Occultism in Children’s Toys?
There is a simple, consistent, yet effective formula found in the story of many of today’s (occult) toys and games for kids. The story goes something like this: creatures, spirits, monsters, etc. from another dimension or world come to this planet. Kids discover them and then discover they can play/fight against other kids, all the while learning how to utilize their creatures’ powers. Usually the battles are done in an alternate dimension where the creatures’ powers can be activated to their full potential. The winner of each fight captures not only the creature that has lost, but also its power. The more creatures you catch, the more options and power you have for later rumbles. The goal is always to win as many creatures as possible. The best case scenario would be to win every creature, thereby receiving all the power, enabling you to take over the world. In Pokemon the theme is “Gotta catch’em all!” The story line typically pits “good” kids against “bad” kids. However regardless of “good” or “bad”, both sides are practicing unbiblical practices which involve activating, utilizing, and collecting power through certain techniques usually accompanied by repeating particular word phrases (aka: enchantments). Also, many of these games and toys choose to intertwine in their story line the four basic elements of creation (nature): wind, water, fire, and earth. One other interesting part of the story is the subtle and many times, not so subtle doctrine of evolution. Most of the creatures, after winning enough battles have the potential to evolve upwards into bigger, more powerful entities, making them almost invincible. So is this just a fantasy fairy tale meant to entertain and sell products to children of this generation?
Interestingly, occultism, shamanism/sorcery, and witchcraft across the world share many of the core elements mentioned above. For example, in tribes around the world, a shaman’s job is basically to transport himself spiritually into the spirit world/alternate dimension to engage and collect as many spirit ‘gods’ as possible, securing their wisdom and power to aid his tribe. Generally speaking, shamans are warned not to capture “bad” spirits because of the trouble they will bring. Usually the theme of “good” and “bad” spirits is fundamental in a shaman’s search for power, knowledge, healing, etc. Ironically, the practices of spiritism and sorcery are not discerned to be good or bad, just the spirits one might encounter. Many times spirit guides will pretend to be under the control of the one who has captured them, but all the while they are actually taking control of the person. This idea also is revealed in some of today’s cartoons. One such show is called Bakugan. In an early episode, the main character, Dan believes he is in control of his Red Dragon creature called Drago. But later the dragon reveals to Dan that it is actually the one in control. Unfortunately, the doctrines involved in sorcery, etc. can easily be transformed into cartoon plots and story lines, with very little resistance or awareness.
Another intentional similarity is the use of creation (nature). Occultism, generally speaking, teaches that power can be accessed through the four basic elements of creation: wind, water, fire, and earth. (Many times this is known as divination.) Is it coincidental that many of the card games, such as Pokemon and YuGiOh place symbols of wind, water, fire, and earth on them to serve as categories and identification for the power they contain? Witchcraft, sorcery and the like also highly embrace evolution as a spiritual reality. Long before evolution was popularized ‘scientifically’ by Charles Lyell, Charles Darwin, Thomas Huxley, etc. it was widely accepted in occult practices around the world. After all, the logical and final step in man’s evolution will be to become gods. That is not a scientific philosophy, rather a spiritual one dating back to our original parents in the garden. (Genesis 3:5- Satan, in the form of a serpent said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”)
Perhaps it goes without saying that today there is an increased interest and activity in the occult. Whether in movies, TV shows, books, video and card games or toys, the themes of power and magic are ever-increasing in popularity. Popular sells and companies know it! Sadly, these companies are making millions, if not billions spreading more than just entertaining media. Could it be that this generation is actually learning occult techniques that were once only privy to a select few known as shamans, yogis, priests, etc.?
As Christians, may we never allow the intoxicating influences of the world to impact this next generation! Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me.” Matthew 19:14 Too often children are handed over to the latest TV shows and video games, only to be indoctrinated by pagan doctrines from polytheistic and pantheistic cultures such as Japan and China.
Sadly, these influences have always affected mankind. Historically, Manasseh was one tragic example of how influential and destructive the doctrines of devils can be. God did not call Israel to get rid of most of the other nations’ gods. He commanded them to utterly destroy them all! But instead of eradicating them, many Israelite kings embraced and popularized them. Manasseh was only 20 years old when he became king. 2 Chronicles 33 records much of his awful exploits engaging in sorcery and idol worship. In verse 6it says, “Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, usedwitchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him to anger.” (Emphasis added) What was the result of this young king’s rebellious actions? Soon the people stopped listening to the Lord altogether. And eventually Israel became even worse than the nations around them. This is a good warning for every generation, especially the one we now live in. There is a reason that occult practices, no matter what name they are give, no matter how fun and innocent they might seem, are absolutely and unequivocally forbidden by God. For a few biblical references, see: Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 19:31, and Deuteronomy 18:10.
Satan’s lies are seductive and solely aimed at destroying us and our relationship with our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
May we never allow the god of this world’s doctrines to draw us away from the amazing love and truth of the One who came to set us free!
“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth…” Ecclesiastes 12:1
***FYI: A relatively new toy/game worth examining is called DaGeDar. (For more info go to their website story line: (http://www.dagedar.com/faq)