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Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

From tim, age 12: You make FALSE ATTACKS on telletubys. Will toddlers understand? No its to complex for them. I have a friend whos sister watches it and the dad dosent see anything wrong and hes a rev.

Berit Kjos:Toddlers may not understand the politically correct suggestions, but the images are stored in their minds. BBC and the producers do know what they are doing. They are bent on blending entertainment with learning, and they call it edutainment. The two main purposes are to make it fun enough to please their audience and to teach the new social values needed for a politicically correct global ethic.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

[…]
Only one Scripture shows why God created man with the capacity to imagine that which cannot be seen:
“I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You. O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee." 1 Chronicles 29:17-18
The next two verses remind us that what we see and imagine can distract us from truth and entice us to delight in sin and deception:
Jesus said, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matt 5:28
"...each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:14-15

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

[…]
But fiction isn't just any entertainment; its power and danger lie in the fact that it can draw a reader into a worldview. It embraces the soul and the imagination. It brings to life conjecture and imagination. It teaches. And appearing as Christian, it can fool many.

J. Morgan Drake #fundie crossroad.to

I just read your article concerning the seizures which were experienced by hundreds of children in Japan after watching that one episode of Pokemon. Please do not be fooled into thinking this was an "unfortunate and unforeseen after-effect". The people who designed these characters and especially those involved in the decisions behind the cartoons, knew perfectly well what would happen when children watched this episode. They also knew that by exposing these children to a scene which would cause seizures these children would be opened up to exposure to demonic possession.

As a child, and I have heard this from others who experienced similar problems as children, then came to Christ, I contracted a sickness which caused seizures in me. For nine years I had to take Phenobarbital in order to control these seizures, which carried into my adult years and only ceased as a matter of coming to Christ in salvation.

I know from my experience and what the Lord has shown me that seizures are caused on the spiritual level in order to open up minds/souls to the spiritual realm. This allows areas in children to be open to demonic influence and enough of this will cause those experiencing the seizures to become possessed. It is recorded in the Bible as well, when Jesus cast the demon out of the boy who had seizures and was thrown into the fire.

Those who made this cartoon are well aware that this reaction would occur, but they did so in order to follow the dictates of their "masters" who are not of this world. I know that were you to print this report you would receive greater criticism than you already have, so I don't expect you to say anything about this; I just wanted you to be aware of it.

Berit Kjos #fundie #homophobia crossroad.to

This legislation may be the most ominous attack on "free speech" and Christianity since the founding of our nation. The silence of the mainstream media multiplies that concern. It suggests that many of our most powerful leaders want these bills passed behind closed doors, freed from any public accountability. Even so, the public is awakening to the facts.

On April 25, 2007, a House of Representatives committee approved a measure to add homosexuality to the list of groups "protected" by hate crimes laws. The Senate has prepared a twin bill, S. 1105. Except for the addition of the name Matthew Shepard, its title is the same.

Matthew Shepard? Few Americans could miss the shocking details of this young homosexual's horrible death in 1998. The media published that story 3007 times -- 45 times in the New York Times alone. It made Matthew a martyr for the cause of gay rights, hate-crimes legislation, and anti-Christian sentiment.

Did you read about Jesse Dirkhising's torture and murder at the hands of two homosexual lovers eleven months later? Probably not. The thirteen-year-old boy was drugged, strapped down, sodomized, tortured, and killed by two adults living in an apartment that 'reeked of excrement and was littered with drug paraphernalia. Like Matthew's murder, it was a horrible crime -- almost unfit to print. But that's not why most newspapers across the country refused to tell the story. The real reason? It didn't fit their agenda! It wasn't politically correct!

Nor is the Bible. Its unchanging standards can't be adapted to the new global guidelines for holistic spirituality and politically correct tolerance. So when eleven Christians shared the gospel as well as warning about homosexuality during Philadelphia's 2004 homosexual 'OutFest', they were promptly arrested and temporarily "charged under [Pennsylvania's] hate crimes legislation."

Christians aren't the only ones vulnerable. On April 11, a Maine Middle School student did something really foolish on a dare: He put some ham -- considered "unclean" by Muslims -- on a cafeteria table occupied by Muslim students. As punishment, the school suspended him. School principal, Maureen Lachapelle, sent a report of this incident to the Attorney General's office and to the County District Attorney because the ham incident was perceived as a hate/bias crime.

A crime? Does this line up with the fast-track Hate Crimes Bill in Congress? And if so, why? A quick review of HR 1592 might, at first, suggest a negative answer. Section 7(2), like the corresponding Senate Bill, defines "Hate crime acts" as:

(A) In general. Whoever, whether or not acting under color of law, in any circumstance described in subparagraph (B), willfully causes bodily injury to any person or, through the use of fire, a firearm, or an explosive or incendiary device, attempts to cause bodily injury to any person, because of the actual or perceived religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability of any person"

But, you might argue, the boy neither caused nor intended "bodily injury."

True! But consider another key word, one that's part of the title in both bills. That all-important word is "prevention!" We're looking at the "Hate Crimes Prevention Act," not simply a law against "hate crimes." And the concept of prevention (or pre-emption) is open-ended. Its wide range of interpretations could be used in almost any situation to silence offending voices and to intimidate critics of useful "protected" groups such as homosexuals and Muslims -- long before any signs of actual violence.

For example, a Canadian pastor was concerned about the overt promotion of Islam at a local high school. It not only distributed copies of the Quran, it also offered Muslim students a room for prayer during school hours. Of course, Christian and Jewish students had no such "freedom." But when Pastor Mark Harding began handing out leaflets protesting this strange favoritism, he was charged with having "willfully promoted hatred." Having violated a new Canadian hate-crimes law, he was sentenced to 340 hours of "community service" at the Islamic Society of North America.

Pastor Harding claimed to be motivated by love for Muslim students, not hate. According to worldnetdaily.com, he expressed that love in a recorded phone call. Yet his own phone was swamped with more than three thousand real hate calls, including many death threats. When his trial began, the police protected him from the crowds of Muslims chanting "Infidels, you will burn in hell."

What is going on? Who is behind this unequal and borderless "protection" system?

THE UN "CULTURE OF PREVENTION"

The UN has established a massive, worldwide, inter-agency program of "prevention." Through the coordinated efforts of UNESCO, The World Health Organization, The World Bank and countless other UN agencies, its agenda is transforming not only beliefs and values everywhere, but also schools, churches, communities and nations. Words like "war" and "genocide" have been used for more than fifty years to persuade the world to participate in "peace-building" ventures that would create a climate of prevention everywhere. This cultural atmosphere is defined by UN declarations such as UNESCO's Declaration on Tolerance and Declaration of Principles on Religion in a Culture of Peace.

The UN policy of prevention requires "lifelong learning," re-learning, group-learning and service-learning. Continual progress must be measured through unceasing assessments that monitor compliance with new global standards for human resource development. What counts is progress toward the envisioned solidarity -- a global community where no one takes a stand contrary to UN ideology -- and where everyone is willing to compromise their beliefs, seek common ground, and flow with the group consensus.

While Biblical Christianity hinders such universal solidarity, the war against "hate" supports it. After all, it provides the incentive needed to intimidate and persuade the masses that they must change and conform.

In 1999, the United Nations published a pamphlet by Secretary-General Kofi Annan titled, "Facing the Humanitarian Challenge: Towards a Culture of Prevention." In it, Mr. Annan states: "...the common thread running through almost all conflict prevention policies is the need to pursue what we in the United Nations refer to as good governance. In practice, good governance involves promoting the rule of law, tolerance of minority and opposition groups.... Above all, good governance means respect for human rights...
[See Whose Rights?]

"Long-term prevention strategies, in addressing the root causes of conflict, seek to prevent destructive conflicts from arising in the first place. They embrace the same holistic approach to prevention that characterizes post-conflict peace-building...."

Do you wonder what he means by a holistic approach? It has to do with the vision of unity, wholism, solidarity, interconnectedness, or -- as the new global management puts it -- a systems approach based on "General Systems Theory." It tolerates no Christian "separatist" views.
As Al Gore said at a 1992 Communitarian Conference, "Seeing ourselves as separate is the central problem in our political thinking."

But "peace-building" implies more specific action than simply a holistic approach. An UNESCO publication I picked up in Istanbul during the 1996 UN Conference on Human Settlements (See Habitat II) clarifies a broader issue. Ponder the following excerpts from Our Creative Diversity: Report on the World Commission on Culture and Development.The first paragraph was written by former UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar: "An ounce of prevention is better than a ton of punishment.... Imagination, innovation, vision and creativity are required.... It means an open mind, and open heart and a readiness to seek fresh definitions, reconcile old opposites, and help draw new mental maps."

"Universalism is the fundamental principle of a global ethics."

"Religion... has affected and sometimes poisoned the relations between majorities and minorities.... Extreme doctrinaire views[Biblical Christianity?] look to an imagined past, seen as both simpler and more stable, thus preparing the ground not only for a variety of overtly violent acts but also for the intimidation of individuals and indeed entire communities in matters of thought, behavior and belief, coercing them into accepting a single 'orthodox' point of view.... The challenge today, as in the past is to... distinguish between the beliefs and activities of the peaceful majority... and a minority of extremists...."

"PREVENTION" AS A PLOY TO SILENCE CHRISTIANS

Some of the same warnings were sounded by the respective founding directors of both UNESCO (Julian Huxley) and the World Health Organization (Dr. Brock Chisholm). Both were determined to wipe out the "poisonous certainties" of Biblical Christianity in their quest for UN solidarity. Notice Dr. Chisholm's emphasis on prevention back in 1946:

"We must... find and take sure steps to prevent wars in the future.... The re-interpretation and eventually eradication of the concept of right and wrong which has been the basis of child training... these are the belated objectives of practically all effective psychotherapy.... The pretense is made [by uncompromising Christians who cling to old standards] that to do away with right and wrong would produce uncivilized people, immorality, lawlessness and social chaos....

"When [infectious diseases] were attacked at the preventative level, some martyrs had to be sacrificed to the cause of humanity, because reactionary forces fought back.... The problem is no longer the germ of diphtheria, but rather the attitudes of parents who are incapable of accepting and using proven knowledge for the protection of their children. Surely the training of children in home and schools should be of at least as great public concern as their vaccination.... [See Homosexuals brainwashing our children in elementary schools]

"For the very survival of large parts of the human race, world understanding, tolerance, and forbearance have become absolutely essential.... If it cannot be done gently, it may have to be done roughly or even violently."

Today, more than half a century later, the world is rapidly conforming to this UN agenda touted by Chisholm and Huxley in the 1940s. The global network of "lifelong learning" aims to prevent anything that would hinder "positive" collective thinking. Few notice how effectively its tentacles now reach into community [mental] health programs in over 130 nations around the world.

Monique Desir #homophobia #fundie crossroad.to

I would like to tell you some things about Sailor Moon. I am ashamed to say that I used to watch it a lot a few years ago before I realized how warped and disgusting it was.

First of all, the Japanese and English versions are kind of different. (WELL THAT MIGHT BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT!) In the Japanese version there is a lot of homosexuality going on as well as bisexuality that parents might not understand.

For example, there is a couple who work for Queen Beryl: Zoycite (an effete/effeminate) and Malachite are both male characters in the original Japanese version, but Zoycite who is more feminine looking than Malachite was dubbed a female in the American version! They are gay! Homosexual! And I wonder if parents here in America knew if they would have been angry or just go with the flow?!

Another homosexual couple, two women called Sailor Neptune and Uranus, have a daughter in the Japanese version. However, one day when I was watching it on the cartoon network, there was an episode with both Sailor Senshi or soldiers/scouts in USA version. Sailor Uranus is the more boyish of the couple with her short, blond hair and taller, slender looks. In this episode she was dressed in a suit like a young man. AT first I thought that it was a BOY and so did the other Sailor scouts who were drooling with hearts and teardrops forming around their heads! If I noticed this blatant, in your face homosexuality -- who else did?

Well, someone must have because I haven't seen the show on television since. Good.

Some have said that Sailor Neptune and Uranus' relationship is a "parody of heterosexual relationships" because Uranus who is more male than all of the Sailor Scouts and Sailor Neptune who is more female are reflecting a warped version of family life, due to the fact that they are both women.

For instance, their daughter calls them "mama" and "papa". The male pair are a couple of the villains in the first season and the latter female pair are the good guys in the later series. There is also a great deal of -- I am not sure if I want to use this word -- pedophilia in the show. Young girls as young as 12 or 13 (8th graders mind you) are falling head over heels in love with older, wicked men. One example is the relationship between Neflite, a soldier for the Negaverse and Molly, an ordinary and virginal human girl. No wonder that girls age 12 are dating men as young as 28!

There is a lot of occult or alchemic talk in the show: quest for crystals, moon prisms, which are worn as brooches for extra power. But where are they drawing this power from? The Negaverse has power like that too. I think that it is like the idea of White and Black Magic: though both won't admit it they are tapping their power from the same source: Satan.

In the Japanese version, Sabrina's name is Usagi or Bunny because of her hairstyle. Tuxedo Mask is really Tuxedo Kamen and his princely name is Mamoru. To me there is a lot of "goddess" worship in the show, like what you would find from the ancient religions of Greece and the Mystery religions of Rome.

A lot of Sailor Moon fans deny the witchcraft element. WELL, how come Luna, the black cat can turn into a human?! It's true!

In the manga (comic) series Luna and her consort, Artemis and Diane (a kitten, their daughter) transform into their human forms in the final battle to help Sailor moon destroy an "evil" foe! In the movie version "Sailor S or Heart of Ice", Luna falls in love with a human. She is transformed into a human by Super Sailor Moon, who uses "the power of the chalice" to grant Luna's wish and to make Kakeru's (her love interest) dreams come true: She takes him on a trip to the Moon in the personage of a Princess he loves named Kaguya! Afterwards, she transforms back into a cat.

The weird thing about it is that the cats are guardians of Sailor Moon, her husband or prince, Prince Darien and their daughter Rini (American version name). Artemis, the white cat who belongs to Sailor Venus, is an exception.

There is also slight nudity during the transformation scenes when the Sailor scouts change their into their hero clothing. Some have said that this is not for sexual stimulation, which is a lie because most Japanese business men would get their "kicks" at these scenes. They also have some disgusting fetish for schoolgirl panties! They buy them from vending machines or from the girls themselves. White ones are preferred and there is a lot of that flashing on the show. I am not lying! I was shocked when I found it on a website about a year ago.

As I grow in the love of Jesus, it appears that my mind is expanding spiritually as well as I read His awesome Word. A lot of shows that I once watched I no longer care for, especially if they are in conflict with the Truth and beliefs. For instance, I no longer enjoy watching Will and Grace because I realize now that it is glorifying homosexuality and the like. A lot of shows in America do that. I no longer care to compromise my faith. And even though I may stumble along the way, I thank God for His Holy Spirit that whispers to me, reminding me what is good and lovely what is righteous and holy and what is not. He has opened my eyes.

Sailor Moon and other anime may seem harmless, but if you are a Christian, you in no way should be promoting or protecting this kind of material by saying, "It teacher adults and adolescence alike virtues" because we know that that is far from the Truth. Nothing should be a substitute for Our Sword and that is the very Word of God.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

Delightfully gruesome images and scary creatures become part of their memory, for the author, Joanne K. Rowling, knows how to make her characters come alive in a reader’s mind. "Oh, but it’s just fantasy," you may argue. "We were raised on scary tales. It can’t hurt."

Actually it’s not that simple. The stories and the times have changed, making the new generation of children far more vulnerable to deception than we were. Consider some of the changes:

1. Different times and culture. Unlike most children today, their parents and grandparents were raised in a culture that was, at least outwardly, based on Biblical values. Whether they were Christian or not, they usually accepted traditional moral and spiritual boundaries. Even the old fairy tales I heard as a child in Norway tended to reinforce this Christian worldview or paradigm. The good hero would win over evil forces without using "good" magic to overcome evil magic. Social activities didn’t include Ouija Boards, Seances, and an assortment of popular occult role-playing games. Nor did friends, schools or Girl Scouts tempt children to alter their consciousness and invoke the presence of an "animal spirit" or "wise person." Occult experimentation was not an option.

Today it is an option. Children now learn their values and world view from a variety of sources. The entertainment industry is one of the most persuasive agents of cultural awareness, and it usually teaches global and occult values, since that’s what their global market buys. In fact, children have become so familiar with profanity, occultism, and explicit sex, that they barely notice – just as in Old Testament days: "They hold fast to deceit, they refuse to return. . . . No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush." (Jeremiah 8:5,12)

In this context, the occult images evoked through traditional fantasies threaten a child's faith far more today than they did three decades ago. Reinforced throughout our culture, the old beloved books such as the Hobbit can stir curiosities and cravings that can easily be satisfied by darker, real-world attractions.


Tactics for Change
2. Different type of fantasy. Books, movies, games, and television all involve the imagination, and the specific fantasy directs the child's imagination. In other words, the imaginary scenes and images in books and movies are not neutral. As with guided imagery, the child's feelings and responses are manipulated by the author's view and values. For example, the stories and books children read in the classroom are usually selected or approved by each state because their message teaches the new global values, and because they provide useful discussion topics for the manipulative consensus process. "Good stories capture the heart, mind, and imagination and are an important way to transmit values," writes Louise Derman-Sparks in the influential Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children, which is full of classsroom strategies for eroding traditional boundaries and teaching the new spirituality.

Books such as the Harry Potters series fit, because they reinforce the global and occult perspective. Page after exciting page brings the reader into the timeless battle between good and evil, then trains them to see the opposing forces from a pagan, not a Biblical perspective. In this mystical realm, "good" occult spirits are naturally pitted against bad occult spirits, just as in pagan cultures where frightened victims would offer sacrifices to "benevolent" spirits who could help ward off evil curses and other threats. Few readers realize that from the Biblical perspective, all occult forces are dangerous. But today, it seems more tolerant and exciting to believe this illusion than to oppose the lies. The words of Old Testament prophet Isaiah ring as true now as they did over 2000 years ago: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil—." (Isaiah 5:20)

3. Different purpose. Children don’t read Harry Potter merely to reach the conclusion and resolve the suspense. Many read the books over and over because they delight in identifying with the "good" wizards in this newly discovered world -- and sometimes even with the obviously evil wizards. They build memories based on felt experiences in an occult virtual reality, and they are desensitized to the danger. The talent and knowledge of the author makes this seductive world all the more believable. Just ponder these diverse bits of wizard philosophy:

* Professor Snape who taught Potions: "I don’t expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses—." 1

* Two centaur’s views on astrology - "We have sworn not to set ourselves against the heaven. Have we not read what is to come in the movements of the planets?" —."Or have the planets not let you in on that secret?" 2

* "He is with me wherever I go," said Quirrell, referring to the murderous wizard Voldemort. "I met him when I traveled around the world. A foolish young man I was then, full of ridiculous ideas about good and evil. Lord Voldemort showed me how wrong I was. There is no good and evil , there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.... Since then, I have served him faithfully." 3

* Headmaster Dumbledore: "To the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." 4

* Hagrid, the grounds-keeper at Hogwarts, telling Harry about the strange power that saved his life, "Happened when a powerful, evil curse touches you – didn’t work on you, and that’s why yer famous, Harry. No one ever lived after he [Voldemort] decided ter kill ‘em, no one except you—" 5 [Harry seems almost Christ-like, doesn't he, with his wound or mark, his psychic powers, and his victory over death and Voldemort?]

Once introduced to spiritism, astrology, palmistry, shape-shifting, time-travel (the third book) and the latest version of popular occultism, many crave more. They can easily find it. In their neighborhoods and schools, our children are surrounded by peers who are fascinated by occult empowerment and would love to share their fun discoveries. Few children have the Biblical knowledge or discernment needed to evaluate good and evil or to resist such threats to their faith.

4. Different kind of classroom. It’s not surprising that Harry has suddenly soared to the peaks of popularity in schools across the country. His story fits right into the international program for multicultural education. The envisioned global community calls for a common set of values which excludes traditional beliefs as intolerant and narrow – just as the Harry Potter books show. The Biblical God simply doesn’t fit into his world of wizards, witches, and other gods.

Feminist writer Naomi Goldenberg knows that well. In her book, Changing of the Gods, she predicts that "God is going to change—. We, women are going to bring an end to God. We will change the world so much that He won’t fit in anymore." She and other radical feminists must appreciate Ms Rowling’s part in this process.

Of course, God will never change. But people, beliefs, and cultures do. And some changes, such as today’s cultural shift away from loving God to hating His truths, have occurred a multitude of times. The words Jesus spoke to His followers long ago now fit our times: "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. . . . because they do not know Him who sent Me." (John 15:20-21)

5. A different education system. UNESCO’s "lifelong learning," now being implemented through Goals 2000, takes education far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Its goal is socialization and preparation for a global workforce. Everyone - in homes, schools, and workplace – must be mentally prepared to participate in the consensus process. In the name of "unity" and "community," people of all ages must help form new values, challenge contrary beliefs, report non-compliant friends and relatives, and oppose all other obstacles to compromise, "common ground" and "mental health."

There are many ways to persuade the masses to reject uncompromising Christianity and embrace a changeable blend of all kinds of religions – including a cross-less and universalist perversion of Christianity. Schools do it through books such as the Harry Potter series, through multicultural and environmental education, and by integrating social issues and politically correct ideology into more mundane subjects such as math and science. The media does it by selective reporting, redefining words like "fundamental," vilifying labels such as extremist, religious right and homeschoolers, and by equating such groups with narrow-minded bigotry and hate.

Harry Potter’s author does it by creating a captivating world where strength, wisdom, love, hope – all the good gifts God promises those who follow Him – are now offered to those who pursue occult thrills. Likewise, her main characters demonstrate all the admirable traits our God commends: kindness, courage, loyalty, etc. But the most conspicuous muggles (ordinary people who are blind to these mystical forces) are pictured as mean, cruel, narrow and self-indulgent. These subtle messages, hidden behind exciting stories, turn Truth upside-down. But fascinated readers rarely notice the deception. This power-filled realm with its charms and spells soon becomes normal as well as addictive to those who immerse their minds with its seductive images.

The Harry Potter books, first introduced in England, are unlikely to fade from public consciousness in the near future. Scholastic, a major provider of popular books for classroom use, bought the rights to publish the books in the United States. Devoted readers who can't wait for the sequel to be distributed in the U.S. are purchasing it on the Internet from Amazon.com's British division [see reviews]. The series has already caused great consternation among those who fear the seven books will eventually crowd out adult fiction on the coveted New York Times best-sellers list. This concern will surely grow, since Warner Brothers (owned by Time Warner) bought rights to the live-action movie.

It's not too soon to prepare your child for the increasing peer pressure to conform to the new social standards.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

Twelve reasons not to see Harry Potter Movies

1. God shows us that witchcraft, sorcery, spells, divination and magic are evil. He hates those practices because they blind us to His loving ways, then turn our hearts to a deceptive quest for self-empowerment and deadly thrills. Harry Potter's world may be fictional, but the timeless pagan practices it promotes are real and deadly. Well aware that the final result is spiritual bondage and oppression, He warns us:

"There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:9-12

2. The movie's foundation in fantasy, not reality, doesn't diminish its power to change beliefs and values. Imaginary (or virtual) experiences and well-written fantasies can affect the mind and memories as much, if not more, than actual experiences.[3] Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, a well-planned myth with likeable characters can be far more memorable than the less exciting daily reality -- especially when reinforced through books, toys and games as well as movies. Small wonder Harry's fans have been counting the days until their next fantastic journey into Hogwarts' classes on sorcery, divination, potions and spells.

"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24
3. Each occult image and suggestion prompts the audience to feel more at home in this setting. Children identify with their favorite characters and learn to see wizards and witches from a popular peer perspective rather than from God's perspective. Those who sense that the occult world is evil face a choice: Resist peer pressure or rationalize their imagined participation in Harry's supernatural adventures.
The second choice may quiet the nagging doubts, but rationalizing evil and justifying sin will sear the conscience and shift the child's perception of values from God's perspective to a more "comfortable" cultural adaptation. Even Christian children can easily learn to conform truth to multicultural ideals and turn God's values upside down - just as did God's people in Old Testament days:
"But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness....
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:2-21

Harry Potter Special [Magazine] interviews actors Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron), Tom Felton (Draco), Harry Melling (Dudley):
If you could cast a spell on someone, what would it be?
Daniel: "If I liked them, it would be a spell where I'd give them special power, like invisibility.
Your favorite word in the Harry Potter books?
Daniel: "I like the word--it's very bad to say this--but I like the word Voldemort."
What magical power would you like to have?
Rupert: "I'd like to levitate."
Do you prefer to play a bad or good character?
Tom: "Bad. It's more fun because it is different.
What magical power would you want to have?
Tom: "Invisibility. So I could sneak around and go places I shouldn't."
Did you find it hard torturing Harry?
Harry M: "No. I found it quite fun, actually."[4]

Harry Potter Special: Inside the Magical Magazine (Primedia, Inc.), pages 24, 26.
David Rockefeller ( "search" for "Rockefeller" on this site), Vice-President, Financial Operations.
4. God tells us to "abhor what is evil" and "cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9) But when Christian children and teens love the Harry Potter myths, delight in the movie and read the books again and again, they are desensitizing their hearts and minds to its evil. Turning God's truth upside down, they are learning to "love" what is evil. The natural next step is to reject God's wise boundaries and "abhor" what He calls good.

"You love evil more than good...." Psalm 52:3

5. Immersed in Hogwarts' beliefs and values, children learn to ignore or reinterpret God's truth. They lose their natural aversion for the devious spirits represented by the creatures and symbols in this eerie world. Caught up in the exciting story, they absorb the suggested values and store the fascinating images in their minds -- making the forbidden world of the occult seem more normal than the Kingdom of God.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." Colossians 2:6-9

6. This inner change is usually unconscious, for the occult lessons and impressions tend to bypass rational scrutiny. After all, who will stop, think and weigh the evidence when caught up in such a fast-moving visual adventure? Fun fantasies and strategic entertainment has a special way of altering values, compromising beliefs and changing behavior in adults as well as in children. This learning process has been named "edutainment" -- a favored way to train multicultural citizens for the envisioned 21st century community. Its power to influence beliefs and behavior is illustrated by today's marketing firms which spend billions on entertaining ads that touch emotions, ignore the facts, yet motivate people to buy the product.

"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way." Psalm 119:37

7. The main product marketed through this movie is a new belief system. This pagan ideology comes complete with trading cards, computer and other wizardly games, clothes and decorations stamped with HP symbols, action figures and cuddly dolls and audio cassettes that could keep the child's minds focused on the occult all day and into night. But in God's eyes, such paraphernalia become little more than lures and doorways to deeper involvement with the occult. In contrast, He calls a person "blessed" who -

"walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
nor stands in the path of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of the scornful [mockers];
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3
It might be hard to escape the symbols that remind people of Harry. His words and phrases help fuel today's cultural transformation:
The mainstream media uses the word "muggles" to deride those who don't want children to read Harry Potter books.

"A columnist from the Chicago Daily Herald used Harry-Speak.... He said that a particular NBC Olympics commentator was the 'dementor of the sports commentators.'"

"Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is going to name this year's snowstorms after the Harry Potter characters. The first blizzard of the year will be called Albus...."[4]

8. The implied source of power behind Harry's magical feats tend to distort a child's understanding of God. In the movie as in the books, words traditionally used to refer to occult practices become so familiar that children begin to apply the same terms to God and His promised strength. Many learn to see God as a power source that can be manipulated with the right kind of prayers and rituals -- and view his miracles as just another form of magic. They base their understanding of God on their own feelings and wants, not on His revelation of Himself.

"You thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you...." Psalm 50:21

9. Blind to the true nature of God, children will blend (synthesize) Biblical truth with pagan beliefs and magical practices. In the end, you distort and destroy any remnant of true Christian faith. For our God cannot be molded to match pagan gods.

“For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,
And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water." Jeremiah 2:1

10. God tells us to "train up a child in the way He should go." It starts with teaching them God's truths and training them all day long to see reality from His, not the world's perspective. To succeed, we need to shield them from contrary values until they know His Word and have memorized enough Scriptures to be able to recognize and resist deception. Once they have learned to love what God loves and see from His perspective, they will demonstrate their wisdom by choosing to say "no" to Harry Potter.

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

11. While some argue that Harry and his friends model friendship and integrity, they actually model how to lie and steal and get away with it. Their examples only add to the cultural relativism embraced by most children today who are honest when it doesn't cost anything, but who lie and cheat when it serves their purpose.

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased [depraved] mind, to do those things which are not fitting.... They are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:28-32

12. God has a better way. When His children choose to follow His ways, He gives them a heart to love Him, spiritual eyes that can understand and delight in His Word, a sense of His presence and a confidence in His constant care -- no matter what happens around us. Harry Potter's deceptive thrills are worse than worthless when compared to the wonderful riches our Shepherd promises those who will ignore evil and walk with Him.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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." Philippians 4:6-8

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

Today's onslaught of entertaining suggestions change the minds of adults as well as children. The two studies below show the power of the imagination to distort reality and create false memories in people of all ages:

“When adults vividly imagine the occurrence of events that took place in their childhood, they become increasingly confident that these incidents actually happened to them. This phenomenon has been called imagination inflation [IEE]. This study assessed the imagination-inflation effect in 94 college students (mean age 21 yrs).”[3] (Journal of Psychology. 1999)

"This study seeks not only to replicate what has been called the imagination inflation effect (IIE) in 2 samples (98 undergraduates [mean age 19 yrs] and 106 middle-aged [mean age 46.9 yrs] factory workers) but also to identify individual difference variables that could predict susceptibility to suggestibility. The 2 experiments tested the extent to which locus of control for reinforcement, dissociability, and a hostile/self-controlling introject (self-concept) could predict the IIE. Results indicate that: IIE is a robust and replicable phenomenon with young adults—.”[4] ( Applied Cognitive Psychology. 1998)
Confirming the persuasive "role of imagination in effecting spiritual transformation," a third study concluded that:

“Spiritual transformation... is mediated through a person's religious imagination. This study was designed to explore, describe and illustrate the central role of the imagination in effecting and sustaining spiritual transformation—. The author espouses a holistic approach to spiritual direction so Jungian active imagination and various types of body work were employed as ancillary methods of accessing the imagination and eliciting spiritually transformative images.” [5] (Humanities & Social Sciences. 1998)
Ponder the words, "accessing the imagination and eliciting spiritually transformative images." They describe the effective power of the Harry Potter experience and the D&D role-playing games. Those "transformative images", in turn, can change beliefs and behavior. Meanwhile parents wonder why their children have turned their backs to the Bible, church and God.

Kyle and Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

From Kyle: I have read Harry Potter. I admit, the characters are witches and wizards, but in no way do I believe Harry Potter is to blame for anything. As one person said, get over it. Just because it has the word witch in there means nothing. It doesn't mention Satan even once. It is a classic battle of good and evil and primarily a fun adventure. It sparks and fuels the imagination in children, and gets them to read. What little child, before this, would read a 730-page book? Not one child would. Now, though, JKR has gotten children interested.


I am a Christian. I believe that anyone who says HP leads children to Satanism is ridiculous, or just hasn't read the books. They celebrate Christmas and Easter. I will tell you why parents who believes HP is Satanic believe this. They are looking for a scapegoat, something to blame their horrible parenting skills on, or their plain apathy to the rearing of their children.
Berit Kjos: Are you a parent, Kyle? Do you really know the struggle many parents face when public schools train their children -- partly by immersing them in "values clarification" and multicultural experiences -- to reject home-taught values and determine their own values? Remember, many teenagers choose to follow their own favorite religious thrills while they tune out any counsel parents might offer.

Everyone today that claims to be a Christian blames everything on music, movies, TV, video games, and now books.

Berit Kjos: Might you be exaggerating a bit, Kyle? You call yourself a Christian. But so far I only hear you blame parents -- the embattled targets of increasing media, movie and classroom ridicule.

Kyle: One of the most important, basic foundations of human civilization. The problem is that parents are doing their jobs. If they impressed upon their children that Harry Potter isn't real and that it is just "make-believe" before they let them read it, there would be a lot less of these so-called problems. If parents would take the time to impress upon their children their own values, maybe their children would choose not to read the books, or maybe they would choose not to watch that movie or TV program or listen to that song. And if they are having trouble impressing these values enough that the kids can make the right choices, it is the parent's job to screen what their child sees or hears. However, it is also important to let a child know what he or she is being screened from so that they understand why it is wrong.


Anyone who thinks Harry Potter is evil is ignorant, in my opinion. They are too stubborn to admit they are wrong or too conservative to open their minds to other things. NOT TO ACCEPT OR FOLLOW THESE THINGS NECESSARILY, BUT TO AT LEAST BE INFORMED SO THAT THEY CAN UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE FEEL THE WAY THEY DO. I believe that the people who advocate this site are sorely misinformed or they completely misinterpret J.K. Rowling.]

Berit Kjos: Here is an Old Testament Scripture that we, as Christian, would do well to take to heart today. Remember, Kyle, our God hasn't changed. Nor has human nature. Christians who ignore God's Word will be as deceived as ancient Israel when they rebelled against God and sought thrills from occult forces:

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil....
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight."
Isaiah 5:20-21

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

"It's hard to give up a good party," added Daniel Melia, UC Berkeley professor of Celtic languages. "Satan is a Christian notion. This is a pre-Christian celebration."[5]

He was wrong about Satan. The Old Testament mentions Satan fourteen times, and that doesn't include all his other names. From beginning to end, the Bible shows how Lucifer has always been stirring rebellion against God and hatred for His people. But then as now, the good news outshines the bad: the evil one could never cause more trouble than God would allow.

Brit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

This article is about the "evil of imagination". I have to cut some parts out to make it shorter

"He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts." Luke 1:51

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." 2 Peter 1:16

Only one Scripture shows why God created man with the capacity to imagine that which cannot be seen:
“I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You. O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee." 1 Chronicles 29:17-18
The next two verses remind us that what we see and imagine can distract us from truth and entice us to delight in sin and deception:
Jesus said, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matt 5:28
"...each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:14-15

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

5. Imagination
Applause broke out in the Olympic Stadium when Yoko Ono stepped to the podium to introduce "Imagine" -- John Lennon's popular song about an idealized new world order. Loved by New Agers, it mocks God's promise of heaven and denies the reality of hell. Then it continues with a few other suggestions:

...Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for, no religion too...

No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people sharing all the world...

The song ends with the hope that all will embrace this vision, so "the world will live as one."

These dreams may sound noble to those who are blinded to reality. But they bring darkness, not light. Man's myths, visions and dreams lead to deception and control, not truth and freedom. Lennon's global oneness can only be established through totalitarian measures that include universal behavioral modification, lifelong learning in new global values, continual assessments of compliance, and total loss of individual freedom

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

2. Fantasy and imagination can transform beliefs and values more quickly than reality. Many of our readers defend their love for occult entertainment with this standard justification: "I know the difference between reality and fantasy." But it doesn't matter! Know it or not, persuasive fiction and virtual experience can change minds and plant lasting memories more effectively than actual experience!

Popular fantasies, with their boundless thrills and unforgettable images, bypass logical thinking. Their subtle suggestions face little conscious resistance. Designed to stir feelings and produce strong emotional responses, they create new realities in today's "open" minds! As Harvard Professor Chris Dede, a global leader in the development of education technology programs, wrote, "Sensory immersion helps learners grasp reality through illusion."[4]

But what kind of "reality" will "learners" find through illusion? And how do those illusions shape their lives? These Scriptures give us a clue:

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:6

"...they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart..." Jeremiah 11:8
"Jesus said, 'You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

"Do not be deceived. ...he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." Galatians 6:7-8

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

Since young children soak up images along with words--without much analysis or evaluation, their understanding of the world will be formed by the most fun, forceful, and persistent messages they receive. Children raised on daily diets of biblical truth will recognize and resist occult images. But daily doses of Power Ranger magic with its pulsating rock beat will reduce their resistance to deception. Fantasy or not, the repeated themes and occult context of most contemporary cartoons will train their minds to believe the timeless lies that have always drawn people from truth to myths.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

To cool Ranger fever in your home, try asking some leading age-appropriate questions. For example:

* What is the source of the Power Rangers' power?
* How do they get their supernatural power?
* Who gets the credit for winning the battles?
* Does someone in the program pretend to be God?
* Did you see magic symbols or occult charms?
* What does God's Word tell us about these kinds of powers?

God tells us to "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) This means helping your child build a biblical world view, a mental framework based on God's Word not the world's distortions. Viewing the world through the filter of truth, your child will accept what God loves, discern what He hates, and enjoy the safety He offers those who follow Him.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

Question : The Veggie Tales are tremendously popular with our grandkids. My husband thinks that all animation, whether it is veggies or something else, is not good. What is your opinion? Is it right to allow non-humans to talk?

Answer:Berit's impression, which is not a researched answer: I have only watched the Veggie Tales a few times, but I remember two concerns. The first one has to do with the talking plants. Today's emphasis on planetary oneness and interconnectedness promotes the pantheistic idea that humans, animals, and plants all equal members of one global bio-family. Giving human characteristics to plants and animals encourages children to accept this unbiblical notion as more normal and compassionate than God’s ways.

Second, the "cool" language of some of the characters seemed rude and disrespectful. Since children tend to enjoy these assertive attitudes and rude messages, they are likely to remember and imitate them. I don't remember the episodes well enough to comment on anything else.

The following letters offer a broader perspective and some positive points. I continue to have reservations. Remember, lessons in good character may be useful, but if these lessons are presented in a context or setting that conflicts with the Biblical world view, they can confuse a child's understanding of both of reality and of Scriptures. This danger may be more serious than the benefit from the repeated reminders of a good habit. However, I can't validate my concerns until I find time to buy and watch a few more of the Veggie Tales videos.

Carl Teichrib #fundie crossroad.to

The Wise Old Owl
Owls are an amazing example of God’s handiwork. Depending on the species, owl eyes may account for one to five percent of its body weight. Owl eyes are fixed, forcing the bird to look straight ahead. However, an owl’s neck has 14 vertebrae, which allows it to turn its head throughout a wide range of motions. In fact, owls can turn their head a full 270 degrees! Truly owls are an incredible display of God’s creative nature.

But the owl is more than just a magnificent creature; at least that’s what the world of mythology and the occult would like you to believe. As birds of the night and birds of prey, the owl has been embraced as a symbol associated with psychic powers, the "angel of death," and the goddess of night. Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology all employ owls as representatives of spiritual influence. Hinduism also uses the owl as a symbol of cosmic spirituality.

Of all the various usages of owl symbolism, Native American religions and their shaman priests (witchdoctors) have placed upon the bird numerous spiritual associations. The Cree believed that the whistle-sounds of the Boreal Owl was a summoning call to the spirit world. If an Apache dreamed of an owl, it was held that death was on its way. Cherokee shamans viewed Eastern Screech-Owls as consultants on punishment and sickness. To this day, practitioners of Native American spiritual traditions hold that the owl represents vision and insight.

In Africa the owl is associated with witchcraft and sorcery. To the Bantu the owl is the "familiar of wizards." In eastern Africa, the Swahili "believe that the owl brings illness to children." Zulus in southern Africa know the owl as a bird of sorcerers, and in the western part of the continent the bird is considered a messenger of wizards and witches. And in Madagascar it is said that owls gather with witches to dance on the graves of the dead.

As a spiritual symbol, owls can be found throughout the world. Australia, China, Greenland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia and Sweden all have cultures or mythical traditions that give spiritual significance to the owl.

Probably one of the most bizarre occurrences of owl symbolism can be found at the "Bohemian Club." The Bohemian Club is a rich-man’s organization that holds a two-week "camp" in northern California every year. This strange and secretive group, which has received very little press coverage, has an owl as its central symbol. Each year, approximately 1,500 of America’s most influential CEO’s, government officials [including both former and current Presidents Bush], financiers, industrialists, and media moguls gather to hear speeches, network, and share common agendas. They also perform Druid-like ceremonies before a huge stone owl, complete with robes, fire, incantations, and other rituals.

Of course the owl is also associated with "wisdom." However, if owls could talk, I’m sure they would "wisely" scold mankind for his careless disregard of Romans 1:22-23, "Although they claimed to be wise, the became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."

May we call upon God to give us wisdom.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

1. Blood, brutality, violence and destruction. An abundance of studies show that visual or imagined violence can lead to actual violence. People cannot fill their minds with wanton brutality without mental and moral consequences. One of those consequences is an insatiable lust for an ever-growing intensity of thrills. As the virtual violence of the past becomes boring, only a higher level of shock and brutality can satisfy the craving.

The steps toward moral depravity include desensitization to the nature of evil and justification of sin. Both play a part in the mental process of a Matrix fan who immerses himself in the Gnostic myth and identifies with immoral

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

The villains in Disney's new fantasy are the greedy white males who have come to exploit the land and steal its gold. Even the best of them, handsome John Smith, is made to look foolish compared to the nature-wise woman he loves. Their exchange of wisdom flows one way only: from Indian to European. So when Smith unwittingly offers to build an English civilization on Indian lands, Pocahontas shows her disgust, then teaches him a lesson on pagan oneness. Her message now echoes in the hearts of children everywhere through the hit song "The Colors of the Wind", which keeps reminding them that mountains, trees... everything is filled with spiritual life and linked in a never-ending circle.

It all makes sense when you watch the movie. With subtle mastery, its makers highlight the anti-Western message and stir predictable indignation: How can the crude British sailors, so ignorant of the spiritual things, call natives "heathen"? Those Christian intruders are the real savages who batter the earth and rob its friends.

In contrast, the Indians seem flawless. They care for the land. They commune with its spirits. They love each other. Kekata, the tribal shaman or medicine man provides spiritual protection and guidance. The ghostly images in the smoke from his magic fire warn the tribe to shun the newcomers who "prowl the earth like ravenous wolves." The only exception is John Smith who has learned to see life and nature from Pocahonta's perspective. In the end, he risks his life to stop the war.

In line with today's quest for gender "equity", the deep spiritual insights come from women. As multicultural lessons tell us: patriarchy brings war and oppression; matriarchy brings wisdom and peace -- especially if the female heroines are non-Western. It doesn't matter if the source of matriarchal wisdom comes from humans, ancestral spirits, or nature spirits. So when chief Powhatan feels the spirit of Pocahontas dead mother guiding him, he heeds her lofty wisdom: "...there will be no more killing. Let us be guided instead to a place of peace."

Jacqui Komschlies #fundie crossroad.to

I read books by Tolkien, Terry Brooks and many, many others, including my favorite author of all, Marilyn Zimmer Bradley. I hit the jackpot with her books. There must have been 50 or more to choose from. I could read to my heart's content - to the tune of 3-5 a week. Her characters inhabited a planet very similar to Earth. However, some had psychic powers. The characters that had no powers were afraid of those that did - even though their powers were used to help others for the most part. Sound familiar? Those that had the most power could call up "beings" that increased their power further.

These books were fiction, fantasy, completely removed from my real world. Yet I found them very compelling. I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series. I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn't reading. After a while, I started dreaming about them. The dreams started changing, and the characters from my dreams started talking to me. After a couple of days of that, I didn't need to be asleep to hear them.

That was my very first clue that something was wrong. I had been reading "magic" books for over a decade with absolutely no ill effects. If someone had asked me whether there was a conflict between reading fantasy and my Christian faith, I would have said, "Of course not! This is fiction, not reality!"

I cried out to God to help me, and He did. The voices stopped. Like I said, I was no Bible scholar, but I recognized that the voices were from Satan. Some people have said that I became delusional because I couldn't separate fantasy from reality. That was not the problem. The problem was that I COULD, and that I had no idea that reading something obviously fictional could put me in contact with REAL evil.

I can't prove that it was really a demon talking to me, but I never read that kind of book for fun again. On the contrary, I began reading God's Word and dedicated myself to knowing HIM better. I had always considered myself a Christian, but I realize that I was a spiritual infant at best. I shudder to think what would have happened if I had not gotten off the path I was on.

I read the Harry Potter books - not for enjoyment, but so that I could talk intelligently to people who loved them. As I did, I could feel a "tug" on my spirit. I can recognize that "tug" for what it is - Satan tempting me to immerse myself in the story, to go back to the way I was.

Todd H. #fundie crossroad.to

I have read through the comments posted on crossroad.to, concerning anime/manga. I have to say this about most of the readers comments DEFENDING anime/manga: Do you (anime/manga fans) not realize that you are replacing life with this anime/manga hogwash? Going into excruciating detail about some FICTIONAL cartoon characters as if they were real? Don't forget, that anime/manga is directly associated with the anime/manga that portrays girls AND women as throwaway toys, only good for sex and abuse? I have seen some of the most brutal of the anime in years past, and, technically speaking, ALL anime/manga is of the same roots. You can't have one genre of anime, without realizing the extent and brutality of the others.

Anime is MAINLY for adults, evidenced by the storylines. Some anime is just plain BORING. Some is DISGUSTING. ALL of it is like watching soap operas: The gullible and reality-denying individual treating fictional characters as REAL, hence the troubling trend of little kids acting like they are gods, superheroes, wizards, and animals. Even if there WERE such a thing as CHRISTIAN anime, the roots would STILL be there. One could not perceivably "christianise" something that is inherently evil.

No matter how many of you DEFEND anime/manga, you NEED to realize that this genre of entertainment is nothing short of witchcraft, REGARDLESS of the messages/storylines presented. Anime, like other ungodly trappings in life, has been designed to rip you from the real world (God's creation), and stuff you into a state of mind that neither pleases God, nor will ever draw you closer to Him. Take it from someone who KNOWS about this topic. When you begin to blur the lines between good and evil (whether it's a little or a lot), you push yourself farther and farther into the chasm of depravity and insanity. Anime/manga is a product that is best flushed back into the cesspool from which it came.

Jeff W #fundie crossroad.to

In my arguments over the years against abortion, I have often made the case that pro abortion forces are really akin to the fervor and ruthlessness of the nazis, in that, the nazis viewed the Jews as non human, and therefore justified their killing.

We have over the decades now seen over and over the pro death crowd, do the exact same thing, in that they justify their killing of millions of innocent babies, by trying to convince everyone they are not really human. Who knows in the future, we might hear this same argument being made about those so called extreme zealot Christians being deserving of death or punishment because after all, they really aren't truly apart of humanity, the global community has deemed positive and supportive of the New Age.

A Christian Reader #fundie crossroad.to

There is such a mess of counterfeits out there, and I was getting swayed -- and I know the Word! The allure is so strong in the spirit of this age, especially evident in higher education, even sadly so called "Christian" education. As far as my experience goes, I just graduated with my masters at a purportedly Christian university, well, it is anything but that, at least in its graduate programs. I had to FIGHT for my faith throughout: against Post Modernism, against acceptance of homosexuality as a valid, 'loving' lifestyle, against moral relativism... I had to FIGHT for my right to hold to God's Word as the final and ultimate TRUTH.

I had "Christian" professors ARGUING with me in my papers that I should refer to God's truth, his Word w/ a little t for 'my own truth,' not a big capital T for ultimate Truth because that was "so exclusive"! I fought back. I said, "God's Word IS ultimate TRUTH!" Ugh! If this had been the state university I would have expected it, but not from a 'Christian' University. It really blind-sided me and stressed me out for three years while in that program. I felt very alone there as a Bible believing Christian. I could have saved myself a lot of money and heartache had I gone to state!

My husband and I have been reading The Shack over the past two weeks and I have shared with him why portions trouble me so much, "And it sounds just like what I was hearing in that crazy Episcopal church and at school! And here are Scriptures which refute this... where is this author going?!"

I haven't finished it, but in the part where it subtly suggests that Buddhists and Muslims are His kids and believers -- and the part where "Jesus" is saying, "I'm not a Christian either" -- I was like NO WAY! Feeling really irritated and deeply grieved. This is the kind of craziness I just escaped from! So your critique of The Shack in light of God's Word and comparing it to the blasphemous New Age Course in Miracles was very helpful.

I am deeply grieved that so many Christians, including pastors, just do not get the gravity of how misleading and dangerous The Shack is! I had a pastor and a couple of Scripturally grounded Christian friends tell me, "Well it's not meant to be a theology book, it's a novel, it's fiction." And I said, "He talks about theology throughout. He is answering a lot of theological questions, not w/ Scripture but w/ New Age ideas, so it IS a theology book. Besides, story is powerful, that's why Jesus spoke in parables." Lord, please wake your people up, get them back into your word, and come quickly--deliver us from this evil age.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

[This entire article, and broader site are a goldmine]

If my goal was to undermine Christianity, incite rebellion against parents, eradicate Biblical values, and spread moral chaos, I would urge teens to read the Twilight series. I would prompt them to immerse their minds and emotions in the dark, emotional whirlpool of sensual occultism. And I wouldn't warn them of the consequences.

Of course, my real goal is the opposite: to expose this assault on Biblical faith and to equip potential readers with information that enables them to resist the temptation to join the collective journey into the mind-changing realm of the occult. The following points show the raging spiritual war that's sure to intensify in the years ahead.

Jane of Lake Forest, CA #fundie crossroad.to

It is nearly impossible to find a teenage girl in our community who hasn't read Twilight. Now, I am finding 20 - 30 year old women engrossed. Every single one of them has been to the movie—.

My 17 year old daughter found the movie embarrassing and ridiculous. She was mortified at all the girls screaming and swooning over the imaginary character, Edward.

I think part of what you point out, is that reading a book, allowing our minds to bring to life the printed word and personify it to fit each of us, is far more powerful and enduring than the quick visual images of a movie. Images that may not match how we imagined the book. My daughter's response was NOT characteristic of the other movie goers. They loved it. They are willing to accept any garbage as input. —

I asked one boy how many guys were in the theater? "Uhhh, do I include the flaming homosexuals?" "No." "One guy, me. And you should have seen the flamers screaming and carrying on over Edward, too!"

Bet you didn't see that one coming. I know I didn't.

I had not put together the sudden increase in teen girls giving blood. I'm sure the Red Cross doesn't care why, but I do. So many times while I was at Saddleback the rationale given for some stupid, expensive, non-biblical projects was, '...if one person gets saved, it was worth it." As I watched and learned, I saw many people not saved; they either turn away in disgust, were only there for whatever was free or fun, or worse, think they were saved but not given the full Gospel of Jesus Christ.

So, my hackles go up when I hear weak excuses for inexcusable behavior. All these actions lead to exactly what you pointed out - COMPROMISE. I call where we live, "The Valley of Compromise". Now, I have to say we live in a nation of compromise. From a world view, compromise is in fact the goal, at all times, with all people.

Perhaps your article will give some parents a clue about their teen's behavior (both girls seeking forbidden love and boys patterning themselves over babe magnet, Edward.
There was a Red Cross Blood Drive at our daughter's High School.

Who would have thought there would be a revived Romantic/Horror Genre? I now believe that many 'daughters of man' could actually succumb to the desires of demons. How tragic that many choose to remain ignorant and actively pursue darkness and evil. Have you noticed how emboldened and belligerent the Homosexuals have become?

"Margaret" #fundie crossroad.to

[OPENING COMMENT FROM GADFLY: I really feel sorry for these folks, and especially their son. They are making a mountain out of a molehill about what this boy likes to read, and probably driving him away from them. Instead of condemning his interests as occultic, why don't they talk about it with him and understand why he likes reading fantasy and science fiction? There is nothing wrong with an interest in speculative fiction!]

My son, turning 16 today, is an intelligent, bright young man, but has developed an insatiable appetite for all things fantastical. He started out being interested in Pokemon cards 5 years ago until I looked into it and felt it to be evil where upon he got rid of them. He then read all the Chronicles of Narnia and the Hobbit and everything Tolkein ever wrote ( a number of times) I encouraged his reading and saw no problem initially with Tolkein. He has moved onto 2 other series....books by R.A. Salvatore and Dragon Lance Legends by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. I feel uncomfortable with these last authors and have said so to him. He has always read voraciously but in the past 18 months has read almost entirely within the Fantasy or Science Fiction genre. I have tried to encourage him to shift his tastes!

Running concurrently to this he has played Runescape on the web to the point where he exhibited addictive behaviour. We have passwords on the computer and have restricted access sometimes for weeks at a time. We have banned Runescape and he has now developed a strong interest in Warhammer and has been painting his first "army" for hours everyday getting ready to start playing in real campaigns. He is now playing a game called Pristontale. I am feeling punch-drunk!!!

...

My question really is how much can and should we be doing with a child of this age. He will readily engage me in intellectual discussion and challenge my thinking and then this can degenerate into angry outbursts. I often feel that I have to be controlling to lick this thing and that is not what I want to be. I am very concerned about him.

Issac Gutierrez #fundie crossroad.to

I live in the Dallas Texas. I'm 31 yrs of age and I will be graduating from Bible School soon. I love your website!

I've been researching occult phenomenon from a biblical perspective for about five years. The information I have compiled is staggering. I'm glad a ministry like yours is proclaiming the truth about the dangers of the occult. Satan wants our children and he will do everything he possibly can to seduce them into accepting satanic entertainment and games. I recently did some research into NeoPets because a brother in Christ gave me a game piece from McDonalds. He didn't like the way it look and felt so he gave it to me to research. I found out that NeoPets is just another marketing campaign of Wizards of the Coast. When you go Wizards of the Coast website you can found NeoPets along with D&D and others. The website they have for the kids is just a diversion. Its time that the church realize that Satan wants to deceive God's children into believing his lies and deception.

I'm giving multimedia lectures and seminars over the effects of occult entertainment. Sunday August 14, 2005, I will be speaking to hundreds of children between the ages of 7-14. Pray that God will use this presentation in a mighty way to reach this kids with biblical truth. The name of my ministry is The Time is Now Ministries. Pray for me and my family as we proclaim the truth from God's word to my area in Dallas, Tx. Jesus is Lord!.

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

Robert, I am glad you have been reading the Bible and try to follow its teachings. But the Bible is far more than a set of guidelines. If it was merely a collection of documents and letters written by imperfect men using "poetic license," it would hardly be worth following. Why would anyone give their life and willingly face persecution, torture and death for its message, if it were nothing more than the opinions of imperfect people?

Yes, the words were written down by fallible humans. But behind the words stands the sovereign King of heaven and earth. He is more than capable of guiding people -- even those who don't know Him -- in ways that fit into His plan and timeline for all of humanity. That's why we see such amazing consistency -- a continuous thread of revelation throughout the Bible.

The historical record demonstrates the fulfillment and validity of Old Testament prophesies written hundreds of years earlier. (If you do an Internet search for Biblical prophesies, you will find several lists of prophetic Scriptures that were clearly fulfilled.) No human mind could foresee such events -- especially not the birth, birthplace, crucifixion and triumph of the promised Messiah -- our Savior and King.

May I suggest that next time you read your Bible, you pray that God open your eyes to see and know this wonderful Book as His personal message, inspired by the His Spirit, so that you might truly know and delight in His unchanging character and ways. As He tells us,

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

[previous poster said: I've looked at your site and am interested in how Christians are persecuted in this country. How? I don't see it. Thinking logically (and Biblically) about this topic, either:

1. Christians are Persecuted in the U.S., or

2. Christians are not Persecuted in the U.S. *it goes on in this vein*]

There were at least two such "hate crimes" reports this last year. I will try to find the documentation and post it here. These crimes against Christians were not reported by the mainstream media. It doesn't serve their purpose. Political correctness calls for a public perception of gays and other minority groups as victims while Christians must be perceived to be perpetrators. That's why there are very few reports about the volume of gay on gay violence.

Whether you believe it or not, our media is biased against Biblical Christianity. The new universalist form of Christianity -- which adapts to the new vision of community consensus and a pantheistic universal spirituality -- is okay. It doesn't offend anyone. But don't mention Jesus Christ or the cross. That would offend people.

CS #fundie crossroad.to

God keeps challenging me to be more pure in my thought life, viewing life, time spent with him and how much of the world I let creep into my faith. Not long ago, we were having a discussion in our church group about the message some "Christian" music groups were sending with tattoos and body piercing. I felt that the representation was disrespectful of the temple that was our body and that it was too close to many pagan and occult rituals for me to be comfortable with it.

What a man in our group said really surprised me. It wasn't the words themselves but hearing them from a respected church member. He said "So if their tattoos were crosses or of Christ would you still feel it was wrong? I was not able to answer to my personal satisfaction, but was always troubled by his comment.

After reading some of the things that are on your website, I now see all the destination and influence the world and TV has had on this "Christian" family. They are both still heavy in the opinions and approvals of the secular community in which they both work. It struck me as so "New Age" that it was scary. Thank you for helping me to remember my responsibility to my family, peers and most of all my God and Savior Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 4:15&16

Monique Desir #fundie crossroad.to

"As I grow in the love of Jesus, it appears that my mind is expanding spiritually as well as I read His awesome Word. A lot of shows that I once watched I no longer care for, especially if they are in conflict with the Truth and beliefs. For instance, I no longer enjoy watching Will and Grace because I realize now that it is glorifying homosexuality and the like. A lot of shows in America do that. I no longer care to compromise my faith. And even though I may stumble along the way, I thank God for His Holy Spirit that whispers to me, reminding me what is good and lovely what is righteous and holy and what is not. He has opened my eyes. "

Skyechell #fundie crossroad.to

(part of a longer comment warning against the evil of Child Protection Services)

#2 "There is a strong anti-Christian sentiment among many CPS workers. Christians are known to believe in corporal punishment, which is tantamount to abuse in 'child-saver' circles. Christians are also seen as rigid and intolerant, unfit to rear children for the New World Order. Homosexual case workers, aware of Christian teachings regarding their lifestyle, are often hostile to parents who display their faith. The New York State Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (CFCCA) warns that parents who...display an "over involvement in religion" are suspect". (Brenda Scott- "out of Control").

Chris #fundie crossroad.to

It takes us way to long, I am sorry to say, for us to put our feet down and say no to things that are wrong, we ask ourselves how we can be quicker and more accurate in our discernment, why it took so long to notice something, etc., Many times we realize my husband and I have made IDOLS of our childhoods and our nostalgia of the past, we stubornly say, 'our children will have the same beautiful childhood we had', we don't want to deny them any of the culture trapping of their times regardless of the fact that they are now deeply entrenched in so much evil.

If all the food and drink on earth where laced to some extent with poison except apple juice and saltines - well our choice better be - to only drink apple juice and eat saltines - end of discussion - bottom line. We are all 'tired' as annonyomous said, and saddened that our children having nothing fun, that it has all been tampered with to such an extent by the enemy. The only thing I can do is keep in mind on what happened to Lot's wife when she turned her head back for that one moment to look back at the city!!

D.J.R. #fundie crossroad.to

Let me tell you a quick life story. Back when I was in highschool, about a few years ago, I "fell in love" with a great asian guy. My parents told me not to date, but I did it anyway. It was very romantic and exotic to me, being black and he oriental. But now I know that it was the trap from Satan and his evil minions.

Being an art lover, I loved to doodle in class. My bf, who I'll call Toy, scorned my work (playfully) and said that the real deal was in anime. I was confused when he said that, because i didn't really know that much about it. Oh, but woe, how I grew to understand and accept the waywardness of those pagan images that infiltrated my mind.

Toy, like myself, liked to draw, and he was always drawing anime styled. I would draw about 10 or so anime-styled images a day (except on Sabbath), and then would late it bake in my head at night. My concept of reality began to change and my desire to serve the Lord fervently began to falter. I began to be dwell on things and ideas that I never was attracted to before. I had trouble accepting myself and others. I fell into very horrible bouts of depression.

Have you noticed that is always the case with anime fanatics, or otakus? They feel that everything is okay, but deep down they have now defenses against Satan or any of his diversions.

Then, inspired by the Holy Spirit, a loved one of mine told me to steer clear of the stuff.

I was addicted.

I listened to her word, but only for a while. But I was fatally wrong to do so. As I write this, I am actually remembering the times messages and images where placed into my mind from childhood. I watched Sailor Moon when I was little, not really paying attention to the background themes and innuendos. Who knows what I had absorbed then and continued to spew out until now!

So, I fasted. I prayed earnestly. And to this day I still feel the urge to just take a peep at some anime, but I still try hard with all of my heart. I am much stronger now than I used to be. I have occassionally slipped, but the bible is such sweet reassurance and your literature is a great dedication to the Alpha and Omega we both know and love.

Another note: These images and fantastic scenes are VERY addictive and can mess up a person subconciously.

A.H. #fundie crossroad.to

More importantly, how does Jesus feel about Star Wars?

I can continue to watch Star Wars movies if I so desire. But will Jesus sit and watch them with me? Will He cheer for Han Solo and Luke Skywalker or possibly weep when Padme dies? Will He mimic a light saber duel with me or sit down and watch the upcoming television show? Will He cheer for a made up thing that gives glory to an unknown and unreachable nothing over the truth of His Father? Will Jesus mind if I spent more time away from becoming closer to Him as I indulge in this seemingly harmless fantasy? Or is it possible that my Lord will remind me of His truth, love and commitment to my lost soul those many years ago when He carried a cross to Calvary? Does Jesus sit in a lonely place waiting for me to have time for Him?

Cris Shardelman #conspiracy crossroad.to

Remember, the definition of mental health was changed in the early 70's, and no longer relates to one person's inability to know right from wrong, etc., but to the community needing mental health treatment, in other words, politically correct. As we know Pres. Bush has been pushing mental health for all.

The radical idea of assuming control of early childhood is not new, as most NL no doubt know. The NEA publication of 12-69/1-70 stated that educators would assume formal responsibility for children at the age of 2, and that drugs might be used on children. The 1974 Washington State publication "Guidelines for Child Development Laboratories" revealed activities for Early Learning.

A real eye-opener came from Washington State's Superintendent of Public Instruction's Your Public Schools 6-85, discussing a teacher workshop to be held at Western Washington University on "Early Childhood: Global Peace Education". Quoting, "the workshop will feature presentations, discussions, practicum experiences and social events emphasizing that early learning should seek to develop the full potential of each child, and focusing on the philosophy of interdependence, the psychology of peace making and the development of global awareness curriculum for infancy through age 8." Note that said INFANCY!!! Our Senate Ed Committee is now called "Early Childhood, K-12, and Higher Education.

A few years ago, a number of us picketed the Early Childhood meetings chaired by Bill Gates wife and Mona Locke, the wife of then Governor Gary Locke. The Lockes are Chinese, and of course Mona went to China and found how far ahead of Americans those little babies function. Governor Locke said the reason they needed Early Childhood Education was because when they had their first child, Emily, he "didn't know whether to tickle her or read to her". He didn't learn much, because when they had a son, Dillion, he repeated the same theme.

Hearing, "I'm the government, and I am here to help you", gets scarier all the time.

Robin Hollingshead #fundie crossroad.to

After years of boycotting Disney, we finally decided to no longer deprive our poor children of the wonderful experience to be had at Disney land.

In September we visited the park, I had not been there for about eight years and it seemed very different to me. I was very spiritually oppressed for the three days we were there, my enjoyment was almost purely nostalgic.

Caught up in the excitement of the first day there, we took our boys through the haunted house based on the idea that we had to see and ride everything. Boy, did that darken the day for all of us, my childhood memories of that ride were not based on a Christian perspective. I was upset with myself for suggesting the ride, our boys were upset about the experience and even questioned us as to why we would take them into such a place.

We talked about how so much of the world is ungodly, and how we needed pray for wisdom and discernment and for the hearts of all those involved with Disney and the entire entertainment industry which has such a massive influence on children (and adults.)

I know that I am not the only one who sees Disney in a different way today, there were many other things there that bothered me, too many to mention. However, I would like your opinion on one thing that really roused my curiosity. In a few of the gift shops where they sold T-shirts, the one that caught my eye was a plain shirt with a Mickey Mouse head on it which would not be unusual, except this one had a black and silver yin-yang symbol which made up the entire round head and of course attached to it were the two black round ears.

I have not studied the background of this symbol, but generally avoid it. Is it just me or is that strange, is Disney trying to make a maybe not so subtle statement, or is this symbol truly as harmless as many believe?

Concerned Christian #fundie crossroad.to

[Seriously, whatever happened to Love thy nieghbour?

I am a young mom, who works in the legal field. Well, now I stay home and school my daughter. To move further in the career field, I had to have a mandatory “diversity” class. I decided to do this online. It started with Gender and Society in which the professor was “out to get me.” I chewed the University, which shall go unnamed, who then put me into Social Problems. These online classes have real-time seminars and a message board in which the student participates. The Social Problems curriculum was just as evil. The book was horrid and the required Internet readings consisted of visiting activist groups. Some assignments consisted of visiting a homeless organization, the ACLU and the Sierra Club, none of which I could ever stand. I was mad, spoke out against the curriculum in nearly every lesson and provided the other side. The professor let me do it. Conservative professors are more silent than liberal professors, I found, as the conservative ones say that out of professionalism they cannot add personal conjecture.

To make a long story short, I began referring to your book Brave New Schools, quite often. The professor once asked me to explain why I thought the program was socialist and I used your book, which she admitted to reading and feeling alarmed at what is going on in education. I even used it in my final and got a 99. I was so upset in seeing how many people believed in things such as teaching sex education at such a young age or believing that the federal government can and should solve everything. What your book did was provide me with a way to drive the point that by the time kids leave these “21st Century” high schools now, there are very few that would be able to challenge the academic left. It also helped me prove the indoctrination attempts in the college curriculum.

Kjos Ministries #fundie crossroad.to

The day before the conference, I had been searching for a particular combination of symbols found in a Theosophical emblem. By the time I did find it, it was too late to put it on a transparency. Then I had made a foolish decision: I prepared to draw the occult image onto the transparency in front of the class.

Putting the clear transparency on the projector, I drew a large circle, then added two overlapping triangles (one pointing up, one pointing down), forming a hexagram. I began to fill in various single symbols: the pentagram, swastika—. Suddenly, something dark and heavy hit me in the chest. For a moment I lost both my balance and my breath, then, in a flash, I knew what was happening. I had unwittingly performed an occult ritual common to Buddhist and Native Americans traditions as well as to medieval alchemy. By the very act of drawing the symbols, I had invoked a spiritual entity.

Still in front of the crowd and the microphone, I cried out, " "Forgive me, Lord! Cover me with your blood. In the name of Jesus Christ, I declare Your victory over the evil one. In You, we are 'more than conquerors!' Thank you, Jesus, my Lord and my King!"

I apologized to the audience, asking their forgiveness for imposing on them a ritual that brought forth this evil. Then we all thanked God for His lesson and protection.

Gene Malone #fundie crossroad.to

[Come on, surely some of this is made up and the maths stuff actually helps, but that teacher was obviously a moron. Or you were watching something :P. Tis long but still showing all.]

[A letter to the editor of his local newspaper]

Dear editor: I am writing a short, important letter about a situation that I will present.

Christians appear to have few rights today than most. The ACLU-led attack on Christian symbols, Beliefs, government-school activities and even words in the market place are assaulted unduly.

In my retirement, I have witnessed government agencies such as the US Post Office ordering their employees not to say "Merry Christmas" but "Have a Nice Day" or "Happy Holidays." Secular schools have censored out Christmas carols and even the name Christmas vacation to Winter Break/Holiday and so much more.

For a nation founded by the Pilgrims in 1620 as a refuge from government persecution to believe freely within the confines of a friendly government - strange that not only government but corporations/retail stores have been telling their employees they may not work if they say the joyful greeting, "Merry Christmas." I have become aware of this assault with others.

Perhaps it is time for real Christians, those that bring their Faith/ways to the public places to show their awareness of blatant insults to their presence by: refusing to pay taxes, deny their skills in the work places either in government or the marketplace, discontinue their excellent contributions to the culture, disregard voting, teach their children at home and search for another homeland as the one they wished to live, the United States.

On the other hand, live, stand and defend your rights would be a better alternative. Christian boycotts of stores that continue to denigrate Christmas and Christians is now in order."

Perhaps Christians should add to their wish to others the joy of Merry CHRISTmas ' the birthday of the Savior, Jesus" to make the greeting more apt.

Robin #fundie crossroad.to

I have always been happy that my boys enjoy Legos, what a great toy, and never thought to even investigate any new item that they put out, we even ended up on the mailing list and now receive numerous catalogs.


One day I noticed them role playing with their beloved "bionicles" which I thought to be harmless robots, and heard them saying things that sounded just like they were playing with Pokemon (or close enough.) I immediately asked them (while my skin was crawling) where they were getting all those wild ideas from. "It's right here in the book, Mom!" Come to find out, these Bionicles have quite a story to tell, all spelled out in the Lego magazine in a comic strip format, which my boys had been devouring for weeks.
I was upset to find that I was so careless, I not only let that junk into my home, but encouraged it without even checking it out.


The story speaks of "..The Great Spirit Mata Nui descended from the skies like a burning star." "He walked the world and marveled at its beauty and watched over all living things." But he was followed by "..his brother, The Dark Spirit Makuta. Makuta coveted this world and all that his brother had." The "Dark Spirit" cast a spell that made "Mata Nui" fall asleep, now this world (sometimes referred to as an island) is in "Darkness" and in need of rescue. That is where the Bionicles come in, the have been sent by the "Great Beings" to save the world. And of course, these "mighty heroes" are to be equipped with "six Kanohi Masks of Power." "Each mask grants the wearer new power and wisdom."

The "Great Mask" list:

Miru - The great Mask of Levitation (to float and glide on air)
Hau - The Great Mask of Shielding
Kakama - The Great Mask of Speed
Kaukau - The Great Mask of Water (to breath under water)
Pakari - The Great Mask of Strength
Akaku - The Great Mask of X-Ray Vision

Sound familiar?

More masks are being added to this story, and I have not had enough time to research any further. Just annoyed that I didn't see it coming. My boys could make better use of their time.

What really gets me is that these "Bionicles" do not even require much effort to assemble - Lego is promoting new age role playing along with "dumbing down" what used to be an educational toy! (Now they also have a Harry Potter line!)

Warning to Parents: Do not rely on the past reputation of any toy company, check them out!

Jeannon Kralj #fundie crossroad.to

I looked through a February 2003 Better Homes and Gardens magazine yesterday and there was an ad for Huggies Supreme diapers with several of these carefully crafted characters.

This ad mainly is for adults who may buy the diapers, but the adult is supposed to learn that your children having contact with these kinds of characters (through watching cartoons on TV at home, etc) is fun and cute and sweet. There probably is also the association of clean and sanitary and nice -- throw away diapers.

The characters look to be wearing cute little blue overalls like toddlers wear. Their bodies are shades of green like aliens. Their eyes are huge and innocent looking like Keene paintings. They have pointed ears and definitely suggest the gargoyle picture. They have noses that look like darling koala bear noses. One of them has old man kind of glasses on the end of his nose like Mr. McGoo. They all have a smile on their lips. The human baby in the middle is laughing and smiling and playing with 7 of these little guys.

There is a small picture of the actual package the diapers come in and it appears as though one of these kinds of characters is on the package too.

So this is a perfect example of this subtle societal demonic manipulation, and it is geared toward adults as well as children.

Chris Stewart #fundie crossroad.to

My second grader attends a local Christian school. For "movie time", they planned to screen Tarzan, the animated movie. Although I have not seen it, I had a glimpse of it from a free version of a computer video game. The character almost exclusively moves in sensual ways and is very scantily dressed. My objections were countered with "but it's TARZAN; of course he wears only a loin cloth...". But, if a man (un)dressed like a male erotic dancer were to come to my door and ask permission to entertain my 7 y/o daughter by jumping, crouching, and running in front of her for an hour and a half, does anyone think I would say yes? I appreciate your movie review. It is quite deep and I'm certain quite valid. I guess in this case, I'm not that profound. All I cans see from my perspective is that it desensitizes children to lewdness, nudeness and lasciviousness.

Missy #fundie crossroad.to

The Loneliness of the Christian says it all. Lately I've have been trying to express to my husband (unsaved) how it is that I'm feeling a joy in my life that has no words. When people are suicidal they tend to walk through life feeling detached and watching life happen to them. I believe what I've been experiencing is like that only on the other end of the spectrum: Feeling depressed because I can't share this joy with everyone I love. I'm depressed because I'm so happy! It's sick or so I thought. Till I read this. Now I'm not feeling sick but blessed. Different, lonely, and blessed for it. It's the most beautiful pain outside of child birth. In a sense that is exactly what it is. I'm being made new in Him. Bitter-sweetness. Thank you God for putting this message in my path at just the right time. I've been struggling to understand this feeling.

AC #fundie crossroad.to

I thought Brother Bear was going to be a good movie because it had a black lead character, but the trailers I've seen for it show a tribal person shapeshifting into a bear. As I've probably told you I used to do shapeshifting, though of course I couldn't turn into a real animal. Shapeshifters or what Rowling calls animagi are called berserkerar, which literally means people who wear bear shirts, and ulfhednar, which literally means people who wear wolf coats, in Norse mythology and religion. Maybe this movie will encourage Generation Z to try shapeshifting. I wonder how they'll like it when they get unwanted visits from animal demons when they try to sleep at night.

Dennis Monroe #fundie crossroad.to

I agree with your article "Toying With Death" and also with Fabienne's comments (below). Please allow me to briefly explain my own experience with violent video games. I did not come to the Lord (His rescue, not my doing) until age 50. I am now 57. Just prior to that time, both of my sons and I were playing violent video games, specifically "Doom" and "Rise of the Triad." We did, of course, also destroy the games back then. I don't think these games are even around anymore as the so called "graphics" would be too slow and antiquated for the most up-to-date "modern gamer."

Anyway, I remember becoming very expert at these two games and actually "enjoying" how the blood and body parts flew all over the computer screen, especially when making a long range sniper style "kill." I don't mean to sound macabre here but that was the reality of the experience. Also, during the various sequences and levels of the games, music, often with "Satan's beat" (the heavy base beat you hear coming out of many cars going down the road) would be playing in the background. Also you would hear various phrases spoken by the characters which included many swear words and even taking God's name in vain. This was 8 years ago. The games of today, because of computer advancements, must be many times worse by comparison.

Both of these games were positively created for the sole purpose of "training" people how to kill and to do it with no remorse or regret (desensitization) as in the definition of an assassin. It is obvious to me now that Satan is the direct controller behind these games although I doubt that most of the creators of these games are actually aware of that. To them it is simply making a lot of money, also with the same lack of remorse or regret for what they have wrought. The most serious aspect of all of this for me is that even after 8 years or so of having not played these games, and also having received Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, I cannot say that the effects of those games are totally gone. I still have desensitized "knee jerk" reactions at times to news events and other happenings that I can readily say are not a proper Christian response. I always then find myself in a repentant prayer to the Lord. I also ask Him every day, often many times in a day to create in me a clean and a new heart and to make a right spirit in me. I thank God so very much for the gift of His most beloved Son. How so desperately I need His hand upon me, literally moment to moment!

Berit Kjos #fundie crossroad.to

[in response to a woman who asked about Veggie Tales]

Berit's impression, which is not a researched answer: I have only watched the Veggie Tales a few times, but I remember two concerns. The first one has to do with the talking plants. Today's emphasis on planetary oneness and interconnectedness promotes the pantheistic idea that humans, animals, and plants all equal members of one global bio-family. Giving human characteristics to plants and animals encourages children to accept this unbiblical notion as more normal and compassionate than God’s ways.

Second, the "cool" language of some of the characters seemed rude and disrespectful. Since children tend to enjoy these assertive attitudes and rude messages, they are likely to remember and imitate them. I don't remember the episodes well enough to comment on anything else.

The following letters offer a broader perspective and some positive points. I continue to have reservations. Remember, lessons in good character may be useful, but if these lessons are presented in a context or setting that conflicts with the Biblical world view, they can confuse a child's understanding of both of reality and of Scriptures. This danger may be more serious than the benefit from the repeated reminders of a good habit. However, I can't validate my concerns until I find time to buy and watch a few more of the Veggie Tales videos.

Dina Jones #fundie crossroad.to

I was given the the Winnie-the-Pooh Sing A-Long video. It is a video about Pooh finding his own song. Each character in the hundred acre wood share their songs. In the end, Pooh finds that the song was inside himself all along. This goes along with the current world paradigm.

The best song is the Kangaroo Hop. The animation for Tiger's bouncing song moves extremely quickly with words flashing and screens changing in seconds. The worst song was Owl's song, which said that we should try something new and it's starts by suggesting to look into a crystal ball to find something new to do. (I am sorry that I forgot the exact words and my VCR is now broken.)

My family harassed me for censoring a Winnie-the-Pooh video, but I think kids (especially my three year old) remember these messages. Do I want her to look to the Bible for answers to her questions or have her look inside herself?

Angie K. #fundie crossroad.to

: I wanted to inform you of a dangerous online kids' game at www.howrse.com. It's the first time we've ever let the children play a game online. They had seen an ad for it in Horse Magazine which I got for our 18 year old who likes horses. They like horses too and thought this game would be like their old CD-ROM Dogz 4 and Catz 4 by Petz. However, we found out the second day it wasn't anything like it at all!

We didn't know why they spelled horse with a "w" but thought maybe the normal spelling was a taken web name or something. Of course, we had to sign in to even see anything of substance on or about the site. The children chose a horse breed and color and name, etc. Then the program said they could make their horse "immortal." This seemed peculiar, but we figured it was just pretend. Then I saw players could earn "karma" points. This was getting even more disturbing. The software company name was "Owlient." I wondered why owls would be associated with a horse game. I wondered if the "ow" in horse wasn't somehow symbolically related to the "ow" in Owlient. There was also a black barn icon labeled "The Black Market." I thought why black? Any barns around here are red.

It wasn't until the next, the second day, one of the children had a problem while checking on their "horse" that I incidentally (or rather, providentially) saw my son had gone to the "Black Market." When I stopped and inspected that page while backing out of his movements on the site, I noted every link was the name of Greek Mythological and heathen gods/goddesses. Names included Hephaestus, Morpheus, Fertility, Aphrodite, Zeus, Medusa, Eolus, Pandora, Pegasus, Atlantes, and a statement that said, "A God that grants your hoses stamina and speed.....". Yes, the G was capitalized. Okay, these are more than big red flags, these are flashing neon lights that this site is evil!

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