In part 2 of our series, Seducing Or Settling, we’ve taken a peek at the unfortunate draw of atheism and worldliness being subtly endorsed on certain Christian kids websites.
Now, for part 3 of Seducing Or Settling, I’d like to expose to and warn all Christian parents who are reading this article of how both the New Age and the occult is being subtly endorsed in a certain Christian children’s magazine.
The Puzzle
Below is an image of a puzzle that was printed in the October issue of this Christian kids magazine:
Now, what’s wrong with this picture?
Breaking Down The Puzzle
In the above image, I circled some New Age, occultic, and even downright perverted symbolism that’s sadly implemented in this puzzle illustration.
Let’s go over them one by one.
1. The One Eye
An article from VigilantCitizen.com, gives the spiritual breakdown on what the one eye symbolism is really all about:
When you hide one eye, you effectively block half of your vision. In symbolic terms, you become half-blind to the truth. By hiding one eye, celebrities symbolically “sacrifice” a vital part of their being for temporary material gain. And, since eyes are the “windows to the soul”, this gesture symbolizes the partial or total loss of one’s soul.
-VigilantCitizen.com
2. Mushrooms
Whether you are aware of it or not, mushrooms are not just some cute topping to put on pizza.
There’s also mushrooms that are practically psychedelic drugs.
And to make things a little creepy, the mushrooms in the puzzle illustration look eerily similar to the psychedelic mushroom amarita muscaria.
You can see the crazy comparison for yourself below:
If you would like to look into the connections between psychedelic mushrooms like the ones depicted above and satanism, check out this eye-opening video below from Christian YouTube Channel, Good Fight Ministries.
3. The Snake
Revelation 12:9, in the CEB version says:
So the great dragon was thrown down. The old snake, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, was thrown down to the earth; and his angels were thrown down with him.
(Revelation 12:9 CEB, emphasis added)
4. Human Kissing Bird
Now, this is honestly one of the most disturbing icons within this whole puzzle illustration.
It appears to be the shape of a human head kissing what looks like the shape of a bird beak.
Below is a more highlighted version of the bird shape.
A subtle endorsement for zoophilia?
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
(1 Thessalonians 5:22)
Who Drew This, Anyway?
Well, I did some digging into who exactly illustrated this whole puzzle image, and I came across this illustration that was made by the SAME PERSON who drew the puzzle picture within the Christian kids magazine:
As I’ve highlighted in the above image, this depicts the cross being set on fire.
You also see the words “Entre Tinieblas (1983)” on top.
What in the world is “Entre Tinieblas”?
Entre Tinieblas, or “Dark Habits” as translated into English, is a Spanish black comedy film that was released in 1983, and it revolves around–according to IMDB.com–“A nightclub singer seeks refuge with gay nuns on dope in a Madrid convent.”
The fact that this is the kind of inspiration that’s spurring this illustrator’s artwork, and this same person was seemingly chosen to help illustrate a puzzle for a Christian kids magazine is heartbreakingly unbelievable.
Here’s some other artwork that this same individual did who drew the Christian kids magazine puzzle:
Similarly Unbelievable…
Not only are there horrid symbolisms and connections behind this Christian puzzle image, but there’s also horrid similarities between the illustration itself and some questionable pictures.
Below is a closeup of the similar images so you can see it more easily:
Now, what’s the major problem with these images?
1. Biblically Debunking “Feminine Energy”
According to various New Age websites, the concept of “feminine energy” is defined as being “emotional-driven,” and is associated with “unleashing the goddess within.”
But from a Biblical perspective, the idea of “unleashing” some “goddess” inside you is frankly one of the first lies that the devil told Eve through the serpent (or snake)!
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 ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
(Genesis 3:4-5)
And being “emotional-driven” isn’t spiritually safe either, because the Bible instructs us with this key truth in 2 Corinthians 5:7–
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
(2 Corinthians 5:7)
The true Christian’s life is supposed to be driven by faith, not emotion.
2. Biblically Debunking “The Seven Grandfather Teachings”
What are the “seven grandfather teachings”?
They’re basically ancient Native American teachings based off of seven virtues:
- Love
- Respect
- Bravery
- Truth
- Honesty
- Humility
- Wisdom
Due to time constraints, I’ll only go over just two of the grandfather teachings:
- Love
- Truth
The concept of love according to The Seven Grandfather Teachings is defined as “a strong affection [or feeling] for another.”
But the Bible describes love much differently:
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
(1 John 3:18)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:13)
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
(1 John 3:16)
3. Biblically Debunking “Progressive Space Rock”
According to progarchives.com, this type of music genre is characterized by two key factors:
- “Spontaneous emotions” in place of “compositional constructions”
- Repetitive hypnotic beats
As I touched on previously in this article, 2 Corinthians 5:7 makes it clear that emotions are NOT supposed to override our lives as Christians.
But what about things like hypnotic beats?
Well, this 18 minute video from Little Light Studios can help to easily answer that question.
What’s A Christian Parent To Do?!
We’ve covered A LOT in this article.
Now, what is a Christian parent like you supposed to do with all this information?
And even more specifically, HOW should a Christian parent respond to things like this?
Well, while I’m not a parent myself, I would like to present 4 basic principles that may help you learn how to practically navigate these types of spiritual “chaos” that the enemy is slamming against today’s young people–even through professedly “Christian” media.
1. Discernment
As I mentioned in part 2 of this series, discernment is the essential key when dealing with these matters.
2. Engage
Instead of just casually letting your child soak up whatever is in the media, I wanna encourage you to–when possible–watch or read various types of media WITH your child.
When something pops up that is not in harmony with Bible truth, you can “hit pause” and take these opportunities to discuss with your child the dangers of these things, and point them to what the Bible has to say about them.
3. Contact
If the Holy Spirit leads you to do so, contact the people who placed these kinds of questionable content in Christian kids media.
It could be that some of them are honestly ignorant of these things, and perhaps your email can help get them and their Christian children’s media back on the Narrow Way.
4. Cut
Matthew 5:30 says–
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
(Matthew 5:30)
If the Holy Spirit convicts you to remove some unfavorable “Christian” content from your child’s life, don’t hesitate to get rid of it!
Point #2, “Engage,” will better help set the stage for “cutting off” certain shows, movies, websites, magazines, books, etc. so the child can have a clear understanding on why “so and so” is not really the best.
Just as a quick sidenote, check out this helpful blog article from Christian media ministry, Counter Culture Mom, for more additional, practical tips on this matter.
Conclusion
While Christian parenting is certainly not easy in this modern time of deception that’s crashing in through the world and–sadly–creeping into the church, we can still be thankful for this encouraging promise in Psalm 32:8–
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
(Psalm 32:8)
Friend, God is with you!
Remember that HE is by your side, willing to lead and guide you in your journey as a parent to truly lead your children to Him!
Amen! Maranatha!