Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

By my understanding, Pokemon (which represents a contraction of the phrase "pocket monsters") was developed by its Japanese creators with references to animistic elements of religions present in Japan (specifically, Shinto and Buddhism) that would have been recognizable to the Japanese public, but this was done without an intent to proselytize those purchasing or playing Pokemon products into adopting or following the beliefs of those religions, either in Japan or in overseas markets.

To the extent that any such religion could be regarded (from a Christian standpoint) as a false belief from which Christians are called upon to convert or deliver people for their eternal benefit, that religion could be regarded as a tool of Satan. However, waging an active campaign specifically against Pokemon in that context could (in my opinion) be counter-productive in that respect. It would be better to use interactions with Pokemon devotees as a platform for discussion of any such issues or questions only if they arise.

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