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:

Introduction

The following is an essay written by Darren Molitor, a former D&D player. Darren was a very devout D&D player who sometimes played marathon games that lasted for days.

The friends with whom this young man often played D&D, began “horsing around” in a game of their own while preparing for a “Friday the 13th party” on March 13, 1984. The “horsing around” went too far, and a young girl named Mary Towey (18 yrs old) became the victim of a “mind game.” She was strangled to death by Darren Molitor.

Darren stated repeatedly in his trial that when he and another boy tied Mary up, they were just “messing with her mind.” By the physical evidence in the case, a coroner testified that the death did appear accidental; however, a jury found Darren guilty of murder in the first degree.

The prosecution sought the death penalty, but Darren received a life sentence instead. D&D was a major influence in Darren’s behavior at the time of the incident, but because of a lack of knowledge on the part of the police regarding D&D, this area of influence was not explored until it was too late to be considered “relevant.”

Darren, in his own defense, never tried to excuse his actions. The essay that he has written on D&D was done after his trial, and he initially sent this essay to an elementary school in the hopes of helping young children.

Prior to his involvement with D&D, this young man had never been in any trouble.

Dungeons and Dragons

Darren Molitor, March 22, 1985

I’m sure many, if not all, of you have heard about or played the very popular game of “Dungeons and Dragons”. Now I’m not speaking of the board game of which there is one, I’m speaking of the game that is played in your minds.

To give some background of the game for those of you that haven’t had the so-called privilege of experiencing the game let me tell you about it.

The game is called “Dungeons and Dragons” and it is a fantasy role-playing game. As you can probably assume from the title it is set in the medieval era of our time of history. Because it is a game of “fantasy” anything is possible and being a “role-playing” game means you act as a character of that time as if you were on stage. But there is no physical action on the players part. Everything is played or imagined in the mind. And you as a player, are the sole person responsible for the actions of your character or characters. You control him totally. His/her actions, words, feelings, thoughts. Everything about this character you control.

To obtain a “character”, a player must first roll three six-sided dice. Add up the numbers rolled and write it down. A player does this six times and then he must organize the numbers he has rolled to the six characteristics of his character. The six characteristics are strength, intelligence, wisdom, constitution, dexterity and charisma. These six characteristics are the “heart” of your character. After which the player may roll to obtain the height and weight or he/she may choose it. The player assigns a race to the character, a class, which is his/her occupation and the alignment. An alignment is the character’s attitude or outlook on life. The different classes are many and each class has a sub-class. They are the following: cleric, (druid); fighter, (paladin, ranger); magic-user, (illusionist); thief, (assassin); monk and bard. The different alignments are: lawful good, lawful neutral, lawful evil, neutral, chaotic good, chaotic neutral and chaotic evil. Now the player rolls a particular die or dice, of which are many to obtain a character’s hit points. The “hit points” are the amount of stamina or damage the character can sustain before going into a coma or even dying. You then give him/her some money, by rolling the dice, and equipping him with supplies, weapons and armor. From here there is only two more steps. The first is to roll and obtain the spells a character has if he/she is able to use them. Some classes use spells and others don’t. The final stage is picking a name for your newborn character. He/she is now a true and real person in the player’s mind.

There is also a player called the dungeon master or DM, for short. This player is usually more familiar and experienced in the game. The DM is a very important part of the game. Also a very powerful part. He/she plays the sole role of being “god” of the game. The DM controls everything that happens within the game. The only part of the game he does not control entirely is the actions of your character. But he/she may constrict them if he/she chooses. He/she is also in control of that player’s character’s life. The DM may decide to destroy the character for some reason, but it should not be for any personal reason and the DM should refrain from doing such actions unless the player of that character has become uncontrollable and has changed the fun of the game.

The DM has a lot of responsibility, as you can imagine. For example, the DM must create an adventure or dungeon. There are many books called modules with “dungeons” already prepared, but for the most part the DM creates them himself/herself. He/she must create the scenery (indoor, outdoor, underground, the various and numerable characters a player may encounter, the temperature, the smell, the monsters and the treasure. It is a very long and tedious process and the average dungeon takes anywhere from 36-48 hours of work. There is one case of the game being followed, that the DM, a lady, has quit her job and does nothing except create and prepare a dungeon for her players. She has created an entire country. The players of the group support her living necessities. They pay for her home, her groceries, her bills, etc.

The game is played with two or more people with the average group consisting of 5, including the DM. The DM, as I have explained, runs the show. He/she will describe, in detail, what is around you. What action is taking place, what sounds you may hear, what smells you may notice, etc., etc. From here it is the player’s option of what to do. The player must decide what his/her character is going to do. In response the DM tells the players of the result of their actions. As I’ve said before, a character may do anything, I emphasize anything, that a player wants him/her to do. For example; the DM has just told you that you have come up a cave entrance. It is midday, warm, you hear what appears as water running from inside, but you can’t see anything. The players now decide if they wish to enter the cave, throw a stone in to try and locate the water, yell something in to try and get a response or just ignore it completely.

Another example is; you are in a room or chamber underground that you have discovered. There is a table, some chairs, a desk with numerous jars on it. There is a lot of dust covering everything. And in the corner a chest sits. As a player your first instinct is to search the chest for some treasure. During the process of checking for any traps and trying to unlock it a few orcs (a type of human-like monster, resembling a pig) sneak up from behind. They are very angry and have their weapons drawn and are about to attack. What do you do now? If you are a spell user you attempt to cast a spell. You may try and bargain with them. Or, and most likely, you may fight them. You draw your weapon and charge. Now the dice come in. The DM rolls a six-sided, eight-sided, ten-sided or twelve-sided, depending on the weapon and the result is the amount of damage to the orc. Now the orc or orcs swing. The same process is used. And this continues until you or they are dead.

Remember now, all of this is imagined in the mind. You can actually see this. What they look like, how you’re swinging, the damage given and obtained. It all appears in the mind.

The reason for explaining so much is so you may understand how the game is played. It may seem to be harmless and very entertaining and it is entertaining, but far from harmless. I have had the experience of the game for more than 3 years now and I know the effects of the game. For the majority of those that play it becomes a way to escape reality. It is a way of letting tension and anxieties loose. And that is good. But subjecting the mind to the amounts of violence involved isn’t. It is far more bad than it is good. Especially to a young mind. And an 18 or 20 year old still has a young mind. Its effects are both mental and physical. It is in comparison to drugs, alcohol or tobacco. It is very possessive, addictive and evil. Evil may sound wrong or peculiar to explain a game, but there is no other way to describe it. It is a device of Satan to lure us away from God. It is an occult.

An occult you say? What is an occult? Defined in American Family and School Dictionary, a publication based on the American College Dictionary, prepared by Random House, Inc., it is: beyond the bounds of ordinary knowledge; magical; supernatural; mystical. Staying on the same subject let’s define occultism: the doctrine or study of the supernatural, magical, imaginary, etc. Stated concisely it is the participation or involvement in any way with fortune telling, magic practices, spiritism, or false religions cults and teachings. Within that category is using a ouija board, ESP, telepathy, horoscope, a seance, yoga, remote influence of the subconscious mind of others, self-hypnosis, following astrology and Dungeons and Dragons. They are all connected with an occult or are considered occultism practice. All such occults are condemned by God in the Scriptures, being an abomination to Him and are under His curse. To quote a passage from an article written by Dr. Hobart E. Freeman, I write the following:

“The Scriptures condemn all forms of occultism as sorcery and warn that…. they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21), but “…..are an abomination unto the Lord” (Deut. 18:12), and “…. shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8).

From earliest times God forbade occultism as spiritually defiling (Lev. 19:31), and made participation in it punishable by death (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 20:27), and cause for rejection of that soul by God (Lev. 20:6).

Dungeons and Dragons is based on magic and the supernatural. There is, in fact, a hard bound book entitled “Deities and DemiGods” for the sole purpose of informing you of the “gods” that are involved in the game. It gives complete details of the “gods” and it expects you as a player character to pick a “god” to worship him/her. To pray to, to sacrifice to, to obey. And to die for if necessary.

Not only is the game based on the supernatural and magic it involves violence. Serious violence! The type of violence not allowed on TV. There is hack and slash murder, rape, thievery, pillaging and terrorism. And in the game it is natural and expected for a character to do those things. A character must, at least, murder and rob in order to survive. And it is the object of the game to survive. To do whatever you must, to anybody or anything, in order to survive and become more powerful and wealthy. The more you do those things the longer you live. The longer you live the more powerful you become and usually with power comes wealth.

You may be saying, “All of that may be true, but what does that have to do with me (or my children)? It has everything to do with you (or your children) if you (or they) are involved in the game. As I have repeated several times the game is played or imagined entirely in the mind. Totally and only in the mind. The conscious mind experiences these visions as reality while playing. And if it is played, let’s say, 3-5 times a week, 4-8 hours each time, the conscious mind becomes accustomed to such acts of violence. Then when the person is finished playing for that day, it is all pushed back to the subconscious supposedly. But it is known that the mind is very powerful and unexplainable. It is very possible for the sub-conscious mind to “overpower” the conscious mind. Suddenly you are no longer in total control of your mind. The “fantasy game” becomes a “reality game”. You begin to live it for real. Everything you do, or say, involves or associates to the game itself. You no longer play the game for enjoyment, you play it because you feel you have to. You must have it (play it) just like a person on drugs, alchohol or tobacco must have them. It is an addiction. And your mind is under the control of the game. It is possessed by the game.

Now, you’re probably saying that won’t happen to me (or my children) because I won’t let it happen or I’m too smart for that to happen. Believe me, it happens! And it happens to anyone. It has happened to me. It has happened to many college students that have committed suicide or have done some serious bodily harm to themselves and or others. It has happened to many younger teenagers, 13 and 14. The destruction it can cause to the mind and soul is incredible. It’s rather unexplainable. I and many others have had some very bad experiences because of the game and I am writing too, on their behalf to warn or make you aware of the game. It is dangerous and against God’s command.

There are as I’ve said numerous recorded accounts of teenagers 13 to 19 and some older persons that have had some troublesome experiences. Many have committed suicide due to the game. Another good many have either caused serious harm to themselves or other individuals. And some have caused the death of a friend or family member by accident, but because of the “game”, they took the “game” one step too far. “Playing” it for real one time too many. For some it was the last time they played it or any other game. Many were lucky, but you may not be.

And the fact is, that you don’t even have to be playing the game at the time. The mind is continuously “playing” the game. You could have played it 2 or 3 days prior, but your mind is still playing.

So, please for your own safety and salvation and the safety of others don’t play the game anymore. If you don’t play it now, don’t even start. It is more dangerous than I can fully explain. Don’t play with your physical life that way and don’t condemn your soul to hell by participating in the game.

A very concerned ex-player,
Darren Molitor

If you would like to write to Darren Molitor or his parents the mailing address is:

Darren Molitor

C/O Mr. & Mrs. Louis Molitor

2303 Sublette

St. Louis, MO 63110

Or you may decide to send a word of encouragement to Darren’s parents.

There is another young man who is in a similar situation and he is 16 years old. He is guilty of murder in the first degree. He never had a trial (plea bargaining was involved). His parents feel that D & D was responsible for his bizarre behavior in the murder of a next door neighbor.

Paul Sargent

C/O Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sargent

6545 Tauronee Kansas City, Kansas 66102

His parents certainly need a word of encouragement.

Reprinted with permission from:
B.A.D.D. Inc. P.O. Box 5513 Richmond, VA 23220

(B.A.D.D. stands for Bothered About Dungeons and Dragons – a national organization concerned about the widespread playing of D & D and its effects.)
 

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.   

Links to Topics:

Introduction
Concerning Violence
Concerning Becoming Godlike
Concerning Witchcraft/Demonology
Concerning Death
Concerning Sexual Perversion
Conclusion

Introduction

Mind against mind, the battle rages on with only the sharpest and fastest thinkers going out ahead of the pack of hungry and fighting players as each scheme and plot against the other to survive.

The “War Room” is in the mind of each player as the make-believe battles and struggles pit player against player; against the elements; against the environment; against creatures from this world and from other worlds; against lords – gods – demons – devils – curses – witchcraft – every known power of warfare that the mind can conjure up.

“Only the strong survive” doesn’t apply here. The limitation of the mind determines the outcome. Rules and regulations, limits and players tools governing the “Game” are contained in the different manuals and volumes of books containing hundreds of pages. It isn’t easy reading much less and easy game.

It is a challenge not only to win, but to stay alive. The sharper the mind, the better the memory, the longer the player will stay alive in the game.

Dungeons and Dragons (commonly known as D & D) is an elaborate fantasy game which evolved from the war games popular in the late 1950’s. The DM (dungeon master, or god) sets the stage in the fantasy world. Each player assumes the identity of the character he creates. Their creatures are based on a chance roll of the dice. Each character will have six basic abilities: strength, intelligence, wisdom, constitution, dexterity, and charisma. The manual guideline will determine whether the character will be “good” or “evil”.

The object of the game is to maneuver these characters through a maze of dungeons (tunnels) filled with monsters, magic, ambushes, and adventures in search of treasures. To survive, each character is equipped with special aids – such as magical weapons, potions, spells, and magical trinkets (holy water, garlic, wolves-bane, etc.) They are also given more conventional weapons: daggers, hand axes, swords and battle axes.

Each player can stay in the game as long as his character is not killed – from hours to years. If it continues long, most players identify themselves with their character, and the line between fantasy and reality tends to grow fuzzy. One authority concerning this “game” said: “The stuff that makes me nervous is over-identification with characters. I’ve seen people have fits, yell for fifteen minutes, hurl dice at a grand piano when their character dies.”

Fantasy Role Playing (FRP) is promoted by many schools in “gifted and talented” programs as a means of challenging and developing the mind of a “bright” child.

The Fantasy Role Playing in D & D has come under fire by different individuals and groups claiming that the player may align himself to “God”; promoting violence, teaching religion, encouraging sexual perversion, indoctrinating in witchcraft, and even leading to death.

Well, lets look at some facts.

Concerning Violence

The following occurred to D & D players as an apparent result of the game. In November a 12 year old boy shot his brother. In January a 14 year old boy walked into school and killed a teacher. Psychiatrist Laurance Johnson cautions, “If I had a child who tended toward schizophrenia, I’d never let him near D & D. There’s a danger that it would reinforce feelings of grandiosity, of omnipotence. Reality and fantasy are hard enough for schizophrenics to differentiate.”

Concerning Becoming Godlike

“This game lets all your fantasies come true. This is a world where monsters, dragons, good and evil; high priests, fierce demons; and even the gods themselves may enter your character’s life”.

• “Changing Alignment: Whether or not the character actively professes some deity, he or she will have an alignment and serve one or more deities of this general alignment indirectly or unbeknownst to the character” (Dungeons Masters Guide, p. 25). You serve a deity or deities whether you want to or not.

Concerning Witchcraft/Demonology

Swords and sorcery (witchcraft) best describes what this game is all about….

• “Magic users draw upon arcane powers in order to exercise their profession… He or she must memorize and prepare for the use of each spell, and its casting makes it necessary to reabsorb the incantation by consulting the proper book of spells…”
   
• George Marsh, member of the Cardova Park School Board (California) stated in a letter, why he voted to remove D & D from the school district’s summer program: “The Supreme Court has already barred religious activity from public facilities. D & D is clearly religious in content.”

Concerning Death

“If the Assassination is being attempted by or in behalf of a player character, a complete plan of how the deed is to be done should be prepared by the player involved, and the precautions, if any, of the target character should be compared against the plan. Weapon damage always occurs and may kill the victim even though ‘assassination’ failed.” (Dungeon Masters Guide, p. 75).

Concerning Sexual Perversion

“… These evil creatures will certainly expect to loot, pillage, and rape freely at every chance, and kill (and probably eat) captives” (Players Handbood, p. 31). The game may be just a game. However, it has become much more to many people. – In Seattle a father is under treatment because his son used his service revolver to kill himself after being involved in D & D for only 2 years. – In January a 17 year old walked onto a school stage, pointed a sawed off shotgun to his head and fired. Many – many cases are on public record of involvement in D & D leading to violence – murder – suicide.

Conclusion

Yes, it’s only a game. But it contains the spiritual teachings of witchcraft.

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” Prov. 23:7. “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23.

We become what we think. If we dwell on murder, rape, demonology, sadism, prostitution, witchcraft, etc. we absorb that knowledge and the thin line between fantasy and reality is removed and may leave no way out but death.

If you are involved – even a little bit with any fantasy role playing, stop and ask yourself of its influence on your mind and life.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.” Paul the Apostle wrote these words. You can read them for yourself in Philippians chapter 4 and verse 8.

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