Report On The 2001 Gen Con Game Fair #34
Filed by
Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
Independent T.V.News Service
P.O. Box 370322
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53237
© August 20, 2001 David L. Brown
According to the press packet I received, "Wizards of the Coast,
Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro Inc., is the worldwide market share leader in the
trading card game and tabletop roleplaying game categories." They own and produce
line Dungeons and Dragons® and related materials, the Pokemon® cards, Magic: The
Gathering® collector card games and the new Harry Potter collector card game. The press
release in my press packet says, "This year more than 25,000 gaming enthusiasts will
gather in Milwaukee, August 2-5, when the Gen Con® Game Fair, a four-day annual
extravaganza, returns to the city."
It goes on to say, "In its 34th year as the largest
game-playing convention in North America, the Gen Con® Game Fair…will showcase
more then 3,000 events, from adventure and strategy games to miniatures and computer
games. The Gen Con® Game Fair will offer more new product introductions than any
other fantasy game convention in the United States." On the Fact Sheet it says,
"The Exhibit Hall is sold out, with more than 200 game-industry exhibitors demonstrating
games and presenting their latest products."
There were also numerous game competitions that you could register
for, and participate in. "In addition, Gen Con® will brim with a variety of
celebrities from science fiction and fantasy television and movie roles…Alexandra Tydings,
Aphrodite from Xena: Warrior Princess; James Marsters, Spike from Buffy The
Vampire Slayer; Michael Kuluth, cover artist for DC and Marvel Comics…" and others.
For instance, I saw two overexposed "famous" females sitting on top of tables signing
autographs. While I have no idea who they were, I could tell from the long lines that
those standing there sure knew who they were and were anxious to get a close up look and
autograph!
In this report, I are going to examine what I saw at Gen Con®
from a Biblical point of view. I make no apologies for that. Contrary to popular
Christian practice, that is exactly what we are supposed to do with everything. The Bible
is the Christian’s AUTHORITY for faith and practice. It shows us what’s right, what’s not
right, how to get right and how to stay right. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible says in
1 Thessalonians 5:21… "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." The Bible
says, "…Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31.
The Bible says, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Christians are not to allow the world to squeeze them into its mold!
Being a friend of this world makes you an enemy of God. The Bible says, "…whosoever
therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4
But, that is exactly what is happening. Christians are being squeezed into the
world’s mold and positioning themselves as friends of this world. Here is an e-mail I
received from a high school student from Orlando, Florida which is similar to the kind of
comments and rationalization that I get from many world loving "Christians." I have
blanked out portions of the words for obvious reasons, but otherwise I have left it
unchanged, except to bold the part where he claims to be a Christian. He writes --
You guys are pretty, well, quite honestly, retarded--
You know absolutely nothing about what you are talking about, and
this is in reference to your numerous articles relating to Dungeons and Dragons and
Magic the Gathering..my G-- people, are you mad? You conformist, fascist sheep flock to
whatever the group says about a game or hobby that attracts young people. What the h---
is your problem? I am a Christian, and my parents take me to church every
Sunday. I play these games, and it makes me a better person because I can interact and
work together with my friends, and get to know them better. Sure, some people take it
way too seriously, but I am deeply offended of what you fascist sons of b------ are
doing to my, as well as my friends, reputations. You make us look like Wiccans for
crying out loud..I even have a Biology teacher who likes to play D&D, and he is the
most intelligent person I know! So what if we spend our lunch period playing D&D or
talking about video games? Do you really think God is just going to send me straight to
hell because I played a game with my friends, that in NO way whatsoever encouraged me
to the occult? You people are mad! So what if a few kids killed themselves because they
were idiots and mentally unstable? People kill themselves every day, what the h--- is
the difference if they played D&D or not? So if someone kills themselves and they read
the bible, does that mean the Bible is bad? NO, absolutely not!
Orlando, Florida
Let’s briefly examine the letter. First, Matthew 7:16-21 says,
"Ye shall know them by their fruits." What does his foul language indicate? His letter is
filled with rationalizations. For instance, since his "intelligent" Biology teacher plays
D&D, then it must be acceptable, right? In fact, there is not even a fragment of evidence
that this young man has followed the Bible in evaluating whether he should play D&D or
not! His purpose is not to follow the Lord in the matter but to justify his worldly
actions.
I hear from preachers all over the country are running into problems
because the children, teens and even adults in their churches are wrapped up in these
ungodly, worldly games.
An Idaho pastor wrote to me asking for some information. He wrote --
Pastor Brown,
First, let me say that I think that D&D is an unacceptable game for the Christian. My
Name is Don _______. I pastor a church in Idaho. A controversy has
arisen here regarding the play of D & D. Unfortunately I have some young people
that refuse to hear truth. I believe it's because of an addiction to these things.
My responsibility is of course to bring an intelligent and hopefully anointed response
regarding the concern. I have a personal opinion and have my convictions about the
game. I believe this game to be potentially harmful to one's spiritual walk.
He goes on to ask my credentials and for information that might help
him combat the problem of teens being involved in Dungeons & Dragons type games.
The problem is world wide. Today I received this letter in the
ministry post office box…
Dear LCC (Logos Communication Consortium),
We have heard about your ministries and about your warnings against
okkultism. We are very interested to get more information from you, especially about
Pokemon and Harry Potter. Will you please send us more information as soon as possible.
We Thank You!
Warm Greetings from Sweden
Now, I know that many of the people who will read this report will
cry, "It's only a game. What's the big deal?" I must admit that I have heard that
line hundreds of times. However, I do have a response that I would ask you to consider.
First, few things in this life are "values neutral." Games, especially those showcased
each year at Gen Con®, embrace unbiblical philosophies, beliefs and values. The
manufacturers of today's games build-in their own themes. These preprogrammed themes and
story lines squeeze the players imagination into the game maker's mold. And, though it is
a game, what if the themes or story lines are occult oriented; do they mock Christ and
Christianity; are they violent; are they sensual, etc.? Does it matter? YES IT DOES
MATTER! We are instructed in the importance of "Casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Corinthians 10:5. We should not allow
our minds or the minds of our children to be exposed to things that can cause spiritual,
psychological, or social problems? The Bible warns, "Beware lest any man spoil you
through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of
the world, and not after Christ." Colossians 2:8.
I cannot stress to you enough the importance of evaluating everything
you let into your mind. That is SO IMPORTANT! The Bible says, "Keep thy heart with
all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23 In
other words, watch what you let into your mind because what you let into your mind
affects the choices you make in your life!
- How To Evaluate Whether A Game,
Video, CD, Toy, Book, etc. Is Acceptable
The question that naturally arises is what do I use as a basis for
evaluating what is right and wrong. The answer is the principles that are contained in
the Bible. On my web page I have an article posted titled – Principles For Determining
What Is Acceptable. It is located at http://logosresourcepages.org/acceptable.htm
Briefly, here is the content of that article. Use these Biblical
principles to determine if games, toys, music, videos, etc. are acceptable to be involved
with.
What belief system and/or doctrines are evident or advocated? If
they are contrary to the Bible then the activity must be rejected.
What values & philosophies are evident? If they are contrary to the
Bible then the activity must be rejected.
Is Supernatural power evident and what is the origin? If the game is
based on a power other than the power of the triune God of the Bible, then the activity
must be rejected.
Are there occult, witchcraft, psychic, satanic, or New Age,
vampire-Goth practices or symbols incorporated? These are contrary to the Bible and the
activity must be rejected.
Are the imaginations and thoughts of the participant steered in a
wholesome or unwholesome direction? If your thoughts are directed in any way other than
would be pure and wholesome, then the activity must be rejected.
Does it depict immorality, is it sensual or immodest, or does it
arouse lust? If the answer is yes, then it must be rejected.
Does it glorify evil or violence? If the answer is yes, then it must
be rejected.
Is the language clean? If it is not, then the activity must be
rejected.
Will it build godly character? If it does not, then the activity
must be rejected.
- My Observations At Gen Con
#34
I have tracked the Fantasy Gaming/Role Playing/Science Fiction
industry for nearly two decades now. Over the years, I have identified Seven Basic
Elements that are incorporated in their materials. The materials often include
multiple elements.
MAGIC, THE OCCULT (WITCHCRAFT) & DEMONOLOGY -- Deuteronomy
18:10-13
MEDIEVAL TIMES
SCIENCE FICTION & ALIEN LIFE FORMS
THE PREHISTORIC REALM
IDOLATRY, MOCKING CHRISTIANITY & MYTHOLOGY -- Exodus 20:4; 1
John 5:21; 2 Timothy 4:24
VIOLENCE, TORTURE & DEATH -- Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 8:36
SENSUALITY, LUST & IMMORALITY -- Psalm 101:3; Job 31:1
At Gen Con #34, it has become evident that I need to add two more
themes…
OVERT PORNOGRAPHY – Psalm 101:3
SADO-MASOCHISTIC SITUATIONS – Psalm 101:3
I will begin by addressing what some perceive as the lesser of the
nine evils.
First, Medieval Times are not portrayed accurately. They
exaggerate the violence aspect of that time period. This can be seen in the Warhammer
Fantasy Role Play game. They focus on the horrific weapons, dungeons
and tortures. Likewise, they embellish the occult element in these games. The characters
in these games garner occult power to fight their battles, which, by the way, is
forbidden in the Bible. Protest if you like, playing occult oriented games IS having
"fellowship" with the works or workings of darkness and the Bible clearly states – "And
have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness…" Ephesians 5:11
Next, we come to Science Fiction. It seems two key areas crop
up again and again in the science fiction area -- Alien Life Forms &
Transformations. Let's look at the "alien" situation first. As I have explored
the games that focus on this theme, I have discovered that many of the alien being
characters are shown to be more powerful, more advanced and smarter than humans. Their
power is almost always occult based and in many of the games the alien beings are
considered "gods." This is a problem because it subtly undermines the Bible's teaching
that man is God's unique, special creation whom He loves (John 3:16). Further, we know
that God is omnipotent, all powerful (Job 42:2; Psalm 62:11) and that we can access His
power by reading and obeying the Bible and being filled with the Holy Spirit (Hebrews
4:12; Acts 1:8). We are not to dabble in the realm of the occult (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
Neither are we to acknowledge any god(s) but the God of the Bible (Hosea 13:4, Psalm
82:18; Isaiah 43:10). A new twist is the addition of an Eastern Mysticism flavor with Zen
and Taoist philosophy included. I am not surprised since Star Wars/Star Trek is heavily
laced with these doctrines and many of the Science Fiction Games have that spin. I
believe we should discard games, toys, etc. that are alien oriented. But what about
characters that transform. What's wrong with that? The ability to transform from
one form to another finds its origin in the occult world. Shamans claim to have the power
to transform themselves into spirits or "power animals" to gain some secret knowledge or
to attack their enemies. Allow me to quote from The Magician's Companion by Bill
Whitcomb, "most shamanistic practices involve astral projection, sometimes in animal
form." But this does not necessarily mean the transformation into animals as we know
them. "The power animal may resemble a real creature or a mythical one. It is
considered to be a personification of magical or personal power...the shaman will attempt
to bring the power animal back from the spiritual journey. Once this is done, the shaman
can summon the power animal to assist in various rituals and working."
It is clear that the power to transform is a power derived from the
demonic or occult realm; therefore it is unwise to dabble in games that promote this form
of the occult.
Finally, we come to the Prehistoric Realm. The games that use
this as their backdrop are laced with heavy evolutionary overtones. You can expect
mutants, monsters and who knows what as evolution goes wild. I have seen this theme
diminish a bit in recent years in favor of more science fiction/alien games. Games that
use this theme condition the player's mind to be receptive to the lie of evolution. The
triune God is the Creator (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17). Let’s look at
the other categories in light of this years Gen Con®.
MAGIC, THE OCCULT (WITCHCRAFT) & DEMONOLOGY
Magic, the occult, witchcraft and demons are still, the primary theme
of nearly all the games and literature in this genre. My first stop at Gen Con®
the Wizards of the Coast display. Their "hot item" was the new Harry Potter
collector card game. The game is based on J. K. Rowling’s first book Harry Potter and
The Sorcerer’s Stone. It is a game of occult magic power vs. occult magic powers.
The prayers must choose which witch or wizard they will be. The goal is to defeat your
opponent by casting powerful magic spells. One spell card I picked up and read was a
Noxious Poison spell card. The card quotes Professor Severus Snap of the Hogwart
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, "…the delicate power of liquids that creep
through human veins, bewitching the mind and ensnaring the senses…" In fact,
the purpose of the Hogwart School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is to teach the
students how to practice witchcraft! This game will only reinforce the occult
doctrines that Rowling clearly articulates in her books. I have to agree with Steve Bonta
who wrote in his article Harry Potter’s Hocus-Pocus, "All of these images…seem to
be derived from occult material, suggesting a sophisticated knowledge of the occult on
the part of the author." Indeed Joanne Kathleen Rowling has a sophisticated knowledge
of the occult. Even the London Times noted this occult knowledge in a July 12,
2000 article titled Muggle Adventures in Potterland. The article reads,
"Magical feats and spells, fantastic charms and startling metamorphoses, conjuring
exploits…Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire…is crammed to the bursting with vanishings,
flights, zombies, replicants, identity switches, cryptozoological monsters," etc. He
goes on to say, "To a restless, channel-surfing rhythm, Rowling switches tone, now
teenage psychology, now Alastair Crowley-ish Satanism."
Now, before I move on, I should note that in early November, 2001 the
first Harry Potter movie will be shown in theaters all over the United States, United
Kingdom and Europe. Merchandisers like Wizards of the Coast and Sears already have
products ready for the "feeding frenzy" that will result from the movie. For a more
thorough treatment of the problems with Harry Potter go to the Logos web site
http://logosresourcepages.org/potter.htm and read that article.
Perhaps you are wondering, "Why is this guy so upset about kid’s books
and games?" Let me tell you why. Harry Potter books and games (and similar occult
oriented material for youth) prepare the minds of the reader/player for more hard core
occult games and materials. That’s a proven fact. There were certainly hard core occult
games and reading materials at this years Gen Con®. One offering was
Aleister Crowley In Dresden. Anyone who knows anything about Crowley knows that he
was a wicked, debauched, demon possessed individual. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) boasted
of being, as he said, "the wickedest man in the world." He openly despised Christ and the
faith of his parents who were Plymouth Brethren. One writer characterized Crowley as,
"a Satanist, a pornographer, a traitor to his country…an insatiable ambisexual athlete, a
pimp who lived on the immoral earnings of his girlfriends, and a junkie who daily took
enough heroin to kill a room full of people."
I interviewed the author of Aleister Crowley In Dresden. He
stressed the heavy occult nature of his book/game. He bragged that there was a genuine
Gnostic Mass included in the book.
Perhaps you are thinking, that’s just an isolated example! No, there
were other examples of known occult false prophets used as a basis for fantasy role
playing games. Here is another example -- Helena Petrovna Blavatsky who was born on
August 12, 1831.
The left picture above is the genuine H. P. Blavatsky’s picture. She
was the principal founder of the occult Theosophical Society. She was also the publisher
of the Lucifer Magazine in the late 1880’s. As you can see, on the right is a
picture I took at Gen Con® of The Book of Dzyan. There can be no doubt that
many of those developing materials in this genre get their ideas from the real world of
the occult. And, I have recorded interviews with people who became involved in the "real
occult" who testify to the fact that their curiosity was peaked by playing and reading
this type of gaming material.
Matthew is just one example. He told me, "in Dungeons & Dragons if
you get attacked by anything or if some situation is against you, you can use your
magical powers to face the situation and get your way out of it." Matthew reasoned
that "if you have these magical, special types of power that are real, when you face
the adversities of life, you can take care of business." The result was that he and a
friend began experimenting with the "real" occult. Matthew told me, "Rituals were
really easy to find in books from the public and school libraries. We were desperately
trying to gain power through all this. We started doing blood sacrifices. We actually
thought if we have blood in the sacrifices, it will honor the demon more and the demon
will be more pleased and he will work on our behalf to a greater extent…But the bad thing
that happens is, when you are sitting there and you are trying to do all these rituals,
there was that power there but it took our minds to a different level. When you are
killing things and seeing which way their entrails move after they are dead and you
actually get joy from this, your mind has taken a dark slide into sickness."
It all started with Dungeons & Dragons for Matthew! Thankfully, by the
grace of God, Matthew trusted Christ as his Savior and was rescued from his Hell bound
path.
Magic, the Occult/Witchcraft and various forms of Demon contact are
still a major focus of the fantasy gaming industry.
IDOLATRY, MOCKING CHRISTIANITY & MYTHOLOGY -- Exodus 20:4; 1
John 5:21; 2 Timothy 4:24
I was in for a shock in this area. There were actually numerous
vendors, which carried god and goddess statues like I have seen in occult bookstores and
on pagan altars.
I have two photos of idols from the Egyptian pantheon and Hindu idols
as well. If fact, the fantasy gaming industry has used pagan gods and goddesses all along
in their games. It has just come one step further. You can buy the real thing now. The
Bible is clear, we are to flee idolatry and have nothing to with it (1 Corinthians
10:14). In fact, the Bible connects idolatry and witchcraft together (Galatians 5:20).
Behind idolatry and witchcraft is the devil and again the Bible says, "…I would not that
ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and
the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of
devils. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?"
1
Corinthians 10:20-22. I believe that even playing games that involve "pretend"
worship of false gods and goddesses is fellowshipping with them. Clearly, we are not to
involve ourselves in such behavior.
That brings me to a game book scenario called The Last Exodus.
It is a mockery of the Bible, God and Christ from start to finish. John the Baptist is
said to be, "A maniac, somewhat bizarre prophet." The author characterizes the
betrayal of Christ by Judas as an unfortunate mistake. On page 22 it reads, "After the
Last Supper, the Apostles went out of the Garden of Gethsemane to fall asleep.
Judas…returned to the Garden and Jesus invited him to sit and speak with him. The two
talked for hours, and settled most of their differences. Judas confessed his love for
Mary, and Jesus agreed to preside over their wedding, and Judas, overcome with affection,
kissed his friend in thanks. Unfortunately, Judas had forgotten that this was the signal
to the Sanhedrin’s soldiers to arrest Jesus."
In fact, that is a slanderous lie! But there’s more. The rapists and
predators of the story are described as being "imbued with the power of Christ, and
working under the spiritual conviction that what they do is nothing less than the will of
God himself." To top it all off, listed under Sacrament in the game it says,
"Members…must complete a sex act to Cross Over to Eden." Woe to those who slander
our holy LORD and His Word.
VIOLENCE, TORTURE & DEATH -- Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 8:36
 Violence, torture and death is a common theme in roleplaying games. A
new game offered this year with the original title Violence is just one example.
On the blood-spattered front cover the subtitle reads, "The roleplaying game of
egregious and repulsive bloodshed."
 Then there are the Vampire, Werewolf games that flow with violence and
blood. Titles like Sins of the Blood, Even the Damned Have Taboos, and
Bitter Crusade are just a few examples. In Bitter Crusade the ad says, "Blood
calls to blood and the flames of mortal hatred burn brightly."
Another prime example is Todd Breitenstein’s board game ZOMBIES!!!
The add slick shows a mans slashed and bleeding face and another man wielding a blood
stained chain saw. It’s just a game, right?
Then there is the Synister Creations Systems group. They
advertise themselves this way – "We've got plans in the works, kids—big plans on a
biblical scale. Games are just the beginning. CDs, Novels, Comics, and other
entertainment media are coming down the 'pike....hittin' on all cylinders, and coming
with more." In the front of their gaming book it lists Rev. Sean Jaffe as the line
developer. Jaffe is the author of the book World of Darkness: Blood-Dimmed Tides
(World of Darkness Series). Here is a paragraph from the review copy of the
"Reverend’s" gaming book I got at Gen Con®. In the section titled Dogma we read:
"We are the only ones who are truly free; we are guided by every single human impulse.
We take what we want and do what we enjoy. We are all you claim to loathe. We rape. We
are infanticide. We are the victimizer…" They then go on to that, "Crush…prefer
brutality for it’s own sake, the vast majority, both male and female, prefer to use sex
as their theater for sadism. The reasons for this are twofold – sexual violence is
usually the most psychological damaging – physical wounds heal. Second, once a victim is
dead, the pain can’t continue. The Crush rarely leave their victims completely dead."
Promoting the kind of violence that is in these examples is criminal!
Yet parents, even Christian parents, are allowing their children to occupy their minds
with video games, card games, books, videos, DVD, etc. with violent themes. I am warning
you that games like these give your children an appetite for violence. The Psalmist
wrote, "The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his
soul hateth." Psalms 11:5
SENSUALITY, LUST & IMMORALITY -- Psalm 101:3; Job 31:1
Job of old wrote, Job 31:1 "I made a covenant with mine eyes;
why then should I think upon a maid?" The word think in this verse is a
translation of the Hebrew word which means to separate mentally. Simply
stated, Job was careful how he looked at women. He strived not to think of them in a
sensual, lustful, immoral way. That’s good advice because Christ warned against looking
at woman in a sexual way because he said mental immorality is sin (see Matthew 5:28).
 Many artists had booths at this year’s Gen Con®. I
interviewed two of them. Their art is used on fantasy and collector game cards, in their
magazines and books, etc. Many artists were autographing their books, magazines and
collector cards they had designed (for a fee). The artists were also selling their "art."
(I have covered up portions of the picture to the left for obvious reasons).
But there is a MAJOR PROBLEM with their "art," Much of it is so called
"soft core" pornography and some of it is "hard core" pornography." Over the years the
portrayal of women in fantasy art has become increasingly more sensual. This year there
were numerous booths that displayed, scantily clad, and bare chest women for all to see.
These same type graphics are in the materials being published as well. One artist
bragged about there being an increasing market for his pornographic "art work" these
days. His business card, which was on the table for anyone to pick up advertised his web
address which included samples of ALL his art. Then, there were women (un)dressed walking
around advertising the fantasy clothing and portraying fantasy characters. The word that
comes to mind is lewd. Which brings me to my next point…
OVERT PORNOGRAPHY – Psalm 101:3
 At Gen Con® #34, it became evident to me that I needed to
add two more theme categories to my list of elements incorporated in the fantasy
gaming scene – Overt pornography and Sado-Masochistic perversion. There
were probably a dozen displays that featured videos and DVD’s. Upon closer examination, I
discovered that many of the videos were pornographic in nature. One of the biggest
offenders were the Japanese Animation videos. These popular videos often come in two
versions. The "tame" (still trash) version and the porno version. One booth had an add
slick titled – "Product for your passion!" Indeed they were catered to arouse
lust.
However, cartoon pornography was not the flavor. There was porn
"star," B-movie "Scream Queen" Glori-Anne Gilbert on site. She has modeled for fantasy
art and was signing cards, selling nude photos of herself and selling her horror/porn
videos. People, young and old, were stacked three deep around her booth. She was telling
them about her porno fan club and web site. She also mentioned her magazine adds in
gaming magazines.
Protest if you like. But, it is obvious from my visit to this years
gaming convention that fantasy pornography, by design, is simply wetting the
player/reader’s appetite for the dark reality of the genuine article. Don’t sell me the
"it’s only a game" line. I’m not buying it and neither does our Lord!
SADO-MASOCHISTIC PERVERSION – Psalm 101:3
 It was not uncommon in a fantasy roleplaying art scenario for a woman
to be taken captive, tied up, with the subtle suggestion of bodily harm and sexual
assault. I’ve seen examples of this over the years. As the role players ponder that
perversion, it conditions their minds to be open to that perversion. And, following the
pattern of the pornography previously mentioned, the full blown fantasy and tools for the
actual implementation of the perversion were available at this years Gen Con®.
One example was the video "Bondage House" It was right there along with
several other titles staring the passers by in the face. And, for those whose depraved
desires motivate them to move from "fantasy" to the real thing, a variety of restraints,
gangs, whips and paddles were on display and for sale to anyone who was interested.
I am reminded of what the Apostle James wrote -- "Then when lust hath
conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
James 1:15.
It is my studied conclusion that by and large the fantasy gaming
industry has and is developing its games based on the wisdom of the world, which is
characterized by the Apostle James as being earthly,sensual and
devilish (James 3:15). Christians are to have nothing to do with worldly wisdom
or worldly activities. The Bible says, "Love not the world, neither the things that
are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
1 John 2:15
If you cannot see where the fantasy gaming industry is leading the
people who are involved in it, you are greatly deceived. While I know that there are
parents who are going to protest, "my kids are only into the light stuff, like Pokemon
and Harry Potter." I am telling you that the evil seeds of this diabolical industry are
already being planted in the minds of your children by these games and they will one-day
spring up, yielding an evil harvest. A Christian has no business entertaining him or
herself with games from the den of the devil.
Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness, but rather reprove them."
1 Thessalonians 5:21… "Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good."
1 Corinthians 10:31 "…Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of
God."
James 4:4 "…whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is
the enemy of God."
My suggestion to anyone who is involved in fantasy gaming is to repent
and follow Acts 19:19-20 "Many of them also which used curious arts brought their
books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of
them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily
grew the word of God and prevailed."
|
"Neither
is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved."