons. Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
In Pokemon, trainers summon one of their Pokemon to battle other monsters and they
use them as guardians. In Wicca, guardians, known as Watchtowers, are called. These
spirits (and sometimes animals) are called by them to protect them from 'evil' spirits
while they open themselves up to these spirits during rituals - the circle, the pentagram,
etc. all provide a 'safe' area to practice. (In Pokemon the monsters are held in a
Pokeball until the trainer summons them). In witchcraft these spirits are summoned and
called to stay in the circle until needed to fight off bad spirits. These Guardians in
Pagan practice are often the spirits with whom a person feels comfortable with and has
developed some form of a relationship with (in Pokemon the trainers befriend their 'pocket
monsters' and develop trusting and advice seeking relationships with them). Possible
guardians might be one of the Ancestors, a "spirit guide," or other spiritual
entity (including animal spirits and even real animal - like the typical witches black
cat) with which the person is familiar with.
This is what occurs in Pokemon play -the pocket monsters are captured, trained, and
summoned as needed.
Elements & Powers, geography, and demonic realms of power in Pokemon and astrology,
New age cults, & Witchcraft.
Most Pagan and earth based religions and philosophies find power in the Four Elements -
Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. These are the energy cards in the Pokemon game!
Look at this verse in the Bible:
1TI 4:1 "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith
and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been
seared as with a hot iron."
What are we allowing to come into our homes! The elements in Pokemon are foundational
to many earth religions and mystic rituals. We draw our power from God, not the earth!
The Bible tells us:
Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of
the world:
Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how
turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in
bondage?
Most all covens and eastern philosophies, and Pagan belief systems hold the elements
as sources of power, as the Pokemon game does.
Again - the Bible says:
1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather
unto godliness.
2 Timothy 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned
unto fables.
This is what all religions are - nothing but mans attempt to reach God. Listen - finite
man can not reach an infinite God! He had to reach down to us, and He did in Jesus Christ!
One last example of occultic practices and Pokemon.
In Paganism and the Occult there are sprit guides,
messengers, and elementals or artificial elementals. They can be summoned to do things for
the 'trainer' or 'practitioner'. They can 1. Watch and tell the trainer what it sees, 2.
Guard the trainer, 3. Fight with other spirits or elementals, 4. Carry out assignments
given by the trainers.
Pagans can capture free elementals (much like Pokemon trainers capture pocket monsters)
and build relationships with them for use (just like Pokemon trainers). Witches, Shamans,
etc, recommend ony master practitioners do this because you are not masters of the
elementals, just like Pokemon trainers are not masters of the Pocket monster - and they
warn that they can be hard to get rid of and may require an exorcism to become free of a
bad one.
Matt. 17:14-21 " ¶ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him
a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is
demon possessed, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the
water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus
answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how
long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he
departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples
to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because
of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,
ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and
nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and
fasting. "
Please pray and do what the Lord instructs you to do - it is time to take a stand for
God and protect our children from the influences of our enemy! My son is six and we had a
whole book of Pokemon cards - after praying about it he made the decision to get rid of
his cards, because he could see they were evil!
Listen Christians - we are in a battle! The enemy is subtle and is trying to influence our
children's minds. Pokemon teaches all the basics of many false religion and occultic
practices! Pokemon also indoctrinates children in evolutionary thought and pagan beliefs!
It is not Pokemon that we fight - the Bible says:
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places.
These 'powers' are the very real demonic spirits behind all-false religion and
self-serving pursuits.
Again, Pokemon is not the enemy - it is Lucifer and all that exalts itself against Jesus
Christ and the true path to enlightenment. Pokemon is a tool the enemy can use to build a
false foundation and plant seeds of futility in my child - and this I will not allow, and
I will, by the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit come against all falsehood
and doctrines of demons (this includes any system of faith that denies Jesus Christ is the
Son of God who died on the cross for our sins and was raised in victory over sin, death,
hell, and the grave) that try to indoctrinate my child with mysticism and occultic
practices.
There is only one way to God - and He revealed that way in the Bible. It is our
absolute fixed point of reference and tells us the Jesus Christ is the only way to God. We
have this fixed point of reference - no other religion or philosophy has this! More on the
Bible in a moment - read on.
NOTE: This is a Christian perspective based upon the Bible as God's Word to mankind and
the source of truth. It is God's revelation of Himself and it clearly shows the way
mankind can reach God - and the only way is Jesus Christ. The Bible represents our 'fixed
point of reference'.
Galilio once developed a theory of relativity based upon this example:
A boat is sailing at 10 knotts, and the captain is walking on the deck walking in the
direction the boat is traveling at 2 knotts.
I add this to this example: The boat is the world, the ocean is the universe, and the
captain is a man. If another man is sitting on the deck of the boat, his perception is
that the captain is walking by him at 2 knotts an hour. From shore, the captain is walking
12 knotts - the 10 the boat is going and the 2 he is going.
From a boat drifting in the current flowing 2 knotts in the same direction of the other
boat, the captain appears to be traveling 10 knotts and the boat 8 knotts. Which one is
right? In mans thinking all are right, but from an absolute fixed point of reference all
are wrong. From this absolute fixed point of reference the boat is actually traveling 12
knotts (10 plus the 2 knotts for the current), and the captain is actually traveling 14
knotts (10 + 2 +2).
Therefore, as individuals on the boat, we need a perspective outside our own space and
time domain to give us ultimate truth - this is where God steps in and inspires 40 scribes
to write the Bible - it is God's revelation of ultimate truth from His fixed point of
reference - it is the only truth - and it is completely accurate. (I could have included
the rotation of the earth and the spin of our Galaxy but there is no need to do that for
this example).
Other religions say we are only going 10 knotts, science says we are only traveling 2
knotts, and absolute truth says we are going 14 knotts.
Which one is right? Of course the fixed point of reference has the only ability to
measure truth. God did this in the Bible. John 3:16 states 'For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have
everlasting life'.
There is only one interpretation for this passage - and it is essential we understand
it! Back to our fixed point of reference....
The Bible is the only religious book that has been authenticated by over 20,000
manuscripts and prophecy that was WORD for WORD fulfilled!
It is a foundation for the only true belief system.
2 Timothy 3:16 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness'
All other religions are based on man - his imagination - his ideas, rather than God's.
the Bible is very clear on how to live and how to access true peace and the power
and presence of God. If everyone lived by the Bible and accepted the Salvation that
only
comes from Jesus Christ, there would not be a Holocaust or a Cambodia. The earth would
be a paradise - filled with the joy of the Lord Jesus and the peace of God!
Everything I say I can back by the Holy Scripture - it is my fixed point of reference -
therefore it is
solid and can withstand every test. It is not Christians that make Christianity elite -
it is God's Word
that makes our faith in Jesus Christ the only way to Salvation and true peace.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me.
I am not out to 'abolish the wickedness of Pokemon' - God had me write
this paper to alert individuals to the occultic influences and the potential for
instilling false beliefs.
My son and I both were enjoying collecting the cards - I made up a cool
binder and it was fun trading the Pokemon. Everytime he asked me about the occultic powers
I shrugged and said, 'as long as you know that is from the enemy, God's power is better
and different.'
Then they began saying some stuff that is very close to the terminology
used in occultic rituals - and they some how got it from Pokemon. So all I did was
research the game and compare it to various religions. There are, as you read, some very
clear connections.
In game play you can open yourself up to a very real power that has one
goal - your emotional instability, self-seeking powers, the occult, and eventual death.
Yes, Pokemon is cute, fun, and the anime cartoon is refreshingly simple
- but it is also dark, subtly occultic, and can (I did not say will) influence young
people to follow a wrong path. Anything that has this potential should not be part of a
Christian home.
For those well grounded, this cartoon and game is a simple waste of
time. For some though, it is the beginning of deception and a path to the Powers of Satan.
Jesus Christ is the only way to happiness, peace, and complete joy. He
loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life!
I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ by and through the power of the Holy
Spirit will lead you into truth, protect you and your children from the schemes of the
enemy, and work in you to will and to do His good pleasure.
Grace, peace, and courage to take a stand for righteousness be yours!
Pastor Brett Peterson - Just an instrument in God's symphony...
Coastland Ministries
Listen - several of the Pokemon Characters are out right demonic (and so are their
powers). The Bible says we are to avoid the appearance of evil! For this reason alone, we
should help our children find other games and things to collect - there are some good
Christian cards you can get.
Redemption is good. Find it at: Redemption
For another perspective
see Focus on the Families' Editorial on Pokemon - click here
The other concern is what Jesus said in Matt.: MT 5:27 "You have heard that it was
said, `Do not commit adultery.'* MT 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman
lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. What Jesus is saying here
brings acts from simply the physical realm to encompass the thought life.
Games that use our childrens imaginations should be games that are completely safe and
giving Christian ideals - not evil or even slightly occultic.
Our imaginations and minds must be guarded, because if we do something in our imagination,
it is as if we have done it in the physical realm.
Some even Christian authors are telling America's parents - "even though there is a
little evil, it's OK." One full time trainer of Pokemon players told me that only
10-20% of the powers are occultic - the positive outweighs the negative - the Bible says
that even if 1% was bad, it should be avoided!
In these days, we need to make a stand for truth! California legislation has been passed
making teachers in public schools teach that homosexuality is a normal alternative
lifestyle! They also say that anyone who says otherwise is prejudice and intolerant!
Some say the Bible teaches intolerance - I agree - intolerance of sin and false belief
systems. It teaches 'love the sinner, hate the sin.
To be a Christian is to be a follower of Christ. It is first to believe that He is the
Son of God - an old Jewish phrase for the Messiah (and so was the term 'Son of man'). It
is for 'whoever believes'. However, even the demon believe and tremble, yet they are not
saved. So what else is being a Christian?
The Bible says obedience is better than sacrafice. We need to obey God's Word. In our
selves, we can not. So we must die to our self completely and become others centered. We
must be more concerned for others than we are for ourselves. We become God's hands and
feet extended to this world, and we are truly 'born again'.
Now, there are many who have tried Christianity and studied the Bible and been faithful
church goers, yet never truly became born again. When you are born again, your eyes are
opened - there is no way you could ever leave that intamacy with the creator of the
universe. Your whole life changes. I like to compare it to color blindness. I am a little
color blind, so on the test, when they flash those multicolored circles with numbers in
them, I can only see the numbers half the time - the rest I just see dots. People try to
explain to me and show me the numbers - but I can not see them.
This is how everyone sees the spiritual realm - as a bunch of colored dots - they are
spiritually color blind. But, when you are truly born agian, all of a sudden, you can see!
You know without any doubt - and this is why you leave your comfort zone and share Jesus
Christ so powerfully - you know the Truth, and the Truth has set you free!
Every other belief system becomes basic and lacks power - you see what no one else can
see. You would not even desire to be Pagan if you were truly born again.
From politics, to books (like Harry Potter), to games, to TV and movies - we are in a
battle - wake up America!
Romans 13:12 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off
the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light"
preacher4truth@earthlink.net
PS
We are not against the 'games', religions, or imagination, but the power
behind those
games. Religion (including witchcraft and Paganism) is finite man's attempt to reach an
infinite God or experience spiritual power - it is generally based on good morals and
brotherly love, yet they miss God and
anyone who follows those false teachings will never experience God. It took an infinite
God to reach down to a finite people - and He did in Jesus Christ. Give Him your life
today - He is the only way to enlightenment and fulfillment. Only Jesus can give you rest
and peace!
Coastland Ministries
preacher4truth@earthlink.net
Romans 1:16 ¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God
unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written,
The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 ¶
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto
them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that
they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as
God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the
glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds,
and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between
themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
If you want to see the characters go to this site: the Pojo
Pokemon is a copyright of Nintendo. It was first created in Japan and is highly influenced
by Japanese mysticism. It is very popular there now, and has been since 1996. Pokemon is
short for ‘Pocket Monsters’. William Viser, “The Darkness Among Us” By
300 AD, the sun-worshipping Yamato kingdom had loosely unified the nation through conquest
and alliance. Buddhism was introduced from China in the mid-6th century and soon became
the state religion. Rivalry between Buddhism and Shinto, the traditional religion of
Japan, was diffused by presenting Shinto deities as manifestations of Buddha. They seem to
embrace all mystical religions and warrior religions. C.G. Jung wrote his theories in 1949
in Jung and Kerenyi. Jung is a mystical Psychologist. The 'I Ching' in the Shinto thought
of Tokugawa Japan. Ng, Wai-ming. Philosophy East and West98/10/19 v48:n4. p568(24)
Shamanic dance in Japan: the choreography of possession in Kagura performance. Averbuch,
Irit. Asian Folklore Studies99/06/19 57:2. 293(3)Pokemon, craze, power, cards, game,
trainers, energy, occult, cards, christian, bible, truth, biblical, perspective, children,
Harry Potter, education, coastland ministries, Jesus, sunday, blue, red, gameboy, anime,
cartoons, family, church, obsession, binder, play, shinto, witchcraft, fad, psychic
Pokemon cards, gameboy games, cartoons and energy all have occult and witchcraft energy -
it's a fad or craze that is not biblical or christian. Your family, church, and christian
education dept need to see the true power behind the Pokemon craze.
It has been reported to me that Harry Potter books are being read in many schools and the
students are encourged to read them. WARNING! They are occultic and graphic - one 6th
grade girl on the Harry Potter website stated,"now I really want to be a witch"
- one girl in our church is having nightmares because of some of the material in the book,
including drinking blood and conducting rituals!
We need to be a people who watch and pray - for such a time as this!
Such a time as what? The Bible says that in the last days 'the love of many will wax
cold'. Post-modern thought has swept over most of the western world. The only absolute
truth the world embraces today is that there are no absolutes, and anyone who says there
is is intolerant and disrupting the unity the world is moving into.
The true Church must make a firm stand for the Truth of God's Word and the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. In this series, we are going to discuss just how to do this. What does it take to
live for God in the new millenium? We will go over it together. Follow the link to the
'Pulpit Series'
From fast food to fast knowledge, the world has changed drastically over the past several
years. The Bible says people will be lovers of self rather than lovers of God, and we can
see this happening all around us. The intolerance around the world today is mainly concern
those who refuse God and the absolute moral truths contained in His Word.
Indeed, as prophecy has forwarned us, in these last days we are seeing a great falling
away from the truth - and we are seeing those who are truly seeking after God growing in
their relationship with Him through Jesus our Lord.
Questions and Answers about Paganism...
Grace and Peace! 1. The numbers are the questions... These are my answers...
2. Are you a writer, ministry leader, industry related? President of Coastland
Ministries http://surf.to/truth Director, Calvary Chapel Bible College at RSM and
Jerusalem http://ccrsm.org
3. May we use your information? You can use my information.
4. Why is Wicca and New Age paganism flourishing? Modern thought and industrialism
along with our materialy flourishing economy and societal morals established by the
'Church' brought about the Baby boom - the hope in the American dream. Their children,
known as 'busters' or 'generation X' saw the moral and ethical results of modern thought.
They saw their parents divorce, they saw the cold war, they saw hyprocritical religion,
and they became disolusioned with the hope that promised that the scientific and
industrial society would give us fewer work days and more free time. They see longer hours
at work, traffic jams, and no hope for the future based in science, industry, main line
religion, or modernism.
People are returning to simplicity, downsizing, nature, and 'mother earth'. The
religions of the earth are Paganism, wicca, witchcraft, shinto, and some 'new age' belief
systems. This is where they are finding peace from the 'rat race' and can express their
spiritual needs apart from the 'system' that has proven to be ineffective in bringing
peace or contentment to the world.
The idea is simple: 'All the religions and systems have failed, so lets go back to a
time when everything was simple - let's get back to nature'. So, they react. The reaction
is a return to earth based philosophy - with living for the moment without regard to the
future (carpe diem), for using technology for entertainment and communication - but not to
meet any other social needs.
5. What evidence of growing Paganism do you see in your area? There are several stores
selling Pagan and new age objects (Crystals, meditation tapes, incense, etc.). As we talk
to people on the street regarding their religious beliefs 1-2 times per week for the past
7 years, we have seen a significant change in the last 2 - 3 years. People now are saying
they are wiccans or Pagans 20% of the time! In our local paper, in the past 6 months I
have seen at least 3 articles on witches and wiccans and their beliefs - how they are just
like any religious people.
6. Do you interpret the phenomenon as an unavoidable "sign of the time?" The
Bible is clear - in the last days there will be a falling away from the faith. My concern
isn't that Paganism and wiccan are growing in popularity. My concern is that these and
every other religion except Judiasm, Islam, and Christianity is calling for tolerance and
acceptance of all religions. There will be a one world religion in the last days, and we
can see it forming before our eyes. It will be a earthbased religion that embraces all
roads of faith and practice as ways to God.
7. Is it the result of family unit breakdown? As mentioned above - people have seen the
failure of the family unit, divorce, etc. Parents are not teaching absolute moral truth
anymore - they are teaching relativism and allowing occultic practice and belief systems
into the home environment. I recieve hundreds of e-mails from parents who are now wiccans
because their children became wiccans - and they like the call back to nature and the
powers of the elements.
8. Does social education play a roll? Our teachers have been, for the most part, been
the ones who began to train their students to embrace Paganism and question mainstream
religion. Now, with the Waldorf ciriculem that teaches New Age philosophy in the courses
without any masking is being embraced by many in the schools and has contributed greatly
to the flow towards Paganism.
9. Does our Government encourage it? The government has shifted away from the Christian
'God and country' to tolerance for any 'god' and our united world. All the systems in the
world are beginning to embrace Paganistic and New age religions, because their main
teaching is tolerance and world peace - and this is the agenda to set up for Bible
prophecy to be fulfilled. Also, the armed forces have chaplains for witches and wiccans
now. The government is pushing for tolerance of all religions.
10. Is it primarily a cultural or spiritual phenomenon? The author of all lies, Satan
himself is behind this movement. The Bible says he comes as an angel of light to decieve
many, and he is doing just that. Satan is the ruler of this world, the Roman empire, the
last empire in the prophecies of Daniel and the one that the final one world government
will stem out of. It is spiritual first, and becomes cultural as a result.
11. What, if anything, should Christians do about it? We should preach the simple
Gospel in love. We should stand for truth - and point all we can to the only way to God
and true inner peace - Jesus Christ.
12. What, if anything, should our response be to pagans? See number 11.
13. How is the Gospel most effectively presented to pagans? They have heard the gospel
- many have been disolusioned with the church. You need to show them the love of God while
preaching the uncompromised Words of life. Jesus is the answer! Share your testimony!
Also, and most importantly - PRAY! The are under intense spiritual bondage and need the
Holy Spirit to break through and open their eyes.
Hey, I'm just an instrument in God's Symphony, Pastor Brett Peterson
"Lord, the faith You gave to St. Paul, I cannot ask; The mercy You showed to St.
Peter, I dare not ask; But the grace You showed unto the dying robber, Lord, show to
me." Copernicus
Romans 13:12 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast
off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light" "Christianity
is not religion, it's reality"
Hey - you may ask - how can a loving God have only one set of rules to know him and
send those who don't follow Jesus go to hell - this story may help:
There is a playground. The one who built the playground established some simple rules -
don't hit, don't spit, don't throw rocks at each other, and support the principal - if the
children obey these rules, they will have a long recess and a good relationship with the
teachers and the principal. If they disobey, there will be consequences.
The children obeyed the rules at first, but eventially some stopped and began to hit
and spit and talk bad about the principal - so he sent a representative of him to monitor
the playground and show the children how to get along and have a good long recess and a
good relationship with him and the principal.
Well, some of the children liked their freedom and soon got enough support to kill the
principals representative - they also burried the sign with the rules. Some still believed
and followed the rules - they saw the representative come back to life and go to the
principal.
He told the children that if they believe and continue to follow the rules, they will
have peace and eventually get to go on an 'out of this world' outing - but the rest of the
student would get detention.
After many years many kids devoloped their own rules and denied that the principal even
existed - yet, there was some who still believed and tried to pursuade the other, but they
wouldn't listen.
Some children became very bad, some developed rules that were like the old rules, but
still allowed the children to take the toys from the other children and still denied there
was a principal.
Well, one day the principal came, recess was over, and the children that obeyed the
rules and believed in the principal were taken on a great adventure - all the other
students were sent to detention.
Is the above story just? Is it loving for the principal to send some of the students to
detention?
I would say a resounding 'yes'! The children had the opportunity to follow the old
rules and believe in the principal, but they chose to follow their own rules and basically
held to 'out of site, out of mind' philosophy. They broke the rules and reaped the
consequences.
If you believe in God, you should know that He created us to worship and serve Him. He
is God - and it is our pleasure to follow His rules and want to please Him.
Just as a painter recieves glory because of his painting, so God recieves glory from
His creation.
I have found 'the old rules' real, and the 'principal' a God that cares for us
individually and wants to bless and reward all who simply do what He has asked - much like
the story above.
May we make a stand for truth in these last days.
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