Pokemon Go and Christians part 2

Navigating the Spiritual Landscape of Pop Culture: My Thoughts on Pokémon and Faith

Hey everyone, Conrad here from ConradRocks.Net, and welcome back! It’s always great to connect with you all and lift up the name of Jesus. Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been on my mind, sparked by a recent conversation I had with Bob Strachan from Scotland Baptist. We talked about something that took the world by storm a while back and still lingers in our cultural consciousness: Pokémon.

You know, when Pokémon Go first exploded, it felt like the whole planet was captivated, wandering around with their phones, trying to "catch 'em all." As a Christian, and someone who tries to view everything through a spiritual lens, I couldn't help but wonder: What does this phenomenon mean for us? How does it intersect with our faith and our walk with Jesus? This led to a fascinating two-part interview with Bob, and today, I want to share some of my reflections and expand on our discussion.

The Imaginary and the Real: Discerning Spiritual Implications

One of the key questions that arose in our conversation was whether we were making a leap from something imaginary to something potentially harmful on a spiritual level. Are these just harmless characters in a game, or could there be deeper implications? Bob wisely pointed out that just because these creatures aren’t named after demons doesn’t automatically make them good or neutral.

This got me thinking about the concept of "vain imaginations" mentioned in the Bible. If we’re constantly engaging with something that, at its core, is a fantasy, could it be subtly shaping our thoughts and values in ways that pull us away from the knowledge of God? The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV), urges us to cast down "imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This verse really resonates here. It's not just about blatant evil; sometimes, it's the seemingly innocent things that can capture our minds and hearts.

Bob brought up some specific Pokémon names, like Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam, noting their connections to the occult, specifically "abracadabra," a term with roots in witchcraft and used by figures like Aleister Crowley. While I hadn't personally delved into the etymology of every Pokémon name, hearing this raised a red flag for me. As believers, we are called to be discerning. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) tells us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil." If something even hints at or borrows from the occult, shouldn't we approach it with caution?

Serving Two Masters: Pokémon and the Pursuit of God

Our conversation also touched on the idea of serving two masters, a powerful teaching from Jesus in Matthew 6:24 (KJV): "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." While "mammon" is often interpreted as wealth, Bob astutely connected it to the Pokémon world. The more you play, the more you collect, the more powerful you become within the game. It’s a system built on acquisition and mastery.

But Jesus Himself told us not to be called masters, for we have one Master, who is Christ (Matthew 23:10, KJV). When we pour our time and energy into becoming a "Pokémon Master," are we inadvertently shifting our focus and devotion away from our true Master? It’s a challenging question, and one that requires honest self-reflection. Where do our priorities lie? What consumes our thoughts and our time?

The Creation Narrative vs. Pokémon Evolution: A Foundational Conflict

The origin story within the Pokémon universe also presents a stark contrast to the biblical account of creation. The idea of Arceus being born from an egg in a void and then creating other beings with control over time and space directly contradicts the Genesis account of God creating the heavens and the earth in six days. This isn't just a minor detail; it strikes at the very foundation of our understanding of who God is and how the universe came to be.

As Christians, we believe in a Creator God who spoke the world into existence (Psalm 33:9, KJV). The concept of evolution within the Pokémon narrative, where creatures evolve into more powerful forms, also stands in opposition to the biblical understanding that this world is groaning under the weight of sin and decay (Romans 8:22, KJV), not progressively getting better on its own. My own personal conviction aligns with the prophetic word that speaks of a fallen creation awaiting its ultimate redemption through Jesus.

It's crucial that we train up our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6, KJV). If their minds are constantly being filled with the Pokémon universe and its creation myths, are we adequately grounding them in the truth of God's Word? As Bob rightly pointed out, if a child is given a choice between reading the Bible and playing Pokémon, the allure of the game often wins out. This highlights the importance of intentionally and diligently teaching our children the Holy Scriptures from a young age, as Paul instructed Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15, KJV).

The Subtle Snares of the Enemy: Bondage and Double-Mindedness

Our discussion then moved into the realm of spiritual warfare. Bob highlighted how an intense focus on something like Pokémon can lead to a form of bondage, where a person feels compelled to engage with it, even to the detriment of other responsibilities and their relationship with God. This reminded me of the power of addiction, whether it’s to substances, entertainment, or anything else that takes hold of our hearts and minds.

The Bible speaks of the spirit of bondage (Romans 8:15, KJV), and it contrasts this with the spirit of adoption we receive through Christ, which allows us to call God "Abba, Father." When we find ourselves constantly drawn back to something, feeling an almost irresistible urge, we need to ask ourselves: Is this leading me closer to God or further away? Is it fostering freedom or bondage?

Furthermore, Bob touched on the concept of a double-minded man being unstable in all his ways (James 1:8, KJV). If part of our mind is consumed with the world of Pokémon and another part is trying to follow God, we will inevitably experience internal conflict and instability. Our hearts need to be fully devoted to God (Psalm 86:11, KJV).

The Altered States of Consciousness and Media Influence: A Modern-Day Challenge

One of the more eye-opening parts of our conversation was when Bob discussed how engaging with screens, like phones while playing Pokémon Go or watching television, can induce altered states of consciousness, specifically the alpha brainwave state. This research, he mentioned, dates back to the 1960s. In this state, our critical thinking can be diminished, making us more susceptible to suggestions and programming.

Think about the implications of this in the context of Pokémon Go. People walking around, engrossed in their phones, are not necessarily engaging in critical thought. They are following the prompts of the game. Bob drew a compelling analogy with the guards at Buckingham Palace representing our conscious minds. When our conscious mind is "distracted" or in an altered state, things can slip into our subconscious more easily, potentially shaping our desires and behaviors.

This also connects to the influence of media in general. Bob astutely pointed out the correlation between the rise of Hollywood and the decline in teachings on spiritual warfare in churches. It's as if the enemy has subtly shifted tactics, using entertainment and media to shape worldviews and distract people from the reality of spiritual battles. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV), "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." However, sadly, many believers today seem unaware of these subtle yet powerful influences.

The Seared Conscience and the Importance of Truth

Bob then referenced 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV): "Now the spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron." This scripture powerfully illustrates what can happen when we repeatedly ignore or rationalize things that are contrary to God's Word. Our consciences can become desensitized, making it harder to discern right from wrong.

When someone raises concerns about the spiritual implications of something like Pokémon, the reaction can sometimes be dismissive or even hostile. People may argue, "It's just a game!" or "You're taking it too seriously!" But as believers, our standard for truth isn't based on popular opinion or cultural trends; it's based on the unchanging Word of God. Jesus said in John 8:32 (KJV), "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Knowing and adhering to the truth is essential for our spiritual well-being and discernment.

Personal Experiences and the Reality of Spiritual Influence

Bob shared a powerful personal anecdote about a child who was deeply involved in Pokémon and had a strong negative reaction when the parents decided to get rid of the associated items. He recounted an instance where a Pikachu toy seemed to manifest a demonic presence when it was being burned. While some may find this hard to believe, it underscores the potential for spiritual forces to attach themselves to seemingly innocuous things, especially when there is an unhealthy obsession involved.

These kinds of experiences remind us that the spiritual realm is real, even if we don't always see it with our physical eyes. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) reminds us, "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." We need to be aware of these forces and how they might try to influence our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

Redeeming the Time: Prioritizing the Kingdom of God

Ultimately, our conversation circled back to the importance of redeeming the time, as Paul urged in Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV): "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." How much time are we spending on things that have no eternal value? How much time are we investing in our relationship with God, in studying His Word, and in sharing the Gospel with others?

The story of someone quitting their job to play Pokémon full-time, which Bob mentioned, is a stark example of how something can grip a person's life and distort their priorities. As citizens of a heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16, KJV), our focus should be on things above (Colossians 3:2, KJV), on the eternal rather than the temporal.

Conclusion: A Call to Discernment and Action

So, what are my final thoughts on Pokémon and its place in the life of a Christian? While the game itself might seem like harmless fun on the surface, I believe we need to approach it with discernment, considering its underlying themes, its potential for distraction and even obsession, and its stark contrast with biblical truths.

This isn't about condemning anyone who has played or enjoyed Pokémon. It's about urging all of us to be mindful of what we allow to occupy our minds and hearts. Are we prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else? Are we diligently teaching our children the Word of God? Are we being aware of the subtle ways the enemy might try to distract us and lead us astray?

My encouragement to you today is to take these thoughts to prayer. Seek God's wisdom and guidance in all things. Be willing to examine your own heart and priorities. And let us all strive to be citizens of that heavenly country, living lives that reflect the love and truth of Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Feel free to leave a comment below and share your perspective. And if you've found this discussion thought-provoking, please consider subscribing to my newsletter and following me on social media for more content like this. Let's continue to grow in our faith together, always seeking to dig deeper and go higher in our walk with the Lord!