How to Protect Your Child from New Age & Spiritual Deception

Excerpts from Chapters 15 & 16

Immoral & Occult Suggestions in Books & Magazines

http://www.crossroad.to/Books/1-protect-your-child/1-welcome.htm

"...the light has come into the world,

and men loved darkness rather than light."

John 3:19

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Chapter Outline

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    While relatives and friends cheered their favorite team, two girls huddled in the lower left corner of the stands, oblivious to the thrills of a championship Little League game. They sat bent over a magazine [today it might be an IPOD). Only occasionally did they break their silent concentration to point out something special on a page.

    Toward the end of the game, the two young teens finally closed the magazine and exposed the title: Sassy. Curious about its power to hold their attention, I bought a copy at the local supermarket the next day.

    It opened my eyes to a new teen culture. Sassy is now defunct, but many teen magazines of the same caliber are available today. In addition to gorgeous faces and bodies matched with corresponding beauty tips, these magazines show how to stay physically fit and stay up to date with all the latest styles.

    Through compassionate interviews, Sassy brought the reader into the hearts of lesbian and gay couples. It encouraged its reader to use contraceptive devices, know the best rock groups, and see the right movies.

    Under the column, “Comic Books Are Your Friends,” it gave a list of “which comic books are the edgiest: The Uncanny X-Men, Batman: The Killing Joke, Lone Wolf and Club, ElfQuest, and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. [1]

    If this is what girls are reading, I’d better check it out. So I stopped by the local comic book store and read off the list to the salesman. He pointed to his display of the latest hits. My list matched his. Since he had sold the last Batman: The Killing Joke, he suggested I substitute with The Punisher, and Mai, the Psychic Girl—two more top sellers at the time. Since I was beginning to feel uncomfortable in his shop, I quickly bought them all.

    “How old are the kids who buy these?” I asked before hurrying out.

    “Every age,” he answered. “From little kids to adults.”

    When I arrived home and began to skim through these contemporary “treasures,” I could hardly believe what I saw. Young children read this? Pornography, cruelty, sadism, violence, and occultism leaped out at me from the pages. In less than five minutes, I had skimmed through all I could take.

Warrior Cats & the Occult

    Led by Scholastic, publishers across the country have adapted all kinds of occult beliefs and magical rituals to the tastes of young readers. Children everywhere are learning to see paganism and syncretism (a medley of enticing spiritual lures) as more “real” and “exciting” than true Christianity.

    "Erin Hunter" is the pen name for the two women authors of the Warrior books: Cherith Baldrey and Kate Gary. To popularize their love for cats, astrology, mysticism and "sacred" sites, they endowed their furry warriors with human minds and personalities. Cat lovers as young as six and seven could hardly wait for the next book in the popular series.

    The first book, Into the Wild, introduces the main hero of the first series: A former “kittypet” named Rusty, who becomes Firepaw when he joins the warriors of the Thunderclan. As he rises within their ranks, Firepaw’s name is eventually changed to Firestar.

    The all-powerful deity in these stories is StarClan, a growing community of departed warrior cats whose spirits are revived as stars. This collective deity hears the prayers of living cats, strengthens the faithful in their battles, guides them with omens and prophecies, and welcomes them to their starry heights when they die. Notice that the words used to describe the tribe’s relationship with StarClan sound much like the biblical words used to describe our relationship with God:

     This collective “god” seems to offers the cats a relationship that resembles what God offers His people. We know that this idol can’t deliver, but few children know the Bible well enough to discern the deception. Instead, those who identify with the cat warriors will love the forces that guide them.

Divination, Omens & Full Moon Worship

    As in witchcraft and sorcery, personal power and magical work requires faith in the power of ritual words and in the spiritual significance of pagan settings such as a full moon and “sacred sites.”

    "Concentration and visualization are key to all magical practices,”[7] explains Wiccan leader Starhawk in her occult book, The Spiral Dance. They always have been, for Satan’s tricks don’t change through the centuries

    Like America, ancient Jerusalem was -- at first -- led by the wisdom and might of our God. Yet the people were soon seduced by the occult mysteries of their pagan neighbors. So they shut their hearts to the God who loved them and succumbed to the tempting Canaanite lures. Forgetting God’s warnings, they did what they were told not to do. They trusted their idols, summoned the dead, worshiped “the host of heaven” and ignored God's wise and loving warnings.  (Deuteronomy 17:3).

    In our post-Christian culture, occult suggestions and practices are fast becoming part of America's public consciousness. And, as in ancient times, children and youth seek forbidden thrills through imagination -- even as they claim to follow God. As God warned us long ago,

"They... walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:24

    Jesus warned us that imagining evil is as bad as actually doing that doing what's evil. (Matthew 5:27-28). But when we trust and follow Him, He gives us the strength to resist evil—and to stand firm in Him no matter how great the pressure.

“[T]hanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57.

The Upside-Down World of Pullman’s “Dark Materials”

    More than fifteen million copies of Philip Pullman’s trilogy, His Dark Materials, have been sold. ... The Golden Compass, book one, won the prestigious Carnegie Medal. In his mind-bending trilogy, Pullman plunges young readers into occult fantasy worlds that twist God’s truths into horrendous lies. Here God is despised as weak and evil, while Satan and his minions become saviors of the worlds. The biblical Fall brings knowledge and freedom, and personal daemons become the children’s closest friends.

Flying witches and evolving “Dust” abound in Pullman’s The Dark Materials. In this confusing cosmos of multiple universes, telepathic seekers search for answers to life’s mysteries through divination, Eastern meditation, ancient “wisdom,” and ritual magic. These occult practices are essential to the war against God and the despised old Church. There is no tolerance for biblical authority in this world of amoral license.

Do you see how this fantasy undermines God's unchanging Truth and values? Pullman’s crafty tale pulls the readers’ minds into an occult context where—through their imagination—they experience life from his occult perspective. In fact, his methods sound just like the transformational tactics in UNESCO’s global education plan. These proven methods are designed to:

    Near the end of The Golden Compass, Lord Asriel condemns the Authority for its despised teachings on original sin: “[I]t’s what the Church has taught for thousands of years.”[8]Then he reads this false version of Genesis 3:1-7 to Lyra:

    [T]he woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden. But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shalt ye touch it, lest ye die.

    And the serpent said unto the woman, "Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and your daemons shall assume their true forms, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil."[9]

    This rejection of God matches the emerging views of today’s change agents. Church leaders, as well as environmentalists and corporate managers, are embracing an illusion of unbiblical unity through dialectical thinking which denies the validity of the Bible.[10] Are your children equipped with the facts and truths to counter such lies?

Loving the Occult

      “What kinds of books do you like to read?” I asked a ten-year-old girl.

“Science fiction,” she answered.

“What are some of your favorites?”

“The books by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. I just finished The Headless Cupid.” She recited the story to me.

“That sounds more like psychic fiction than science fiction. What do you think?”

“I guess so. But it’s real adventuresome.”

“How do you feel when you read stories like The Headless Cupid? Spooky and a little scared?”

“It’s exciting and fun. I like it.”

    The children’s library had other books by Snyder. “Fifth-and sixth-graders love them!” affirmed the librarian. I checked out The Witches of Worm, a story about a demon-possessed kitten who gets a lonely little girl into all sorts of trouble. In the end, the heroine researches witchcraft, learns an occult version of exorcism, and apparently proves man’s power to subdue the irascible forces of evil.

    Preschoolers also love the scary and magical. Beautiful picture books tell ugly stories about witchcraft, magic, and sorcery. A book for toddlers, Little Witch’s Magic Spells, even comes with a toy witch....

    Worn pages and wrinkled covers prove the popularity of library series like the Dragontales and Endless Quest books, where the reader is the hero. Both equip youngsters with every kind of occult power.

    The latter is published by the producers of Dungeons and Dragons. In Rose Estes’ Dragon of Doom, you conquer an evil magician with your magical ring, spells, mind-linking with your companions to strengthen the force, entering into trance states, clairvoyance, mental telepathy, and the wisdom of today’s "values clarification.” Confronting the dreaded Dragon of Doom, you offer this contemporary guideline, which supposedly justifies any action: “[Destroy mankind] because you choose to and not because you have been ordered to do so. It must be your decision.”51 [11]

    Libraries and bookstores offer an equally disturbing menu to teenagers. Even sixth and seventh graders devour seductive medleys of science fiction, sex, occult, and psychic adventure—including the adult horrors of Stephen King. These fantasies draw their minds into a demonic dream world where psychic phenomena, sensual highs, and occult terrors become as familiar as things like a starry night.

Harry Potter Lures Kids to Witchcraft

     When you consider that the Harry Potter books have sold over 400 million copies (the films have been equally successful), it is clear to see that Harry Potter has had a significant impact on our Western society. These two comments from Harry Potter fans who disagreed with my observations are revealing:

    "I was eager to get to Hogwarts first because I like what they learned there and I want to be a witch."—Gioia B.

    "I like the third book because here [Harry] meets his godfather and Professor Lupin, a really cool guy" —Harry L. [This really “cool guy” is a werewolf as well as a wizard, and Harry’s godfather is a “shape shifter”.]

    While children everywhere crave supernatural thrills, Great Britain, the birthplace of Harry Potter, has been a wonderland of options for exploring practical witchcraft. And plenty of youth have caught Harry’s vision. They want to learn his wizardly ways.

    Two British reports on this phenomenon show us the obvious: popular forms of occult entertainment have fueled a rapidly growing interest in witchcraft among children.”57 [12] The popular Pagan Federation is pleased. Though it refuses to admit new members under age 18, “it deals with an average of 100 inquiries a month from youngsters who want to become witches, and claims it has occasionally been ‘swamped’ with calls,”58[13]  explaining: "...Every time an article on witchcraft or paganism appears, we had a huge surge in calls, mostly from young girls."59[14]

Strange Counsel From Christian Leaders

     A report in Christianity Today seems to base its approval of Harry Potter, not on the Bible, but on popular consensus among admired Christian leaders.

     The late Chuck Colson, in his Breakpoint radio broadcast, commended Harry and his friends for their “courage, loyalty, and a willingness to sacrifice for one another—even at the risk of their lives.” Colson dismissed the pagan practices as: "... purely mechanical, as opposed to occultic. That is, Harry and his friends cast spells, read crystal balls, and turn themselves into animals—but they don’t make contact with a supernatural world.... [It’s not] the kind of real-life witchcraft the Bible condemns." 61 [15]

    But Colson was wrong! God's Word warns us: 

"Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imaginationc of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward." Jeremiah 7:23-24

"...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. " Ephesians 5:6-11

    World Magazine called Harry Potter’s world “a delight . . . safe, inoffensive, and non-occult." 63 [16] That's misleading assurance at best. Satan may indulge seekers in a free ride for a while, but as soon as his victims have been captivated and hooked by his lures—all of which are counterfeits of what God offers those who follow Him—he begins to demand his payoff. Suddenly the bright side of evil turns dark indeed. Attempts to resist or turn back often leads to spiritual terror and demonic oppression.

    Mark Greene’s endorsement in the British Christianity magazine raises some serious questions. What does he mean by “Harry—fine lad you know....Comes from good stock....” Is he referring to Harry’s parents—a witch and a wizard? 64 [17] Is he speaking as director of London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, or is this simply his personal opinion?

    One thing is certain. Spiritual compromise is driving the current transformation of the Church. It’s time for serious Christians to “count the cost” and be ready to stand uncompromisingly strong in the Truth God has given us. No wonder He warned us against deception long ago:

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. " 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

The Twilight Vampire Phenomenon

     In 2005, a book titled Twilight, written by Stephanie Meyer, was released, and soon it hit the New York Times best-seller list. The book is about a young girl, Bella, who falls in love with a teenage vampire, Edward. ...Publisher’s Weekly named twilight the Best Children’s Book of 2005, and the entire series won the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2009. All five movies have grossed over two billion dollars in worldwide receipts! 69 [18]

     If my goal was to undermine Christianity, incite rebellion against parents, eradicate biblical values, and spread moral chaos, I would urge teens to read the Twilight series. I would prompt them to immerse their minds and emotions in the dark, emotional whirlpool of sensual occultism. And I wouldn’t warn them of the consequences.

     Of course, my real goal is the opposite: to expose this assault on biblical faith and to equip potential readers with information that enables them to resist the temptation to join the collective journey into the mind-changing realm of the occult. The following points show the raging spiritual war that’s sure to intensify in the years ahead:

1. Arousing passion for occultic settings. "Vampires and werewolves are rooted in pagan cultures around the world. The various historical expressions of these mythical creatures were dreaded, blood-thirsty manifestations of evil spirits. Linked to darkness, they were viewed as supernatural creatures of the night.

    Bella’s passionate love for the mysteriously handsome Edward may be fictional, but the obsession felt by teenage readers who “resonate” with Bella is very real! Young super-fans (Twilighters) identify with her plight, sense her fears, and “feel” her passion. They love the story because it arouses strong, unforgettable emotions—the kind of enchanting thrills that can best be shared within one’s peer group, and not with parents.

2. Impact of fantasy and imagination. Fantasy and imagination can transform beliefs and values more quickly than reality. Many of our readers defend their love for occult entertainment with this standard justification: "I know the difference between reality and fantasy." But it doesn’t matter! Believe it or not, persuasive works of fiction and virtual experiences can change young minds and embed lasting memories—leaving indelible, holographic imprints—more effectively than actual real-life experiences!

3. Desensitizing of values. When today’s youth love the emotional thrills of popular occultism, they are desensitizing their hearts and minds to its evil. And—with help from the marketing industry—they are turning America’s values upside down. It all fits the plans of our globalist leaders and that old serpent in Genesis.

“You can only have a new society,” wrote Ferguson in The Aquarian Conspiracy, “if you change the education of the younger generation.”70 [19]

4. Cognitive dissonance. Twilight’s feel-good sensual occultism brings “cognitive dissonance.” Committed Christians (in contrast to cultural Christians) face a form of mental and moral confusion when confronted with incompatible values. Since Twilight’s worldview clashes with biblical Truth, readers are forced to make a choice: Will they heed home-taught values or the tantalizing messages in books, video games, TV series, and movies.

5. Redefining evil.  Few Twilighters see their new passion as evil. After all, Edward is a relatively “good” vampire, isn’t he? Though he lusts for Bella’s blood, he restrains his craving. Other vampires (and some of the werewolves) in the saga are downright murderous, but he’s a good guy! Isn’t he? Besides, the story has spawned a noble mission.

    But it all depends on who sets the standard for right and wrong—God or man! While God’s standard is like an anchor in a storm, man’s values shift with the winds. The Bible tells us:

"...I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life... that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for He is thy life..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Chapter 16: HOW TO GUARD AGAINST IMMORALITY & THE OCCULT

STEP ONE: PERSONAL PREPARATION

STEP TWO: BE ALERT TO DECEPTION IN BOOKS

     A crossless version of Christianity fits the New Age lie that all can be one—with or without Jesus. It denies man’s need for redemption and, in effect, makes man his own savior.

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

STEP THREE: CHECK YOUR LIBRARY

    Learn your library’s guidelines and limitations. Know its definition of adult literature and whether or not children can check it out.  Children have neither the knowledge, wisdom, or experience to make adult decisions and carry adult responsibility. Adult movies, television, and books feed children adult-sized mental stimulants that they are unprepared to handle.      


STEP FOUR: JOIN IN THE BATTLE FOR TRUTH

    Continue to pray with other Christian families for God’s wisdom and direction. Let God encourage you with biblical passages that promise victory to those who trust and follow Him. See Psalm 25:1, 4-5; Exodus 14:13-14; Deuteronomy 1:30; 20:1, 4.

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE

    God’s enemy fights as hard as ever to win the hearts and loyalties of our children—and he has added all kinds of high-tech tools to his arsenal. To resist his strategies, they first need to understand them and have in their hearts the Word of God. That’s why God told His people long ago to base all conversation on His unchanging truth and to teach His truth diligently to our children (see Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

    Everything we say must reflect the reality of God—His love, His omnipotence, His promises, and His warnings. To prove that our God is far greater than the plethora of alternatives that are out there, our lives must demonstrate faith in the midst of difficulties and His triumph in the midst of turmoil. This is possible, not by our own strength, but by His power and grace. Then, seeing His greatness, children learn to trust His promises.

    Likewise, the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) begins and ends with the power of His Word. First, we put on the belt of truth, which holds all the other pieces—His righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation—in place.

    The last part, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” is simply His truth and promises memorized, remembered, and affirmed as we face each day’s challenges. The world can’t understand it, and many so-called Christians despise it. But to those who love God, it brings the hope, strength, joy, and perseverance needed to walk with Him in peace no matter what happens.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 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 10:4-5