*Please read The Legend of Zelda and the Bible Part 6: Worship, Prayer and the Goddess before continuing.
This is the first in a number of postings regarding the Legend of Zelda series. We start at the beginning, the first game…
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Everybody remembers the Secret Moblin, the meme-creating pig-like creature that hands you some rupees while saying “IT’S A SECRET TO EVERYBODY.”
Look at Isaiah 45:19 and Daniel 2:20-22:
“I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth (Check out where the Secret Moblin is located): I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.” (Isaiah 45:19)
“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)
The health potions in The Legend of Zelda are called Water of Life. See what is the true Water of Life and who gives it according to Revelation 21:6:
“And he [God] said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”
The Book of Magic has a cross on it, and was originally called the Bible in Japan before having the name changed on its arrival in the United States. Part of the official description: “What’s more, if Link picks up the Magic Book and learns some new spells, he can chant some fiery spells and send out flames.” Check out John 17:17, 2 Chronicles 33:6 and Jeremiah 9:5:
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)
“And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.” (Jeremiah 9:5)
“And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” (2 Chronicles 33:6)
Video Games and the Bible 
I have read some of the passages you have in place of the this game. Have you taken the time to see that this game represents a story. A story that is like the bible in many ways. Though not accurate to the word itself it has good views, and can help someone learn about the word in ways the word itself can be hard to understand. As a young adult I came to the word and learned much. it took years to fully get a grasp on what I was reading. Even today the word of God that is written in text form in the Bible is very contradicting and can make no sense. While adding life experiences, stories ( especially stories from Zelda ) I have been able to see a brighter understanding of how much love is represented in the Word of God. Yet what I read here is someone mocking a dream ( I believe ) that was created to build “A STORY” first and foremost, but also shows a description from an author who saw a way to bring the word of God to a video game, and was appreciated by others. Zelda games are not something of an idol. It is a story, a game, and something to enjoy like a movie you see everyday, but has ways of bringing a positive outlook on life. I have a full belief that when a child would play these games and later on would read the bible they would have an understanding of what the Word really means. I am upset that these passages are placed here with an intent to belittle a popular title that is not only positive unlike violent video games that show blood and gore, but can teach anyone how to be patient, how to solve problems, and to feel strong and full of courage in knowing the difference between POWER, WISDOM, AND COURAGE. ( Zelda: Ocarina of time ). Why not take the references that these games have to the word and explain where in the bible these references come from. Have you ever thought that it may bring people to the word of God because of popularity in a video game that has shed light on a topic that many ignore.
Hello Ryan!
Thank you for commenting. I will reply to both of your posts with one response. What you said encouraged me to do something I have been putting off for a while. As a result, I am currently writing The Legend of Zelda and The Bible Part 6: Skyward Sword’s Triforce, Prayers, and Goddess.
As a fan of the Zelda series, have you played Skyward Sword? If you have, you know that players must say prayers to Hylia (the goddess) at bird statues in order to save their progress. Near the end of the Wing Ceremony, the player gives a bird statuette to Zelda so she can offer it to the goddess. At the intro of the game, we see people bowing down to the Triforce. Near the end of the game, Link must pray to the Triforce to defeat the demon Demise. In The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (which they are now remaking in HD), we see people bowing down to a Triforce, and praying to the Golden Goddesses for help.
You said, “If a child, or adult plays a game like this one which has the triforce in it and allows this symbol of these characters than yes it would be worshiping a false god.”
God is a jealous god and commands that we not worship anyone or thing other than him: “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:” (Exodus 34:14)
Is it still a sin to do so, even if it is only in a video game?
You said, “If I take a triforce symbol, or I take the celtic knot or a cross. and believe in my heart that any of these symbols represent either Jesus on the cross in which he died for my sins, or the father, son, and holy spirit where is it wrong to think this.” In 2 Corinthians it says for us to touch not the unclean thing:
“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)
If the Triforce symbol reminds you of God, that’s between you and God. But what it means to you personally, does not change its actual meaning. For example:
Let’s say I was invited to a costume party and didn’t have an outfit, and so I go to a costume shop to pick one up. Let’s say I choose a pair of red devil horns and think, “this reminds me of the horns of the Lamb of God,” and I wear it to the party. That does not change the fact that they still represent the devil.
Likewise, if I take the Triforce and apply a Christian meaning to it, that does not change the fact that it represents false gods, idols and (according to the Bible) devils. It also does not change the fact that the Triforce is often an object of worship throughout the series.
You are “seriously upset” about the Biblical connections you saw. Look at what they said about Jesus:
“These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?” (John 6:59-61)
Luke 7:22-24 says:
“Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
And of course, Jesus IS the word:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
I don’t write these articles to “rain on someone’s parade,” and I don’t write this to belittle you. I write these articles because whether something is fictional or not, I believe God cares about every aspect of our lives. People deserve to know what the Bible-the perfect word of God-says, even in regards to entertainment. If the Bible shows that something is wrong, wicked or evil (such as false Christs or Another Jesus), it is that.
Is someone going to Hell just over a video game? No, they would go to Hell because they did not believe on Jesus Christ. However, if I as a born-again Christian am convicted over a game, and God has shown me things in the Bible that point to it, and I still play…I will have to answer to God for my willful disobedience.
It goes back to what you said-the heart. If a game, activity, person, etc. is more important to me than God, or what God’s word says, I am not really following Jesus Christ. As Exodus 20:3 says, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
You have to understand, I am a former video game addict. At a certain point, video games literally were my God. I was not saved, although I thought I was. After Jesus saved me, he changed me and my desires as well, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
After being saved I was ready to give up gaming entirely. However, after a period of time, God has given me the liberty to play certain video games, and the knowledge to write these articles.
So now I ask you, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5) “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
I pray that God helps you, and leads you whichever way he wants you to go.
Your Friend,
Nelson
I will like to reply again. my point is not about the idea that worshipping a false god is right. when you put God in your life he says to you as you learn the Bible that he is a jealous God and we are to not have idols.
my point in this matter is that as long as our relationship to God is strong, that we believe in him. I do not see any reason why a video game can have such a negative impact. I have heard and believe that all paths lead to christ. that these video games and even some movies are what brought me closer too him. even some music as well. Evanescence for example is one such artist and so is lifehouse. entertainment today can show you many positive values if you look for them and are able to know the difference of what is okay and healthy and what can harm you.
I will say I see your logic for those who may not understand that these games can harm someone or lead them away, but for people like me and I know others also that were brought closer to God and believe in him even more because such games as Zelda, movies like star wars, or music such as Evanescence. they bring curiosity to what’s real and has us seeking out truth. if entertainment can do all this or even bring people to church of not back to church than how can it be a lie? how can it all be bad? this is what I’m saying. your posts don’t state this. they only talk against what people like me and others have used to find our way to God. what if another was lead this way and your site steers them away from what may have in store for them. for its my belief that as I have said. he knows us in and out. every last strand of hair, and every thought or word before they are created. he I feel knew that i learn by visual and such entertainment as I grew up with would part of my journey too him. when o strayed it brought me back … just saying..
Thanks for taking the time to comment again, Ryan. I only have 3 points I would like to make.
1. You said that entertainment sources like Evanescence and Star Wars helped bring you closer to God. About them…
From Billboard:
Q: “Fallen” was first released in the Christian market. Do you consider Evanescence a Christian band?
A: [this is the lead singer, Amy Lee speaking here] Can we please skip the Christian thing? I’m so over it. It’s the lamest thing. I fought that from the beginning; I never wanted to be associated with it. It was a Ben thing. It’s over. It’s a new day.
From Rolling Stone:
“Recent statements by band members have made it abundantly clear that Evanescence is a secular band, and as such view their music as entertainment,” Meltzer wrote to members of the Christian music industry. “Despite the spiritual underpinning that has ignited interest and excitement in the Christian religious community, the band is now opposed to promoting or supporting any religious agenda. The decision to release Fallen into the Christian market was made subsequent to discussions with and approval by the artist. Obviously the band has had a change in their perspective . . . Wind-Up deeply regrets this situation.” Evanescence’s debut album Fallen has been camped in the Top Ten of the U.S. pop chart since its release three weeks ago. Though the Arkansas goth-metal group — led by vocalist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody — came up through the Christian circuit and amassed a loyal following through live shows and limited-edition EPs and singles, the members have been gradually backing away from their faith backgrounds. “We’re in no way a ministry band,” Moody told Rolling Stone last month. “It just really doesn’t have anything to do with our music.”
Moody’s comments to Entertainment Weekly, which included joking references to Jesus (“I’m like the guy who was crucified next to Jesus. All I want you to do is remember me”) and a few f-bombs (“We’re actually high on the Christian charts, and I’m like, ‘What the f*** are we even doing there?”), prompted Wind-Up to pull Fallen from thousands of stores across the country overnight.”
From rockdirt.com:
“There are people that are hell-bent on the idea that we’re a Christian band in disguise, and that we have some secret message,” singer Amy Lee said. “We have no spiritual affiliation with this music. It’s simply about life experience.” Lee adds, “I guarantee that if the Christian bookstore owners listened to some of those songs, they wouldn’t sell the CD.” Guitarist Ben Moody added, “I’m not ashamed of my spiritual beliefs, but I in no way incorporate them into this band. We’re actually high on the Christian charts, and I’m like, What the fu** are we even doing there?”
The Bible definitely shows that there are spiritual effects to music. Think of Saul:
“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)
This is an example of what the right type of music can do. I will stop here though, as there are ministries who can explain these things much better than I, such as Good Fight Ministries and EX Ministries. Both of these ministries have video clips and/or documentaries online.
Additionally, Star Wars has a bonafide religion, known as Jediism. From the Jedi Church website:
“The sheer number of people who entered “Jedi” was a significant in the last census, approximately 20000 in NZ alone (indicative result given confidentially). I note there were more Jedi’s than Assembly of God, or Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In order for the Jedi church to grow, we need access to these statistics just like any other church/order. In the UK the number of people who answered Jedi, were greater than many other common Christian denominations. In fact, in the UK, 2% of people in Brighton are of the Jedi Faith.”
The point here is that although God can, and may, use anything (think of Baalam’s donkey), it doesn’t necessarily make that thing good.
2. You said, “if entertainment can do all this or even bring people to church of not back to church than how can it be a lie? how can it all be bad? this is what I’m saying. your posts don’t state this. they only talk against what people like me and others have used to find our way to God.”
First of all, you talked about entertainment bringing people back to, or into, church. Church attendance is not a mark of salvation. There are a lot of people going to church several times a week that are headed to Hell. I should know, I was one of those people.
Second, you said, “how can it all be bad?” I never said that EVERY game is bad or evil. There are many games with little to no objectionable/anti-biblical content. For example, Pong! Seriously though, Christians do have liberty and choices when it comes to entertainment. As I said in my original reply, I still play some video games.
3. This is the most important point I would like to make. You said, “I have heard and believe that all paths lead to christ.” The Bible itself makes it clear that this is NOT true:
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
“No man can come to me [Jesus], except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44)
There are clear distinctions between God’s paths, and wicked paths, as seen in the verses below:
“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” (Proverbs 4:14-15)
“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18-19)
“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.” (Psalm 25:4)
“Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:” (Proverbs 2:11-15)
So, according to these verses, how can all paths lead to Christ? Again:
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
I pray that God keeps you in his paths, and that I meet you one day in heaven.
Your Friend,
Nelson
Okay I want to make this simple. I feel you are not understanding what I am trying to say here.
My examples are as follows.
Zelda: Ocarina of time
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A game the talks about a creation of the earth, a time of darkness on earth, 7 sages are awakened, ( or I would think 7 Seals are broken ) and bring down the darkness for 1000 years. )
Reads like a story of the Book of revelation. A fable or story to help someone understand the concept. It doesn’t matter how close the story is. But that someone recognizes the similarities here. anything else brought into the game is fiction. the purpose is what makes the game a big deal.
Evanescence
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While you have describe info I already know. You also are taking about the album fallen. What I am guessing you do not know is there is one album created before fallen. This album is titles “Origin” It is a real cd and was released in 2000. This album like her previous demo CD’s have many details in her lyrics that refer to the bible or lyrics with positive messages in them. Though amy lee doesn’t agree her Music is christian based I am one to believe that her message was put out there to keep money coming in. Yet her messages in her lyrics have not changed much. She sings many lyrics still in albums after and during that have positive messages and references to the bible. Not much as they are really evident in her previous albums Known as “Evanescence EP”, “Whisper/Sound asleep”, “Origin” , and Rare ablums that exist only on the internet. Like “Not for your ears”, “In the shadows”, and more.
Tracks like “Give Unto Me”, “Understanding” , “Away from Me”, “Surrender”, and “Before the Dawn” are titles I feel have brought me closer to God because of lyrics that make me feel loved. Because I relate to the words she sang in these songs.
Star wars
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While you may have researched it, and the religious belief is Jediism. I call it a religious belief none the less. Something that we as believers actually follow. Yoda has many quotes that we have been taught. Something that I do believe is quite true when it come even being a christian.
Yoda Quotes:
You must unlearn what you have learned. ( Being a believer means we must learn to forget past teachings so that as a believer we can learn something new, and with new understanding. )
Yoda also says:
Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes. Even between the land and the ship.
(When Yoda talks about the force he isn’t describing some fictional entity, but the power of God. He said life creates. God is life, he makes us grow in mind and body. His energy can surround us if he let it It would be know as the holy spirit. Luminous beings he says we are. Meaning our spirit is bright. Not this crude matter which in the movie he grips shoulder to describe the flesh which is crude. With this described he is saying that with God we can do anything. It is said in the bible that with enough faith we can make a mountain move with only a command. It is the same with this scene here in the movie as it describes luke trying to move a ship out of the water that is sinking. )
This is only one example… the rest for clip notes. we know that the story from all 6 movies is about a prophecy. Something bible talks about often. The Book of revelation is one such prophecy. yet these describe someone who bring balance. It is fictional from this point, but still a great story. there may even be a reference I do not catch, but I do feel that each story has something positive to learn from. Something that we can take with us in everyday life that will bring something positive to our every day life.
My ending here is this
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If you only follow the bible in what you see you are going to miss the big picture. Don’t get me wrong going astray from the bible isn’t a good thing, and I am not asking you too, but only to think outside the box. If you put the bible in every situation. How can learn anything else? How can you see from other points of views? Though the bible is a sword to protect us, guides us, and needed. You can learn many points of views by looking outside the box. see if you can find positive messages in every day life. from words of others, messages in stories from other authors, movies, or TV shows, and even games. It may not have the word God in it. But sadly authors those creating the lines in movies need a different approach to present the same message because if the name Jesus, or God is used it sadly may not make it to big screen or in books for others to buy. because society would rather ignore those messages unless written in the bible itself which not many read. So many use different methods to reach people about a belief that can help people be saved. That is my point. I am saying instead of looking directly at what you see. look deeper, between the lines. and see if you do not find a message you may or may not have seen. I will agree on one thing. There are some forms of entertainment that are frauds. it is possible to tell the difference, and some that will have mixed information. You can ignore the negative, and enjoy the positive or only watch or read what you feel is completely positive. For me I find that there is so much to learn. I can become so much more by learning quite everything I can, and disregarding the messages I know that is a lie or can be spiritually harmful. Senator palpatine in star wars Ep III was accurate when he said. “if one is to understand “the great mystery” one must study all it’s aspects, not just the dogmatic narrow view of the Jedi.” This quote of course refers to learning both Good and Evil. I believe this to be true. If you do not know evil how can you avoid it? How will you know the difference.? Of course because of this man he deceived anakin into becoming the creation of man and machine. Though this message was still accurate. Especially when in episode 6. He not only understood the message with help from Luke, but he took him down saving his son. and brought balance. saved people as the story, the prophecy had been told. .. This 6 part movie explains a lot of messages… you only need to find them. not just enjoy a good fictional story.
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