Introduction

Increasingly, cremation is being used in the United States instead of burial. In 1962 only 5% of Americans were cremated. But, as modern culture moves away from Christianity and toward secularism, cremation is becoming much more popular. In fact, it is being popularized in modern culture and got a big boost in Star Wars I with the cremation scene at the end of that movie. In fact, recent figures say that more than 25% of the people who die are cremated. Many are motivated by the lesser expense. Others do it because they do not believe in the resurrection of the body. Still others do it because they do not know the roots of cremation. Still others have no choice, because that is the instructions that the family member left or what the others in the family decide to do.

My purpose in this study is not to call reproach on anyone, but rather to acquaint you with what the Bible teaches about the care for the dead and why I do not support cremation. Hence the title – Cremation or Burial – That Is The Question!

The Definition of Cremation

Here are the definitions I have found –

CREMATION comes from cremātus which means to burn to ashes.

n. [L., to burn.] A burning; particularly, the burning of the dead, according to the custom of many ancient nations. (Webster, 1828)

Others of modern origin say, To incinerate (a corpse); to reduce (a dead body) to ashes by fire, esp. as a funeral rite.

The Ancient Origin of Cremation

Cremation is a practice of ancient pagan origin. It was one of the ceremonies involved in ancient fire worship. In an article entitled, “Cremation,” the Encyclopedia Americana states: “In primitive cultures [that] have survived into modern times cremation is widely practiced. Burning is not only supposed to destroy the dead body most effectively and thus prevent the possible return of the ghost, but since fire serves also as a purifying [agent], it is often considered a good means of warding off evil spirits…Besides discouraging the ghost from haunting the corpse and its former abode, and serving as a means of purification from evil spirits and the contamination associated with the dead body, cremation has also, in some instances…been associated with a belief in a heavenly abode for the spirit of the deceased. The flames of the funeral pyre, leaping upward, are thought to facilitate the ascent of the soul.”
(www.thercg.org/questions/p035.a.html)

“Cremation is a heathen custom, meaning a practice of people who do not have the Bible, or else have rejected its authority.” (Cremation – What Does God Think by David Cloud)

In The History of Cremation the author states, “Scholars today quite generally agree that cremation probably began in any real sense…around 3000 B.C. and most likely in Europe and the Near East. By the time of the Roman Empire – 27 B.C. to 395 A.D. – it was widely practiced.” He goes on to say, that though the practice was prevalent among the Romans, “cremation was rare with the early Christians who considered it pagan.” He notes that the Jewish culture buried in sepulchers.

Please note this statement from the same article – “By 400 A.D., as a result of Constantine’s Christianization of the Empire, earth burial had completely replaced cremation except for rare instances of plague or war…as the accepted mode of disposition throughout Europe.”
(www.everlifememorials.com)

The Modern Origin of Cremation In America

“The first cremation in America took place in 1876, accompanied by readings from Charles Darwin and the Hindu scriptures. For many years, relatively few persons (mostly liberals and freethinkers) chose cremation.” (Good Question:Cremation Confusion by Timothy George; Christianity Today Magazine; 5-21-02)

The 1877 Appleton’s Annual Cyclopedia stated that the first crematory erected in the United States was in Washington, Pennsylvania, where the body of Baron de Palm was reduced to ashes and placed in a Hindu urn. The article went on to say, “It [cremation] is opposed by ministers of most religious denominations, a large number of whom believe it to indicate a belief inconsistent with the doctrine of the resurrection of the body.”

The practice of cremation is clearly of heathen origin.

Cremation (burning with fire) Is a Sign of God’s Curse and Judgment

Throughout the Bible the destruction of a human body or of an object by fire is used as a sign of God’s curse and judgment. Consider with me some examples:

Sodom and Gomorrah – “Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven” Genesis 19:24 “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly” 2 Peter 2:6

Nadab and Abihu – “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” Leviticus 10:1-2

The men who rebelled with Korah – “And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense” Numbers 16:35

The example of idols – “And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it” Exodus 32:20.
“The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God” Deuteronomy 7:25.
“And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them.” 2 Kings 10:26.
“And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire” 1 Chronicles 14:12.

The example of magic books – “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 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.” Acts 19:18-19.

The example of the unsaved cast into the lake of fire for eternal punishment – “And whatsoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation. 20:15.

A Case For Burial

The weight of biblical evidence, Jewish and Christian practice, clearly supports burial and opposes cremation.

God Is Not In Favor of Cremation

Amos 2:1 “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:”

“In ancient times much importance was placed on a dead man’s body being peacefully placed in the family burial site, so that he could be ‘gathered to his fathers’ and find rest in the grave. To rob, disturb, or desecrate a grave was an offense of the highest order. Many surviving tomb inscriptions utter violent curses against anyone who would commit such an outrage.” (G.A. Cooke, A Textbook of North-Semitic Inscriptions. Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, 1903, pp. 26-7, 30-2; Pritchard, Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament, p. 327).

God Practices Burial

Deuteronomy 34:5-6 “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.”

God’s People Have Always Practiced Burial

Burial was clearly the practice among the Patriarchs

Sarah was buried by Abraham – “And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” Genesis 23:3-4 “And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, and the cave which was therein, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders round about, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all that went in at the gate of his city. And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buryingplace by the sons of Heth.” Genesis:23:17-20

Abraham was buried by his sons, Isaac and Ishmael – “Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre;” Genesis 25:8-9

Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, was buried near Bethel – “But Deborah Rebekah’s nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.” Genesis 35:8

Rachel was buried near Bethlehem by Jacob – “And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.” Genesis 35:19-20

Isaac was buried by his sons, Jacob and Esau – “And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.” Genesis 35:29

Jacob buried Leah in the family tomb – “There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah.” Genesis 49:31

Jacob made Joseph swear to bury him in the same place – “And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their buryingplace. And he said, I will do as thou hast said. And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed’s head.” Genesis 47:29-31
“And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the physicians embalmed Israel. … For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.” Genesis 50:2, 13

Joseph was embalmed in Egypt, later buried at Shechem – “So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.” Genesis 50:26
“And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.” Joshua 24:32
Q Burial was the practice during the Mosaic dispensation

Miriam, sister of Moses, was buried in Kadesh – “Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.” Numbers 20:1

Moses was buried by God Himself in the land of Moab – “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.” Dueteronomy 34:5-6

Joshua was buried in his inheritance at Timnath-Serah – “And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.” Joshua 24:30

Samuel was honored with a national burial – “And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.” 1Samuel 25:1

David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and many other kings were buried in the City of David – “So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.”1Kings 2:10; “And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Kings 11:43; “And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.” 1 Kings 15:8; “And Jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.” 2Kings 15:38; “And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.” 2Chronicles 32:33

Burial continued to be the practice for Jesus and His followers

Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea – “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.” Matthew 27:57-60

John The Baptist was buried – “And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.” Matthew 14:10-12

Lazarus was buried in a cave with a stone covering the opening before Jesus raised him from the dead – “Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:38-44

Ananias and Sapphira were buried – “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.” Acts 5:5-10

Stephen was buried after his martyrdom – “And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.” Act 8:2

A Christian’s Body Belongs To God: It Is Not Ours To Destroy by Fire or Any Other Means

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (revised) says, “The Christian emphasis upon the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit increased their disinclination toward cremation.”

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8

Which practice, burial or cremation, shows a higher value for the body?

Burial Looks Forward To Our Literal, Physical, Bodily Resurrection

Burial symbolizes the hope of the resurrection. Cremation and the funeral pyre speak of annihilation, the end of hope.

David Cloud notes, “The reason God’s people have always been careful to practice burial is not difficult to understand. We believe in a bodily resurrection. Yes, the buried body will decompose in time. Yes, there are occasions in which Christians die in ways which render burial impossible – in the sinking of ships, in house fires, etc. But when at all possible we bury. Why the trouble? Because it is our certain hope that the same individual will be raised in the same body, only changed.”

We believe in the resurrection for the dead! – “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29

We eagerly await the redemption of our bodies. – “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Romans 8:22-23.

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 “Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

The physical body is the seed for the resurrection body. When planted, a seed decomposes, and the new plant comes forth. The Bible uses this to illustrate resurrection:

“But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body…So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” 1 Corinthians 15:35-44

David Cloud notes — “When we bury a Christian loved one, we are planting the seed for the resurrection body! It is a powerful testimony of our unwavering faith in God’s Word regarding the promise of the bodily resurrection.

Contrast heathenism. They have no such knowledge or hope. The Hindus and Buddhists, for example, believe in a human soul which is distinct from the body. But they do not believe that the soul, once departed from the body at death, will be resurrected in any relation whatsoever to the first body. Rather they believe the soul will be reincarnated in another entirely unrelated body, or into a non-physical sphere of existence.
God’s people, though, have had some knowledge of a bodily resurrection from the earliest days. The book of Job is considered commonly to be the oldest book in the Bible. There is no mention in the book of Job concerning Israel, or Jerusalem, or Palestine, or the temple, or the Jewish state or kingdom, and it is most likely that Job was a God-fearing man who lived in the days prior to Abraham. Yet, consider this ancient man of God’s thorough knowledge of the bodily resurrection.

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 19:25-27

God’s people have always buried their dead with this magnificent hope burning in their hearts – “We will see that brother or sister again in that same body, only changed, glorified!” Hallelujah! Only through the death and shed blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ can we have this certain hope. He has taken upon Himself on the cross the punishment for our sins, carried our sins into the grave, and rose again in eternal triumph three days later. When an individual thoroughly acknowledges his sinfulness before God, repents (changes his mind about living a sinful, self-willed life), and receives Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Saviour, the sin debt becomes paid, and eternal life and glory is promised from God the Father. Part of our glorious heritage in Christ is the resurrection body.”

What About Those Who Have Been Cremated?

We know that the Lord has the power to raise all the dead, no matter what has happened to their bodies.

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13

My Conclusion

The overwhelming evidence in the Bible reveals burial as the practice, not cremation. Burial clearly reflects a higher regard for the body which is also reflected in Paul’s prayer… “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Introduction

Legalism is a term wildly thrown around in many Christian circles today. Often Christians who desire to maintain holy standards and who are zealous for pure doctrine as set forth in the Word of God are accused of being legalists and Pharisees. Walking obediently before God and urging others to do the same often brings harassing accusations of being a grace killer, a Puritain, a legalist and a Pharisee.

The modern church shouts at the top of their lungs, “we are not under law, we are under GRACE!” But they have a very unbiblical view of what grace is. Charles Swindoll writes — [Grace] “means I’m free to choose righteousness or disobedience… Christ’s blood has cleansed us from our sin, we are gloriously free – free to please Him. But we don’t have to.” He goes on to say, “Life is like a menu in the Grace Restaurant. In this new establishment you are free to choose whatever you want.” (Charles R. Swindoll, The Grace Awakening; Nashville: Word Publishing, 1990)

The promoters of this “choose whatever you want” grace “cherry pick” proof texts that seem to support their idea that the grace of God allows the believer to live like he or she wants to, which in truth is “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness….” (Jude 1:4).

For the believer, God’s grace is the enablement God gives Christians to say no to sin and to make them able to live for and serve Him. It is God giving the believer the desire and power to live the Christian life and serve Him (Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:10).

One verse used to support the false grace being promoted in our day is a portion of Romans 6:14 which says “for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” This is one of the passages quoted to support the anti-law, anti-standard thinking that pervades the modern church. However, they have jerked this verse completely out of context! This passage is NOT supporting the “live like you please” mentality. Let’s examine the context – Romans 6:12-18 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

God’s Grace gives the believer NO license to choose to live as we please! This is very clearly stated in Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”

The Definitions

The Law

We need to examine some definitions. Let’s start with the LAW.

God established 613 specific rules, that He revealed to Moses who in turn revealed them to the Nation of Israel, which they were to follow. These included the 10 Commandments, the Moral Law and the Ceremonial Law. These can be found in Exodus, Leviticus & Deuteronomy. One Jewish source states it this way — According to the Talmud there are 613 mitzvot (“commandments”) in the Torah. There are 248 positive mitzvot and 365 negative mitzvot given. The Law is GOOD! (Romans 7:7-12)

Legalism

The term legalism is not used in the Bible, however the concept is. Let me explain. Legalism is NOT the presence of rules but rather a wrong attitude about and a wrong application of those the rules.

Let me give you an example of what I mean. When a person tries to use the law as a system for earning salvation that IS legalism. God NEVER gave the Law as a means of salvation! The Bible says, “By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16 Again, we read similar language in Romans 3:20 – “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Let me give you a second example of legalism. When a person performs a rule or standard merely to attract attention and or glorify their own actions, that is legalism!

A good example of this type of legalism is found in Matthew 23:1-7 “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”

Keeping rules to be noticed by people so that they consider you spiritual is legalism.

Another illustration of legalism is Matthew 6:1-8 “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”

A Pharisee

The Biblical definition of a Pharisee is a member of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic Law and Jewish oral and written tradition. Pharisees are a religious party in Palestine that emerged about 160 BC in opposition to the Sadducees. The Pharisees in the New Testament are portrayed as self-righteous hypocrites. Our Lord takes them to task for this in Matthew 23:13-23. See also Luke 18:10-14.

But, just because a Christian advocates and practices living an obedient, holy life before God, that does NOT make him a legalist or a Pharisee.

Many standards are clearly stated in the Bible: You must not lie, you must not commit adultery, you must not be immoral. But often, Christians may balk when confronted with “other” standards their church or peers expect them to follow.

Is it Biblically valid for individual Christians or churches to establish rigid standards of conduct in areas not specifically covered in Scripture? Yes! The Word of God may not cover every subject, but does lay down principles for making determinations.

Romans 12:1-2 is a passage familiar to most Christians. Here the apostle Paul writes, “Be not conformed to this world.” Christians are commanded to be different!

The world is constantly trying to squeeze believers into its mold – to put the screws on believers, to pressure believers, to make the individual believer just another person of the world.

We all live in the world 24 hours a day. What we see, what we read, what we hear on the radio and watch on television, are all conditioned by the world’s philosophy. Under this bombardment, it is difficult sometimes to recognize when we are being molded by the world, simply because we are in it so much.

In Ephesians 4:17, God challenges believers to “walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of the mind”. There must be a difference between the manner of life of a believer and the manner of life of the unsaved person, or “Gentile”.

When the Bible sets no specific standard of conduct for a particular situation, we often question who should establish a standard. But behind that question, there is God’s challenge that makes some standard necessary.

Again, that challenge is to be different than the world, and to have a manner of life different from the unsaved. This does not come naturally to the believer. So some standard must be found to evaluate how unsaved persons walk in given situations and how Christians are to be different.

The Presence of Standards Is Not Legalism

Here is the issue. The presence of standards is NOT legalism as many would have you to believe! It is true that legalism as a system is wrong, and quite contrary to the teaching of the Word of God. But is it also true that the presence of standards or rules automatically equals legalism?

God established many rules for the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. Was He guilty of legalism? Of course not! There were laws, but not legalism.

In fact, the New Testament carries many commands given to the church or to individuals. Many of these commands are not unlike those given Israel. Notice there are commands to “be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) to “provoke one another to love” (Hebrews 10:24), for women to dress “in modest apparel” (1 Timothy 2:9), for men not to have “long hair” (1 Corinthians 11:14), and on and on. These are rules, but clearly they do not make the New Testament legalistic.

Legalism is not the presence of rules, but rather a wrong attitude about rules. When one performs a rule or standard merely to glory in their own actions, that is legalism.

True spirituality in the New Testament grows from an individual’s relationship to the Spirit. Is he sensitive to the Spirit? If he is walking day by day, moment by moment, under the control and influence of the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16 & 25), then he will be spiritual. Is he putting off the old man and putting on the new man (Ephesians 4:22-32). Is he seeking to be holy as God is holy! I remind you of 1 Peter 1:13-16 which says, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

A person who keeps rules may not be spiritual. But a person who is spiritual does live by rules. The spiritual person delights in living by the standards of God’s Word, and delights in allowing God’s Spirit to control or standardize his life.

The issue really boils down to this: Rules and standards are necessary for individual Christians to maintain their own testimonies, and the testimonies of the churches or organizations they represent.

“Ye are our epistles written in our hearts, known and read by all men”, says Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:2.

By our lives both the saved and unsaved see the principles of God’s Word—or they do not see those principles. Individual Christians must look to the Bible and establish personal standards so that “men may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Likewise, fundamental Bible-believing churches and organizations must establish standards by which they can corporately represent themselves before the saved and unsaved communities.

To those who question the need for standards, the answer is: Legalism, no! False spirituality, no! Testimony, yes!

Show your love for Christ by keeping His commandments (John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”). Make it obvious by your life that you love him with all your being! (Mark 12:30 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”).

Show your respect for Christ, walking blamelessly in His ordinances (Philippians 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”).

Be enthusiastic by obeying Him with all your might and by serving Him with all your strength. (Romans 12:11 “Not slothful [lax] in business [diligence]; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”)

Glorify Christ by imitating Him in all things and by walking as He walked (1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”).

Trust in Christ to live and reign in your heart! (Romans 6:12-13 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”).

Have confidence in Christ that He will fulfill in your all of great and precious promises He has given (2 Peter 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”) and that He will work in you all the good pleasure of His goodness, and all the work of faith with power (2 Thessalonians 1:11 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:”).

Let Him who has done all for you, do all in you!

Beloved that is NOT legalism! That is being controlled by the Holy Spirit, which demonstrates itself in Holy Living! And we need more of that in our own lives! And all of God’s people said – AMEN!

It is not legalist to live a Holy life! It is obedience.

I have heard most of the arguments! “You can’t be Christian and against gun control!” “ Guns kill people!” “We need more gun control laws!” Or, another one is, “How can you claim to be pro-life and pro-gun at the same time?”

The reason I am against gun control is that it is the person, behind the gun, that kills people. Gun control laws do nothing to stop criminals from committing crimes and just make it harder for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. Saying we need more gun control laws to keep people from being murdered is like saying we need to ban silverware so people will not get fat.

We already know that gun laws do NOT prevent gun crime. The criminal has neither a regard for the law nor the people he perpetrates crimes against. No law imaginable can prevent criminals from getting and using guns! 

Now to another common argument used: How can you claim to be pro-gun and pro-capital punishment? Let me make my answer clear! God hates the shedding of INNOCENT BLOOD (Proverbs 6:16). Therefore, I am against the murder of INNOCENT human life in every circumstance, from the pre-born, the aged, handicapped, disabled and terminally ill, and every INNOCENT person in between.  I assert that it is the God-given right of every innocent human being to have life, liberty, justice and the right to defend oneself, family, neighbor and country against any unjust aggressor who would attempt to violate our God-given rights. Therefore, I am anti-abortion, anti-infanticide and anti-euthanasia.  On the other hand, I am pro-innocent human life, pro-second amendment, and pro-capital punishment. God clearly refers to capital punishment in Genesis 9:6 when he says, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”

The absurd gun control arguments reminds me of a sign I see when I am target practicing – “The theory of gun control advocates is that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own panty hose, is somehow morally superior to a woman explaining to the police how her attacker got that fatal bullet wound.”

As we will see, the Bible endorses self-defense.

That brings me to the matter of our United States Constitution. Per that document, citizens have the right to own guns and carry them. For years our previous Governor (I am from Wisconsin) thumbed his nose at the Unite States Constitution and would not allow law-abiding citizens to “bear arms.” That all changed when a concealed carry bill was signed into law July 8, 2011, by our current Governor making our state the second to last state to come in line with our United States Constitution.

The Second Amendment of our United States Constitution says,   “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Some people try to argue that militia means government military, but it clearly does not, and the very wording of the amendment places the right of arms ownership with the people and not the state.

What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?

Does the Bible endorse self-defense? Is a Christian a hypocrite if he owns a gun and uses it for self-defense if the occasion arises? Let’s examine the Bible and see what it says. But before I do that, let me explain the view of a pacifist.

I need to make it clear that God is NOT a pacifist and neither does His Word teach pacifism. We read in Exodus 15:3 “The LORD is a man of war….” Here is a hymn in the Hebrew songbook where David thanks God for teaching him to war and fight. We read in Psalms 144:1 “A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”

Despite these and other references in the Bible, a pacifist believes that war or defending oneself is never right! Their reasoning is that there is nothing important enough to go to war over or ever shoot another person for in self-defense. All national and international disputes should be settled by peaceful means rather than by force. They are opposed to all military ideals, preparedness, war, etc. Further, many believe it is never right to kill anyone for any reason, under any circumstance.  They would not believe in capital punishment for that reason.

Among those who label them-selves as Christian pacifists are the Quakers, Amish, and Mennonites. 

In general they believe Christ’s teachings, such as that in Matthew 5:38-48 (turn the other cheek and go the extra mile), forbids believers from becoming involved in any form of violence, killing or warfare, even for the protection of their lives, the protection of their loved ones, their own property, and their country. But the true focus of this passage is how to handle persecution; it is not referring to self-defense when your life is in danger.

Perhaps the most common verse gun control advocates use to support their position is Exodus 20:13. The verse says, “Thou shalt not kill.” They mistakenly believe the 5^th Commandment is a blanket command covering war, capital punishment, personal protection, etc. This is a clear misunderstanding of the word kill and the commandment.

The Hebrew word translated “kill” in Exodus 20:13, ratsach, is translated “murder” 14 times (Numbers 35:16, 17,18,19,21,30,31; 1 Kings 6:32; Job 24:14; Psalm 94:6; Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 7:9; Hosea 6:9) and “slayer” 17 times (Numbers 35:11,25,26, 27,28; Deuteronony 4:42; 19:3,4,6; Joshua 20:3,5,6; 21:13,21, 27,32,38). Bible Commentator Adam Clark says in his commentary, “this commandment, which is general, prohibits murder of every kind.”

Dr. John Gill further explains in his commentary, “killing of men in lawful war, or in defense of a man’s self, when his own life is in danger, or the execution of malefactors by the hands or order of the civil magistrate (capital punishment), and killing a man at unawares (by accident), without any design, are not to be reckoned breaches of this law.”

The 5^th Commandment has in view the taking away of the life of another through private malice and revenge; cold blooded murder.

There are at least four circumstances in the Bible when killing is not murder.

üMilitary service and Law enforcement – Governments are charged with three responsibilities to their citizens: First, Protecting Her Citizens; Second, Punishing Evil; and Third, Promoting Order (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:2).

Martin Luther said, “War for the sake of war is sin, but war for the sake of defense is duty. The power of temporal rulers is to be turned only against the wicked, to hold them in check and keep them at peace, and to protect and save the righteous.”

It is not murder to kill a person in the line of duty in law enforcement or in the military. This is clearly stated in Romans 13:4 “For he [military or law enforcement] is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

üCapital punishment – It is not murder to put criminals to death for heinous crimes. The Bible plainly says that the man who takes a life is to forfeit his own life (Genesis 9:6). The Law of Moses called for capital punishment in the case of murder (Leviticus 24:17; Deuteronomy 19:11-13), adultery (Le. 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:21,22), rape (Deuteronomy 22:25-27), incest (Leviticus 20:17), and other things as well. The avenger of death in Old Testament times was a relative or friend who put the murderer to death (Deuteronomy 19:11-13). God allowed for this, and made provision for cities of refuge for those who had killed someone accidentally. However that has changed today. In this dispensation, God has given only civil government the authority to put offenders to death. In Romans 13 we see that God has given nations the authority to “bear the sword” against evil. This obviously refers to capital punishment.  

üAccidental Death – As tragic as it is, it is not murder to kill someone accidentally (Numbers 35:20-23). It is a horrible thing to kill someone accidentally. My mother had twin friends. Their names were Sonny and Bunny. When Sonny was about 10, he got a rifle from where it was kept. He was fiddling with it; perhaps playing with it, it fired and killed his twin sister Bunny. That nightmare lived in Sonny’s mind the rest of his life.

NOTE: Parents, with this new concealed carry law, you have a huge responsibility on your shoulders if you are going to have guns around! You have an educational responsibility and a safety responsibility so that children do not injure or kill someone with a loaded gun you have left around. 

üSelf-Defense – It is not murder to defend oneself or your loved ones and property (Exodus 22:2-3). If someone broke into the home at night and the intruder was killed, the one who killed him was NOT guilty of murder. If it is in the daytime and the intruder is there to steal and not to molest or kill, you are not to kill him. But, if possible, capture him so he can make restitution.

I also believe Proverbs 24:11-12 calls us to intervene if someone is taken by a lawless thief, robber, murderer, etc. we are called to do all we can to intervene and stop it. We read,  “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; 12 If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

Then there is Deuteronomy 22:23-27 which deals with rape. Verse 27 has in view a woman who is raped and she calls for help and the verse says “and there was none to save her.” Clearly the implication is that if someone would have heard, there would have been a moral duty to intervene and protect her from being raped, by whatever means was available. To stand by and do nothing would be immoral.

In fact, God wanted his people armed to protect themselves! God did not plan for just the army to be armed! The Israelites were expected to have their own personal weapons. Every man would be summoned to arms when the nation confronted an enemy. They did not send in the Marines. The people defended themselves. (see 1 Samuel 25:13).

A good example of people protecting themselves is found in Nehemiah 4:17-18 — “They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. 18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.”

Judges 5:8 reminds us of what happens to a foolish nation that chooses to disarm! “They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?” They were vulnerable to their enemies. They had no weapons to protect themselves.

That brings me to the New Testament. Did you know that our Lord instructed his disciples to buy a weapon? Look at Luke 22:36 “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Our Lord wanted his followers to be prepared to protect themselves, because he knew he would not be around much longer to do it. It is obvious that they obeyed him. We see this in Matthew 26:50-54 “And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?”

What was Jesus saying? Jesus told Peter he would be committing suicide to choose a fight in this situation – as well as undermining God’s plan to allow Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and raise from the dead.  Jesus told Peter to put his sword in its place – at his side. He did not say throw it away. After all, He had just ordered the disciples to arm themselves. The reason for the arms was obviously to protect the lives of the disciples, not the life of the Son of God. What Jesus was saying was: “Peter, this is not the right time for a fight. If you use your sword for improper purposes you will die!”

Having studied the Bible, my conclusion is that it is Biblical to own and use a weapon for self-defense purposes. However, I would warn you against using your weapon improperly!  It is a huge responsibility to own a gun and an even bigger one if you choose to carry one and use it.

Introduction

For nearly 2000 years the Bible has remained the most controversial and contested book of all times. While we, in our modern world, take for granted the abundance of Bibles and Bible translations, there was a time when men or women who dared to handle, possess, yes, even read, this sacred Book that, if they were found out, it would cost them there very life.

Since the crucifixion of Christ, for whom the Gospel record was set forth, it can be said that the Bible has become the most blood stained book in all of history.

Men have fought for it; been burned at the stake for it. Believers have been (and continue to be) imprisoned, beaten, buried alive and killed, just for reading it. Others have had their bones disinterred, and for faith in the Word of God and propagating it have been accursed to damnation and eternal fire by the Roman Catholic Church.

Bible believing Christians have suffered all this and more for daring to share the powerful words of the Holy Scriptures to a lost and dying world.

Through the centuries there have always been those who, for the love of the lost, desired to share the life changing Gospel Message and yet there are others who are determined to destroy that message. Yet, for those who believe, the Light of God’s Word shines through, even in the darkest of times. (This is an adaptation of the introduction by Chris Pinto in the documentary A Lamp In The Dark: The Untold Story of the Bible by www.adullamfilms.com)

This is the story of our English Bible.

John Wycliffe – (about 1320 to December 31, 1384)

The Acts of the Apostles records the birth and spread of the Christian faith in the first century. At a very early period, likely before the end of the first, or the beginning of the second century, the books of the New Testament had been collected into one volume. The New Testament was then repeatedly hand copied and carried by Christians wherever they went. In fact, for the first five or six centuries the Bible, and particularly the New Testament, was translated into various languages. But, the Church of Rome increasingly usurped the autonomy of the local churches and dominated the realm of Christendom. With the growth and consolidation of popish power, the Bible, in the language of the people, declined in importance while the opinions and judgments of the prelates and priests of Rome became “the law.”

The Bible went from being available in numerous different languages to just one language, Latin. Why? It was because “the aim of the Romish prelacy was no less, than the entire monopoly of all ecclesiastical and secular rule” (The English Bible – History of the Translation of the Holy Scriptures Into the English Tongue by H. C. Conant; 1856;  p.15). The Roman Church intended to rule the secular and sacred world. In order to accomplish that goal, Rome had to consolidate her power. Since knowledge is the vital element of power, the control of knowledge was paramount. Knowledge of the Word of God, leads to freedom. Our Lord said, “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32. Therefore, the Bible had to be taken away from the people, if they were to be controlled. So, “instead of God’s Word, man’s word was set up. Instead of Christ’s Testament, the pope’s testament, that is, Canon law” was substituted (The Ecclesiastical History: Containing The Acts and Monuments…1641 Edition; by John Foxe, Volume 2, Book 7, p.56). Gradually, access to biblical knowledge (and secular knowledge for that matter) was withdrawn from the people and wholly held in the greedy, bloody hands of the Roman Catholic establishment. Slowly but surely the Bible, in the language of the people, was taken away. The light of the Word of God was virtually extinguished all over the Roman dominated world, including Britain. Here is but one example of the distressing state of biblical knowledge. “In 1353, three or four young Irish priests came over to England to study divinity; but were obligated to return home because not a copy of the Bible was to be found at Oxford.” (The English Bible: History of the Translation of the Holy Scriptures Into The English Tongue; by H. C. Conant; 1856; p.45). So, how did the Catholic ecclesiastical establishment view this sad state of affairs? “It has frequently been made the subject of praise to the papal clergy, that they alone were the depositaries of learning, at a period when all other classes of society were sunk into ignorance and barbarism.” (Ibid. p.15)

That is a travesty! If the Roman priesthood would have encouraged and facilitated the spreading of Bible and secular knowledge it would have been an age of light! But, instead they hid the light of knowledge within their cloisters, and history now records this period as “The Dark Ages.” When the Bible was taken away from the common people, “they lost the charter of their rights as men.” (Ibid. p.16).  As time went on the people became the mere tools and bond-slaves of the priesthood. They became “the rabble, the vulgar herd, the mob, to be used or abused without limits or mercy, for the benefit of their masters.” (Ibid. p.16).  

J. C. Ryle characterizes the state of English Christianity this way –

“The three centuries immediately preceding our English Reformation…were probably the darkest period in the history of English Christianity. It was a period when the Church of this land was thoroughly, entirely, and completely Roman Catholic – when the Bishop of Rome was the spiritual head of the Church – when Romanism reined supreme form the Isle of Wright to Berwick-on-Tweed, and from the Land’s End to the North Foreland, and ministers and people were all alike Papists. It is no exaggeration to say that for these three centuries before the Reformation, Christianity in England seems to have been buried under a mass of ignorance, superstition, priestcraft, and immorality. The likeness between the religion of this period and that of the apostolic age was so small, that if St. Paul had risen from the dead he would hardly have called it Christianity at all.” (Light From Old Times of Protestant Facts and Men; by J. C. Ryle; first published in 1890; p. 22)

It is into this sad state of affairs that God raised up a man named John Wycliffe, commonly called “the Morning Star of the Reformation.”

Wycliffe Manuscript New Testament – 1380

Wycliffe Manuscript Old and New Testament – 1382

John Purvy revised Wycliffe’s Bible – 1388

“To Wyclif we owe, more than to any one person who can be mentioned, our English language, our English Bible, and our reformed religion.” (Professor Montagu Burrows 1881 lecture series).

He is right. John de Wycliffe was born in the early 1330’s in a small English village called Wycliffe-on-Tees in Yorkshire, England. “Roman Catholicism was the religion of the day, and Wycliffe was steeped in its teachings.” (Zion’s Fire Magazine; March/April, 1991 – Special Edition; p.8). He was educated at Oxford’s colleges. He began at Balliol College in 1356 and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Merton College. He received his Doctor of Theology degree in 1372. His studies, typical of medieval scholars, were rooted soundly in Latin. In fact, he became a Latin scholar. He also served as Master (head teacher) of Balliol College and Warden (administrative head) of Canterbury Hall.

How were Wycliffe’s Catholic views changed so drastically that he has been called “The First Protestant” and “The Morning Star of the Reformation”? The answer is really very simple. He began to diligently study the Bible.

“Wycliffe first denounced the corrupt practices and then the corrupt doctrines of Romanism leading to those practices.” (History of the Church of God from the Creation to A.D. 1885 by Cushing Biggs Hassell; p.457). He began preaching, teaching and writing against the unbiblical doctrines and practices of Roman Catholicism when he was about 35 to 37 years old. Wycliffe exposed the errors of transubstantiation, sacramentalism, purgatory, indulgences, tradition being equal in authority with the Scriptures, the papacy, infant baptism, praying to the saints, and many other false teaching of Roman Catholicism. That is why he is called the “Morning Star” of the Reformation because he believed, taught, wrote and preached doctrines that were not advanced until 100 years later by the Reformers.

By 1371 he was recognized as the leading theologian and philosopher of the day, second to none in all of Europe. In point of fact, “the splendour of Wyclif’s talents, learning and character attracted hosts of students, said to be thirty thousand, who imbibed his opinions. They made him the hero and idol of the University. He was awarded the honorable title of ‘The Gospel Doctor.’ To the intense chagrin of the ecclesiastics, he was elected and installed its Professor of Divinity.” (Fighters & Martyrs for the Freedom of Faith by Luke S. Walmsley; 1912; p.28) In 1372 he began a series of lectures as a part of the divinity course at Oxford. It was not long before the lecture hall was filled to overflowing.

Many men came to Oxford to sit under his teaching and later followed him to the Lutterworth parish church. Others like Czech Reformer and martyr John Hus (martyred July 6, 1415) and Bohemian Reformer and martyr Jerome of Prague (martyred in 1416) were greatly influenced by Wycliffe’s writings. “Wycliffe became convinced that everyone had the right and duty to read the Scriptures in their own language – and that only the Word of God could break the bondage of Romanism which enslaved the people.” (Zion’s Fire Magazine; March/April, 1991 – Special Edition; p.8).

Here are some of the things Wycliffe said about the Bible –

•         The sacred Scripture [is] to be the property of the people, and one which no party should be allowed to wrest from them.”

•         The priests declare it to be heresy to speak of the Holy Scriptures in English, such a charge is a condemnation of the Holy Ghost, who first gave the Scriptures in tongues to the Apostles of Christ, to speak the word in all languages that were ordained of God under heaven.

•         “Those Heretics who pretend that the laity need not know God’s law but that the knowledge which priests have had imparted to them by word of mouth is sufficient, do not deserve to be listened to. For Holy Scriptures is the faith of the Church, and the more widely its true meaning becomes known the better it will be. Therefore since the laity should know the faith, it should be taught in whatever language is most easily comprehended…Christ and His apostles taught the people in the language best known to them.”

With the help of his personal secretary, John Purvey, and likely others, Wycliffe translated the New Testament from Latin into Middle English in 1380 and the first English manuscript New Testament appeared. Two years later (1382), again with the help of Nicholas of Herford and John Purvey the Old Testament was completed and the entire hand-scribed Bible was issued. The people loved the Wycliffe translation. For the first time the English people had an opportunity of reading the Bible in their own language. Up until this time, the Bible had been a closed book to them. “The arrival of a Bible in the English tongue was not embraced by all. The English Catholic Church’s opposition to a vernacular translation was predictable. The authority of the priests rested solely in the Church. The Church’s grasp on the laity depended on biblical ignorance. Therefore, they vehemently opposed Wycliffe’s translation. Any free use of the Bible in worship and thought signaled a deep threat to the Church’s authority.” (The New Testament in English – Translated by John Wycliffe – First Exact Facsimile with introduction by Donald L. Brake; p. xvii)

The English Catholic Church pressured the English Parliament to action. In 1381 A.D. “the English Parliament passed the first English statute against heresy, enjoining arrest, trial and imprisonment.” (History of the Church of God from the Creation to A.D. 1885; by Cushing Biggs Hassell; p. 459). Soon after this law was enacted Archbishop Courtney gathered 47 Bishops, monks and religious doctors to examine (try for heresy) Wycliffe’s teachings in May of 1382. They judged 10 of his teachings as heresy and 16 others were ruled erroneous and ruled that his writings were forbidden to be read in England. The King called for the imprisonment of all who believed the condemned doctrines and teachings of Wycliffe. When the ruling was made “a powerful earthquake shook the city. Huge stones fell out of castle walls and pinnacles toppled.” (Rome and the Bible; by David W. Cloud; Way of Life Literature; p. 57) David Fountain reports, “Wycliffe called it a judgment of God and afterwards described the gathering as the Earthquake Council.” (John Wycliffe: The Dawn of The Reformation; David Guy Fountain; Mayflower Christians Books; 1984; p. 39)

John Wycliffe was at odds with the Roman Catholic Church nearly all of his life, but in spite of that he was never excommunicated nor did he leave the Roman Catholic Church. In fact, he suffered his fatal stroke while conducting Mass at Lutterworth. He was carried out the door and taken to his parsonage and died at home in bed on New Year’s Eve 1384 A.D. He was buried in the Lutterworth church yard soon after. But that was not the end for John Wycliffe. The English Catholic Church wanted to stamp out the influence Wycliffe had even after his death. You can see the animosity by reading what Archbishop Arundel wrote to the Pope in 1411: “This pestilent and wretched John Wyclif, of cursed memory, that sone of the old serpant…endeavored by doctrine of Holy Church, devising – to fill up the measure of his malice – the expedient of a new translation of the Scriptures into the mother tongue”. (The Wycliffite Versions – The Cambridge History of the Bible; by Henry Hargreaves; Cambridge University Press – 1969)

Thirty years after Wycliffe’s death the Roman Church finally took official action at the Council of Constance in 1415. They burned Wycliffe’s disciple, John Hus, at the stake and condemned John Wycliffe on 260 different counts. They ordered that his bones be exhumed from the consecrated ground and burned. Thirteen years after the council, 44 years after Wycliffe’s death his bones were exhumed and burned along with all the Bibles and books they could find authored by him. His ashes were thrown into the river Swift.

The Church of Rome thought this would stamp out his influence and stand as a warning to any future would-be “heretics”. But, as noted historian Thomas Fuller put it – “They burnt his bones to ashes and cast them into the Swift. This brook (Swift) has conveyed his ashes into Avon, Avon into Severn, Severn into the narrow seas, they into the main ocean. And thus the ashes of Wycliffe are the emblem of his doctrine, which now is dispersed all the world over.” (Baptist History: From the Foundation of the Christian Church to the Present Time; by J. M. Cramp; Elliot Stock – London; 1871; p.98).

Wycliffe lit the fire that spread Reformation doctrine throughout Europe.

There were three major events which made it possible for the Dark Ages to be shattered by the light of the Bible to shine throughout the European Continent and then spread to England. First, Johan Gensfleisch zum Gutenberg invented moveable type to be used with the printing press.

The second event was the downfall of Constantinople to the Muslims in 1454. The result was that many Greek scholars had to flee to Europe with their precious manuscripts, including their Greek New Testament manuscripts. Many of them took positions in the great European universities and there was a renaissance of ancient learning, including the teaching of the Greek language. When combined with the invention of the moveable type printing press, this multiplied the availability of books.

The third and final event that facilitated releasing the vice grip grasp of the Roman Church on the world was Erasmus Desiderius Roterodamus’ collecting New Testament manuscripts and for the first time ever, publishing all 27 of the New Testament manuscripts in one book in 1516. In one column is the Greek New Testament text accompanied by Erasmus’ own new Latin translation, and then this was followed by Erasmus’ notes, giving his comments on the text. His translation of the Greek into Latin showed just how corrupt that Latin Vulgate really was. Between the years 1516 and 1535 Erasmus published five editions of the Greek New Testament.

It is from Erasmus’ 1522 Greek New Testament that William Tyndale produced the first printed Bible in English.

The Bibles of the Martyrs

William Tyndale – (1492 – Martyred October 6, 1536)

The Cologne Fragment – 1525

First Edition Tyndale New Testament – 1526

Second Revised & Corrected Tyndale New Testament Edition – 1534

Tyndale was born sometime in the 1490’s, probably 1492 or 93. The family sometimes went by the last name Hutchins as well. In 1512 he entered Oxford. By 1515 he had earned his M.A. He then transferred to Cambridge University for a time. It is at Cambridge that he likely picked up his Protestant convictions because the teachings of Luther were prevalent at Cambridge in the early 1520’s. It should be noted that Tyndale was a brilliant student. He had mastered seven languages — Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, French and English. It was said that he spoke each language so fluently that a person was unable to tell that it was not his mother tongue. In addition, he had a working knowledge of German which allowed him to translate and interpret the writings of Martin Luther. In 1521 he left Cambridge and served through 1523 as chaplain and tutor in the house of Sir John Walsh at Little Sodbury. Sir John was a man of importance and kept “open house for the abbots and doctors, who were glad for the entertainment and table discussions”. At one such occasion Tyndale said to a church official “I defy the Pope and all his laws; if God spares my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the Scriptures than thou doest”.

Soon after this encounter Tyndale felt compelled to leave Little Sodbury Manor. He went to London desiring to try to get ecclesiastical approval from the Bishop of London, Cuthbert Tunstall, to translate the Bible from Greek into English. It soon became evident that permission would not be forthcoming. But what Tyndale did get was backing from Humphrey Manmoth and other merchants to start his translation work. In 1524 Tyndale sailed for Germany, never to see England again. In Hamburg he worked on the New Testament which was ready to be printed the next year. He found a printer in Cologne. As the pages of Matthew and Mark (most likely) began to come off the press Tyndale was warned that a raid had been planned by Johann Dobneck (alias Cochlaeus). Dobneck was a lead opponent of the Reformation. Tyndale fled out the back door with the pages that had been printed, just as the authorities were coming in the front door. These partial New Testaments were smuggled into England and distributed. Only one 1525 Gospel portion is known to exist today.

Tyndale moved to Worms to continue his printing. It was a more reformed-minded city. In 1526 he printed 3,000 (some say 6,000) of these complete New Testaments. And yet, only two complete Bibles survived and one partial copy owned by St. Paul’s. The second complete copy was just discovered in November of 1996 in Stuttgart, Germany. One reason so few survived was because Bishop Tunstall made arrangements to buy all of them he could get his hands on. He paid top dollar. In 1526 he preached against the translation and had great numbers of them ceremoniously burned at St. Paul’s Cross in London.

Tyndale moved to Antwerp, Belgium around 1527 and published several books. In 1530 he published the Pentateuch. In 1531 he published Jonah in pamphlet form. Between 1530 and 1535 he translated Joshua to 2 Chronicles, but they were not published until after his death. Finally, in 1534 Tyndale published his revised edition and they were smuggled into England.

By 1535 orders had been given to hunt down Tyndale and stop him. Several Englishmen were about that task. It was the devious Henry Phillips who found Tyndale and set the trap. On about May 21, 1535 two soldiers seized Tyndale as he left the home of Thomas Poyntz, Tyndale’s friend. He was imprisoned in the dungeon of the Castle of Vilvoorde which was located six miles north of Brussels, Belgium.  There he was kept for 18 months until everything was set for his trial. A long list of charges had been drawn up against him. Here are just of few of the “heresies” he was charged with:

1. He maintained that faith alone justifies.

2. He maintained that to believe in the forgiveness of sins, and to embrace the mercy offered in the gospel, was enough for salvation.

3. He denied that there is any purgatory.

4. He affirmed that neither the Virgin nor the Saints pray for us in their own person.

5. He asserted that neither the Virgin nor the Saints should be invoked by us.

Tyndale was condemned as an heretic early in August, 1536. A few days later, with great pageantry and pomp he was cast out of the Church, defrocked from the priesthood and turned over to the state for punishment. For some strange reason he was returned to Vilvoorde Castle for another two months. Finally, early on the morning of October 6, 1536 Tyndale was led to the stake. His feet were bound tightly to the stake. He was chained at the waist. A noose of hemp was threaded through the stake and placed around Tyndale’s neck. The crowd grew silent. Then, with a loud voice Tyndale prayed, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” The executioner then snapped down on the noose and strangled him and then he was burned to ashes.

It should be noted that God did answer Tyndale’s prayer for within a year afterwards; a Bible was placed in every parish church by the King’s command.

Myles Coverdale (1488-1569)

1535 – Coverdale Bible: The First Complete

Printed English Bible

1537 – Coverdale Revised Edition

Myles Coverdale was born in 1488 probably in “the district of Coverdale in Richmondshire, from which district it is probable that his family took their name”. He received his education in the Priory of the Augustines at Cambridge, of which the celebrated Dr. Barnes was the head.

John Bale (1548) said of Coverdale: “Under the mastership of Robert Barnes he drank in good learning with a burning thirst. He was a young man of a friendly and upright nature and a very gentle spirit. He was one of the first to make a pure profession of Christ…[and] he gave himself wholly to the propagating of the truth of Jesus Christ’s gospel…”

On three occasions Coverdale had to flee from England because of his Reformation views. On the first occasion when he left England during the latter part of the reign of Henry VIII he became acquainted with Tyndale and assisted him in his translation work. During that absence he began working on his own translation of the Bible. Like Wycliffe’s, Coverdale’s version was a translation of a translation. He “translated from St. Jerome’s fourth-century Latin version, known as the Vulgate.” He also used Luther’s German Bible and took much of his English phraseology from Wycliffe and Tyndale.

Coverdale was not so much a translator as a careful editor and compiler. He knew how to select, modify and use the materials which were at hand, so as to produce a Bible which would satisfy the people and the Ecclesiastics. Hence, while William Tyndale was in the Belgian prison, a year before his execution, a Bible containing both Old and New Testaments was printed either in Zurich or at Antwerp, bearing the date October 4, 1535, suddenly appeared in England. It was the Coverdale Bible. It contained notes, but little, if any, contentious matter. In the introduction Coverdale declared that he “had not changed so much as one word for the benefit of any sect, but had with a clear conscience purely and faithfully translated out of the foregoing interpreters, having only before his eyes the manifest truth of Scripture.” Two things are to be noted about this Bible. It was the first edition of the entire Bible that was printed in English. Secondly, Coverdale’s English translation was in one column and the Erasmus Latin translation was in the other.

The 2^nd Edition (1537) was published “with the King’s most gracious license” and therefore was actually the answer to William Tyndale’s last prayer, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes” that had been uttered a year earlier.

Coverdale did not have the learning and the resourcefulness of Tyndale and he knew it; however, he saw the opportunity and the need and put forth his best effort. He was a noble man. Though he was not martyred, three times he had to flee for his life. Three times they confiscated everything he owned. Three times he gave up everything he had for the Bible and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. He died in February of 1569 and was buried in St. Bartholomew’s Church.

John Rogers (Born in 1500 — Martyred February 4, 1555)

1537 – First Edition of Matthews Bible

1549 – A Reprint and a Revision

1551 – Four Editions Were Printed

John Rogers was born about 1500 and martyred in 1555. He received his B.A. degree at Cambridge in 1525. From there he entered the priesthood and went to Christ Church, then called Cardinal College in Oxford, England.  About 1534 he became chaplain to the Merchant Adventurers at Antwerp. There he met William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale. These two men witnessed to him and as a result he came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. John Foxe writes of his conversion – “In conferring with them the Scriptures, he came to great knowledge in the Gospel of God, insomuch that he cast off the heavy yoke of popery, perceiving it to be impure and filthy idolatry….”

John Rogers is the preacher responsible for the so-called Matthews Bible. Before Tyndale was martyred, he appointed Rogers as his literary executor and left him his unfinished manuscripts covering Joshua to 2 Chronicles.

Rogers desired a version which would contain all the work his friend Tyndale translated from the original languages because he knew that Coverdale was not familiar with the original languages of the Bible. Therefore the Matthews Bible was a composite of Tyndale’s translation from Genesis to 2 Chronicles, Coverdale’s from Ezra to Malachi and Tyndale’s New Testament. The Bible would be more accurately called the Tyndale-Coverdale Bible, yet Rogers knew that he dare not identify this Bible with Tyndale or it would be rejected. Yet he did not want to identify it with himself because he was merely the editor and had not done the translation work. For that reason the pseudonym Thomas Matthew was used.

1537 Matthews Bible with the huge initials WT

 

It was probably printed in Antwerp and sent to England to be completed by Grafton and Whitechurch, London printers. Grafton passed it to Cranmer who passed it to Cromwell, who gave it to the King and within ten days the King authorized the sale and reading of the Matthews Bible within his realm. That is remarkable when you realize that the King despised Tyndale and just eleven years before, Tyndale’s New Testament was publicly burned! Yet the Matthews Bible, which he licensed for sale and reading, was clearly two-thirds Tyndale’s work.

It should be noted that this Bible edition includes introductions, summaries of chapters as well as some very controversial marginal notes. Perhaps the most controversial was the note associated with I Peter 3:7. The note reads –

“He dwelleth with his wyth according to knowledge, that taketh her as a necessarye healper, and not as a bonde seruaunte or bonde slaue. And yf she be not obedient and healpfull vnto hym endeueureth to beate the feare of God into her heade, that therby she maye be compelled to learne her dutie, and to do it.”

John Rogers was a strong, uncompromising Bible preacher. Historian John Foxe says when “Bloody” Mary came to power “she banished the true religion, and restored the superstitions of idolatry of the Church of Rome, with all the horrid cruelties of blood-thirsty Antichrist”. John Rogers refused to compromise the Gospel and in fact preached it as strongly as ever at Saint Paul’s Cross outside the cathedral church of St. Paul’s in London. For that he was arrested and put in prison and on February 4, 1555 he was burned at Smithfield.

The Great Bible

1539 – First Edition Great Bible

1540 – Cranmer Edition was appointed

to be read in the churches

1569 – Marks the last of over 30 editions

of The Great Bible

This Bible is also known as Cranmer’s, Cromwell’s, Whitechurch’s or the Chained Bible. It is called the “Great Bible because it was the largest of all the English Bibles printed to that time.

Two English Bibles, Coverdale’s and Matthews’, are now being sold with the authorization of the King. There had been no further decree, however Coverdale’s Bible was inaccurate in places and was not translated from the originals, and Matthew’s Bible, the joint Tyndale-Coverdale Bible might cause trouble for its promoters, if the shrewd Bishop Gardiner and his friends should succeed in unmasking John Rogers and the Matthew Bible. Cromwell saw these deficiencies and dangers and he again appealed to Coverdale to prepare another Bible. It must contain no notes.

The collator and translator of the Great Bible was Myles Coverdale. The Bible is based upon the Matthew’s Bible and revised to bring it into conformity with the Hebrew and Latin text of the Complutensian Polyglot.

England was not yet equipped for such beautiful and extensive work as was desired and permission from the French King (Francis) was secured for the printing to be done in Paris, by the famous printer Regnault. Coverdale and Grafton went over to supervise the work. However, the inquisition was on and it was feared that the work might be stopped. Bishop Bonner was Ambassador at Paris and as such, might travel without having his baggage inspected and thus the finished sheets of the printing went to Cromwell via Bonner. Shortly after an order for confiscation came from the Inquisitor-General, and the printer was arrested. There was a delay in the execution and “four great dry vats” of printed matter were sold as waste paper instead of being burned. Cromwell, by shrewd management, bought from Regnault the type, presses and other outfit, and transferred them, along with the printer, to England. The First Edition of this wonderful specimen of the art of printing was ready for distribution in 1539.

How The Chapter and Verse Divisions Came To Be In Our English Bible

The chapter divisions that we use in our Bibles follow the scheme developed by Stephen Langton who was the Archbishop of Canterbury between 1207 and 1228 AD. As for the verse division, we owe them to Robert Stephanus (Latin name) also known as Robert Estienne (French). He was a Paris printer who printed the Erasmus Greek New Testament (Latin as well). He printed four Greek editions in 1546, 1549, 1550, and 1551. His printing of these Greek New Testaments aroused the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church to such an extent that he was forced to leave Paris and flee to Lyons. He put his family in the carriage, but he rode on horseback. To occupy his time he took out one of the small 1549 Greek New Testaments he printed and marked the place the verse divisions were to be made and numbered them accordingly.

The verse divisions that we use today are because of the efforts of Stephanus. They first appeared in his Greek-Latin New Testament of 1551 and then a whole Latin Bible in 1555, before they appeared in the 1557 Geneva New Testament and the 1560 Geneva Bible.

The Geneva Bible

1557 – The New Testament

1560 – The Whole Bible

From 1560 to 1644 there were at least 160 Editions

Mary I, the daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, took the throne in England in 1553 and set the stage for the creation of the Geneva Bible. Sixteen years earlier her father, Henry VIII, had released the first Bible in English following his separation from the Catholic Church at Rome. However, once Mary was in power, she immediately began forcing all of England back under the authority of the Roman Church and suppressing the circulation of the Bible in the common (English) tongue. Specifically, Mary I issued proclamations in August 1553 forbidding public reading of the Bible and in June 1555 prohibiting the works of reformers Tyndale, Rogers, Coverdale, Cranmer, and others. In 1558 a proclamation was issued requiring the delivery of the reformers writings under penalty of death. A vicious persecution was instituted against anyone who supported the reformers views or attempted to circulate the scripture in English. Overall, nearly three hundred people were burned at the stake under “Bloody” Mary’s reign, and many more were imprisoned, tortured, or otherwise punished. Reformer John Rogers, who produced the Matthews Bible, was the first to be burned. Others who followed the same fate included Bishop Thomas Cranmer, who was involved with the second and subsequent editions of the Great Bible, Nicolas Ridley, Hugh Latimer, and John Hooper, who was often referred to as the “Father of Puritanism.”

It is estimated that during Bloody Mary’s reign as many as eight hundred reformers fled England to seek shelter on the Continent. Some settled in Strasburg, some in Zurich, and some in Frankfort. Many settled in Geneva, the “Holy City of the Alps,” where Protestantism was supreme. The city was under the control of the famed scholar, John Calvin, with the assistance of Theodore Beza. By 1556 a sizeable English-speaking congregation had formed in Geneva with Scottish reformer John Knox serving as pastor. William Whittingham, a tremendous scholar who according to tradition married a sister of Calvin’s wife, succeeded Knox as pastor in 1557.

No new English Bible translations had emerged since the first Great Bible of 1539, and William Whittingham undertook the work of improving the English versions of the New Testament. First published in Geneva by Conrad Badius in 1557, Whittingham produced a revision of William Tyndale’s New Testament “with most profitable annotations of all hard places.” This small, thick octavo edition included an epistle by Calvin himself, which helped to introduce Protestant views to the English people. In this epistle Calvin declared, “Christ is the End of the Law.”

Immediately after the release of Whittingham’s 1557 New Testament, the English exiles entered upon a revision of the whole Bible. Assisted by Beza and possibly Calvin himself, several English exiles were involved in the translating, but it is impossible to say how many. Myles Coverdale, who produced the Coverdale and Great Bibles, resided in Geneva for a time and may have assisted, and a similar claim may be advanced in favor of John Knox. The famed sixteenth-century English historian, John Foxe, was also in refuge in Switzerland during this time. Yet the chief credit belongs to William Whittingham, who was probably assisted by Thomas Sampson, Anthony Gilby, and possibly William Cole, William Kethe, John Baron, John Pullain, and John Bodley.

The Old Testament from Genesis through 2 Chronicles and the New Testament were merely revisions of Tyndale’s previous monumental efforts. The works of Coverdale, Rogers, and Cranmer were also consulted, and the English exiles completed a careful collation of Hebrew and Greek originals. They compared Latin versions, especially Bezas, and the standard French and German versions as well.

While Coverdale’s, Matthews, and the Great Bible were merely revisions of Tyndale’s translations from the original Hebrew and Greek, the Geneva Bible charted new ground. The scholarly English refugees in Geneva completed the translation of the remainder of the Old Testament directly from Hebrew into English for the first time. Tyndale had only translated the Hebrew (Masoretic) text up to 2 Chronicles before he was imprisoned in 1535, and it was not until this handful of scholars assembled in refuge in Geneva that there was sufficient familiarity with Hebrew among reformers to complete the translation of the Old Testament directly from Hebrew. Thus, the English scholars who escaped persecution in their native land and resided in Geneva produced the first English Bible ever completely translated from the original languages.

The work took over two years, and in 1560 the world witnessed a new Bible in English, which is now known as the “Geneva Bible.” In a simple prefatory note, the Geneva Bible was dedicated to “Bloody” Mary’s successor, Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Bolyen.

The Geneva Bible is a Bible of First’s –

•         It was the 1st and only Bible published during the reign of Mary I (Bloody Mary).

•         It was the 1st English Bible to be completely translated from the Biblical languages.

•         It was the 1st Study Bible.

•         It was the 1st Bible to use the easier to read Roman type style instead of the Black Letter style.

•         It was the 1st English Bible to have verse divisions.

•         It was the 1st English Bible to use italicized words where English required more than a literal Greek or Hebrew rendering.

The Geneva Bible was used by many well known people. It was…

•         The Bible of Bunyan

•         The Bible of Shakespeare

•         The Bible of Jamestown & Pocahontas

•         The Bible of the Pilgrims

It is called the “Breeches Bible” because of Genesis 3:7 where they chose the name “breeches” for the covering of Adam and Eve.

The Bishops Bible

1568 First Edition

1572 Revised Edition

The widespread popularity of the Geneva Bible was undermining the authority of the Great Bible, and also the power of the Bishops. Puritanism influenced by the reformers on the European Continent was springing up; non-conformity was in the air. Archbishop Parker and the Bishops felt that something should be done in Bible translations. In 1564 a revision committee containing eight or nine bishops was formed.

The plan was to follow the Great Bible, except where it varied from the Hebrew and Greek and to attend to the Latin versions of Munster (often inaccurate) and Pagmnus, as well as to avoid bitter notes. There were also numerous tables, calendars, maps and other helps.

The Bishop’s Bible was not popular. Queen Elizabeth took no public notice of it, nor did she ever give it her formal sanction and authority. The translation was stiff, formal and difficult. It was unpopular with the people and could not displace the Geneva Bible. The whole work is described as “the most unsatisfactory and useless of all the old translations”. For forty years it was held in ecclesiastical esteem and twenty editions were issued, the last being in 1606.

 1611 — THE KING JAMES BIBLE (Also known as the Authorized Version)

Published Continuously for 400 years

According to Vanderbilt University Press, the King James Bible is the best selling book of all times (Translating for King James by Allen Ward; Vanderbilt Press, 1969; back cover – by way of Majestic Legacy compiled by Dr. Phil Stringer; published by The Bible Nation Society, 2011; p. 7). “More than five billion copies of the King James Bible have been sold over the last 399 years.” (Majestic Legacy compiled by Dr. Phil Stringer; published by The Bible Nation Society, 2011; p. 7)

“The King James Version is the crown jewel of English literature.” (A Visual History of the English Bible; Donald L. Brake; Baker Books 2008; p. 224) “The King James Bible is the most frequently quoted document in existence.” (History Channel Magazine – An advertisement by Thomas Nelson Publishers for KJV400 Celebration).  In fact, the King James Bible is “the most influential book in the history of English civilization.” (Compton’s Encyclopedia; 1995 Edition, by way of Phil Stringer’s book).

How The King James Bible Came To Be

James Stuart (1566-1625) was born to Mary Queen of Scots (Mary I or Mary Stuart) and her second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley at Edinburgh Castle. He was baptized Catholic because of his mother’s faith. It was a turbulent time in Scotland, the Presbyterians prevailing over Catholics for religious domination. He ascended the throne of Scotland in July 1567, at age 13 months, when his Roman Catholic mother Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587) was forced to abdicate. His mother Mary left the kingdom on May 16, 1568, and never saw her son again.

The reason Mary was forced to abdicate was James’s father, Henry Stuart, was murdered in mysterious circumstances shortly after James was born. He was assassinated and it was rumored that Mary had a part in the crime. There had developed a rift between Mary and Henry that became public knowledge. For help, Mary turned to a Scottish nobleman, a very powerful man, the Earl of Bothwell. He engaged the help of other Scottish noblemen to do whatever they could to help the queen in her dilemma. This led to a failed explosion plot and to the strangulation death of Henry Lord Darnley. A few months later, Mary and the Earl married. This incensed the populace who suspected Lord Bothwell’s participation in the murder of their King. Her outraged subjects turned against her.

In July of 1567, at the age of 13 months, James ascended to the throne as King James the VI of Scotland. Though baptized Catholic, he was brought up under the influence of reformed Scottish Protestants. His tutor was the historian and poet George Buchanan who was a positive influence on him. James proved to be a capable scholar.  

A succession of regents ruled Scotland until 1576, when James became nominal ruler, although he did not actually take control until 1581. He proved to be an astute ruler who effectively controlled the various religious and political factions in Scotland.

In 1586, James and Elizabeth I became allies under the Treaty of Berwick. When his mother, Mary Stuart, was executed by Elizabeth the following year, James did not protest too loudly because he hoped to be named as Elizabeth’s successor.

Some wonder why Mary was executed. Here is why. Mary fled to England when she abdicated, seeking the protection of her first cousin once removed, Queen Elizabeth I of England. She hoped to inherit her kingdom. Mary had previously claimed Elizabeth’s throne as her own and was considered the legitimate sovereign of England by many English Catholics, including participants in the Rising of the North in 1569, the unsuccessful attempt by the Catholic Nobles of Northern England to depose Elizabeth and make Mary Stuart Queen.  Perceiving her as a threat, Elizabeth had her arrested. After 19 years in custody in a number of castles and manor houses in England, the 44-year-old former queen was tried for treason on charges that she was involved in three plots to assassinate Elizabeth and found guilty. She was beheaded at Fortheringhay Castle in 1587. Interestingly enough, in 1612 James moved his mother‘s body to Westminster Abbey, constructing for her a magnificent tomb that rivaled that of Elizabeth.

In 1589, James married Anne of Denmark. They had eight children, of whom only three lived beyond infancy: Henry, Prince of Wales (1594-1612), Elizabeth Stuart (1596-1662), and Charles, who became king upon James’ death (1600-1649).

In March 1603, Elizabeth died and James VI of Scotland became King James I of England and Ireland in a remarkably smooth transition of power. After 1603 he only visited Scotland once, in 1617.

James was known as the most educated sovereign in Europe. While he had some good qualities, he was not very popular. Catholics hatched a plot to kill him and others on November 5, 1605, in the Gun Powder Plot. Guy Fawkes was caught in the act of attempting to carry out the deed.

The Division In The Church of England

When James came to the throne all was not well in the Church of England. There were three Protestant versions of the English Bible in circulation:

1)     The Great Bible of 1539 still was used in the Church of England in its Psalm readings.

2)    The Geneva Bible of 1560 was loved by the people because of the verse divisions and the commentary.

3)     The Bishops’ Bible of 1568 was the official Bible of the Church but the translation was stiff, formal and difficult. It has been described as “the most unsatisfactory and useless of all the old translations.”

Likewise, the Church of England was very divided. There were 3 factions. The Romanists wanted to return to the Roman Catholic Church. The Low Church or Puritan party wanted to “purify” the church of Catholicism and maintain an evangelical stance in the church. The Anglo-Catholics or High party was the ritualistic group who wanted an independent English church but keep many of the Roman Catholic rituals, doctrines and traditions. King James did not agree with any of these groups.

The Puritan party complained of certain grievances they had with church officials. James had been proclaimed King on the 24^th of March in 1603. It was not until the May 7^th that he entered London to take possession of the throne. “Between these two dates, and while he was the guest of the Cromwell’s of Hinchinbrook, near Huntingdon, he was approached by certain of the puritan clergy who presented him with what is known as the Millenary Petition.” It was claimed by the circulators of the petition that 1,000 Puritan ministers hand signed the petition.

The Puritans objected to the priest’s making the sign of the cross during Baptism; the use of the ring for marriage which had no biblical basis; the rite of confirmation; Ministers’ wearing of surplices (robes). They viewed them as too Catholic, unessential and extra-biblical, if not completely unbiblical. 

King James I wanted to bring unity within the Anglican Church, therefore he called a conference to be held at Hampton Court Palace on January 16^th, 1604, at which representatives of both parties were to have an opportunity of stating their views to His Majesty.

 

 

“The Hampton Court was built by Cardinal Woolsley in 1515 and it pictures the excesses of the age in which it was built. It took 2500 workmen to build its 1000 rooms.” (Comment by Dr. Ken Connolly in his video – The Story of The English Bible).  It took 500 servants or paid employees to keep it. “It happens to have 250 tons of lead pipe that brings special water into it because they would not use the water which came from the River Thames.” (Ibid.) Hampton Court aptly illustrates the decadence of the prelates of the church. Remember, the man that built it was the ecclesiastical head of the Church in England in his day.

I find it ironic that on Monday, January 6, 1604 James I called about 50 prelates (high ranking church officials) of the church together in an effort to try to straighten out some problems the two factions were having. On the second day of the proceedings, the Puritan President of Corpus Christi College in Oxford, Dr. John Rainolds “moved His Majesty that there might be a new translation of the Bible, because those which were allowed in the reign of Henry VIII, and Edward VI were corrupt and not answerable to the truth of the original.”

The King, sympathetic to the idea, exerted his royal influence to advance the project. King James said he “wished that some special pains should be taken in that behalf for one uniform translation (professing that he could never yet see a Bible well translated in English, but the worse of all his Majesty through the Geneva to be), and this to be done by the best learned in both Universities; after them to be reviewed by the bishops and the chief learned of the Church; from them to be presented to the Privy Council; and lastly, to be ratified by his royal authority…He gave this caveat (upon a word cast out by my Lord of London) that no marginal notes should be added, having found in them, which are annexed to the Geneva translation, some notes very partial, untrue, seditious, and savouring too much of dangerous and traitorous conceits.” (The Printed English Bible by Richard Lovett; pp.134-135)

The Translation

The next step was the actual selection of the men who were to do the translation work. In July of 1604, King James wrote to Bishop Bancroft that he had “appointed certain learned men, to the number of four and fifty, for the translating of the Bible.” These men were the best biblical scholars and linguists of their day. In the preface to their completed work it is further stated, “there were many chosen, that were greater in other men’s eyes than in their own, and that sought the truth rather than their own praise. Again, they came or were thought to come to the work, learned, not to learn.” Other men were sought out, according to James, “so that our said intended translation may have the help and furtherance of all our principal learned men within this our kingdom.”

Although fifty-four men were nominated, only forty-seven were known to have taken part in the work of translation. Historians indicate that a number of these changes were due to death. It should also be noted, as the 11^th Edition of Encyclopedia Britannica says, “It is observable also that they [the translators] were chosen without reference to party, at least as many of the Puritan clergy as of the opposite party being placed on the committees.” (Encyclopedia Britannica – 11^th Edition of 1911; Volume III; p.902)

Bishop Lancelot Andrews, who besides having an intimate knowledge of Chaldee, Hebrew, Greek, and Syriac, was familiar with 10 other languages, chaired the translating work. The translating team was divided into 6 divisions; two at Westminster, two at Cambridge, and two at Oxford.

The translation work did not get underway until 1607. When it did, ten at Westminster were assigned Genesis through 2 Kings; the second team of 7 had Romans through Jude.

At Cambridge, eight worked on 1 Chronicles through Ecclesiastes, while seven others handled the Apocrypha.

Oxford employed seven to translate Isaiah through Malachi; eight occupied themselves with the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation.

As each group completed their particular assigned part, it was then subjected to the other 5 sets of men so that each part of the Bible came from all the learned men. When they had completed their work, a final committee of six members at London carefully reviewed it.

These Fifteen general rules were advanced for the guidance of the translators:

·         The ordinary Bible read in the Church, commonly called the Bishops’ Bible, to be followed, and as little altered as the Truth of the original will permit.

·         The names of the Prophets, and the Holy Writers, with the other Names of the Text, to be retained, as nigh as may be, accordingly as they were vulgarly used.

·         The Old Ecclesiastical Words to be kept, viz. the Word Church not to be translated Congregation, etc.

·         When a Word hath divers Significations, that to be kept which hath been most commonly used by the most of the Ancient Fathers, being agreeable to the Propriety of the Place, and the Analogy of the Faith.

·         The Division of the Chapters to be altered, either not at all, or as little as may be, if Necessity so require.

·         No Marginal Notes at all to be affixed, but only for the explanation of the Hebrew or Greek Words, which cannot without some circumlocution, so briefly and fitly be expressed in the Text.

·         Such Quotations of Places to be marginally set down as shall serve for the fit Reference of one Scripture to another.

·         Every particular Man of each Company, to take the same Chapter or Chapters, and having translated or amended them severally by himself, where he thinketh good, all to meet together, confer what they have done, and agree for their Parts what shall stand.

·         As any one Company hath dispatched any one Book in this Manner they shall send it to the rest, to be considered of seriously and judiciously, for His Majesty is very careful in this Point.

·         If any Company, upon the Review of the Book so sent, doubt or differ upon any Place, to send them Word thereof; note the Place, and withal send the Reasons, to which if they consent not, the Difference to be compounded at the general Meeting, which is to be of the chief Persons of each Company, at the end of the Work.

·         When any Place of special Obscurity is doubted of, Letters to be directed by Authority, to send to any Learned Man in the Land, for his Judgment of such a Place.

·         Letters to be sent from every Bishop to the rest of his Clergy, admonishing them of this Translation in hand; and to move and charge as many skilful in the Tongues; and having taken pains in that kind, to send his particular Observations to the Company, either at Westminster, Cambridge, or Oxford.

·         The Directors in each Company, to be the Deans of Westminster, and Chester for that Place; and the King’s Professors in the Hebrew or Greek in either University.

·         These translations to be used when they agree better with the Text than the Bishops’ Bible: Tyndale’s, Matthew’s, Coverdale’s, Whitchurch’s, Geneva.

·         Besides the said Directors before mentioned, three or four of the most Ancient and Grave Divines, in either of the Universities, not employed in Translating, to be assigned by the vice-Chancellor, upon Conference with the rest of the Heads, to be Overseers of the Translations as well Hebrew as Greek, for the better observation of the 4th Rule above specified.

“The execution of the work occupied about three years, and both the length of time employed and the elaborate mode of pro­cedure adopted indicate the pains that were taken to make the translation worthy of its high design.  In 1611 the new version was given forth to the public.  There seem to have been two impressions of this first edition, probably due to the impossibility of one printing office being able to supply in the time allotted the number of copies required, about 20,000.” (A Brief Sketch of The History of the Transmission of the Bible Down to the Revised English Version of 1881-1885 by Henry Guppy; 1936).

Before I move on, I want to clarify Guppy’s statement; there seem to have been two impressions of this first edition. Here is what he is referring to. There is the so called “she” Bible and the “he” Bible. The “he” Bible is the rarer of the two. The way to distinguish between the two is by turning to Ruth 3:15 and if it reads — “Also he said, Bring the veil that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city,” it is a “she” Bible. If, on the other hand, the last part of the verse reads – “he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and he went into the city,” it is a “he” Bible. All of the King James Bibles of our time, with the exception of the 1611 Thomas Nelson reprint, are “she” Bibles. There are those who would point to this as an error on the part of the translators. I’m not so sure. Here’s why. There are Hebrew manuscripts that include the same variant. Therefore, the problem is with the Hebrew as it is confusing.

As I come to the end of this booklet on the King James Version of the Bible I want to note that in England particularly, it is commonly referred to as the “Authorized Version.” But strange it was never formally authorized. To date, no evidence has been produced “to show that the version was ever publicly sanctioned by Convocation, or by Parliament, or by the Privy Council, or by the King.  It was not even entered at Stationers’ Hall, with the result that it is now impossible to say at what period of the year 1611 the book was actually published. (Ibid.)

No other translation past or present has been so meticulously done and carefully reviewed. The superintending hand of God was apparent. As one author put it, “the result was an edition of the Word of God unrivaled for its simplicity, for its force, and for its vigor of language. It was, and is to this day, a compendium of literary excellencies, and much better, has proved itself to be a faithful and accurate translation of the very Word of God.”

We can readily discern from the instructions given to the translators that our King James Bible was “Newly translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.” It was, “Printed by His Majesty’s special command, and appointed to be read in the churches.” It is to this day the premier of all English translations, being a most scholarly, accurate, and faithfully executed witness of the very mind of God.

King James 1611 First Edition, First Printing

The Great “He” Bible

Links to Topics:

Introduction
Elements of Homeopathy from the Mystical and Occult Realm
Animism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Eastern Religion
The Doctrine of Vital Force
Homeopathy is a Stepping Stone to Other Occult Activities

Introduction

Would you go to see a witch-doctor to cure a physical ailment? There might be some reading this research report that would, but few Christians would seek help from someone that they knew practiced occult medicine, using demonic powers for healing. The problem is, there is a whole new breed of healers using occult means and occult powers for healing. They neither dress like nor look like the witch-doctors you see in the pages of National Geographic. They look like you and me. I’ll never forget the time when a Christian woman came into my office and began pouring out her heart. She was going through “deep water” as it were. I asked her some questions and to my surprise I discovered she had been seeing a psychic. She came to me because her problems had dramatically worsened since then… nightmares, evil thoughts, depression, self-destructive thoughts. I told her that she was involved with the occult and God forbids all occult practices. I read and explained Deuteronomy 18:9-14. She protested. She said that the psychic had read the Bible to her, prayed with her and assured her that her gift was from God. This is not true. Acts 16:15-18 makes it clear that psychic powers are the result of demon possession. Further, Acts 13:10 gives us the Biblical evaluation of those who practice the occult —

And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

I then urged the woman to confess her involvement with the psychic as sin, repent and renounce all advice and association with the psychic reader.

My point is simply this, many New Age/Occult healing practices are disguised. Sometimes those involved quote the Bible and pray with their patients. But underneath the facade you will find the occult operating. That’s what is happening with homeopathy. It is my sincere prayer that you will read this research report and see how the “Angel of Light” has cleverly disguised his lies. Because of this disguise, many Christians are buying into homeopathy. May you know the truth and may the truth make you free.

Homeopathy was developed by a German mystic physician named Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann who lived between 1755-1843. Although there are three different streams of homeopath since its development, homeopathy has changed very little.

1. The Traditional Homeopath — This stream of homeopathic practitioners follows the occult theories of the father of homeopathic medicine, Samuel Hahnemann.
2. The Parapsychologically oriented Homeopaths — Those who follow this homeopathic path try to update the traditional methods of the 1800’s and bring them into the 20th Century. One of their “scientific Methods” is the practice of almost infinitely diluting its “medications.”
3. The Demythologized Homeopath — Those who follow this stream mistakenly think homeopathic medicines may work through unknown scientific principles, but questions the possibility that these medicines can really be effective in dilut ion so high that not even one molecule of the original medicine remains.

But, regardless of which stream one follows, the practices are still the same. In fact, “To his supporters, Hahnemann is the single genius in the history of recorded medicine.”¹

This system bases treatment on Similia similibus curantur which basically boils down to what you might call, “like cures like.” That is that the same substance causing symptoms in a healthy person will cure those symptoms in a sick person. One of the big problems is that homeopathy claims to correct an imbalance or problem in the body’s “vital force” or life energy. These imbalances, they claim, will sooner or later cause disease. We will take a closer look at the issue of “vital force” later in this report.

But there are also other equally disturbing problems with homeopathy. Many of the basic elements that C. F. Samuel Hahnemann brought into homeopathy are from the mystical & occult realm. Let’s consider some of them.

Elements of Homeopathy from the Mystical and Occult Realm

• Freemasonry

To begin with, “We know that he was a member of a Lodge of Free Masons.”² In my research library I have many old Masonic publications. They are filled with mysticism and the occult. In his studies for advancement in the Masonic order, Hahnemann would have been exposed to many of these ideas. It becomes obvious that Freemasonry influenced him, for on the title page of his “Bible of Homeopathy” are two interesting words — Aude-Sapere. Where did that come from? What does it mean? The motto of Freemasonry is Aude Sapere which means, Dare To Be Wise. Hahnemann “borrowed” the Masonic motto and placed it on the title page of his “Organon”.

• Swedenborgianism

I am the Mid-West bureau chief for the INDEPENDENT TV/NEWS SERVICE of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and hold press credentials from a Wisconsin news organization. August 23, 1993 I covered the Parliament Of The World’s Religions, held at the Palmer-House Hilton in Chicago. It was a smorgasbord of Apostate “Christian,” New Age, Occult religions. Invocationary “prayers” were offered by many, including a Catholic, a Unitarian, a Witch who “prayed” to Isis and a Swedenborgian. The Swedenborgains were high profile at the PWR. They had a double-wide exhibit in the display area. A brief look at the material I collected from their display shows that they blend mysticism, the occult and Christianity together.

Perhaps you are wondering what this has to do with Hahnemann. Let me tie it together for you. Hahnemann was an ardent follower of Swedish mystic philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) and Swedenborg was his mentor. Since Hahnemann followed Swedenborg you need to know what the man’s key teaching was. The key tenet of Swedenborg’s doctrine was his method of arriving at truth. “As employed by Swedenborg himself, it consisted of a series of Revelations, by which immediate and indubitable [unqu estionable] intercourse [communication] with the spirit world was obtained.”³ To put it simply Swedenborg taught his followers how to enter a state of consciousness that would put them in touch with spirit entities. He would claim that they were good spirits though anyone knowledgeable in the Scriptures would identify them as demons. Actually what you have here is what the Bible forbids as necromancy (see Deuteronomy 18:9-12). One researcher hits the nail on the head when he says Swedenborg was a “powerful spiritist and medium.”⁴

How did this affect Hahnemann? “Hahnemann himself claimed to be ‘inspired’ in his homeopathic writings.”⁵ Now this is not an obscure fact among homeopathic practitioners. In the Swiss Homeopathic Journal, #4, 1960 the president of the International League of Homeopathy noted this fact to a group of homeopaths when he said,

It’s futile to reject this or that principle announciated in the ‘Organ’ [Organon]. There remains more than enough to recognize the unfathomable intuition and divinitory spirit of its author.⁶

Many homeopaths look at his book as a divinely mystical book. When a man claims divine revelation or inspiration as the source of his writings, that should immediately raise huge red flags in the minds of any Christian. It is only the Bible that is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

• Paracelsianism

Martin Gumpert wrote a book entitled, Hahnemann: The Adventerous Career of a Medical Rebel. In this book it reveals that Hahnemann studied and delighted in the teachings of a Swiss occultic medical philosopher named Paracelsus (1493-1541). Paracelsu s developed a medical philosophy that combined the esoteric occult teachings of the Cabala with the facts and fancies of science. His “medical” philosophy was occult oriented without a doubt. The teachings of Paracelsus stimulated Hahnemann’s thinking and he developed some of his doctrine based on the occult teachings of Paracelsus. Hahnemann was drawn like a magnet to occult ideas and the teachings of Franz Mesmer just added to the heap.

• Mesmerism

Franz Mesmer (1733-1815) was a Swiss-German physician that founded the doctrine of animal magnetism, often called mesmerism. What Mesmer uncovered was actually an occult art that had been used for centuries by Shamans (witch doctors) to bring people under their control. Mesmer learned the technique that allowed him to produce an abnormal condition resembling sleep in another person. During this state, the mind of the individual remained passive and was subject to the will of the operator. Mesmer used this hypnotic state to heal patients that were sick. In fact, in his Homeopathic Bible, the Organon, Hahnemann compared the similarities between the practice of homeopathy and mesmerism. Consider this quote from the 6th edition of the Organon —

I find it yet necessary to allude here to animal magnetism, as it is defined, or rather Mesmerism. […] It is a marvelous, priceless gift of God […] by means of which the strong will of a well intentioned person upon a sick one by contact and even without this and even at some distance, can bring the vital energy of the healthy mesmerizer endowed with this power into another person dynamically […] The above mentioned methods of practicing mesmerism depend upon an influx of more or less vital force into the patient […]”⁷

Oh, by the way, what Hahnemann has just described is modern psychic healing.

Animism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Eastern Religion

During my research I became increasingly aware that this man rejected the Bible and God’s “wisdom that is from above” and followed the earthly, sensual and devilish wisdom from beneath (James 3:15-17). Then I came across a quote that reveals his view of Christ! Hahnemann was offended by the life of Jesus Christ. He mocks Jesus Christ, calling Him “the arch-enthusiast” His biographers write —

He took offense at the arch-enthusiast Jesus of Nazareth, who did not lead the enlightened on the straight way to wisdom but who wanted to struggle with publicans and sinners on a difficult path toward the establishment of the kingdom of God. . . . The man of sorrows who took the darkness of the world on Himself was an offense to the lover of etheric [highly refined, heavenly] wisdom” [Hahnemann].⁸

How can a Christian follow the “inspired” teachings of a Christ rejecter like C. F. Samuel Hahnemann? In some cases is it because of ignorance. In other cases Satan has blinded their minds. Let’s move on.

According to Martin Gumpert, Samuel Hahnemann was influenced by animism.⁹ And he was also into other Eastern religions. One biography reveals “he is strongly attracted to the East. Confucius is his ideal.”¹⁰ This is well documented by a letter Hahne mann wrote.

“This is where you can read divine wisdom, without [e.g., Christian] miracle-myths and superstition. I regard it as an important sign of our times that Confucius is now available for us to read. Soon I will embrace him in the kingdom of blissful spirits, the benefactor of humanity, who has shown us the straight path to wisdom and to God, already 650 years before the arch-enthusiast….”¹¹

It is little wonder that Samuel Pfeifer says, “The reverence for Eastern thought was not just Hahnemann’s personal hobby, but rather the fundamental philosophy behind the preparation of homeopathic remedies.” ¹² In an excellent Christian book published in Northern Ireland, H.J. Bopp concludes after reading Hahnemann and other homeopathic writings that —

[…] the vocabulary is esoteric and the ideas are impregnated with oriental philosophies like Hinduism. The predominant strain of pantheism would place God everywhere, in each man, each animal, plant, flower, cell, even in homeopathic medicine.”¹³

The Doctrine of Vital Force

Even if we were to exclude all the above influences that play a part in homeopathy (which we can’t), there is yet one major, Major, major problem. That is the doctrine that underlies all homeopathic treatment. That is the doctrine of vital force. This was mentioned in a quote from Hahnemann on Mesmerism. But what does it actually mean?

“What Hahnemann taught was that mystical energies were at the base of both human nature and the medicines themselves, thus at the very base of creation itself. This is why many commentators, both sympathetic and critical, teach that Hahnemann was referring to new age spiritual or cosmic energy when talking of his vital force.”¹⁴

If you know your New Age & occult philosophy you will recognize that what is in focus here is pantheism, that is, the belief that divinity or life force is inseparable from and immanent in everything. Leading homeopath Herbert Robert put it this way, relating homeopathy’s vital force to a pantheistic deity in his Art of Cure by Homeopathy. He said the “vital force” of homeopathy was part of “the moving Energy, the activating Power of the universe,” as being “passed on in all forms and degrees of living creatures,” and as permeating the universe:

If therefore this force, this energy, actuates or permeates all forms and degrees of life from the most humble and inconspicuous to the very planets, we may reasonably assume that vital force is the most fundamental of all conditions of the universe, and that the laws governing the vital force in the individual are correlated with the laws which govern all vital force, all forms of energy, wherever or however expressed. […] This energy […] is responsible for all growth and all development in all spheres of existence.¹⁵

Daisie and Michael Radner see the connection between homeopathy and occult energy fields.

Like Chinese medicine, homeopathy posits [assumes as fact] an energy field or ‘vital force.’ Disease is a disorder of the body’s energy field, and the way to cure it is to manipulate that field. The energy field of the medicine stimulates that body’s own fluid to induce healing. As with Chinese medicine, it is maintained that the energy fields are similar to those of modern physics. Again the principle cited is the interchangeability of matter and energy.¹⁶

So how is one healed by homeopathy? “The healing power”, say the homeopaths, “is coming from cosmic power transferred to the remedy through the ritual of potentiation” (Organ 2:12). The “ritual of potentiation” is a reference to the diluting and shaking of the homeopathic medicines. That, according to homeopaths, enhances and increases the power of the medicine and that power is then transferred to the person. In fact, “some leading homeopaths have confessed that the energy they claim to manipulate in curing people is indistinguishable from that occult energy in general which has gone by a wide variety of names throughout history.”¹⁷

What is frightening is the fact that one homeopathic Doctor, “Vithoulkas”, openly reveals that the real purpose of homeopathy is “to help open the higher centers [of the brain] for spiritual and celestial influx.”¹⁸

What’s he talking about? Demonic invasion! Physician H. J. Bopp relates his own clinical experience: “The occult influence in homeopathy is transmitted to the individual, bringing him consciously or unconsciously under demonic influence. […] It is significant frequently to find nervous depression in families using homeopathic treatments.”¹⁹

Other homeopaths admit an occult connection. Homeopathic authority James Kent states that there are two worlds, the physical world and the invisible world. He says that the whole of homeopathy is bound up in the invisible world, which is indistinguishable from the spiritual world of the occult realm .²⁰

Perhaps Richard Grossinger, author of Planet Medicine: From Stone Age Shamanism to Post-Industrial Healing does the best of summing up the information I have just presented to you —

Homeopathy is neither the first nor the last attempt to develop a scientific Vitalist [occult] medicine. Alchemists, gnostics, animists, and other naturalist-magicians worked for millennia toward a cure based on the life force in the primal energy of nature. Goethe, Steiner, Jung, and Reich followed. […] It [homeopathy] persists [today] as a clinical occult discipline.²¹

He further states,

Psychic healing, homeopathy, acupuncture, orgone therapy, and various shamanisms and voodoo all suggest that there must be an energy outside of contemporary definition.”²²

Homeopathy is a Stepping Stone to Other Occult Activities

2 Corinthians 11:14-15

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Though many homeopaths attempt to “dress up” this mystical occult medicine in clothes of respectability, not all homeopaths play that game. Leading Swiss homeopath, Dr. Adolf Voegeli is one such person. When he was asked how he explained the working of the cosmic energy in homeopathy he responded, “You know, I believe in the power of the zodiac.” He does not keep this belief a secret either. In an article on the mechanisms of homeopathy published in the Zeitschrift fuer Klassiche Homoeopathie (Journal for Classical Homeopathy) the bibliography resembles a collection of occult, hinduistic, and anthroposophical literature.²³

Many homeopaths diagnose on the basis of astrological signs or otherwise employ astrology in their practice.²⁴ For example, one homeopath confesses,

In homeopathy we have to put more stress on individual differences, and that leads us to an interest in such things as astrology and acupuncture”²⁵

Others use divination to find a cure. Dr. Voegeli, a famous homeopathic doctor, has confirmed that a very high percentage of homeopaths work with the pendulum.²⁶ Dr. Pfeifer, M.D., also notes the use of pendulums by homeopaths because “it is easier to take a short cut with the radionic pendulum.”²⁷ For example, former Lutheran pastor, Bolte, got his “gift” of soothsaying by means of a radionic pendulum. Like many other homeopaths, he chooses the appropriate remedy for a patient by using the pendulum. In his booklet From Pendulum Research to Miraculous Healing he writes:

I would sit at the desk, take the pendulum out, let it circle over Schwabe’s list of homeopathic remedies and then order the remedy at their pharmacy in Leipzig.”²⁸

[Note that since homeopathic “medicines” are all diluted so far as to contain practically none of the original substance, it would logically follow that it should make no difference at all which one is prescribed. Bolte’s claim of success as a result of prescribing random remedies only serves to support the fact that they are all the same… ordinary water.]

Still others use even more hard core occult means. There are groups whose [homeopathic] research is carried out during seances, through mediums who seek information from spirits. The testimony of a person who worked in an important homeopathic laboratory of high standing in France is very interesting. She tells about the interview she had with the former director and founder of the establishment with a view to her recruitment. After a short introduction, this director asked her which astrological sign she was born under. He then wished to know whether she was a medium. As this was so, he confided to her the secret of the practices of the place. New treatments were researched there during seances, through the agency of persons having occult powers — mediums by which to question spirits.²⁹

The frosting on the occult cake comes from a former new age healer and psychic who says “it is a fact that many homeopathic practitioners try to make sure their remedies are working by putting a magic spell on them”.³⁰

In conclusion I issue this warning to all Christians. Homeopathic practices can and do open the door of your mind to demonic influences. Though the occult influence in homeopathy is often disguised, nonetheless it is there. Allow me to share a second time this quote from one Christian researcher — “The occult influence in homeopathy is transmitted to the individual, bringing him consciously or unconsciously under demonic influence […] It is significant frequently to find nervous depression in families using homeopathic treatments.”³¹ Ephesians 5:11 instructs us, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Footnotes

1. Richard Grossinger, Planet Medicine: From Stone Age Shamanism to Post-Industrial Healing, Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1980; p. 162-3
2. H. J. Bopp, Homeopathy, Down, North Ireland: Word of Life Publications, 1984; p. 3
3. Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary; 1913; p. 2437
4. Ankerberg & Weldon, Can You Trust Your Doctor; Wolgemut & Hyatt; p. 315
5. Ibid. p. 318
6. H. J. Bopp; p. 3
7. Samuel Hahnemann, Organon of Medicine, 6th edition, reprint, New Dehli, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1978; p. 309 & 311
8. Samuel Pfeifer, M.D., Healing at Any Price?, Milton Keynes, England: Word Limited, 1988
9. Martin Gumpert, Hahnemann: The Adventerous Career of a Medical Rebel, New York, NY: L.B. Fisher, 1945; p.20
10. Samuel Pfeifer; p.68
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.
13. Samuel Hahnemann, The Chronic Diseases, Their Particular Nature and Their Homeopathic Cure — Theoretical Part, Louis H. Tafel – Translator, New Dehli, India: Jain Publishing Company, 1976; p.7
14. Ankerberg & Weldon; p. 321
15. Herbert Robert, M.D., Art of Cure by Homeopathy: A Modern Textbook, reprint, New Dehli, India: B. Jain Publishers, 1976
16. Daisie Radner, Michael Radner, “Holistic Methodology and Pseudoscience”; p. 154
17. Ankerberg 7 Weldon; p. 324
18. Jane D. Gumprecht, Holistic Health: A Medical and Biblical Critique of New Age Deception, Moscow, ID: Random Press, 1986; p. 150
19. Bopp; p.10
20. James Tyler Kent, Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy, Richmond CA: North Atlantic Books, 1979; p. 75-76
21. Richard Grossinger; p. 162-163
22. Ibid.; p. 128-129
23. Pfeifer; p. 68-69
24. Bopp; p.5
25. Evelyn DeSmedt, et. al., Life Arts: A practical Guide To Total Being — New Age Medicine and Ancient Wisdom, New york, NY.; St. Martins Press, 1977; p. 142
26. Bopp; p.8
27. Pfeifer; p. 73
28. Ibid., p. 19-20
29. Bopp, p. 8
30. Pfeifer, p. 81
31. Bopp, p. 10
33. E-mail: FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com
    

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The following are supernaturalistic methods I became aware of after I finished my second book, “Alternative” Healthcare: A Comprehensive Guide (Prometheus Books, 1994). All have been promoted within the last five years. Often, it is difficult or impossible to determine where one method ends and another begins. The small-fry and mom-and-pop methods of the alternative-medicine marketplace vastly outnumber the showstoppers. To brush them off is a folly, for their collective effect is widespread and formidable.

Acu-point therapy

Mode of counseling psychology based partly on acupuncture theory and promoted by Mitchell J. Rabin, M.A.

Advanced energy healing

Alleged “journey” into “higher realms” of understanding whereby one supposedly connects with one’s “divine self.” Taught by Robert T. Jaffe, M.D., the method involves meditation and, for “physical healing,” the awareness release techniques.

Agartha personal life-balancing program (Agartha program)

Thirty-five-day audio-tape program for reducing stress and promoting “complete health.” Each of the seven “harmonic” tapes combines sounds purportedly “developed” to alter “energy currents” within specific chakras. The program’s creator, author Meredith Lady Young, allegedly has a “non-physical” teacher called “Mentor.” In The Agartha Program I Use Guide: A Personal Life Balancing Program (Stillpoint Publishing, 1986), Young states the premise of her program: ” [All physical matter is really a composite of light waves and sound frequencies.” The booklet claims: “The sound vibrations produced by the music gently massage the energy center or ‘chakra’ thereby reducing distress and improving the flow of life force through the body. The resulting benefit is to allow you to use your full potential, in every aspect of your life.”

Alpha calm therapy

Combination of guided imagery and Ericksonian hypnotherapy (a “non-directive” form of hypnotism).

Amplified energy therapy

Form of “energy healing” promoted by Richard Gordon. Its premise is that people can learn to maneuver their “life-force energy” toward following the body’s “innate intelligence.”

BioEssence therapy

System developed by Paul Pitchford. It includes BioEssence bodywork (based on Zen shiatsu), BioEssence “release work” (which involves stylized breathing), diet, herbalism, Qigong, tai chi, and traditional Chinese “diagnostic” methods.

Chakra and cellular memory healing

System promoted by author and “reiki master” Dr. Ojela Frank. It involves affirmations, “conscious breathing” (probably rebirthing), counseling, “emotional healing,” “energy self-assessment,” and guided imagery, and occasionally “regression work.” “Regression work” probably refers to past-life therapy (also called regression therapy), whose crux is past-life regression.

Connective tissue therapy (CTT)

“Spiritual” mode of bodywork developed by Paul and Nancy Marcus. It allegedly helps to free “stagnant energy.” (“Bodywork” is a generic term for manual or physical-exercise related “healing.”)

Contact reflex analysis (sm) (CRA)

Variant of applied kinesiology (AK) cofounded by chiropractor Dick A. Versendaal (of Holland, Michigan), who is its chief proponent. According to CRA theory, the surface of the human body has about 75 “reflex” points that serve as windows to numerous conditions. The practitioner pulls downward on the patient’s out-stretched arm while he keeps part of his hand on a “reflex” point. Versendaal claims that the back of the hand is electronegative, the palm is positive, and the fingers are neutral. Arm weakness supposedly indicates an incipient or full-blown health problem corresponding to the “reflex” point. Practitioners prescribe nutritional supplements for the alleged problems they thus “discover.” A massage therapist’s ad in the May/June 1994 issue of Newlife claimed that CRA can help most health problems, including cardiac problems and viral infections. AK is an elaborate system of pseudodiagnosis and treatment centering on “muscle testing.”

Detroit chiropractor George J. Goodheart, Jr., introduced applied kinesiology as a diagnostic method in 1964. He theorized that muscle groups share “energy pathways” with internal organs and that, therefore, every organ dysfunction is discoverable in a related muscle. Testing muscles for relative strength and tone supposedly taps the body’s “innate intelligence” and enables practitioners to detect specific dysfunctions.

Core zero balancing (zero balancing)

Variant of acupressure that posits “bone energy,” chakras, and an “energy body.” “Acupressure” refers to any treatment involving the surface stimulation of acupuncture points either with the hands alone or with hand-held tools. The word may also refer specifically to shiatsu (see “Whole health shiatsu,” below).

Creative concentration ™

Program involving “energy work” and meditation promoted by Miriam Belov, M.A.

Crystal therapeutics(sm)

System based on the books Crystal Therapeutics and Advanced Crystal Therapeutics, both by Ojela Frank (see “Chakra and cellular memory healing,” above). It involves “energy assessment,” crystal healing, energy balancing, guided imagery, and counseling. (The November December 1989 issue of Newlife carried an ad for a seven-level training program in crystal therapeutics. In the ad, the title “Rev.” preceded Frank’s name.)

Divine will healing

Method promoted by Ram Smith, a staff member at the Poconos retreat of the Ananda Church of Self Realization. It derives from the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952). Its main postulate is that people can transmit or project “divine healing light” by aligning their will with “divine will.”

Dr. Lynch’s holistic self-health program

Three-month path to “total well-being” developed by chiropractor James P.B. Lynch, author of the book of the same name. The cornerstone of the program and lifestyle is a teaching tool Lynch calls the “holistic triangle,” which consists of:

1. a mental/spiritual “base” of education, motivation, and self love;
2. a physical “side,” which focuses on exercise and physical treatment; and
3. a chemical “side,” which involves “detoxification” (“cleansing”) through diet.

Lynch postulates that everyone possesses “innate powers” that are usable for self-healing. A flyer I received in August 1994 from Lynch’s office included acupressure and “chiropractic adjustments” in a list titled “Physical,” and homeopathy and macrobiotics in a list titled “Chemical.” It states: “Love is the most powerful healing force!” Drawing inspiration from the Old Testament story of David v. Goliath, it depicts chiropractors, faith healers, the health food industry, naturopaths, and “nutritionalists” as loving, God-trusting wielders of truth.

Ecstasy breathing (r)

Process created by Valnn Dayne involving music and breath regenesis, a variant of rebirthing. Its alleged purpose is “reconnection” with a “Power of Life” that is greater than one’s self. Rebirthing is a mode of bodywork in which practitioners induce clients to hyperventilate and encourage them to reenact the birth process. It is the crux of primal therapy — the subject of the 1970 book The Primal Scream.

Etheric touch

Variant of contact healing (the laying on of hands) and chakra healing expounded by hypnotist Ted Andrews in The Healer’s Manual: A Beginner’s Guide to Vibrational Therapies (1993). Its basic premise is that, through the hands, humans can sense “energy imbalances and project “vibrations” (augmentable with “divine force”) that boost self-healing. The method does not entail physical contact.

Feng shui (pronounced “foong shway” or “fung schnay”)

Ancient Chinese art of situating or orienting material structures and towns. Its purported objective is to “rebalance” and unblock “stagnant” chi. This allegedly enables stability of health.

Going Home(tm)

Derivative of Hemi-Sync introduced in 1994 by The Monroe Institute, in Virginia. The institute’s introductory postcard stated that this 12-audiotape system offers “extraordinary opportunities” to people who want to overcome their fear of death. Hemi-Sync is an audiotape system that allegedly can control pain, increase strength, lower blood pressure, reduce appetite, weaken addictive behavior, hasten recovery from illness or surgery, enhance recovery of speech and motor skills after a stroke, and control the metabolism of food by either maximizing or minimizing “the caloric value retained.” A 1993 institute bulletin stated that Hemi-Sync 2000 — an “intensive”, residential form — involves “training in manipulation of subtle energy fields that directly effect [sic] the physical body.” (My advice: stay home.)

Heartwood massage

“Holistic” system promoted by the Heartwood Institute, Ltd., in Garberville, California. It involves Swedish massage, hypnotherapy, and polarity energy balancing. According to “polarity” theory, the top and right side of the body have a positive charge, and the feet and left side have a negative charge. Thus, practitioners place their right hand (+) on “negatively charged” parts of the client’s body, and their left hand (-) on “positively charged” parts.

Herbal crystallization analysis (HCA, herbal identification, herbal tracer test)

Pseudodiagnostic method developed by George Benner, a “Master Herbologist.” Apparently, Benner’s primary inspiration was a method of botanical identification developed by occultist Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. Steiner’s method involved crystallizing the sap of botanical specimens with a solution of copper sulfate. The result was a crystalline fingerprint of the herb. Benner similarly processed saliva. He decided that resultant salivary configurations correlated with the configurations of folkloric botanical prescriptions for the donors’ health problems. The number of specimens of a single herb that match a saliva specimen is allegedly a barometer of the donor’s need for that herb: the more matches, the greater the need.

Light energy implantations

One of Ojela Frank’s offerings (see “Chakra and cellular memory healing,’ above). It is an adjunct to chakra healing in which chakras are the objects of “implantations.”

Love-powered diet

“Revolutionary” system concocted by Victoria Moran and based on the Twelve Steps. Twelve-Step programs purportedly advance recovery from various addictions and compulsive behaviors. They oblige participants to foster a connection with God or an alleged transpersonal “spiritual energy” or superhuman “power.” Organizations that use the Twelve Steps include Alcoholics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, Fundamentalists Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and Sexaholics Anonymous. In The Love-Powered Diet: When Willpower Is Not Enough (1992), Moran uses the terms God, Goddess, Higher Power, Higher Self; Love, Nature, and Spirit interchangeably. The first principles of her system add up to: People with eating-related problems (e.g., bingeing) cannot resolve them on their own; with their permission, however, a “Higher Power” will “work some wonders” in their lives. Moran advises writing, praying, and talking casually to God and provides anthroposophical, Christian, Hindu, Native American, and Sikh prayers.

Magical aromatherapy

Vitalistic offshoot of aromatherapy (also called conventional or holistic aromatherapy) expounded by author Scott Cunningham. Generic aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants, flowers, or wood resins to affect mood or promote health. Treatments include sniffing, ingestion, and application to the skin (usually with massage). The following attributes distinguish magical aromatherapy.

1. Self-administration is preferable.
2. Its aims (e.g., love and money) need not relate to health.
3. Visualization of a needed change accompanies inhalation of a scent.
4. “Bio-electrical energy,” which Cunningham describes as “non-physical” and “natural,” merges with the scent and is programmable by visualization.

Neo-Reichian massage

System based on theories developed by Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957), the “discoverer” of orgone (a variant of the “vital force”). Practitioners purport to locate and dissolve “holding patterns” (“body armoring”). Reich postulated that obstructions to orgone cause neuroses and most physical disorders. Muscular contractions (“body armor”) in various parts of the body supposedly manifest such “blockages.”

N.I.A. technique

Form of exercise that allegedly ‘integrates body, mind, and spirit and “opens” the heart and mind. “N.I.A.” stands for “neural inter-muscular action.”

Nutrition Kinesiology (NK)

Alleged means of identifying:

1. health-impairing (e.g., allergenic) foods and other substances and
2. “corrective” nutrients.

NK involves “muscle testing a la applied kinesiology (sec “Contact reflex analysis,” above) and “acupoint tests.”

OMNI-FORCE

Modular home-study program developed by Dr. Gerard V. Sunner, a psychiatrist, hypnotist, and reputed world-renowned expert in “Eastern medicine.” The program involves self-hypnosis and acupressure. It supposedly enables followers to “recharge” their “energy,” “liberate” their alleged sixth sense and possibly their “seventh,” and direct “healing energy” to any part of the body. A mailing I received in July, 1994 from the program’s publisher, Pierre Pasteur, claims that, with consistent use of OMNI-FORCE, one will meet dangerous situations calmly and “do exactly what’s necessary to get out of the situation without any bad consequences.” It further claims that, through OMNI FORCE, one “will eat exactly the same quantity that [one’s] body needs, without wanting to eat more.”

One Brain(tm)

Variant of applied kinesiology (AK) whose premise is that the human body retains the dischargeable “energy” of “negative” experiences and beliefs. Proponents recommend One Brain for addictions, anxiety, compulsions, depression, dyslexia and other learning disabilities, low self-esteem, and phobias.

Planetary herbology (planetary herbalism)

Integrative system of medical herbalism forked by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D. (respectively, “certified acupuncturist,” “doctor of naturopathy,” and “doctor of oriental medicine”). Tierra dedicated Planetary Herbology (Lotus Press, 1988) to “all green, growing, flowering ones of this beautiful planet, who embody the universal creative healing energy.” Therein, he describes herbs partly in terms of “energetics” and the “acupuncture meridian pathways” which the herbs are supposed to affect. “Energetics” is based on the concepts of energies”; e.g., “heating,” “cooling,” “slightly warm,” and “neutral” — and “flavors” (“tastes”) e.g., bland (mildly sweet) and salty. These concepts stem from traditional Chinese medicine and ayurveda (specifically tridosha), respectively.

Polarity energy balancing massage

System based on the work of Randolph Stone (1890-1982), a chiropractor and naturopath. It has four branches:

1. energy balancing bodywork technique,
2. polarity yoga,
3. diet, and
4. “body/mind/spiritual” psychology.

Polarity psychotherapy

“Subspecialty” of pranic healing, which is a set of methods compiled by Dr. Choa Kok Sui. Pranic healing posits acupoints, chakras, meridians (“bioplasmic channels”), and a three-layered “energy body.” Pranic psychotherapy includes four “healing techniques” in addition to those of pranic healing:

1. a “cleansing techniques for the removal and disintegration of “traumatic psychic energy” and such;
2. an “advanced form of energizing” for the disintegration of “etheric parasites” and the repair of external “etheric webs” that lie in a one-to-one relation behind chakras;
3. activation and inhibition of chakras; and
4. creation of a “positive thought entity” for the patient.

Sui, who is nothing if not imaginative, expounds Pranic Psychotherapy in his book of the same name (Samuel Weiser, 1993).

Psychogenetics

Pseudodiagnostic method promoted by Gayatri Rein Reich. It posits decipherable patterns of “psychological DNA” that are “inherited” by fetuses.

Reich blood test

Pseudodiagnostic component of orgonomic medicine, the brainchild of psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich (see “Neo-Reichian massage,” above). Reich coined the word “orgone” to refer to his hypothetical fundamental, omnipresent, life-sustaining, intelligent radiation. The Reich blood test is a purported means of ascertaining overall “energetic health.” Its premise is that the morphology of erythrocytes indicates the “energetic state” of an organism at the time of their removal. Supposedly, red blood cells with “bions” (which resemble blue beads) at their center are abnormal. Proponents characterize bions as semi-living, bacterium-sized, vesicular manifestations of orgone and as the building blocks of cells.

The professional activities of medical orgonomists include administering “orgone charged” water and applying the following devices. The orgone field meter and the vacor tube contribute to pseudodiagnosis. The meter allegedly shows the extent and strength of the patient’s “orgone energy field.” The vacor tube is an “orgone charged” glass vacuum tube that supposedly glows under the influence of the patient’s “orgone energy field.” The “medical dor-buster purportedly siphons a toxic form of orgone-“dor” (an acronym for “deadly orgone”)- from the patient’s body.

Seven keys meditation program

System based on seven so-called spiritual keys “revealed” to David Wheeler. The “Keys” purportedly can “unlock” one’s maximum potential for “transformation” and healing. During “Initiation,” students receive the “Keys” and allegedly access the “Universal Energy’ or “Divine Energy” inside them. Supposedly, this “energy” is transmittable.

Shamanic psychotherapy

Mode of “spiritual “healing” based on shamanism and the doctrine of reincarnation. It posits “missing soul parts.”

Somatic dialogue

Mode of bodywork promoted by Chuck Ruland. It is a combination of hakomi body-centered psychotherapy, postural integration, and core zero balancing (see above). Hakomi is a spin-off of Reichian therapy (see “Neo-Reichian massage” and “Reich blood test,” both above). Postural integration is a vitalistic form of bodywork. Somatic dialogue posits physical, emotional, and “energetic” bodies. Treatment supposedly results in the “discharge” of “imprints of the past.”

Somatic emotional therapy

“Synthesis” of bioenergetics, rebirthing (See “Ecstasy breathing,’ above), and “somatic therapy forged by certified social worker Jerry Josepher. Bioenergetics is an off-shoot of Reichian therapy developed by psychiatrist Alexander Lowen, who rejected Wilhelm Reich’s orgone theory but posited a “life energy,” which he termed “bioenergy” (See “Neo-Reichian massage” and “Reich blood test,” both above.)

Song channeling

Adjunct to rebirthing (see “Ecstasy breathing,” above) promoted by music therapist Scott Kalechstein. It supposedly helps clients “open deeply to healing”. Channeling is the purported transmission of information or energy from a non-physical source through human beings.

Soul amplification

Series of eleven “healing” sessions proffered by Ojela Frank (see “Chakra and cellular memory healing,” above). It involves energy balancing, rebirthing, “energy activations,” “advanccd spiritual initiations,” “soul bonding,” meditation, and channeling.

Syntonics

Vitalistic “self-help” program created by author Dr. Robert Kronemeyer. It includes “syntonic food combining.” (The term “food combining” refers to any dietary practice based on the notion that a meal’s healthfulness depends considerably on the compatibility of its macroscopic components and/or the sequence of ingestion. Chief among the systems that include food combining are ayurveda, macrobiotics, and Natural Hygiene.)

Taido

Variant of reiki that does not entail physical contact. Both reiki and taido are forms of energy field work. “Energy field work” refers to any method or combination of methods involving aura analysis and aura balancing, with or without touch. Taido was developed in Japan in the 1980s.

Takionic

“Technology” for chi enhancement and “optimal health” promoted by Dr. Yung Chia, who advocates the integration of spirituality, science, and technology.

Tatwa meditation

Cornerstone of a nameless “holistic” system of “self-healing” involving astrology. “Spiritual teacher” Emahmn of Crestone, Colorado, “discovered” the system. Tatwas, which supposedly have “healing powers,” are Hindu mandalas — designs that symbolize the unity of the soul with the universe.

Vitality fasting and rejuvenation

Program promoted by Edward Bauman and purportedly designed to “cleanse” the body, mind, and spirit. It involves fasting with juices and broth, “emotional release,” and meditation.

Whole health shiatsu

Combination of shiatsu and dietary treatment expounded by co-authors Shizuko Yamamoto and Patrick McCarty. Shiatsu is a threefold form of massage whose purported goal is to promote health by increasing the flow of ki in the body. “Ki” is a Japanese word that signifies both breath and attention (“mental force”). It refers to an alleged original, fundamental, supernatural, governable, creative “energy of being” concentrated in the abdomen.

Notes and Conclusion

In my view, the meta-manifestations of alternative healthcare are: “spiritual healing” (e.g., yoga and ayurveda), “natural healing” (e.g., naturopathy and homeopathy), and “hands-on healing” (e.g., acupressure and reflexology). By “meta-manifestations,” I mean broadest aspects, or thematic forms. These meta-manifestations create a mirage of a multisystem that is “spiritual” (a buzzword for “supportive of religious beliefs”), “natural” (read “safe and not altogether unpleasant”), and “hands-on” (read “down-home, non-technological”).

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 34^th year as the largest game-playing convention in North America, the Gen Con Game Fairwill 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 rolesAlexandra 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 Christians AUTHORITY for faith and practice. It shows us whats right, whats 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 worlds 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

Lets 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). Lets 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. Rowlings first book Harry Potter and The Sorcerers 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 Potters Hocus-Pocus, “All of these imagesseem 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 exploitsHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fireis 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 kids 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. Thats 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 countryan 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, thats 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. Blavatskys picture. She was the principal founder of the occult Theosophical Society. She was also the publisher of the Lucifer Magazine in the late 1880s. 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 extentBut 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. Judasreturned 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 Sanhedrins soldiers to arrest Jesus.”

In fact, that is a slanderous lie! But theres 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, “Membersmust 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 Breitensteins board game ZOMBIES!!! The add slick shows a mans slashed and bleeding face and another man wielding a blood stained chain saw. Its just a game, right?

Then there is the Synister Creations Systems group. They advertise themselves this way “We’ve got plans in the works, kidsbig 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 “Reverends” 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, “Crushprefer brutality for its 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 cant 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. Thats 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 years 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 DVDs. 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/readers appetite for the dark reality of the genuine article. Dont sell me the “its only a game” line. Im 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. Ive 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.”

This picture of J. K. Rowling In A
Black Witchcraft Ritual Robe

(Time Magazine ; December 25, 2000/January 1, 2001 ; p.117)

 

 

• Just Wild About Harry!

Book #1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
Book #2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book #3 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Book #4 >Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Kids, millions of kids and many adults are just wild about Harr Potter! Here are the statistics. A U.S. consumer survey reported that over half of all children in the United States between 6 and 17 have read at least one Harry Potter book. In fact, “there are 116 million books in print in 200 countries. They have been translated into 47 languages (USA Today; Monday, October 22, 2001; Life Section D). I do hot have any current earning statistics, but I do know the first three Harry Potter books have earned, a conservatively estimated, $480 million in three years. These popular books have made Scottish divorcee Joanne Kathleen Rowling a very wealthy woman and she is enjoying her newly realized power. She directed her publisher how book #4 was to be released. In fact, she orchestrated the release of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire down to the minute. I was watching the late evening news on July 7, 2000. News cameras focused on huge crowds of kids congregated at bookstores around the country waiting for “the witching hour,” midnight! What were they doing there, so long past their bed times? They were waiting to buy the 700 plus page newest release. I must admit that is hard to believe. At 12:01 a.m. July 8, 2000, bookstores doors opened and kids pressed in and began shucking out $25.95 for book #4. This was a publishers bonanza with advanced orders topping 1.8 million and a first printing of 5.3 million copies. Newsweek Magazine said, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth installment of the series, promises to break every book-selling record in the book.” (Newsweek; Why Harrys Hot by Malcomb Jones; July 17, 2000; p.53). But, there is more to come! Ms. Rowling plans seven books in all. Each book covers one academic year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the boarding school Harry attends.

• Warner Brothers Harry Potter Movie

Harry Potter enthusiasts are “chomping at the bit” to see Warner Brothers biggest release ever, Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. The director of this $125 million extravaganza is Chris Columbus, known for his work on the first two Home Alone movies and Robin Williams movies Mrs.Doubtfire and Bicentennial Man. “On November 16, the movie version of the tale of the bespectacled young wizard (Harry Potter) will open in at least 4,000 theaters around the USA, which should be a record number. On the same day, it also will open in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales (where both the book and the movie are called Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone). It will be released in 130 foreign countries (and in 40 languages), making it the biggest international release of any movie distributed by Warner Bros. The movielikely will draw huge crowds. It has been dubbed into 24 languages, and another 16 countries are getting subtitled versions.” (USA Today; Monday, October 22, 2001; Life Section D). I want to point out that the movie carries a PG rating because of the bad language used and some very scary scenes.

• The Smell of Money

Businesses are rushing to jump on the Harry Potter honey wagon. The London Times wrote, “get ready for Harry Potter action figures, Every Flavour jelly beans and Hogwarts trading cards. Hasbro said that it will sell role-play games, Pokemon-style trading cards and sweets. Mattel aims to produce dolls, games and high-tech toys. Merchandise may have to be toned down in some respects; in the books, the Every Flavour Beans include a vomit flavour.” (London Times Sweet deal for Harry Potter Adam Jones; February 12, 2000). Coca-Cola has now thrown their hat into the ring. It seems that Harry Potter has a bewitching appeal world wide.

• Harry Potter Collector Card Game

In August, 2001 I attended the 34^th annual Gen Con gaming convention. My first stop was the Wizards of the Coast display. Their “hot item” was the new Harry Potter collector card game. The game is based on J. K. Rowlings first book Harry Potter and The Sorcerers Stone. It is a game of occult magic powers vs. occult magic powers. The players 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 the Potter books, 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 philosophy that Rowling clearly articulates in her books.

As a side note, Wizards of the Coast is also the makers of the occult card game Magic the Gathering and Pokemon card games and the Dungeon and Dragons games.

I should also tell you “Harry Potter is to become a computer wizard after a British company won the rights to transform his exploits into interactive video games.” (London Times Harry Potter to become computer wizard by Adam Sherwin; August 11, 2000).

Indeed, Harry Potter has the magic “Midas touch” because he has turned everything to gold for the author. If Ms. Rowling were to quit today, and never write another word, she and her eight year old daughter Jessica would be sitting pretty and be able to live high on the hog the rest of their lives on her share of the booty. In fact with royalties and movie rights, etc. she could sponsor and finance Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. One article I read noted that Ms. Rowling is the third richest woman in Great Britain.

• Harry Potter Books Are Popular, But Are They Acceptable?

There is no denying that Harry Potter books are wildly popular! I hear the claim all the time that they have nothing to do with witchcraft and the occult. If that is true, why are they being used as a springboard to promote witchcraft? Public schools are using the books as part of their curriculum. And what is even more interesting is that “major publishers have even released study-books and class-room discussion guides so teachers can lead their students through the origins and mysteries of Harrys world, including its occult themes.” (Elizabeth D. Schafer, Beachams Sourcebook: Exploring Harry Potter; Beacham Publishing Company, Osprey FL. See – http://www.beachampublishing.com) In that book, which is used in many schools, real occult books are suggested in Reading For Research section. Here is exactly, without alteration, some of the books listed for reading by students

Adler, Margot. Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America Today. Boston: Beacon Press, 1986. Describes modern witchcraft practices in the United States.

Alderman, Clifford Lindsey. A Cauldron of Witches: The Story of Witchcraft. New York: Julian Messner, 1971. A history of witchcraft written for children.

Alderman, Clifford Lindsey. Witchcraft in America. New York: Julian Messner, 1974. Explores regional witchcraft practices in New England, New Orleans, the southwest, and other places.

The first book listed is by Margot Adler. She is a witch and outspoken promoter of contemporary paganism and witchcraft. Adler says her interest in witchcraft was fueled at age 12 by her study of ancient Greek deities, particularly Artemis and Athena for their images of strength and power. Later, “she was initiated as a first-degree Gardenarian priestess in 1973 and then formed a A Pagan Way grove in Manhattan.” (Rosemary Ellen Guiley; The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft; pub. Facts on File; p.2). I should note that the Beacon press edition that I have in my research library has an obviously naked witch, though darkly outlined, standing before a candlelit altar. Included are pictures of naked witches. One of titled “dance the dance, and chant the spell,” another “setting up the Yuletide circle” and another captioned, “the moon is drawn down on priestess Elspeth.”

Ah yes, if Harry Potter does NOT teach witchcraft, why is Adlers book recommended reading?

Theres more. When you come to their suggestions of internet resources and sites to visit you come across

http://celticcrow.com/
http://www.witchvox.com/
http://druidry.org

Witchvox.com is a web site dedicated to teaching witchcraft, the real thing! They have a section devoted to “Teen Pagan Essays” as well. It is obvious that Harry Potter is a vehicle for promoting witchcraft in more than one way. And thats a fact!

• Deceived Evangelicals

Evangelical Chuck Colson praised the Harry Potter character and his friends for their “courage, loyalty and willingness to sacrifice.” The May 29, 1999 issue of World Magazine characterized Harry Potters world “a delightsafe, inoffensive, and non-occult,” (which is totally misleading). Professor Alan Jacobs of Wheaton College advocates reading the Harry Potter books because they offer “the possibility for serious moral reflection[and] the question of what to do with magic powers is explored in an appropriate and morally serious way. Even “a vicar in the Church of England” held “a special Harry Potter family servicecomplete with wizards, pointy hats, broomsticks a game of quidditch.” (London Times Church to lure youth with Harry Potter by Ruth Gledhill; September 1, 2000). Not only are journalists, teachers and preachers praising Harry Potter, but witches are exalting him as well. Buck Wolf of ABCNEWS.com wrote in an article dated July 16, 2000, “Harry Potter sure knows which witch will bewitch a real witch. Real witches just love the series of novels about the boy wizard who flies on his high-powered broomstick, The Nimbus 2000 (upgraded to a Firebolt), and studies all sorts of sorcery at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft. And just like everybody else, theyre eagerly awaiting the next installment, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

Wolf backs up his statement with an interview of Phyllis Curott, Wiccan High Priestess, President Emeritas of the Covenant of the Goddess (one of the largest and oldest Wiccan religious organizations), author of Book of Shadows and high-powered Manhattan lawyer. She told ABCNews.com, “Its great fantasyit is positive. [In the Potter books] They [witches] are friendly. They are good. The book might change the way people feel about us.” (The entire article can be found at – http://more. abcnews.go.com/ sections/us/ wolffiles/ wolffiles 122.html). Now, when a high profile witch and idolatrous goddess worshipper commends a book so highly and when witches are “eagerly awaiting the next installment” that leads me to question the judgment of “Christian” leaders who are lauding the books. I contend that Isaiah 5:20 applies anyone who claims that Harry Potter books are good! “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Further, I have learned from previous experience that just because something is popular, that does not make it acceptable. And, with our children at stake, I think it is important to know whether Harry Potter paraphernalia is acceptable or not! No one can deny that books that are so widely read and circulated DO have an impact on the readers! Therefore, the books must be evaluated to determine if what is coming across is good or bad, acceptable or unacceptable.

The problem in our culture is, that too many people, even those who are professed Christians, are ambivalent about what is right and what is wrong (the Bible calls it double minded James 1:8)! They have adopted the humanistic philosophy of relativism and just cant decide whats right and whats not right. But, if you are a Christian there is a standard that you can and must use to determine right and wrong. It is the Holy Bible! The commandments and principles of the Bible are true and enduring. The Psalmist declares, “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” Psalms 119:160 The Apostle Paul put it this way — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16 I am fond of paraphrasing the verse like this. The Bible tells us whats right, whats not right, how to get right and how to stay right!

• Putting Harry Potter To The Test

So, lets put Harry Potter to the test as we are instructed to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 which says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” But, just exactly how can we do that? By comparing what we find in the Harry Potter books with the Nine Biblical Principles For Determining Acceptability. I have carefully read the Bible and come up with Nine Biblical Principles For Determining Acceptability. While I do not have time to go in depth explaining each of the nine points and showing the Scriptural support for each one, you can order your own copy of that research report at (414) 768-9754. Here are the nine principles

1. Are belief systems and/or doctrines evident or advocated that are contrary to the Bible?
2. Are values & philosophies espoused that are unbiblical?
3. Is Supernatural power evident that has a source other than the God of the Bible?
4. Are there occult, witchcraft, psychic, satanic, or New Age, vampire-Goth symbols, names, or practices incorporated?  
5. Are the imaginations and thoughts of the participant steered in an unwholesome direction, unbiblical direction?
6. Is immorality, sensuality or immodesty depicted, or does it arouse lust?
7. Does it incite fear or glorify evil or violence?  
8. Is the language used questionable?  
9. Will it promote questionable character traits?  

If you have examined a book, game, video, music, toy, etc. by these principles and have had to answer yes to any of them, the item is NOT acceptable. Get rid of it!

• What Belief System Is Encouraged In Harry Potter Books?

An article in the December 1, 1999 Christian Century magazine gives a pretty good overview

Harry discovers on his 11th birthday that he is the son of two legendary wizards murdered by an evil magician named Voldemort. Harry has been living with his loathsome aunt and uncle (who make him sleep in a cupboard) and their mean son, Dudley. Apprised of his real identity, Harry eventually makes his way to Hogwarts, a boarding school for wizard children, and starts learning the family trade.

Make no mistake about it. Harry Potter books are about witches and wizards, and their practices of divination, necromancy and sorcery. Harrys world is the world of witchcraft through and through! Harry Potter wisdom is the wisdom from beneath spoken of in James 3:15 “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”

To be sure, the reader is drawn into Harrys world. Witchcraft is presented as being exciting, titillating and powerful. Witches are portrayed as friendly, positive, supportive and good! However, non-witches are presented as being boring, dysfunctional, cruel, abusive, bigoted, and hateful.

Arthur Stuttaford catches some of this in his article of the October 11, 1999 National Review. He writes,

“It’s no surprisewhen Rowling reveals leftish social prejudices all too typical of the British intelligentsia. Harry’s main rival at the school, nasty Draco Malfoy is-two strikes-both rich and aristocratic. Meanwhile, the dysfunctional Dursleys, Harry’s ghastly family, are a caricature of the vicious bourgeoisie that would have delighted Vyshinsky. They are contrasted with the poor-but-happy Weasleys, a wizard household that befriends Harry. Old man Dursley is a brutish capitalist, director of a company that makes drills.”

Page after page after page the readers minds are exposed to charms and casting spells. Here is just a partial list of the ones I have come across

Accio The summoning charm
Alohomora A spell to unlock doors
Animagi/Animagus By this spell wizard(s) are able to transform into an animal form
Adava Kedavra The killing curse
Cruciatus Curse Torture curse
Dissendium A spell to open a secret passage
Expecto Patronum A spell of protection
Expelliarmus A disarming charm
Finite Incantatem A charm used to stop a student commotion
Homorphus Charm A charm which turns a werewolf back into human form
Impervios Charm to repel water
Locomo mortis spell for the leg-locker curse
Lumos a charm to light the end of a magic wand
Mobiliarbus Magical spell to move objects
Nox A charm used to turn out the light on a magic wand
Oblviate A memory modifying charm
Peskidiksi Pesternomi Spell used to get rid of destructive Cornish pixies
Petrificus Totalus Spell to cause someone to be motionless
Rictusempra A tickling charm
Serpensortia A charm to summon snakes
Tarantallegra A dancing spell
Transfiguration A spell which changes the nature of a person or object completely

In the book, The Prisoner of Azkaban “good witch” Harry Potter casts a spell on his Aunt Marge to get revenge, when his frustration and anger reach the boiling point because she called his mother a “bitch” and proclaims that his parents got killed in an auto accident as the result of driving drunk. The revenge spell is bad enough, not to mention the language.

• Divination (fortunetelling) is commonly mentioned, taught and practiced.

Here are a few examples.

Harry is called a “true seer” in The Prisoner of Azkaban, with the gift of divination powers. This is confirmed in the 4^th book when his clairvoyant powers are exercised. Further, a professor assigns Harry and company the task of mapping out their astrological birth charts. That is divination as well. There are other examples of divination

Arithmancy This is an actual early form of numerology where divination is made through numbers, especially those associated with a persons name.

Rememberballs — Marble sized balls that turn red to tell the holder if they have forgotten something.

Parseltongue Snake language spoken by a dark wizard in communication with snakes.

Mirror of Erised This is a divination mirror with writing around the frame that reads — Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.  Hold the sentence up to a mirror and carefully read the reflection, ignoring the spaces. It reads: I show not your face, but your heart’s desire.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD” It is clear that Harry Potter books are an abomination unto the Lord!

• Sorcery, which includes the mixing of magical potions as well, is clearly present!

It does not take long to realize that magical potions made with various herbs and fungi play an important part in the witchcraft of Harry Potter and company. We read in book 1 “Three times a week they went out to the greenhouseswhere they learned how to take care of all the strange plants and fungi, and found out what they were used for.” In deed, Doreen Valiente (a real witch) writes, “witches would have an herb garden and use its products in their spells.” (Doreen Valiente; The Rebirth of Witchcraft; p.87). Lets look at some of the ingredients used in the sorcery of the Potter books.

Thujone You will find this drug used in Potter potions. It is a dangerous psychedelic drug used to make a drink called Absinthe. Absinthe was very popular in the 1700s but has been illegal for sale or manufacture in the United States since March 16, 1915.

Mandrake This herb is used in Potter Potions as well. It is a real herb. The mandrake has long been known for its poisonous properties. In ancient times it was used as a narcotic and an aphrodisiac, and it was also believed to have certain magical powers. Its forked root, seemingly resembling the human form, was thought to be in the power of dark earth spirits. It was believed that the mandrake could be safely uprooted only in the moonlight, after appropriate prayer and ritual, by a black dog attached to the plant by a cord. Human hands were not to come in contact with the plant. In medieval times it was thought that as the mandrake was pulled from the ground it uttered a shriek that killed or drove mad those who did not block their ears against it. After the plant had been freed from the earth, it could be used for beneficent purposes, such as healing, inducing love, facilitating pregnancy, and providing soothing sleep.

Monkshood Is another herb used in Potter potions. It is also called Aconite and wolfsband. The entire plant, including root, herb and seed, is a deadly poison if taken in sufficient dosage.  Aconite is generally used in a very dilute form in homeopathy. If you are interested in the occult connection of homeopathy read my report located on my web page at ..\NewAge\na-med.htm

Wormwood Is the common name for a perennial herb or shrub whose leaves and flowers contain the toxic terpene thujone. In a Potters potion it is mixed with ashphodel said to make a powerful sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the “drought of the living dead.” Just as Wormwood is a real herb (and dangerous) so is ashphodel. Though there are several types according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, I believe the Potter variety is the Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), also of the family Liliaceae. It is a small herb growing in boggy places in Great Britain with rigid, narrow leaves and a stem bearing a raceme of small golden-yellow flowers.

The Elixer of Life A potion that has the power to make a wizard or witch live forever.

Unicorn & blood drinking There is most certainly an element of sorcery related to this creature in the Harry Potter story because it is stated that if you drink its silvery blood, it will keep you alive for a limited time if you are near death. Unicorn hair is also used in Potter potions. Lets focus on the drinking of blood. In The Sorcerers Stone, chapter 15, page 256 we read Professor Quirrell, possessed, comes “out of the shadows, a hooded figurecrawling across the ground like some talking beast. The cloaked figure reached the unicorn, lowered its head over the wound in the animals side and began to drink its blood.”

Sorcery is an abomination to the Lord! Sorcerers are said to be deceivers, children of the devil, enemies of righteousness and perverters of the right ways of the Lord! Check Acts 13:8-10. Why would you allow you children to be exposed to something that is perverted? Harry Potter books are perverted!!!

It is not possible to address all the aspects of witchcraft doctrine and practice associated with the Harry Potter books. Let me quickly go over just a few more. There are the wizard trading cards with the names taken from the Potter books, some who are real historical occult figures. Some of the names mentioned in the books are Arrippa, a noted founder of Alchemy; French occultist and alchemist Nicholas Flamel (picture next page left) and wife Perenelle; There is also Paracelsus a 16^th century German-Swiss alchemist, magician, physician. The list could go on and onMerlin and Margana the witch half-sister of King Arthur; Circe, a Greek god who turns men into animals, Cliodna a Druid goddess of beauty and the otherworld.

Then there are the elementals, elemental demons or earth spirits that witches actually believe exist. They are readily seen in the Potter books. Here are a few that I have run across water spirits (called Kappas), gnomes, pixies, banshees, elves and trolls. We still have a research report and a video that I did many years ago called The Truth About Trolls. In fact, when I reported on the Parliament of World Religions in the early 1990s I attended a seminar called The Celtic Fairie Faith taught by two witches who were telling those attending how to contact these demons. The reader will also find ghosts, werewolves, vampires, centaurs, unicorns, phoenixs and merpeople all traditionally associated with the occult. Not to mention the three headed dog summoned, reminiscent of Cerebus, the three-headed hound of Hell. And what about Voldemorts vile snake familiar in book #4. This huge snakes name is Nagini. Do I need to remind the reader that the serpent is one of the most ancient and pervasive symbols of the occult? “The Satanic serpent of the Garden of Eden finds expression in most pagan systems as the Serpent God, from the ancient Egyptian god Set to the sacred cobras associated with both Vishnu and Shiva in the Hindu pantheon to the ophiolarty or snake worship practiced over much of pagan Africa and in Hatian voodoo.” (Harry Potters Hocus-Pocus by Steve Bonta). I do not think it is an accident that Rowling names the snake Nagini. In Sanskrit the name means pertaining to cobras.

I have to agree with Steve Bonta who wrote in his article Harry Potters Hocus-Pocus, “All of these imagesseem 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 it in a July 12, 2000 article titled Muggle Adventures in Potterland. The article reads, “Magical feats and spells, fantastic charms and startling metamorphoses, conjuring exploitsHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fireis crammed to the bursting with vanishings, flights, zombies, replicants, identity switches, cryptozoological monsters,” etc. To a restless, channel-surfing rhythm, Rowling switches tone, now teenage psychology, now Alastair Crowley-ish Satanism.”

In an 1999 interview on the Diane Rehm Show Rowling admitted that she studied witchcraft and mythology in order to write her books more accurately. She said, “I do a certain amount of researchso when Im mentioning a creature, or a spellI will find out exactly what the words were, and find out exactly what the characteristics of that creature or ghost were supposed to be.” She went on to say that about one-third of what she had written is based on actual occultism. (J.K. Rowling interview on The Diane Rehm Show, WAMU, National Public Radio, October 20, 1999). There it is from the horses mouth. Her books are based on the so-called real occult!

Personally, I have to wonder if J. K. Rowling is a witch. Every place I turned in my reading of her books I ran into subtle but sophisticated occult knowledge. Another example is the key Satanic character in the books, Voldemort. I took French for several years and I noticed something interesting about the name. It is French. In my research, I discovered that Dr. Rowlings (the doctor is honorary from the University Exeter) undergraduate degree was in French and the Classics. She had subtly used her French to name her key evil character, Voldemort. Voler means “to fly” or “to rob” and de means “of” and mort means “death” or “a dead man.” Hence the name means the flight of death or the flight of a dead man.

Harry Potter books are the perfect primer for teaching the occult!

• The Occult Doctrine of Dualism

Laced through ever one of Ms. Rowlings books is the yin-yang, occult doctrine of dualism. This is the key doctrine of occultism. And without knowing it, children are buying into that diabolical lie. Let me explain the concept of dualism. Dualism teaches that good and evil are warring equals or, two sides of the same coin, as it were. Occultist believe that they are two equal and opposite sides of the “Force.” There is good in evil and evil in good and they are all from the same origin. The ramification of this heresy is that good and evil are never clear-cut! Bonta explains how this principle works out in the Harry Potter books.

This anti-Christian take on good and evil is vigorously reinforced in the Potter books by various twists suggesting that Harry and Voldemort, despite being mortal enemies, are not really that far apart. Harry, in fact, during his infant encounter with Voldemort, has actually taken on many of Voldemorts traits, thereby absorbing some of his powers. He, like Voldemort, has the rare gift of being able to speak with snakes, and also ends up with a wand manufactured from the same source as Voldemorts. The result of this is that, during one conflict between the dread foes, Harrys and Voldemorts wands cancel each other out, and the encounter ends inconclusively. In Book Four, Voldemort is restored to full strength by absorbing a phial of blood taken from Harry which, the Dark Lord explains, will impart to him those attributes that allowed Potter to resist him as an infant. Finally, Harrys most distinctive feature, the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead, was received from Voldemort and is ultimately the source of Harrys exceptional magical abilities.

This is dualism! Harry is part of Voldemort and Voldemort is part of Harry. Another clear promotion of dualism is a statement by Professor Quirrell, the stuttering professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts. In The Sorcerers Stone on page 291 Professor Quirrell said, “He is with me wherever I go. 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” He goes on to say, “Since then, I have served him faithfully.”

Like Star Wars, the Harry Potter books promote the unscriptural doctrine of the devil, dualism. Some protest when I say that. They claim that the struggle between good wizard Harry Potter and evil wizard Voldemort is just like the classic struggle between good and evil that we have in the Bible! It is NOT so! The Bible declares God is wholly good. The Bible says, “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 The Bible asserts that the Devil is totally without truth and therefore evil. The Bible says, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

In the Bible evil is always subordinate to good. God and good are omnipotent (all powerful) and God and good ultimately win. Jesus, the Son of God is the victor and his followers are more than conquerors (Hebrews 2:13-15; Romans 8:37). The devil is the loser and he and his followers will be damned to the Lake of Fire for all of eternity (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:2-3 & 10). Biblical good and evil are distinct and separate. There is neither ambivalence nor ambiguity! Dualism on the other hand promotes ambivalence, ambiguity and uncertainty. Dualism is one of the key doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). There is not both good and evil wizardry or witchcraft. All wizardry-witchcraft is evil and the Bible says so!

Leviticus 19:31 “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”

Leviticus 20:6 “And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.”

Leviticus 20:27 “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”

Isaiah 8:19-20 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Gods charge to His children is “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (rebuke) them. Ephesians 5:11

Shame on you J. K. Rowling for promoting what the Bible condemns! These books awaken the readers curiosity about witchcraft, and occult powers and practices. Joanne K. Rowling finds herself in the place of Simon the Sorcerer of Acts 8:9. She is using sorcery and bewitching the children! And she plans to make the coming books darker than her first ones. Time Magazine, September 20, 1999 says, “Rowling has been dropping increasingly pointed promises that the four remaining Harry Potter books will be darker than the first three.” The article goes on to quote her “There will be deaths.” She states that Voldemort is going “to kill someone the reader cares about.” I tell you, “It were better for [her] that a millstone were hanged about [her] neck, and [she] cast into the sea, than that [she] should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:2

To be sure Joanne Kathleen Rowling has offended many little ones by exposing them and enticing them into the occult realm. It is really happening too! The July 26, 2000 San Francisco Chronicle carried an articled titled What readers think about Goblet? This was the comment of Gioia Bishop, age 10. She said, “I was eager to get to Hogwarts because I like what they learned there and I want to be a witch.” Jeffrey, Age 11 said, “It would be great to be a wizard because you could control situations and things like teachers.” Catherine, Age 9 said, “Id like to go to wizard school, learn magic and put spells on people. Id make up an ugly spell, and then its payback time!” (Jeremiah Films, Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged.)

David Cloud reports that “the headmaster at a school in Raligh, North Carolina noted: The throngs that lined up to meet Rowling [to autograph their books] are often teeming with children clad in wizard cloaks and sporting lightning-bolt scars tattooed temporarily to their forheads.”

The truth of the matter is that the Harry Potter books have generated so much interest in witchcraft that “The Pagan Federation has appointed a youth officer to deal with a flood of inquiries following the success of the Harry Potter books which describe magic and wizardry. The federation says the Potter books, by J. K. Rowling, and TV shows such as Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, had probably sparked the new flood of interest. Media officer Andy Norfolk said: It [the flood of interest in witchcraft] is quite probably linked to things like Harry Potter, Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Every time an article on witchcraft or paganism appears, we had a huge surge in calls, mostly from young girls.” (Potter fans turning to witchcraft; August 4, 2000)

I have only touched the tip of the iceberg so to speak. However there is one more area that I will address briefly. That is the allegation that Harry and his friends are “good” characters with “good” values. Nothing could be further from the truth. Harry and Ron are rewarded when they break the rules. Headmaster Dumbledore says, “I seem to remember telling you both that I would have to expel you if you broke any more rules.” He goes on to say, “You will both receive Special Awardslet me seeyes, two hundred merit points for Gryffindor.” (Rowling; Chamber of Secrets; 328).

Another illustration focuses on Hermonie. She is portrayed as a “good” character. However, Ron and Harry do not like her, that is, until she lies to protect them. Then Ron and Harry take her in and make her a part of their group. In Goblet of Fire dishonesty is glamorized and nearly everyone cheats throughout the Triwizard Tournament. Repeatedly the so called “good” characters show no remorse for their evil actions.

In conclusion, at the beginning of this article I pointed out that there are Nine Biblical Principles For Determining Acceptability. We have just looked at the Harry Potter books in light of the first principle — Are belief systems and/or doctrines evident or advocated that are contrary to the Bible? The answer clearly is YES! In light of that, we should follow the course of action that the early Christians followed in 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. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.”

The Bible warns that in the last days people will reject biblical truths and believe the devils lies (1 Timothy 4:1-2). In fact, they will be bewitched by occult fables (2 Timothy 4:4). Harry Potters books vividly illustrate this point.

Listen dear reader, sorcerers are among those listed in “the roll call of the damned” who will be condemned to the lake of fire (Hell) for all of eternity. Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” I would urge you to repent of any occult involvement, including reading Harry Potter books, and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Jesus said, according to John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The Apostle Paul said, Romans 10:9-10 & 13 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” If you have never prayed and asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior and take control of your life, I would urge you to pray and ask Him to do that right now. Receiving Christ, as your Savior is the best decision you could ever make!

Picture Credits

Books in different languages from Time Magazine ; December 25, 2000/January 1, 2001 ; p.117

Hermonie, Ron and Harry – Warner Brothers

Noxious Poison Spell Card – Wizards of The Coast

Diane Rehm http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/features/daily/rehm0823.htm

Additional Reference Material

• Book: Harry Potter and the Bible by Richard Abanes; Horizon Books
• Video: Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged; Jeremiah Films

Additional Copies and pamphlets are available from:

Links to  Topics:

Introduction
There is a danger in becoming over-involved in the game
There is a danger in players becoming too involved with their imaginary characters
D&D contains a lot of violence
D&D is an effective “teacher”
D&D claims to involve the players in the worship/service of other gods
D&D contains much information and encourages activity that deals with the occult world

Introduction

“Dungeons and Dragons Fantasy Adventure Game (“D&D Game” for short) is a role-playing game for persons 10 years and older. In the D&D rules, individuals play the role of characters in a fantasy world where magic is real and heroes venture out on dangerous quests in search of fame and fortune. Characters gain experience by overcoming perils and recovering treasures. As characters gain experience, they grow in power and ability.” TSR, D&D Basic Rulebook, p. B3.

TSR (Tactical Studies Rules), producer of D&D, was founded in 1974. Estimates of its sales have been as high as: $23 million gross in 1979, $45 million gross in 1980, $60-90 million gross in 1981 with net income of $28 million. In 1980, children age 10-14 bought 46% of the D&D games, those 15-17 bought another 26% of the games. TSR has 140 employees, is producing academic area games, translating D&D into other languages, producing a major film, producing electronic versions, etc, They are one of many companies producing similar FRP games.

Children and adults find the games exciting and challenging. But the games include some aspects that need a closer look by Christian children and parents. Some of these are suggested here:

There is a danger in becoming over-involved in D&D, spending a large amount of time, money, and interest in it

Gary Gygax, originator of the game, said that “the most extensive requirement of the game is time.” (D&D Basic Manual, p. 3) 

Articles in newspapers and magazines have told of many people who spent many hours a day or week playing, sometimes investing hundreds to thousands of dollars in materials and conventions. 

Again Gary Gygax has said: “You have to pursue D&D with your entire soul if you’re going to do well at it.” (Rolling Stone, Oct. 1980)  

People tell of talking about nothing else, having no friends who do not play, experiencing peer pressure to play and rejection of those who do not. 

Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us to make the most of our time, and to watch carefully how we walk.

Philippians 4:8 says: “…fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” Does D&D measure up to these standards?

There is a danger in players becoming too involved with their imaginary characters

People have said: “I’ve seen people have fits, yell for fifteen minutes, hurl dice…when their character dies.” “It’s when you take the game home with you, when Johnny’s mad for a week because you killed his character, that it’s an addiction.” Gary Gygax said: “when you start playing out a fantasy, it can really eat up time and capture you totally. Most people can handle it, but there are probably exceptions.” A Dr. Douglas Brown said: “If a person isn’t too well put together to begin with, it’s not going to be good for him.” 

Many find D&D to be an escape from the real world and find it more exciting. But some have found it hard to separate the real from the imaginary and carry the game into real life. 

Matthew 16:24 and the verses following talk about Christians “taking up a cross”, not trying to escape from the world, but giving up their lives for Jesus and serving Him. 

See Philippians 4:8 again.

D&D contains a lot of violence

The whole concept of the game is to do battle with monsters. Characters are equipped with various types of armor, weaponry, potions and spells. It is necessary to kill, not just the monsters but even humans, in order to succeed in the game. 

A central Washington police department asks as a standard question of those arrested: “Are you a participant of Fantasy Role Games?” Another source stated that 60 suicides were directly attributed to D&D in 1981. 

Galatians 5:19-26 describes our human natures and the fruit of the Spirit. What is it saying?

D&D is an effective “teacher”. Do you know what it is teaching?

D&D makes use of several effective teaching/learning techniques including involving the feelings of the participants, role-playing, fantasy, and memorization. The roles (classes, professions) include religious-type roles (although not Christian by any means) such as cleric, Druid, and monk. Other roles are that of fighter, thief, illusionist, assassin, etc. The fantasies include doing battle with devils and demons using various types of weaponry, spells and potions. Magic-users, elves, and clerics use spells, which must be memorized before a game begins after consultation with the proper book of spells. The spell must then be spoken or read aloud in order to have any effect. 

One of the book’s author says that in D&D good is given far more attention than evil, but a 40-hour-per-week player claims that it is better to be evil because you can do evil things and get away with them. An FRP games representative stated in The Milwaukee Journal, 11/5/81, that “these games are teaching the difference between right and wrong.” In D&D even lawful good characters kill many other human characters in the name of duty to eradicate evil. 

Leviticus 19:26 says not to practice any kind of magic. 

I Thessalonians says to avoid every kind of evil (“even the appearance of evil” in some translations).

D&D claims to involve the players in the worship/service of other gods

Deities and Demigods, page 5 says: “Serving a deity is a significant part of D&D, and all player characters should have a patron god. Alignment assumes its full importance when tied to the worship of a deity.” The Dungeon Masters Guide, page 25 says this: “Whether or not the character actively professes some deity, he or she will have an alignment and serve one or more deities of his general alignment indirectly and inbeknownst to the character. Another D&D book says that the Gods and their Cohorts will occasionally assist their devotees with aid, or harm them. 

In Deities and Demigods, a total of over 200 foreign gods are mentioned. 

Exodus 23:13 tells us not to even mention the names of other gods. 

Deuteronomy 7:25 and Ezekiel 6 talk more about idols and false gods. 

See Galatians 5:19-21 again.

D&D contains much information and encourages activity that deals with the occult world

Dr. Gary North, a Christian economist, author of the book None Dare Call It Witchcraft, and editor of the Remnant Review, said this: “Without any doubt in my own mind, after years of study of the history of occultism, after having researched historical research, I can say with confidence: These games are the most effective, most magnificently packaged, most profitably marked, most thoroughly researched introduction to the occult in man’s recorded history, period. This is NO game.” (Remnant Review, 12/5/80) 

D&D uses hundreds of traditional Christian terms, but not with traditional meanings. It also deals with the casting of spells, magic, sorcery, witchcraft, voodoo, demon and devil worship, ESP, levitation, etc. 

The words demon, devil and hell appear a total of 225 times in eight pages of Deities and Demigods (pages 16-23), and encourages the worship of them as lesser gods (page 105). 

The words Devil, devils, and Satan also appear in the Bible (over 150 times), but the Bible teaches something entirely different about them. 

Deuterononmy 18:9 and following tells us to have nothing to do with people who do things in this area. 1 Peter 5:8 talks about the devil as a lion, looking for people to eat! John 8-44 calls him a murderer and the father of lies (a deceiver). Check other Bible passages for more information here.

Ephesians 6-:11 instructs us to put on the armor of God to do real battle with wicked spiritual forces, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 

Philippians 4:8 again directs us to focus our attention on something better.

All of the above information is available in a D&D handbook from Educational Research Analysts, The Mel Gablers, Po Box 7518, Longview, Texas 75607 for a $5 donation.