"˜Berit Kjos discusses...
"What do charms, totems, playful trolls and Jesus dolls have in common
? To the fast-growing multitudes who believe in them, they bring mystical
promises of spiritual favors: Wear the charm
(a special crystal, a magic symbol, a guardian angel) and reap spiritual
protection. Carry a totem (a feather, rock, carved image) and be empowered.
Rub a troll's hair ( or the pentagram on his belly) and make your wish
come true. Hug a stuffed Jesus doll and find peace and solace--
whether you know the Biblical Jesus or not.
The counterfeit hope inspired by these idols (man made images representing a divine presence or power) spring from pagan myths and distorted truths. Pagan priests and shamans throughout the world have always worked magic through occult symbols and man-made images. "The physical objects we use in Witchcraft are the tangible representatives of unseen forces," says Starhawk, who teaches witchcraft in Christian as well as secular groups nationwide. (The Spiral Dance, Harper and Row, 75) These objects often mirror Biblical images, for the occult world abounds with counterfeit crosses, angels, prophets and Christs. Whenever people trust these images and their power rather than God, they violate the second and third commandment: "You shall have no other gods..." and "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath..." (Ex. 20:3-4)
Some of today's most popular idols mock Christianity and fuel the revival of earth-centered religions. The cute-ugly trolls that have captivated American [also Australian] children epitomize today's delight in the ugly, mystical and pagan- especially when joined to popular ideals. While the lumbering trolls of Scandinavian fairy tales would uproot trees, enslave inspired Pulte Richard. This village in Bosnia-Herzegovina has been a source of unending spiritual guidance since 1981, when five children first encountered the Marian apparition. blending truth with myths, "the lady's " messages illustrate the nature of deception. In 1981, the apparition announced that "all religions are good before God." Later messages indicate that "you are not true Christians if you do not respect other religions" and that "division among the religions is caused by man, not God." (Christian Research Journal, Spring 1991, p.26) The apparition's answers fit the all-inclusive pagan spirituality promoted by today's New Age and global leaders. They also match the idealistic sentiments taught by demonic spirit guides, "aliens" and "angelic helpers" channeled by contemporary spiritists. Today's vast acceptance of these "politically correct" beliefs--along with the myths and idols that accompany them -- demonstrate the spiritual transformation of America. [also Australia] Culturally, Christianity is out, paganism is in. Are we prepared to follow our God in an increasingly pagan world? Books by Berit Kjos...Writer of "Under the Spell of Mother Earth", and " Your Child and the New Age
Return to Despatch Vol.5:1 December,
1993.
despatch@mail.cth.com.au