Pokémon is a popular game, but how should Christians view it? What does the Bible say about games and activities like Pokémon that involve creatures, powers, and otherworldly elements? Let’s examine Scripture’s guidance on entertainment and how we can approach these things with discernment.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Toys
What Does The Bible Say About Pokémon
Genesis 1:31
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”
This verse reminds us that God created everything in this world, including the concept of imaginary creatures like Pokémon. He declared his creation “very good,” indicating that there is inherent value in all aspects of his creation.
While Pokémon may be fictional creatures, they can still bring joy and entertainment to people’s lives. As long as we do not allow Pokémon or any other form of entertainment to take the place of God or lead us away from him, we can appreciate and enjoy them.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
As Christians, we are called to focus our thoughts and minds on things that are true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy. This verse encourages us to evaluate what we allow into our minds, including forms of entertainment like Pokémon.
If Pokémon brings joy and does not lead us away from our faith or promote anything contrary to God’s principles, then it can be one of the many things in life that we can enjoy within the parameters of Philippians 4:8.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of protecting our hearts and minds from anything that could lead us away from God. It reminds us that our thoughts and actions stem from the condition of our heart.
If playing Pokémon or engaging with its world affects our heart negatively, leading us to focus more on the fictional realm than on God, then we should exercise caution and prioritize guarding our hearts.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Every action we take, including our choice of entertainment like Pokémon, should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. This verse reminds us that our lives should be centered around honoring and glorifying Him.
If we can enjoy Pokémon in a way that enhances our relationship with God or allows us to connect with others in a positive manner, then we can participate in this form of entertainment while still glorifying God.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse reinforces the idea that as followers of Christ, we should do everything, including playing Pokémon, in a manner that reflects our faith. It reminds us to have an attitude of gratitude towards God for all things.
If we can involve Pokémon in our lives in a way that aligns with our Christian values and allows us to express gratitude to God, then it can be a part of our lives without compromising our faith.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. It reminds us that we cannot serve both God and worldly pursuits simultaneously.
If Pokémon or any form of entertainment becomes an obsession or takes precedence over our devotion to God, then it is necessary to reevaluate our priorities and make sure that we are not allowing anything to become an idol in our lives.
1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
This verse warns against the dangers of placing material desires above our faith. It cautions against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of our relationship with God.
If our involvement with Pokémon, whether through collecting cards or participating in tournaments, becomes driven by greed or financial gain, it can lead us away from our faith and cause unnecessary distress in our lives.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
This verse reminds us that every good thing in our lives comes from God. It emphasizes that God is the source of all blessings and that His nature is unwavering and constant.
If we view Pokémon as a gift, something that brings joy and entertainment to our lives, we should be grateful to God for the enjoyment it provides. However, we should always maintain a perspective that recognizes God as the ultimate giver of all good things.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages us to trust in God completely and to rely on His wisdom rather than our own. It emphasizes the importance of submitting our lives and decisions to Him in order to follow the straight path He has set before us.
When it comes to engaging with Pokémon or any form of entertainment, we should seek God’s guidance and align our choices with His will. By trusting in Him and submitting our decisions to Him, we can be assured that we are walking on the right path.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything,’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
This verse highlights the importance of discernment and self-control in our choices and actions. It reminds us that although we may have the freedom to do certain things, not everything is beneficial or edifying for our lives.
When it comes to Pokémon, we should evaluate whether our involvement is truly beneficial and whether it has the potential to become a dominating force in our lives. It serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and moderation in all things.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
This verse encapsulates the overarching principle that should guide our actions and choices as Christians. It reminds us that love should be at the core of all we do.
When engaging with Pokémon or any other form of entertainment, we should be motivated by love—for God, for others, and for ourselves. Our choices should reflect a desire to honor God and demonstrate His love to others in everything we do.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages us to resist the pressures and influence of the world and instead allow God to transform our minds. It reminds us that by adopting His perspective, we can discern and align ourselves with His will.
When it comes to engaging with Pokémon, we should seek God’s guidance and allow our minds to be renewed by His Word. By doing so, we can better understand and discern whether our involvement is in alignment with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Matthew 22:37
“Jesus replied: ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’’”
This verse encapsulates the greatest commandment given by Jesus—to love God with our entire being. It encompasses our heart, soul, and mind.
When deciding whether to engage with Pokémon, we should evaluate whether it detracts from our ability to love God wholeheartedly. If it hinders our worship, devotion, or intimacy with God, then we need to reevaluate our priorities and ensure our love and dedication to Him remains our primary focus.
Mark 7:21-23
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
This passage serves as a reminder that our thoughts and intentions matter. It highlights that sinful desires and actions originate from within our hearts.
When engaging with Pokémon, we should consider whether it promotes or triggers any of the behaviors or attitudes mentioned in this passage. If it does, we should exercise caution and ensure that we are not being influenced by or participating in anything that defiles our hearts.
Psalm 101:3
“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.”
This verse expresses the Psalmist’s commitment to avoiding anything that is wicked or evil. It reflects the desire to maintain a standard of purity and righteousness in one’s life.
When it comes to Pokémon or any other form of entertainment, we should examine its content and themes. If it contains elements that we deem to be morally objectionable or contrary to God’s principles, we have the right and responsibility to abstain from engaging with it.
Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
This verse highlights the positive impact of joy and a cheerful disposition on our overall well-being. It emphasizes that a joyful heart can bring healing and vitality.
If engaging with Pokémon brings joy and laughter into our lives, lifting our spirits and fostering a positive outlook, then it can be viewed as a source of good medicine. However, we should always ensure that our happiness is not dependent solely on worldly sources, but on our relationship with God.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse reminds us that in all our endeavors, we should strive to give our best as if we were working directly for the Lord. It encourages us to approach our actions with diligence and excellence.
If playing Pokémon or participating in related activities, we should do so with a mindset of offering our best efforts to honor God. By doing our best, we can glorify Him and demonstrate our dedication in all aspects of life, including our hobbies and interests.
Romans 1:25
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”
This verse describes the consequences of humanity’s rejection of God’s truth. It highlights the tendency to worship and serve created things, such as Pokémon, instead of recognizing and worshiping the Creator.
When engaging with Pokémon, we should always guard against allowing it, or any other created thing, to take the place of God in our lives. Our focus and worship should remain centered on the Creator, who deserves all honor and praise.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse urges believers to exercise discernment and evaluate the teachings or influences they encounter. It cautions against blindly accepting everything without testing its alignment with God’s truth.
When engaging with Pokémon or any other form of entertainment, we should apply this principle and assess whether the messages, values, or philosophies it portrays align with the truth of God’s Word. This discernment will help us avoid being led astray by false or harmful teachings.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This verse serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences. It emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, where we experience the results of what we sow.
When it comes to Pokémon, we should consider whether our involvement is sowing positive or negative seeds in our lives. If our engagement promotes values, attitudes, or behaviors that are contrary to God’s teachings, we must recognize that we will inevitably reap the consequences of those choices.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse warns us of the spiritual battle we face and reminds us to remain vigilant against the schemes and temptations of the devil.
When engaging with Pokémon, we should be aware of the potential influence it may have on our spiritual well-being. We must be discerning and guard against any subtle or overt messages that could lead us astray or compromise our faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse encourages us to avoid anything that is considered evil or contrary to God’s will. It reinforces the idea that we should distance ourselves from anything that may lead us into sin or compromise our faith.
When considering involvement with Pokémon, we should examine whether there are any elements that could be classified as evil or conflicting with our Christian values. If there are, we should exercise wisdom and choose to abstain from participating in those aspects.