[The 'Christians Against Evil/Occult Toys and Games' Club!]

I get disturbed by how many things geared to children are satanically influenced and potentially spiritually harmful to them. Even more disturbing is how many Christian parents buy these things for their kids without a second thought.

This is intended as a wake-up call, to report toys, games, or even books that are intended for kids that are probably not right for Christians. (Please don't discuss Harry Potter here, though- there's plenty on that subject elsewhere.)

If you happen upon something that you think belongs in this category, feel free to describe it, but also explain why you think it's wrong. Otherwise we may be left scratching our heads, unless it's obviously something evil.

Also allow for differences of opinion: what you think is wrong may not be to someone else. We do have freedom in Christ, but this is meant as a 'heads-up' for anyone involved with children.

I'll start with one:

BELLA SARA

I learned about Bella Sara by accident- I was flipping through a magazine on collectibles and there was a full-page ad about it. I looked over the artwork and got a creepy feeling, so I went online to learn more about it.

In case you haven't heard, it's a trading card game for girls featuring horses and an uplifting message. This may seem harmless, but wait. First of all, the messages, like 'Believe in yourself!' are clearly not Christian. They are intended to build self-esteem, but with a focus on self, certainly not God. Girls can certainly use self-esteem, but there are better ways.

A bigger concern is the artwork- mythical horses, monster horses, fairy horses, horses with magical powers...many are taken directly out of pagan mythology and even states such. I was surprised that I could find no Christian ministry speaking out against this, but on the contrary- some were speaking favorably about it. I can't see how any believer can be so blind about this lie from the pit!

I don't think Bella Sara is appropriate for Christian kids- in fact, it presents an interest in the occult; combining magic, mystery, mythology, and horses. I think it's very spiritually dangerous for kids.