Tim, in regards to your thoughts on Pokemon, maybe it would be easier (and more helpful in general) to take an even further step back and examine what the Christians’ response should be to the broad genre of fantasy games like Magic: The Gathering, Hero Quest, Dungeons and Dragons, etc; which are the more adult versions of games like Pokemon.

I have actually wrestled with this issue in the past, and even now my wife and I have thought about how we would do things with our own children (which we do not have any yet). All three games involve some sort of magic and/or fantasy elements; but they are also set in what would be considered an alternate reality, where magic power does not necessarily have it’s source in Satan. Kind of like Lord of the Rings, Brothers Grimm, Harry Potter, or even The Legend of Zelda.

Should we embrace these games as opportunities to encourage imagination, creativity and black/white contrasts between good and evil (as opposed to our post-modern, grey tinted culture)? Do we consider them to be a waste of time and energy, but not inherently bad (like watching television)? Do we see them as a gateway to the occult, which could lead us down a much darker path (like a Ouijia board)? All good questions to ask.

I have casually played Magic: The Gathering with some Christian buddies of mine in college, usually once a week for an hour or so (but never played D&D or Pokemon). I never felt my faith threatened by it, and saw it as a more interactive time waster than playing video games or watching movies. But like all things, i can see how if one takes it to the extreme, it could result in negative consequences. I can also see how different games would require an age appropriate clause.

I think much of this would have to be based on the discernment of the parents, and what they think their children are capable of handling. Also, it’s probably not a bad idea for the parents to become involved in whatever the child is interested in, and to use every opportunity to discuss all things in the context of a Christian worldview (i.e. Duet 6). Above all, we should make sure that we are mastered by nothing.