Pokemon

You didn't answer her question, did you? And your gross generalizations are silly. None of us here are spell-bound zombies. I play the game for a few minutes at a time. I fill my life with other things. I spend time with God and doing stuff for God. I think deeply on God's Word and love discussing my faith with others. I don't think it's helpful to go around (using dodgy sources nonetheless) pointing the finger at everyone who does something different to you. That's not discernment, that's legalism.

Spellbound?
Like we all are when typing in this forum?
Like I am when watching a beautiful butterfly created by God?
Like I am when listening to any good music?

You didn't answer my question. Do you spend every minute awake focusing only on God? You sound like you are telling us to.

PS: I don't play pokemon

Unless I'm missing what it is you're getting at, I will agree that God isn't simple, but He is most definitely black and white. It's us humans who see everything in shades of gray.

(Of course, if you were meaning to imply that on certain issues God doesn't lay down specific black and white hard and fast directions on how to deal with certain situations, or always clue us in on what He's doing, I will agree with you, although I would add that He always gives us principles to guide us if not specific directions.)

I agree with all of this about Pokemon. We have strict rules on children's shows and movies and other things like games and books, not because I want to shelter my students, but I want them to learn that even though things are fun and seem harmless, they have consequences in the spirit realm, and could be eternal. That's my role as a teacher and our role as Christians to share convicting evidence in the hope others turn to God.

That's very religious and all. I'm afraid you got it all wrong where it counts. All these things you mention are nothing but filthy rags. This doesn't even sound like only Pokemon, at all. This is something else entirely.

It sounds like you've got something against other Christians that are not doing it your way. A, rather, critical spirit, imo.

Honey, be careful. This road leads to legalistic city, and Jesus already died to set you free from that.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.

Romans 8:38

I think we just missed that crazy at our age man. I'm 36 too and I was a bit old for Pokemon as it was getting big here, but I remember the kids right after us eating it up.

I think the thing which bothers me the most, is that many see it as a cute cuddly,
harmless entertaining game.

Its only when you start to look at the origins of the characters that it becomes
apparent they are based on false gods, spirits, lucky charms, occult symbols. So for me
personally I would not get involved, although if others see it as harmless and they can
live with that, then it's their choice.

Some things in life may not seem to have anything to do with the occult but they can be the
thin edge of the wedge. It's why I never celebrate Halloween or read the stars in newspapers.

A few years back there was a whole load of toys brought out with long hair where you
rub their hair and make a wish. Trolls they were called. I avoided anything to do with them
also for the same reason. If fact anything to do with luck I avoid, I don't even put good
luck on cards as I don't believe in luck. I believe in God's provision.

Maybe some will see me as a kill joy but when these things are tested against the following
verses, they fail.


Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV
[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren,
whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever
things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. [9] The things
which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God
of peace will be with you.




Another test you could try, if Jesus was living in your house and you asked Him if
there was any problem with these things. What would He say. If you think you would
get a positive or neutral response then maybe for you it's ok to get involved in these
things.

For me it's not ok. Partly from my own personal experience and how I think. But also
because God speaks to me in dreams and pictures and I do not want anything to pollute
my mind and get in the way of that.

Sooo... wait. If the Spirit has never admonished me for playing/watching Pokemon, that means it's okay for me to do it. Right? Because He tells me when things are wrong, like when I see or hear of any actual devilry. But He does nothing when I play Pokemon, just as though I was doing anything else. So either He knows that I am mature and tolerant enough of potentially "dangerous" content to play the games, or He's simply not worried about Pokemon as a threat. Also, children don't pick up on those hidden "Satanic" symbols in Pokemon because they don't know them. In addition, they couldn't care less, and those meticulously well-hidden symbols doesn't affect them in the slightest (well, speaking from personal experience, anyway). What I am saying is this: Pokemon (nor Yu-Gi-Oh, which literally has Fiend-type monsters) has not impacted my life in any negative way, whereas NOT being allowed to play Pokemon (or Yu-Gi-Oh) has actually had a negative impact on one of my friends (my best friend). They weren't allowed to view ANYTHING that had either fictional animals, monsters, ghosts or demons in it, and they eventually turned to pornography and other such unpleasantries because they were denied to indulge their curiosity as a child. Pokemon has done me nothing but teach me the benefits of hard work and partnership, Yu-Gi-Oh the joy of playing competitively against your friends WITHOUT all the scrapes and broken bones of sports, and I never even noticed "demonic" influences within the games until these fools online began pointing them out.

Also, Charlotte, try responding directly to a few of your more adversarial comments now, aye? You seem to only be taking comments from people who are "on your side".

We're not defending an evil, but rather, an ideal. And I know that God supports us in this, so good luck trying to convince us that He is wrong.

Also, did you know that when the light bulb was invented, it was dubbed "demonic" as well? If you look in the 1870-1890 section of the AP version of the American Pageant textbook, you will find a photo of a spider-like creature stringing people up by webs and strangling them to death. The spider is a light bulb, the webs, cords. Just a fun fact. Do with it what you will.

At the end of the day, it's a harmless cartoon. If Pokemon really gets in your head like that, well lol... I wonder if the same people jumping on the Pokemon is bad train will watch LOTR(wizardry, spells, mythical creatures), Avengers(magic, norse gods, language), The Narnia Series(more of the same), or anything else. If we're going to nitpick Pokemon, we've got to nitpick everything or is Pokemon, a children's cartoon/game, where we draw the line? lol

If it bothers your conscience, that's fine. But realize that it doesn't have to and isn't going to bother everyone's, and there is nothing wrong with that. Even christians are allowed to go out and enjoy and experience life too; enjoy the little things. We don't have to spend 24/7 with our noses in our bibles or handing out church invitations. We're allowed to have hobbies. And if we find some amusement in a silly cartoon game, that has actually brought people together, then great. In an increasingly depressing world, I'll take it. Being legalistic and taking things too seriously isn't a road I'm willing to travel.

None of these things have anything to do with the my main contention. I've emphasised this several times throughout my postings. Of course Christians should go out and enjoy life - I do this every day and that's been my stated point throughout my thread:


There are millions of discussions on this site as to whether or not something is of God and whether or not we should be partaking in it according to our Christian beliefs and the word of the Lord. That's what my discussion has been focused on.


Who said you have to be reading the bible 24/7 or constantly handing out bible invites? Who said you couldn't have hobbies? These points were never made, in contrast, the opposite was emphasised. Encouragement to engage in things that celebrate God and show Him to others. We're instructed to live by commandments and by God's word. Live our lives according to God's word, doesn't mean reading the bible at every waking moment, it doesn't mean handing out church invites everywhere you go, although they're very constructive activities to engage in in their own right. What it does propose, is that in all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your paths. This is where this enemy based scheme that is pokemon comes in: Like many others, I don't believe it is of God. I've shown several pieces of evidence and testimonies that significantly illustrate this. There's nothing legalistic about this. If the site permits threads raving constantly about this scheme, there's no problem with opening one that explores why it's wrong for a Christian to engage in it and encourages them to do some prayerful self reflection about the matter.



I'd encourage you to look at the matter further. As Christians we are advised by the word of the Lord not to partake in anything that is of the enemy. There are many other Christlike inspired activities to bringing people together. I've listed a few physical and social activities as examples in this thread for those looking for alternatives. If as you say you find this world 'increasingly depressing' I'd encourage you to be the light that gives people hope, just as Jesus did. There's so many things that people can do to show others Jesus in this world and to, as I said in a previous post, inspire them to the Lord bearing the fruits of the spirit amongst many other things. Engaging in a game that is counterproductive to the word of Lord with it's background totally based on the enemy doesn't achieve that. Communities are desperately in need for volunteers, the world desperately needs to know Jesus, we must take what we know of our Lord and let it shine through our spirit in our everyday walk through living the Christian life as best as we can.

Fantastic contribution. You have articulated to the tee why I opened this thread and what the crux of my point has been from the outset. We don't live our lives for ourselves or to meet the approval of the flesh of others or run with the crowd, whatever happens to be popular, but to be as close to God as we can. That's why we're here. When we know better, we do better. Leaving behind all things of the enemy are what we're called to do as Christians to live our lives to the full according to His perfect design for us until we're called back home.

Well, I guess it's time for me to walk away. I guess I was foolish to believe that a pharisee could be reasoned with. Cast not pearls before swine, as they say, and it seems that I've just lost a pearl of great price. I pray that the Lord will open your eyes unto your own conceits, and that you will listen to ALL of your commenters, both for and against your point, in the future.

Now, as for that video by Stephen Dollins...

1. Poliwhirl's original name is Nyorozo (which has no meaning other than being a name), the name that the creator of Pokemon gave to a pet tadpole he had as a child. AT NO POINT was Poliwhirl called Hypno (which is actually a different Pokemon altogether).

2. Pikachu's tail is a freaking lightning bolt. Call it a "satanic z" if you will, but if you're going to go there, you might as well pick on Samus Aran's emblem as well. Lightning bolt symbols are commonplace in all sorts of fictional tales.

3. Wizards of the Coast was the best place to go for manufacturing a trading card game. They had no say in what went into the cards in terms of design. Their involvement in MTG has nothing to do with Pokemon.

4. MTG isn't a role-playing game. It's a trading card game like Yu-Gi-Oh, where all the players do is strategize and lay out the cards. It cannot be role-played because there is no storyline. Dungeons and Dragons, however, is.

5. Wait... why is he talking about D&D? I thought this was about Pokemon. And TSR doesn't make Pokemon cards.

6. Well, I guess he does make a valid psychological point about D&D. So he has that.

7. Not gonna defend Magic the Gathering. That game actually deliberately uses satanic imagery, and is really dark. Not nearly as fun as Yu-Gi-Oh or Pokemon either.

8. 12:38 He's talking like Wizards of the Coast created the Pokemon franchise, which they didn't. Creatures Inc. (formerly Ape Inc.) and the Pokemon Company did.

9. 15:00 He's going too far here. Extremes won't help you today, pal. Pokemon masters do need parents, grandparents, families, educations, etc., and they know it! The innate needs and desires of children will always outweigh any kind of external stimulus. The title of master does not equate to godhood in any child's mind. That is for convoluted adults who have been taken under Satan's fiery wings.

10. "Gary is a real self-centered jerk. He's vindictive, he's obnoxious." Amen to that.

11. No cartoon characters are perfect role models. Do we really want our kids becoming more like Cookie Monster or (God forbid) Wordgirl? No! Does that mean we shouldn't allow our kids to watch PBS? Well, probably, but not for that reason!

12. Just for the record, in the context of Pokemon, Team Rocket's antics are hilarious. Seeing James in a pink tutu was the highlight of that episode. Also, he always dreamed of doing ballet before he went into crime, and the producers wanted to do something that would make its viewers bust up laughing. So they did. Nothing wrong with that.

13. Also, Team Rocket are the bad guys. Not role models.

14. On that movie cover, Mewtwo is "giving that pose" with his right hand, not his left. And for cryin' out loud, man, he's only got three fingers. I guess sloths are Satan-spawn too, huh?

15. Pokemon do not evolve through the use of energy. They evolve with training, affection, time, electrical stimulation, etc., basically skipping those awkward middle-stages of growth and becoming adults much more quickly than if they were to grow the normal way (A.K.A Not new age).

16. As for the seizures, I've got nothing. Do with that as you will.

17. Those energies are only present in the card game, mind you. And that clenched fist symbol? That's the symbol for the Fighting Type. Punchin' stuff. Make sense? I mean, if any of the 1st Gen Fighting-types were particularly rebellious, I might be able to see his point. But he just assumes that the fist means chaos.

18. Oh, shoot! I didn't realize that the Fire Triangle, the Fire Danger Board outside town or the fire alarm at school could be used for witchcraft! The more you know, I guess...

19. It's a leaf, darn it. Plants. Grass! What else were they gonna use? A tree? That's probably satanic too! Plants are evil now too!!

20. Wait... water transforms into wind? Had no idea. I guess nobody told him about Flying-types. Them devil-birds...

21. Of course they used those symbols on purpose. They perfectly match up with each Pokemon element. It makes sense. Also, why didn't he mention the Clear energy symbol? Looks like a Star of Jacob to me.

22. Most children don't give a darn about memorizing scripture. It's reeeaaaly boring at that age.

23. I guess stuffed animals are evil too. They gave me tons of nightmares.

24. Does this guy realize that Psychic-Type Pokemon get their power directly from their expansive intelligence, and not from occult means?

25. Kadabra... well, you might have me at Kadabra. That SSS on his stomach are either satanic or Nazi, but either way, he's got a bad design. But hey, he's only one of nearly 800 Pokemon now, and as a kid, he was one of my favorite Pokemon. I never noticed that the SSS actually meant anything as a child ( I just thought it was a cool part of his design), and the pentagram on his head really only looked like a star to me, because I didn't know. He's still one of my favorites, though. And again, he's only got three fingers (but in this case, I might be able to see it Stephen's way).

26. I've never heard of anyone giving the satanic salute in regards to Pokemon. Weird.

27. Kids are carrying around those cards like they are totally going to beat their friend's new deck with them. Pokemon involves no magic. Even the basest Pokefan can tell you this.

28. No, kids do not believe that they have any kind of power outside the game itself.

29. Kids'll fight over anything if you make that thing seem cool and exciting, but unsharable and precious. And I'm pretty sure that any kid who stabs someone over cards is probably fairly unstable to begin with.

30. Well, just looked up that article on when the boy attacked his teacher over the confiscation of his deck (https://news.google.com/newspapers?n...,5210229&hl=en). The boy attempted to choke the teacher after charging him (never struck him), and NEVER ONCE in that article said, "they were trying to steal my powers" (Mr. Dollins totally made that up!). Also, the teacher that Gabriel attacked was a man, not a woman. Not only did he not care enough to actually read the article, this jerk doesn't even give you the full news clip to read for yourself!

31. Sounds like any number of venomous insects to me, that evil Weepinbell.

32. I rest my case. This guy is so full of holes, you could fire a shotgun at him and hit absolutely nothing! I don't know if this helps anyone to see that Pokemon was not created to destroy people, but hey, I tried.