Just took Pokemon away from child.

[KevinJ.]

Hi, I'm new here. I came here looking for some help and guidance. Let me first say that my family and I are devout followers of Christ. We believe that the Lord put us on this planet for a reason, and we do not believe in evolution. It has recently been brought to my attention that Pokemon, the game my son loves to play, is a major proponent of the theory of evolution. I don't want his mind to be tainted by that sort of thing, so I took his game away. He has barely stopped crying since. I don't know what I should do. As a parent, I want the best for my child. I want him to be happy. As a Christian, I want him to follow the ways of our Lord. I love him so much, I'm not sure if I can keep the game from him for much longer, but I feel I should remain strong. What do you people think I should do? Any suggestions? Thanks for reading.

 

[Cherrim]

edit: Okay, people are being productive then. XD;

Personally, I think Pokémon is fine. Ignoring evolution, many aspects of it could actually foster Christian beliefs. The anime, for example, promotes friendship and togetherness. The games themselves show the importance of teamwork, to an extent. The evolution aspect itself isn't really evolution from a Darwinian standpoint...if you compare how evolution takes place and is referred to in the Pokémon series and contrast it to the actual theory of evolution, it doesn't match up. I know many, many devout Christians who also greatly enjoy Pokémon. I think your child can easily play the games and follow Christ, but in the end it is your own decision.

Maybe sit down and play the game with him, and see for yourself that way. And if you find anything questionable, you can clarify how it applies to your faith that way? Just throwing ideas out there. :x

 

[dstaley]

As a Christian, I do not see anything wrong with Pokemon. I do not see how it supports the theory of evolution as in the context I believe you are putting it. Nowhere in the Pokemon series does it contradict the Bible in any way. Sure the term for when a pokemon changes is called "evolution", but it isn't in the context of the theory of evolution, the theory that all living things evolved from a common ancestor.

 

[TRIFORCE89]

I don't know which Christian denomination you follow, so this may not apply to you. But, I just want to throw out there. In 2000, the Vatican announced that The Vatican has announced that Pokémon is "full of inventive imagination," have no "harmful moral side effects" and celebrate "ties of intense friendship."

Evolution in the Pokemon series is perhaps as far a way from the Darwinian meaning as you can get. It doesn't speak of a common ancestry, but rather a term to describe "changing over time". For instance, you have changed over time since you were a child. Pokemon grow in the games. You can look at it as baby, child, and adult is you wish.

 

[dstaley]

After doing some light research, I've found that most claims of "PokeSatanism" are poorly based on loose interpretations:

"The whole idea behind Pokemon is to show a child that they can become a "powerful evil force, and they don't have to listen to their parents.'' Landover occult expert, Jonathan Edwards said. "Kids look for different Pokemon demons, find them and utilize their specific powers to create chaos in the home. It can be extremely violent, and the liberal media does not want anyone to know how many families have been torn apart since this menace began. The ultimate goal for a child is to collect them, and once they've collected all of them, they can have anything they wish for. In most cases, the child wishes for complete control over his entire family. The pokemons approach in the still of night, entering the parents mouths and lodging themselves in their tracheas until they suffocate. They then scurry off quietly and return to their masters bed. When authorities arrive, they are shocked to see no evidence of foul play. They observe only a smiling child, fast asleep, surrounded by stuffed animals and 'innocent little' Pokemons."

Now, who has heard of little plastic toys coming alive with the power of Satan and lodging themselves inside the throats of parents? I can see where some of the attacks are based, seeing as Pokemon have control over things like water and fire, but it isn't against God or his Teachings. What I suggest is researching Pokemon itself, avoiding anything that pits Pokemon and Christianity, as you will find idiotic claims like the one abouve. Then, form your own opinion based on the things you have been taught. I'm sure that you will find that Pokemon is no more evil than Barbies, or your collection of postage stamps.

 

[KevinJ.]

That's strange, Dictionary.com defines "evolution" as:
ev·o·lu·tion /ˌɛvəˈluʃən or, especially Brit., ˌivə-/
–noun
1. any process of formation or growth; development


Evolution goes against the teachings of the Lord, and I just don't know if I'm okay with my son being exposed to that.

 

[dstaley]

Ok, in that case, lets kill all humans, plants, and other living things because, based on that, we all go through evolution and therefore go against the word of God.

Now, seriously, Darwins Theory of Evolution is what goes against the Lord. The theory that all living things arose from a common ancestor (meaning that all living things "evolved" from one living thing). Now, the Bible states that God created Man, and then all the animals.

Think of Pokemon as a Caterpillar. First, it is born as a worm like creature, once it reaches a certain point in it's life, it goes into a cocoon, and then comes out as a butterfly, something that looks nothing like the original Caterpillar, but, is the caterpillar nonetheless. Pokemon is the same way. The Pokemon goes through stages of it's life. Each stage is termed an "evolution". This is where I believe you are getting your mind set from.

 

[Frostweaver]

That's strange, Dictionary.com defines "evolution" as:
ev·o·lu·tion /ˌɛvəˈluʃən or, especially Brit., ˌivə-/
–noun
1. any process of formation or growth; development


Evolution goes against the teachings of the Lord, and I just don't know if I'm okay with my son being exposed to that.

Dictionary.com got to be the worse place for definitions -_-;

Really, have to understand the context of a word, along with its denotation and connotation... In this case, as everyone pointed out, is simply growth and change. Surely your son DOES GROW as well.

Evolution has many different meanings. Only one of the many is truly in conflict. I'm a Christian myself, and certainly see "potentials" where Pokemon is definitely dangerous... and it's not evolving. Ghost and Psychic Pokemon ought to be the most 'problematic' crew out there...

For Ghost and Psychic types, it'll just depends on how you treat the line for invention. There are parents who refuse to say, let their kids play with anything that got wizards and magic involved, because in real life they are certainly not acceptable. However, some people thinks that it's all part of imagination.


Personally, I think that if it doesn't hinder your faith or demote it, then it is fine to do so. If the concept of evolution in Pokemon, even after explanation, seems to be promoting ideas against the Bible, then best to separate from it under an understanding is reached. If it doesn't hinder the faith and an understanding that it's all part of someone's imagination to have these game mechanics/anime ideas, then it's just fine...

To me, it all depends on whether or not the person in question can think of them as "purely imagination only" or not.

Feel free to PM me about it if you question me or thinks that I'm wrong... I prefer to only talk of this matter through PM from now on, just because I am already not liking the atmosphere of this place to talk about this matter =/

(asking a Pokemon board if Pokemon is ok? totally not biased, yes *nods*)

 

[doesn't matter]

That's strange, Dictionary.com defines "evolution" as:
ev·o·lu·tion /ˌɛvəˈluʃən or, especially Brit., ˌivə-/
–noun
1. any process of formation or growth; development


Evolution goes against the teachings of the Lord, and I just don't know if I'm okay with my son being exposed to that.

By that particular definition then, you should be against all forms of education as well. Or excercise. Or by just experiencing the world around you.

Look, it's up to you to decide what's right or wrong for your child. Others can make suggestions and guide you (eg game and film ratings), but ultimately it's up to you.

And you're also overlooking the mild gambling reference depicted in the series XD

 

[dstaley]

Personally, I think that if it doesn't hinder your faith or demote it, then it is fine to do so. If the concept of evolution in Pokemon, even after explanation, seems to be promoting ideas against the Bible, then best to separate from it under an understanding is reached. If it doesn't hinder the faith and an understanding that it's all part of someone's imagination to have these game mechanics/anime ideas, then it's just fine...

To me, it all depends on whether or not the person in question can think of them as "purely imagination only" or not.

I totally agree. If you can firmly state to your son that it isn't real, and that it's fake, then by all means go ahead. If you believe that the concept of changing over time goes against the teachings of the Bible, then stand by that. God created us in his image, to be creative and imaginative as we see fit. Therefore, only you can determine what is right and wrong for your child.

 

[Cherrim]

That's strange, Dictionary.com defines "evolution" as:
ev·o·lu·tion /ˌɛvəˈluʃən or, especially Brit., ˌivə-/
–noun
1. any process of formation or growth; development


Evolution goes against the teachings of the Lord, and I just don't know if I'm okay with my son being exposed to that.

A child's growth from baby to toddler to young adult would then be classified as evolution. I think that definition is far too broad. As far as I know, Christianity is only in opposition to Darwin's theory of evolution, which does not constitute natural growth and development. Evolution in Pokémon more closely mimics "evolution" in humans, in the sense that as they gain more experience, they change and adapt to their surroundings. They become stronger/smarter from what they learn, just like humans do with natural life experience.

 

[Frostweaver]

... is an understanding about the issue reached yet? I'm just dying to press the PM button to call a mod to get this thing locked actually... As much as I love to help in answering questions if I can, there's something with this thread that I greatly detest for reasons not to be stated, and will like to close it before my worries come true...

Yeah... =/

 

[dstaley]

I can see where you are coming from, but I do not see any reason (yet) why this should be closed, as it serves a reference to those that are confused about the Christian and Pokemon controversy. Since It seems we are all being civilized, intelligent people, I see no reason for this to be closed.

 

[Cherrim]

I'd reported it earlier Frosty, but it only got moved to this forum since there's nothing in the rules that bars this. Plus, discussions gone on better than I'd predicted, so...it stays open for now I guess. :\

 

[Frostweaver]

I can see where you are coming from, but I do not see any reason (yet) why this should be closed, as it serves a reference to those that are confused about the Christian and Pokemon controversy. Since It seems we are all being civilized, intelligent people, I see no reason for this to be closed.

Actually... I'm already pretty intended to disagree on some of this >>;

Oh, I'm kinda asking this to be closed not because it has already broken PC rules, Lighty, but rather for the fact that there's some perky little things here that will cause some fast thinking people to raise an eyebrow... heh.

No offense, but no I'm pretty sure only Niko and no one else sees where I'm coming from to ask this to be closed >>; I'm not only worried about the obvious flame bait, but more than that...

Of course, if the thread maker gives the consent, this thread can always be closed before it breaks any rule =P *cough coughplzcough cough*

 

[TRIFORCE89]

I would also like to point out that Nintendo is just about the most family-friendly gaming company out there. They have about the intentions of discrediting any religious faith as Disney does - so slim to none. In Japan, Christianity isn't as widespread as it is in Western world. However, many Chirstian symbols appear in Japanese games purely out of interest. I don't think there is anything like this in the Pokemon series (maybe the cemetary in Lavender. That's all I can think off). Nintendo does prohibit games from being released here that (while acceptable for Japanese markets) may offend people here.

An example is the game Devil World (or Demon World). It was released in Japan in 1984. It had such Christian symbols as the crucifix and Bible. The name sounds intimidating but you were actually trying to stop the Devil. You played as a little green dragon. Essentially the game was a Pac-Man graphic swap. But it was not brought here as it could've offended someone (which were not the original intentions, as I stated earlier about Christianity in Japanese games).

I don't think the Pokemon games have any intentions of undermining your son's religious beliefs. It is very much a Japanese game, but the term "evolution" is used loosely. It simply refers to the development of Pokemon. You have a Pokemon egg and it hatches. As that newborn Pokemon becomes stronger and you befriend it, it grows, and changes over time. That's all evolution is in Pokemon.

 

[Animehero]

That's strange, Dictionary.com defines "evolution" as:
ev·o·lu·tion /ˌɛvəˈluʃən or, especially Brit., ˌivə-/
–noun
1. any process of formation or growth; development


Evolution goes against the teachings of the Lord, and I just don't know if I'm okay with my son being exposed to that.

I'm sorry, but why are you so paranoid!? Did you have a bad child life experience or something. Of all fungames out there Pokemon is the most child friendly. How can you be an adult? Because you EVOLVED!! Pokemon has nothing against christians! The way I see it, it's toochild friendly. I like how you just want the best for your child, but relax, I promise your child will not be taken over by satan and become a wannabe gangster only to be shot at 19. Trust me, I've been playing pokemon for a lllooonnnggg time and I'm the most well behaved class-like, and at home. (You should see my dad)...

 

[KevinJ.]

I don't know why my discussion would even be considered to get "locked." I'm came here to get another perspective on an issue dealing with my son, and get threatened to be "locked." It's obvious I'm on a forum of immature people. Acting this way does not speak well for your side of the issue.

 

[Animehero]

Fine, make your son miserable, stay paranoid for the rest of your life, go sit in a corner for the rest of your life, I don't care. Evolution is all around us! My dad's a bishop and he see's nothing wrong with it.

 

[Cherrim]

I don't know why my discussion would even be considered to get "locked." I'm came here to get another perspective on an issue dealing with my son, and get threatened to be "locked." It's obvious I'm on a forum of immature people. Acting this way does not speak well for your side of the issue.

I did say this before I edited my first post with a more...relevant remark, but this is a forum dedicated solely to Pokémon. As former staff, I can say that a closure of a thread isn't meant to insult or anything, but is simply in your best interest assuming this thread gets out of hand since, as I'm sure you know, religion can be a touchy subject. That's all we mean when we talk about closing things--we just don't want anyone to get hurt.

Now, on that note, I'll remind you of the subject matter of this forum. Almost everyone here joined and posts on this forum because it's a Pokémon forum. People here play the games, watch the show, collect the cards, etc. Thus, you're going to get some very biased answers if you ask a question like that here because for the most part, none of us have any qualms with the game. If you're looking for someone else to play devil's advocate and talk about the negative aspects of Pokémon, I'd suggest you look in another forum since I don't think that will happen here.