Separating the Sheep From the Sheep – (Ezekiel 34:20-24)
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“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefield besides, is more flight and disgrace.” ~Martin Luther
Every era is characterized by dominant themes and worldviews. It’s fascinating to observe how these patterns of thought seem to subtly shape entire societies, continents, or historical periods. The influence of this fact can be clearly observed throughout the Dark Ages, the subsequent period of Enlightenment, and in various literary movements and discourse on social acceptability across different time periods. In the realm of faith, this holds particularly true. It would be futile to simply declare the truth without addressing the challenges at hand, for if we do not equip Believers with the necessary tools to navigate the pitfalls, our words will fall on deaf ears.
In recent years, two esteemed writers emerged, garnering admiration from Christians and captivating the interest of both faithful individuals and skeptics alike. My dear fellow writers and friends, it is truly a delight to share with you the beautiful bond of support and encouragement that existed between two extraordinary literary minds: C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. These remarkable individuals, whose creativity and brilliance we admire, nurtured and uplifted each other’s artistic endeavors in the most extraordinary way. The film industry and the abundance of related merchandise have greatly contributed to the widespread popularity of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings.
The Harry Potter novels penned by J. K. Rowling have garnered considerable fascination. These books, labeled as “high interest,” have the power to inspire young minds to embrace the joy of reading, prompting educators to actively endorse them. Although this series prominently teaches a worldview focused on the enchanting and influential powers of magic and witchcraft, the undeniable allure it holds for readers evidently takes precedence.
Christians have been engaged in extensive discussions regarding the permissibility of allowing their children to read these books or watch these films. Some abhor any of these books, others will stand up for them. Sometimes, it appears that there is a lack of consensus regarding agreement with the writers or the perceived wisdom of being a seasoned and knowledgeable Christian.
To adequately prepare the Bride, we must remain vigilant and cautious as mature disciples of Yeshua HaMaschiach, being aware of potential challenges that may arise. Although Martin Luther wasn’t flawless in his later years, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging the challenges that our generation confronts today. Irrespective of whether people perceive these books as masterpieces or have mixed feelings about the authors, I firmly believe that these works deserve careful consideration due to their wide acclaim and superb writing, for a myriad of compelling reasons.
At the beginning of my Messianic journey, I held a misconception that Satanism and New Age were distinctly separate entities. The moment of truth came as a startling revelation when I discovered that they were, in fact, intricately intertwined. There was something inherently unapologetic about Satanic things; they confidently embraced their true nature. The individuals who partook in these rituals demonstrated a profound understanding of the outcomes, and willingly welcomed them into their lives. Nevertheless, New Age practices are reminiscent of a secret passage to the world of the mystical, as they have always possessed an alluring and understated allure.
Towards the end of the 1990s, it became evident that the Enemy’s plans had evolved and undergone various transformations across multiple platforms. The agenda appeared to subtly shift, moving away from a direct approach for individuals striving to escape the grip of satanic influence. The admonitions and spiritual practices that were once suitable just a few years ago are now outdated and in need of revision.
As the age comes to a close, it becomes increasingly evident that the Evil one’s strategy has transitioned from the overt demonstration of demonic power and control to the more cunning tactics of disguise and deception. The reasons behind this shift are too extensive to be elaborated in this article’s limited scope. The Scriptures depict the apostate and compromised church in a manner that aligns with the manifestation of many deceptive impostors posing as messiahs. (Matthew 24; 2 Corinthians 11; 2 Timothy 3)
According to Miriam Webster, the word duplicity is defined as:
- 1: contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action; especially: the belying of one’s true intentions by deceptive words or action
- 2: the quality or state of being double or twofold
- 3: the technically incorrect use of two or more distinct items (as claims, charges, or defenses) in a single legal action.
Our generation is deeply preoccupied with the dangerous prevalence of appearing virtuous while harboring malevolent intentions. This pervasive trend is referred to as the Luciferian agenda. Despite the dwindling attempts to deceive others, it is imperative to acknowledge that the primary focus has indeed shifted. In this era of Luciferian schemes, it becomes essential to revisit and thoroughly reassess numerous aspects, among them, these writers and their literary masterpieces. We will analyze two key aspects of them: their connection to the occult and how their writings compare to biblical truths.
Harry Potter stands out from the rest, not quite fitting into the same category. The literary works of J.K. Rowling reside on a higher plane, serving as a compelling counter-argument against any claims of plagiarism. For quite a while now, a worrisome thought has been lingering in the minds of many of us regarding the Harry Potter books and movies. These works make no attempt to pretend a Christian belief, and there is no remorse for that. There exist numerous resemblances between the practice of witchcraft and actual practice. It is depicted as a means for Harry to achieve his desires. Without the presence of deception in these writings, one could contend that they possess a truly diabolical or infernal purpose—although Wiccans, understandably, strongly object to being associated with Satanists.
The widespread popularity of this openly occultic worldview among young readers indicates that very few people have any objections to it. According to George Barna and various other sources, the vast majority of individuals in our nation possess very limited knowledge about the Bible. Even among those who attend church regularly, there is a concerning lack of knowledge about Scripture. As a result, we become vulnerable to receiving misinformation from various sources. A large number of individuals select their entertainment without consciously employing spiritual discernment, simply because they remain unaware of the profound influence that entertainment exerts on their perspectives and comprehension. I have long held the belief that individuals who lack strong faith and a solid understanding of the Bible should steer clear of this evident and imminent threat. Although the novels and films may have a clear worldview, they lack the cleverness and subtlety that make stories truly captivating. Instead of indulging in these tales, we should focus on the morally upright principles that the Bible encourages us to prioritize. (Philippians 4: 8, II Timothy 2: 22)
Duplicity In Lewis’ and Tolkien’s Works
Tolkien and Lewis present many of the same themes found in the Bible in their works. These include the timeless struggle between good and evil, the battle between light and darkness, the journeys of heroic quests, the emergence of messianic figures, the occurrence of miraculous events, and the power of sacrificial atonement. Many years ago, I was initially captivated by these works, and even today, there are still many individuals who passionately defend them for the very same reasons. These works beautifully convey themes that resonate with biblical truths, thus making any objection seem unfounded.
“You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe—and shudder!” (James 2:19 TLV)
One’s personal faith cannot be defined solely by explicit Christian themes and superficial professions of belief in God. To truly assess one’s faith, we must also examine their life’s work. I’ve discovered that Lewis and Tolkien, while widely recognized for their conversions to Christianity, were also members of the Inklings, a fascinating collective of writers who ventured into the realm of occultism. There appears to be a potential for deception, whether intentional or not. Despite varying opinions on its nature, the reader will ultimately arrive at the identical conclusion.
There was a widespread belief that Lewis was engaged in clandestine practices such as Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, and the exploration of reincarnation.
After further research and considering various sources, it is evident to me that my previous statement was incorrect. Occult imagery and practice seem to have played a more significant role in influencing symbols, objects, beings, and character names than I initially thought. When comparing them, the images depicted in the films exhibit remarkable resemblances to Masonic names and symbols. Although it is true that filmmakers would have extensively examined the sources of Tolkien and Lewis to capture their essence, it is equally true that neither of the authors directly shaped the visual representation in the movies. Lewis had a deep understanding of the ancient world, particularly Sumerian culture, and frequently paired images with the sketches he included in his writings. Christians believe that some of the mythological creatures depicted in these legends may have a demonic nature. There is extensive documentation from various sources that proves how being interested in these matters can spark a profound curiosity about magic. However, we must be cautious, as this diversion can detract us from staying focused on the truth found in Scripture.
Here is some equally disturbing information about J.R.R. Tolkien. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, born in 1892 and passed away in 1973, was a fascinating individual who encompassed numerous contradictions.In 1969, he composed a letter where he firmly stated that “the paramount goal of life, for each of us, is to expand our understanding of God to the fullest extent possible, utilizing every method available to us, and to be deeply inspired by it, prompting us to express our admiration and gratitude.” Nevertheless, Tolkien’s main devotion revolved around his legendary realm of Middle-earth. In this realm, a mysterious and distant “God” presided, whose role might elicit more perplexity than elucidation regarding the divine nature of the Biblical God.
While expressing caution towards the occult in his personal letters, he endowed his team of mythical heroes, known as the Fellowship of the Ring, with forbidden pagan powers. Gandalf, the helpful wizard, possesses a remarkable ability to harness powerful magic. In his valiant struggle against the forces of evil, Gandalf the Grey utilizes not only his exceptional spellcasting skills but also his staff of power and the legendary Elven sword, Glamdring.
Tolkien, a devoted Roman Catholic, firmly stated that there exists a sole God, the mastermind behind the entire cosmos. Yet, his mythical God, although divine, relinquished existence prior to the finalization of creation, tasking a group of lesser deities, known as “sub-creators,” with the completion of the work. Tolkien defied the wise warnings of the Biblical God by creating a hierarchy of deities, both real and imagined, that challenged the concept of idolatry.
Allow me to provide an insightful analysis of the aforementioned issues, focusing particularly on C.S. Lewis. To accentuate my point, I find it fitting to include a short excerpt from the Keepers of the Faith materials:
“Mere Christianity is focused upon who or what a Christian is. This idea is based on the premise, or, more correctly put, supposition of what a Christian is according to C. S. Lewis. His arguments are also based on another premise, or false assumption, that anyone, of any faith willing to be called Christian, is a Christian. This is the real basis of his mere or no- frills Christianity under which everyone ought to be herded into one corral. In Chapter 4 of What Christians Believe, book two of Mere Christianity, he shows which corral that is, as he includes even such churches as the Church of England of which he was a member, and the Church of Rome, both of which oppose Scripture as the final authority on spiritual truth. Any doctrine that conflicts with this doctrine of unity, he dismisses as unimportant theories of men. However, we must remind ourselves that his theories are based on dogmas that do not concur with Scripture, especially his theories about becoming a Christian. Chapter 5 of What Christians Believe, the second book in Mere Christianity, states, “There are three things that spread the Christ life to us: baptism, belief, and that mysterious action which different Christians call by different names — Holy Communion, the Mass, the Lord’s Supper.” Notice again his personal view of Christianity which was primarily based upon the dogmas of the Church of Rome — baptism and transubstantiation.”
Matthew warned us about such doctrinal views when he wrote: “Then they understood that He wasn’t talking about the hametz [leaven] in the bread, but about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees..” (Matt 16:12 TLV)
Lewis further explores the concept of “everything under one roof” by stating that some individuals may not fully embrace the Christian doctrine concerning Christ, yet they are deeply drawn to Him in ways they may not fully comprehend. This is described in Chapter 10 of Beyond Personality, book three of Mere Christianity. He hints that unbeknownst to them, there are followers of Christ among the adherents of other religions. They are guided by God’s covert influence to recognize and embrace the aspects of their faith that align with Christianity. A compassionate Buddhist, for example, could willingly choose to emphasize and prioritize the teaching of mercy in Buddhism, possibly disregarding other teachings (although they may still claim to believe in them). Nowhere in the Bible is it suggested that it is possible to follow Yeshua without knowing Him or hearing about Him. This is strictly “Lewisology”.
Lewis’ critics argue that he solely approaches faith from an intellectual standpoint, neglecting to emphasize the importance of personal repentance and establishing a meaningful relationship with our Messiah. His work is immediately dismissed due to this, however, I am aware that for numerous individuals, belief initially stems from an intellectual acknowledgment that gradually evolves into a profound personal faith. C.S. Lewis masterfully portrays in The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity the cunning strategies by which the Devil seeks to undermine our unwavering faith in the one true and eternal YHWH.
While it is indeed true that Lewis, along with his fellow Roman Catholics, fails to acknowledge personal submission to our Messiah, he inexplicably endorses concepts that align more with Catholic dogma rather than scriptural teachings. Perhaps it is acceptable to separate these factors and utilize the beneficial aspects without succumbing to deceit. However, if one fails to do so, these writings might lead to a deep understanding of deception, resembling a belief that lacks true substance. In this particular instance, it becomes another guise of duplicity.
In The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, there is a fascinating instance where King Aragorn summons the deceased as a formidable army, a practice that deviates from traditional scriptural teachings. At first glance, one might mistake this for a prophecy about our Messiah and His army. However, it’s important to note that Aragorn’s army was composed of spirits – deceased individuals – whereas our Messiah will appear in physical form and bestow new bodies upon His army members.
The practice carried out by Aragorn, as mentioned in the scripture, is condemned as necromancy, strictly prohibited by the Law. Engaging in the same behavior, King Saul sought the witch of Endor’s help to communicate with Samuel and subsequently lost his kingdom. This illustration portrays a biblical theme that has cleverly managed to fly under the radar of many devoted followers.
I have frequently addressed the spiritual risks that we face both in our individual lives and as a community. These perils include duplicity, distortion, despair, depression, distraction, deceit, and division. The revelation of these hidden motives has plunged many into a profound sense of hopelessness and melancholy, as they come to fully grasp the extent of the deception that has been perpetrated.
In light of the Anti-Messiah‘s deceptive attempts to divert the genuine worship of YHWH’s people, we must remain ever more watchful in guarding against this sly undermining of Scriptural Truth. In order to truly be a set-apart people to YHWH, as our Messiah Yahshua calls us to be, we need to thoroughly examine everything we have once considered acceptable in the light of this newfound concern.
Clear communication is of utmost importance, especially considering the new insights we have gained about the lives of Lewis and Tolkien. It is undeniable that the Luciferian agenda embodies the sinister and calculated plan of the malevolent forces that shape our current era. Their creations appear to possess the greatest capacity for peril among all. The contemporary stratagem of the Devil embodies subtlety and deception. Whether or not the writing is enjoyable or of high quality is not relevant. The presence of Christian themes in these works has often led to confusion and, sadly, a sense of indifference. Many Christians struggle to perceive the subtle literary elements without being influenced by the underlying messages. In this era of darkness, it is crucial that we do not deceive ourselves or our children by embracing expectations that are more aligned with the Anti-Christ rather than the Messiah Yeshua.
Frequently, the Devil tries to create division and polarization among both the general public and Believers. These supposed options are actually nothing more than different sides of the same coin, leaving us trapped in a double-bind situation. Hence, the inquiry does not revolve around whether Rowlings is “bad” and Tolkien/Lewis are “good”. Instead, it could very well be a situation where “both/and” approach brings us closer to an accurate perception.
If that is true, then the Harry Potter vs. Lewis/Tolkien debate could very well be a fabricated conflict that the Devil uses to distract people from wholeheartedly following the Messiah and instead focuses their attention on a subject that undermines their faith.
I have a useful link that provides suggestions on how to identify and effectively address these issues in both homes and schools here.
I aim to convince individuals to delve deeper into these matters. Although we aim to avoid being alarmists, it is crucial to shed light on cunning Luciferian plots. As the chosen ones, we must ensure that we distance ourselves from anything impure, corrupt, or contaminated. The imminent arrival of the true Messiah compels us to diligently prepare ourselves.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“Take no part in the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5: 11)
