A Christian's Mission: 'Gotta Know, Gotta Learn, Gotta Discern, Gotta Go!' into the Pokémon World with Truth
For Pokémon Go gamers their "Gotta Mantra" is "Gotta Catch 'Em All!"--Pokémon that is. However a Christian's motto must be: "Gotta Know, Gotta Learn, Gotta Discern, Gotta Go!" And just what it is that we as born again believers gotta know, gotta learn, gotta discern, and gotta go will be the theme of this post.
Our world is just one month into the Pokémon Go Mania that's taking the country, and a number of other countries by storm. It was on July 6, 2016, via one's smartphone, that players could download a free app and get set up to head outdoors to begin to catch Pokémon Pocket Monsters. Soon befuddled folks were bumping into gamers congregating at designated PokeStops be it at a church, a parking lot, a body of water, a library, a museum, a park, or the mall to name a few.
TV hosts, You Tube video makers, newspaper reporters, and online authors alike were scrambling to describe exactly how these frenzied gamers were zipping Pokémon balls on their phones to catch Pokémon seemingly popping up all over the place. Meantime, all kinds of safety issues were cropping up--kids in the middle of streets, folks walking into objects, a pair walking off a cliff, and even unsavory characters luring kids into unsafe places. All of this madness was taking place over one hundred and fifty-one little characters of which some seemed to be cute and clever, while others really are violent, ugly, and frightening. So with this in mind, what is it that we gotta know?
Gotta Know
At the outset we gotta know some basic Pokémon info-- such as the game of Pokémon, designed by Satoshi Tajiri in 1990s, is managed by the Pokémon Company which, according to Wikipedia, is a Japanese consortium between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures. Tajiri designed these Pokémon characters so gamers known as "Pokémon Trainers could catch, and train to battle each other for sport."
Officially introduced in 1996 Pokémon now is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2016. So the new phenomena Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game currently using the original Generation I Pokémon beginning with Bulbasaur to Mew. However, it's also important to know that now there are 722 Pokémon which means in the last twenty years 571 more have been designed influencing youth and adults via video games, trading card games, comic books, TV shows, movies, and toys. For more "gotta know" info read "Pokémon" from Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon
Pokémon site Pokémon.com is filled with info you gotta know in order to be able to interact with Pokémon Goers! It includes a Pokedex, TV Programs, Trading Card Games, Video Games, A Shop, Attend Events, Pokémon GO and more! It even has a Trading Card Game Tutorial where one can learn to play the card game. Two sections: "The Pokedex," and "Pokémon GO" are explained further below. http://www.pokemon.com/us/
The Pokedex
Click "The Pokedex" to get to know individual Pokémon-- their pic, statistics, type, strengths/ weaknesses, evolution, T.V. episodes, and cards. For example here's "Horrid Haunter's"*
description: "Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon. If one beckons you while floating in darkness never approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away." Find out too this gas ghost can "levitate." View its "evolution strip" to see it evolved from "Gastly" and can evolve into "Genger." Check out Haunter's card moves such as tongue spring, hidden poison, psyshot, confuse ray, sleep poison, haunt, dream eater, Gothic fear, and hoodwink to name some. How gruesome! No wonder this Pokémon has given kids horrific nightmares!
*My name for it.
Pokémon Go
Click various circles such as "Pokémon Go Plus," "Explore Pokémon," "Teams and Gyms," and "In App Purchases" to find out more game details. "Explore Pokémon" gives blow by blow info about how the game is played including safety, catching a Pokémon, completing one's Pokedex, the
traits of Pokémon, Pokémon evolution, and Pokémon eggs. Out of all of this one has "gotta know" that the goal of this game is: "Gotta Catch 'Em All"-- yes, almost all of the original 151 from the Kanto Region.
Gotta Learn
The Pokémon (Gotta Catch 'Em All) Deluxe Essential Handbook: The Need-to-Know Stats and Facts on Over 700 Pokémon is a useful tool to help grandparents, parents, family, and friends learn much more about Pokémon. Published by Scholastic in 2015 this information-packed book with its glitzy golden title lettering, and its shiny Pokémon pics begs one to open its cover.
But, before one opens the book carefully look at the deceptive Pokémon ball-like pics. When you do you'll note most of the pics which they chose are happy, and smiley making the Pokémon appear as if they are just a bunch of cuddly stuffed animals. However, in a few moments, you'll realize how alluring the cover art is, for the Pokémon are anything but cuddly, rather they are often hideous and evil looking.
Title Page: The title page done in Pokémon logo colors of deep blue, golden yellow, and white has the Pokémon mantra "Gotta Catch 'Em All" below the Pokémon logo. Then it once again restates the title, and lists the publisher Scholastic Inc.*
*Scholastic Books- the book club used by teachers all over the USA!
The Welcome Pages: A two-page spread highlights the red page on the left with the rainbow-horned fairy Xerneas sprinting onto the page, while on the right the blue page there's: "Welcome to the World of Pokémon." Below the welcome is listed the six Pokémon regions --Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos--each full of fascinating Pokémon.
This book also lists the Pokémon picture, type, species, height, and weight which "can make all the difference in Gym battles, in the wild, and anywhere else you might meet Pokemon." Besides, this deluxe handbook, it is said, will enable "Trainers" to master any Pokémon challenge.
How To Use This Book: This two-page section goes into detail about each Pokémon's name, pronunciation, height and weight, description, evolution, mega evolution, type, and region. It is
such info that one has "gotta know and learn" to equip one to do spiritual battle with anyone questioning whether this is "just an innocent game" without any concerns as to its background, and agenda! Along with Scripture, it is knowledge that one can use when a "Deuteronomy Moment" comes. For as Deuteronomy 6:6,7 reads: "And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Guide to Pokémon Types: The next pages explain the eighteen Pokémon types: fire, grass, water, normal, electric, bug, ghost, flying, fighting, psychic, steel, rock, ground, ice, poison, dark, dragon, and fairy. This ends the seven pages of explanatory notes, and begins the ABC pages which begin on page eight with "Abomasnow" to page four hundred and thirty-two which finishes with "Zygarde". In between are seven hundred more to scrutinize.
The Back Cover: The back cover displays the logo, the mantra, and the message: "Your favorite Pokémon are all here inside this book! We've got Fairy-type ... Legendary ... Mega-Evolved ... and every Pokémon in between.
To Conclude: I would highly recommend purchasing this book as you can back up your stories, and words with the Pokémon pictures and info thus adding weight to your warnings. View the book here and click "Look Inside" to see its cover, its opening pages, and the Aa Pokémon from Abomasnow on page 8-Avalugg on p.28.
https://www.amazon.com/Pok-mon-Deluxe-Essential-Handbook-Need/dp/0545795664/ref=dp_ob_image_bk
Gotta Notice the Names
Many Pokémon names* say "Watch out!": Names such Abra-Psi Pokémon, Absol-Disaster Pokémon, Alakazam-Psi Pokémon, Arbok-Cobra Pokémon, Arceus-Alpha Pokémon, Beheeyem-Cerebral Pokémon, Carvanha-Savage Pokémon, Chandelure- Luring Pokémon,
Cofagrigus-Coffin Pokémon, Darkrai-Pitch Black Pokémon, Darumaka-Zen-Charm Pokémon, Dialga-Temporal Pokémon, Dragonair-Dragon Pokémon, Drapion-Ogre Scorpion Pokémon,
Eevee-Evolution Pokémon, Delphox-Fox Pokémon, Flylon-Mystic Pokémon, Gengar-Shadow Pokémon, Giratina-Renegade Pokémon, Gothitelle-Astral Body Pokémon, Gothorita-Manipulate Pokémon, Gourgeist-Pumpkin Pokémon, Gyarados-Atrocious Pokémon, Houndoom-Dark Pokémon, Hypno-Hypnosis Pokémon, Jynx-Human Shape Pokémon, Kirlia-Emotion Pokémon, Krookidile-Intimidation Pokémon, Lampent-Lamp Pokémon, Latias-Eon Pokémon , Lucario-Aura Pokémon, Manectric-Discharge Pokémon, Mawile-Deceiver Pokémon, Medicham- Meditate
Pokémon, Mew-New Species Pokémon, Mewtwo-Genetic Pokémon, Mismagius- Magical
Pokémon, Munna-Dream Eater Pokémon, Ninetales-Fox Pokémon, Riolu-Emanation Pokémon, Sigilyph-Avianoid Pokemon, Spiritomb-Forbidden Pokémon, Thunderdurus-Bolt Strike Pokémon, Uxie-Knowledge Pokémon, Xatu-Mystic Pokémon ,Yamask-Spirit Pokémon, Yvetal-Destruction Pokémon. These are but a few of many to watch out for!
Delphox, the Fire-Psychic Pokémon, is one name to notice! It's name has two parts which is a combo of the "Oracle of Delphi" and "fox." However, even before I found that info I used Thesaurus.com (a terrific source) to find synonyms for psychic, occult, witch etc. Under occult I noticed "Delphian," and "Delphic." I wondered if any Pokémon had a name similar to this, and sure enough there was the mystical Delphox. Looking up "Delphox" on Pokémon.wikia.com I found that this was a fox with the elements of a witch or mage. My Pokémon handbook further said that it held a flaming branch in its hand upon which it focused its eyes giving it psychic visions helping it to see into the future. After reading about the "Oracle of Delphi" Delphox's story became even clearer. This then can be woven into the Acts 16 story that involves the Oracle at Delphi. See http://biblehub.com/commentaries/acts/16-16.htm. Related topics include: occult, Delphic, witch, wizard, mage, focus, psychic, psychic visions, oracle, Oracle at Delphi, Apollo, spirit of divination, and Acts 16. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_of_Delphi
*Note: Pokémon names were first written in Japanese, and later changed into more suitable names for English speaking gamers. Bulbapedia.com is a site which can provide much additional insight by clicking onto the "Origin" section. Bulbapedia.com, by the way, is named after Generation One's first Pokémon Bulbasaur. Find here: http://www.bulbagarden.net/
Gotta Notice the Types, the Moves, and the Illustrations
In all there are eighteen types, and oh, the evil behind these types. Words can not even describe the things these characters are teaching innocent young children and youth. As I researched the game handbook a good number of the 700+ Pokémon were "Psychic"* with psychic terminology and moves and stories. This brought up the question of the 722 Pokémon how many of the each type were there? A Pokémon Database soon gave me exact numbers: Water was first with 126, Normal followed with 102, Flying was next with 101, while Psychic took fourth place with 90. Ice had the least with 38. See other types here: http://pokemondb.net
*Psychic: Relating to or denoting faculties or phenomena that are apparently inexplicable by natural laws, especially those involving telepathy or clairvoyance: "psychic powers" Synonyms: super-natural, paranormal, other worldly, preternatural, metaphysical, extrasensory, magic, magical, mystical, mystic, occult, clairvoyant, telepathic, having second sight, having a sixth sense (Oxford Dictionaries) Be sure to check out Thesaurus.com synonym list!
The adjectives describing the game moves would make up one eye-opening glossary with most having absolutely horrendous names. Be sure to peruse "Possible Moves" in the handbook or on a Pokémon info site noting the viciousness of many, and evilness of others. This activity alone--the noting of the descriptive names for each move--will surely enable one to discern that this game is literally overflowing with words and concepts and teachings far removed from the Bible.
Pause and consider the possible moves for Banette, a ghost puppet-like Pokémon, that like a voodoo doll, sticks itself with pins to curse others! Its moves are: knock-off, screech, night shade, curse, spite, will-o-wisp, shadow sneak, feint attack, hex,* shadow ball, sucker punch, embargo, snatch, and grudge trick. Stop and imagine youngsters seven and up familiarizing themselves with such a character. Bulbapedia says, "Banette is a ... doll-like Pokémon that is possessed with pure hatred."
A hex is: to practice witchcraft; to put a hex on; and to affect as an evil spell: jinx. Synonyms are:
charm, enchant, bewitch, overlook, spell, strike. Related words are: curse, jinx, possess, voodoo, attract, beguile, captivate, mesmerize, spellbind, entice, lure, seduce, tempt. (Merriam-Webster) Deuteronomy 18:10-14 makes it very clear what God thinks of those who use witchcraft or other practices named in this piece. It reads: "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or observer of times, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all these things are an abomination unto the Lord:...."
Another need-to-notice activity would be to flip through the book, or scroll through a site with all of the Pokémon pics and simply notice the ferocious or scary looking parts of each character. Just a few pages into this any one with a smidgen of discernment would have to concede that these atrocious characters have no place in the life of a precious young child, or teen. For Philippians 4:8 declares, "...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Gotta Know Pokémon Back Stories
Highlighted here are back stories about various types of Pokémon-- stories one can easily recall to share with others who need to become aware of just how deceptive is the Pokémon agenda.
Some Third Eye Pokémon:
Dark: Absol: Disaster Pokémon: George Hutcheon, Bulbapedia contributor, shares Absol is based on a "Bai Ze" a creature from both China and Japan who warned good rulers of impending disaster. In Japan images of the Bai Ze were made into "good luck charms" to ward off monsters and disease. Absol, says Hutcheon, resembles this monster with its dark horn, feline shape, and black oval third eye. http://bulbanews.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Column:On_the_Origin_of_Species
Ghost/Poison: Mega Gengar: Shadow Pokémon: Gengar is a "third eye" Pokémon with an oval yellow third eye on its forehead. Its "malicious," says Bulbapedia, laughing at and
delighting in its victim's terror. It hides in the shadows hoping to attack its prey, and enjoys casting curses. How horrible is this powerful mega Pokémon which has evolved from the evil Gengar with his sinister leer and giant teeth. Its "moves" include hypnosis, curses, night shade, sucker punch, dream eater, dark pulse, hex, and nightmare.
Steel/Psychic: Jirachi: Wish Pokémon: Jirachi is another Pokémon which has a hidden third-eye or "true eye" concealed within a seam. Its eye is said to absord energy to aid in its hibernation. If awakened it might grant your wish if you write it on one of its tags, and sing to it with a pure voice. View this Pokémon with its yellow and green third eye revealed in the "Doom Desire Move" description in Bulbapedia.
The Psychic Third Eye Trading Card: The Trading Card Game has a supporter card labeled "The Psychic Third Eye." See it here.
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/xy-series/xy9/108/
A third eye is: "A point on the forehead corresponding to one of the chakras in yoga, often depicted as an eye and associated with enlightenment and mystical insight." (Free Dictionary)
Aura Pokémon:
Fighting/Steel: Lucario: Aura Pokémon: Canine-like Lucario (evolved from Aura Pokémon Riolu) raises its four aura appendages to read and manipulate its opponents' aura. Aura Sphere or "wave bomb" is its very special battle move. Mega Lucario becomes even more ferocious with additional spikes coming from its hands, feet, and shoulders. As its aura heightens black patches appear on its body. It's said too that it can activate crystallized Time Flowers by shooting out aura.
Ghost-Dragon: Giratina Original/Altered Forme: Renegade Pokémon: Dragonic, demonic appearing Giratina in either form was banished, the Pokémon handbook states, to another dimension where all is distorted and reversed. Like Lucario, Giratina battles with "Aura Sphere."
Aura Guardians: In the Pokémon world Aura Guardians sense aura and control its power.
Aura Capabilities: Bulbapedia lists aura capabilities as being able to read minds/actions of others, sense other auras, view thru objects, project aura barriers, transfer aura to others, and activate Time Flowers.
An Aura (in Japanese means "wave-guiding") is: an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being (Merriam-Webster)
Meditation Pokémon Trio:
Fighting-Psychic: Meditite: Meditate Pokémon: Meditite's Japanese name is "Asanan" which comes from "asana" a name for various yogic poses. It does such intense meditation it nearly starves itself never missing daily yoga practice. This routine, says, the handbook, intensifies its inner strength. Meditite also levitates. Pics of Meditite can be found sitting in a lotus position with each hand fixed in a mudra.
Fighting-Psychic: Medicham and Mega Medicham: Medicham meditates so much it has developed a sixth sense. Its picture shows it doing a yogic asana with its hands held in a mudra position. Some say Medicham resembles a good luck charm doll known as a "Daruma doll."
A sixth sense is: a power of perception but not one of the five senses: a keen intuitive power (Meriam-Webster)
A Daruma doll is: a hollow and round Japanese wish doll with no arms or legs modeled after Bodhi-
dharma, the founder and first patriarch of Zen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daruma_doll
Hypnotic Dream-Eating Pokémon:
Psychic: Drowzee: Hypnosis Pokémon: Drowzee lurks near by to draw out dreams. Drowzee, a dream eater tapir-like Baku-based Pokémon, uses moves that include hypnosis, meditate, zen-headbutt, psychic, psybeam, poison gas, psyshock, and future sight plus more.
Psychic: Hypno: Hypnosis Pokémon: Hypno uses a pendulum for putting one into a hypnotic trance. Hypno, too, is able to sense what its victim is dreaming. A movie "Hyno's Naptime" tells how Hypno's sleep waves have caused children to disappear, and Pokémon to grow sleepy.
Self-Hypnosis with a Pendulum: On line steps to use a pendulum to self-hypnotize can be
found at several web sites.
Psychic: Munna: Dream Eater Pokémon: If Munna, a Baku inspired blimp-like Pokémon, eats a happy dream it gives off pink mist. Some of Munna's moves include: lucky chant, hypnosis, nightmare, future sight, dream eater, and telekinesis.
Psychic: Musharna: Drowsing Pokémon: Musharna resembles a tapir-like pink pig with its dream stream coming out of its forehead. Some say Musharna seems like a traditional Japanese incense burner called a "koro." that appears on Buddhist altars.
Baku: M.R.Reese of Green Shinto writes that a Japanese child having a nightmare is told if they wake up to repeat "Baku-san, come eat my dream!" three times. After, the legend says, the Baku will enter the room, and eat up the bad dreams. However, this mustn't be over done or it will devour their hopes and desires leaving them with an empty life. Kids to this day keep "Baku Talisman" by their bedsides. An on line site offers a ring, said to have the Baku spirit in it, that one could wear or hang up for protection. http://www.greenshinto.com/wp/2014/12/16/baku-the-dream-eater/
Lucky Chant: This move's meaning was, on Bulbapedia, described as "a good luck charm in Japanese," and an incantation toward the sky to stop an opponent.
Telekinesis is: the production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means. (Merriam-Webster)
Psychic Pokémon:
The Psi Quartet: Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, and Mega Alakazam: These four "Psi" Pokémon, all of the Psychic type, possess many powers. Abra's signature move is to "teleport" away. Kadabra uses one spoon to greatly increases its powers. Super intelligent Alakazam has two spoons. Lastly, Mega Alakazam has five spoons over head while seated in a lotus position with each hand fixed in mudra. Note his distinctive red third eye. He, records Bulbapedia, is based on a wizard or sorcerer, or a Hindu sadhus--a holy man who is a yogi. A Wikipedia article on "Sadhus" has quite a photo display of many holy men with their prominent third eye markings. For more read "Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam" at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abra,_Kadabra,_and_Alakazam
Ghost/Spirit Pokémon:
Ghost Pokémon: Yamask: Spirit Pokémon: Yamask, a very disturbing Pokémon, has a Japanese name Desumasu which comes from death and mask. It also means "Yama" or Lord of the Dead in Buddhism/Hindusim, and "weeping mask" in Chinese. Its based too on the Egyptian Ba holding a death mask. Pokedex entries say its mask makes it cry as it wanders round ancient landmarks. Should one accidently wear this mask it can be "possessed." On a post entitled "Pokemanical" a gamer shares stories of really dark Pokémon especially ghosts as Yamask and Cofagrigus. A picture of some of the worst of the worst Pokémon has a comment that says, "Yet still allowable as kids' game. Huh!"
http://pokemaniacal.tumblr.com/post/17760681303/yamask-and-cofagrigus
Ghost Pokémon: Cofagrigus: Coffin Pokémon: This coffin Pokémon who lurks in tombs and ruins is an Egyptian sarcophagi that eats people, and mummifies them! Grave robbers who come too close to its shadowy ebony hands find themselves locked inside Cofagrigus. Its name is a combo of sarcophagus and egregious which means coffin and grim. And grim they are!
Light Pokémon: "A Ghost-Fire Trio:"
Ghost/Fire: Litwick: Candle Pokémon: This small candle has a purple flame that's powered by "life energy". To get this energy Litwick, a pretender, seems to light the way through darkness all the while sucking life energy from its victim. A Bulbapedia description says, "Litwick leads people astray and sucks out their life force." What an apt description of Satan! For II Corinthians says, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." And I Peter 5:8 adds, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour."
In Bulpadedia "Origin" section it says: Litwick's name is a combo of hitodama or a blue, black, and purple flame associated with ghosts, yokai, and candles. It can also be associated with the leader of a Japanese funeral procession carrying a torch. Some of its "moves" are: ember, will-o-wisp, hex, curse, and shadow ball among others.
Ghost/Fire: Lampent: Lamp Pokémon: Lampent, an ominous Pokémon, lurks round hospitals "waiting for someone to die" at which time it absorbs their departing spirit which in turn fuels its flame. However, II Corinthians 5:8 says of those who die in the Lord that we are "absent from the body and present with the Lord!" And Hebrews 9:27 reads, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
Ghost/Fire: Chandelure: Luring Pokémon: Third in this spirit sucking trio is Chandelure whose name is like a "sentient" chandelier and lure. Chandelure based also on hitodama which Wikipedia defines as Japanese meaning "human souls" that are like balls of fire floating in the night -- departed souls that have been separated from their bodies. The Deluxe Essential Handbook says, "Chande-
lure's spooky fames can burn the spirit right out of someone. If that happens the spirit becomes trapped in this world endlessly wandering." One of Chandelure's "moves" in the game is to put a "hex" on someone.
Will-o'-the-wisp-is: Wikipedia says a will-o'-the-wisp is an atmospheric ghost seen by travelers at night by bogs, swamps, or marshes which if approached can lure travelers from safe paths.
The Kami Trio: Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus:
Flying: Tornadus: Legendary Cyclone Pokémon: Tornadus, a kami of wind, is based on the Shinto god Fujin. Tornadus is a wizard-like Pokémon that is carrying a bag of wind. Japan Talk's
"Raijin and Fujin: Fearsome Japanese Gods of Nature" by John Spacey tells how when Mongol Fleets attacked in 1274 and 1281 Fujin was thanked for protecting Japan. From this came the word kamikaze (note "kami) which literally means "divine wind."
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/raijin-and-fujin
Electric/Flying: Legendary Bolt Strike Pokémon: Thundurus, a kami of lightning and thunder, is inspired by one of the most feared of Japanese deities Raijin. It's said of Raijin that if there's a storm Japanese children were told to cover their belly buttons for Raijin might eat them. People prayed to Raijin for rain and lightning. A rice field hit by a lightning bolt, it was believed, would be fertile and produce a good harvest. Spacey says statues of both protector gods are seen at gates, shrines, and temples through out Japan. Muza-chan in "Japanese Traditions"* says Raijin comes from "rai" for thunder and "shin" for god. It was known as a "kamiari" or "kami" for spirit or deity and "nari" for thunder. Muza-chan notes you'll find this beautiful "red demon" Raijin statue at the Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, Tokyo. http://muza-chan.net/japan/index.php/blog/japanese-traditions-fujin-god-wind http://muza-chan.net/japan/index.php/blog/japanese-traditions-raijin-thunder-god
* This blog is packed full of Shinto stories.
Ground/Flying: Landorus: Legendary Abundance Pokémon: Bulbapedia states that Landorus was the master of this "Forces of Nature" kami trio. In the Pokémon universe region called "Unova" there's a shrine in honor of the "Great Landorus" named "The Abundant Shrine." Landorus is based on a third kami--the Kami of Fertility--also named Inari. http://pokemon.neoseeker.com/wiki/Kami_Trio
A Kami is: In the Shinto religion, kami are spirits/phenomena that are worshipped. According to Wikipedia: "They are elements in nature, animals, creationary forces in the universe, as well as spirits of the revered deceased." Under "Etymology" Wikipedia notes: "Kami is the Japanese word for a god, deity, divinity, or spirit. It has been used to describe 'mind,' 'God,' 'supreme being,' 'one of the Shinto deities,' 'an effigy,' 'a principle,' and 'anything that is worshipped.'" For further info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kami. The Bible, however, in Exodus 20:3-5 says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them: for I the LORD they God am a jealous God, ..."
A Creator 'God' Pokémon:
Normal: Arceus: Mythical Alpha Pokémon: Areceus is the god Pokémon of the Pokémon Universe. It's based on a creator deity with a stance like an Egyptian bull or calf idols particularly Apis. It has an arc on its back, says Bulbapedia, that is used to represent reincarnation in Hinduism.
Arceus is connected to the Shinto gods Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi who summoned the first goddess and god Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with a spear. The reference to its having 1000 arms comes from Buddhism. Arceus, its said, created Sinnoh, a Pokémon area, and the three Pokémon Lake Guardians Uxie, Azelf, and Misprit and the Creation Trio Dialaga, Palkia, and Giratina.
Upon reading its English name "Alpha Pokémon" one can't help but think about the Biblical reference in Revelation 1:8 that declares, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."
These stories are but the tip of the iceberg as to what terms, and concepts are being put into the receptive minds of our kids straight out of Shintoism, Buddhism, the New Age and other pagan religions. As Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." And as the prayer the Lord taught us to pray which ends in Matthew 6:13 says: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever."
Gotta Learn About the Shinto Connection
Shintoism in Pokémon: In his July 18, 2016 article "Pokémon Go and Its AR Universe", Ray Tsuchiyama shows how much Pokémon is connected to Shintoism. Ray says the Pokémon Go gamers out on their Pokémon hunts are "almost like a new religion of seekers." "They," says Ray, "are seeing 'otherworldly' aural specter/image in the middle of the 'material world' of buildings, shower trees, and beaches."
Ray also recalls Satoshi Tajiri, the Pokémon founder, was into his bug collecting world as a child, and later the anime character Ash with his electrifying Pikachu was made to resemble Tajiri. Ray says Tajiri's childhood hobby surely contributed to Pokémon with all its curious critters. "But," writes Ray, "there is also the deeper cultural, mythological, and animist religious history of Japan that influenced this global game."
Ray goes on to show how closely tied Pokémon is to Shintoism when he writes, "In fact Ninetales is obviously the fox god of Shintoism. Also the water Pokémon ... Whipcash ... is like a blue catfish ...(which)... in Japanese mythology a catfish ... triggers earthquakes.... Lombre ... has the greatest resemblance to the Kappa a Japanese water demon. ... the Pokémon Shiftry evokes a Japanese goblin that lives in trees and cause windstorms. ... Kyogre and Groudon ... (are referred to in the Hoenn region) ... which is a retelling of the mythological creation of the Japanese island chain by the primordial male and female. A Shinto 'world flood' myth has been worked in Mewtwo's character.
"In the original game," maintains Ray, "when a Pokémon lives long enough in the material world, this character 'ascends' to a higher plane, kind of like astral projection, and again, the spiritual motif returns. Also in the game, Pokémon trainers gather to mourn and present offering for 'dead' Pokémon, since without the chanting of the Pokémon 'souls' will wander the material world and transform into vengeful spirits--again evoking Shinto beliefs."
Ray declares, "Pokémon characters clearly resemble Shinto gods that hang out in rivers, rocks, trees, and other places--and following Shinto, when offered food and incense, Pokémon and friends/allies and bring players all sorts of rewards, like points (blessings?)."
Even your smartphone muses Ray can "be warm and full of good thoughts" since we have become disenchanted (in a spiritual way) with our daily lives ..." "So," says Ray, "Pokémon players can inhabit two worlds: one that is 'real' and one that is 'imaginary'...." Ray ends by noting that Pokémon
GO isn't the original "character hunting" mobile app. Ray writes, "For years in Japan game firms like Yokai Watch and Monster Hunter, have spawned thousands of small groups ... All these games are heavily influenced by Shinto Mythology."
http://www.mauinews.com/page/blogs.detail/display/5619/Pokemon-Go-and-Its-AR-Universe.html
Gotta Learn About the Yokai Connection
Yokai are: (ghost, phantom, or strange apparitions) a class of supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons in Japanese folklore. (Wikipedia) They can, says Wikipedia, be malevolent to mischievous, or even bring good fortune. Yokai can appear in different ways: as animals, as humans, as inanimate objects, or as shapeless. They have spiritual supernatural powers with obake shapeshifting being one of the most common ones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai
An informative article entitled "Who's That Pokémon? Yokai Edition" by Kristen Dexter starts out "But some of my favorite Pokémon were inspired by yokai: supernatural monsters, ghosts, and phantoms of Japanese folklore. Says Kristen, "Gotta catch 'em all, yokai!"
Kristen then lists the Japanese term for a particular yokai and its definition. She then asks: "Who's that yokai?" After there's a large picture of each Pokémon that fits this definition, and a further reference to its/their traits. Here's the yokai covered: Sazae Oni, turban shell ogres, like Slowbro and Slowking; Sogen Bi, a fireball floating head, like Gastly; Baku dream eaters, like Drowzee, Hypno, Munna, and Musharna; Jinmenju, human tree heads, like Exegguter; Yamauba, old woman turned witch, like Jnyx; Nekomata, Bake split tail cats, like Esperson; Nukekubi, cursed headless woman or girl, like Misdreavus; Kamitachi, ambusher attacker weasels, like Sneasel and Weavile; Futakushi Onna, two mouthed cursed woman, like Mawile; Tsukimogami, spirit inhabited inanimate objects, like Banette; Hitodama, graveyard colored light, like Litwick; Kodama, ball of light tree spirits, like Celebi, Phantump, and Trevenant; Chochin Obake, paper lantern inhabiters, like Dusclops and Dusknoir; Yuki Onna, evil woman freezer of travelers, like Froslass; and Nurarihyon, old man yokai leader, like Jellicent. Read it at: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/pokemon-yokai/.
Gotta Read Up on Church Reactions to Pokemon
One last thing to look into and become aware of is the number of churches that have been designated Pokémon Go Pokestops and Gyms. Churches, in any number of articles, are crowing about how unbelievably wonderful it is that they have been named stopping places for Pokémon Go players to pick up items to help catch those hidden Pocket Monsters. Now, is it because most churches see it as a reason to share the gospel with those that happen by, or is it because they think the game is clever and yes even fun and they get to share things like water, or a place to recharge smartphones? Unfortunately, it is the latter in many instances.
I even read where an Episcopal church attendee declared if you're going to do 'evangelism' you might as well have fun doing it. Another "evangelical millennial" opined all that old "Pokémon is of the devil drivel" why that's a thing of the past; and just think there is not one of the 721 Pokémon now here, and more coming that have a name that in way is devilish or Satanic--not a one. Read here:
http://www.millennialevangelical.com/is-pokemon-satanic/ How I'd challenge this uninformed
millennial, or any one else regardless of age to do the research using sources quoted in this piece that show how infiltrated Pokémon is with every sort of evil idea that could be thought up. In fact, the verse that that best describes Pokémon could be Genesis 6:5 that reads: "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil continually." And as it was in the days of Noah, so it is today!
Gotta Discern, Gotta Go
In summary, once one grasps that Pokémon is inundated with deceptive teachings, one must
determine to research Pokémon lore and backstories to more fully discern the agenda, the culture,
and the religion from which this game has arisen. The question then becomes: "What must one do with this information? Just as Berit Kijos in her excellent 1999 article: "The Dangers of Role-Playing Games-How Pokémon and Magic Cards Affect the Minds" listed ideas on how to teach
one's children or grandchildren on ways to resist occult entertainment I too would urge parents, grandparents, and friends to be ready as Deuteronomy Moments arise, and during devotional times to talk to your children on a regular basis about key words and ideas presented in Pokémon and Pokémon Go and how they contrast with scripture.
Point out that Proverbs describes the simple--the naïve ones--those who are open to anything that comes down the pike as contrasted to the wise-- the knowledgeable ones-- those who cry out and search for wisdom as to which paths to take. And as Solomon said in Proverbs 4:10-15: "Hear O
my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in the right paths. When thou goest thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not go; keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the path of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
What opportunities await informed Christians, who with both scripture, and pertinent Pokémon information, can clearly point out how deceptive, and evil these alluring Pokémon are. Yes, we gotta be ready to go for not only must we warn about Pokémon Go, but as Mark 16:15, a Bible go verse, reads, "... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Learn to Discern Granny Verses: Proverbs 4:26, 27
In this Pokémon Go world how apt are these verses: "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."
For More Information:
"How Pokémon and Magic Cards Affect the Minds and Values of Children (and a Warning About Pokémon Go) (1999) by Berit Kijos
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?tag=berit-kjos
"Gotta Catch 'Em All" (2009) by Mike Oppenheimer at: http://www.letusreason.org/Current17.htm
