Exposing Ben 10: The Deception in Kid's Cartoons

Ben 10 and Other Kid's Cartoons Exposed

In a world of animated creatures, "epic" battles, and "sci-fi" drama, we find our kids' imaginations drawn into the surreal, make-believe world of TV cartoons. One in particular has grown to such popularity that it has existed for over a decade (12 years since 2005) and has gained fans around the world. Its franchise has gained billions of dollars in sales worldwide. This popular cartoon show airing on Cartoon Network is Ben 10.

The show is not the only popular aspect about this franchise. Ben 10 toys are very popular with many children, even breaking sales records [1]. The Ben 10 franchise gained over $4.5 billion dollars in retail sales worldwide [2].

So, why should this cartoon be concerning? If you are a parent, you need to know what your children are watching and what the TV is teaching them. If you happen to enjoy cartoon shows yourself, I ask you to stay with me and take a few minutes to read the article below. Cartoons and TV shows do affect what we believe about the world in which we live, and what we consider to be morally right or wrong.

In the Ben 10 universe and in other cartoon shows (such as Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokemon), aliens, magic powers, spells, shape-shifting, levitation, astral projection, channeling power, clairvoyance, telepathy, talismans, and magic amulets are promoted and used to drive the plots forward. All these items are themes and objects found in books on the occult and sorcery that real witches and warlocks claim to work with.

In the Ben 10 universe, Ben Tennyson, the "hero," has a special band (the "Omnitrix") attacked to his arm which gives him special powers to shape-shift or morph into alien entities of various types.

The basic plot of Ben 10

At age 10, Ben Tennyson and his cousin Gwen (age 10) go on a summer camping trip with their Grandpa Max Tennyson. In a grove of trees, Ben finds a strange capsule and a watch-like device, called the Omnitrix. To his surprise, it attaches itself to his wrist somehow. This magical device happens to belong to alien entities. One alien entity in particular, called Vilgax, wants to take this device for himself. He is the main villain in this cartoon. Ben finds that his Omnitrix arm band can trans-morph (or shape-shift) him into various alien creatures. With these magical powers, Ben fights against "evil" aliens and evil people [3].

His cousin Gwen has access to a magic spell book and uses magical powers and spells throughout the Ben 10 seasons. Gwen stole this magic spell book from a character called "Charmcaster."

Looking at Ben 10 through the lens of Scripture

Is it wrong for Christians to watch anime or cartoons with magic powers?

Is it wrong for Christians to watch anime or cartoons with magic powers?

Some Christians online have wondered if it is wrong to see cartoons with magic powers or anime cartoons that demonstrate magic powers or supernatural powers. 

The authority or foundation of all that is true and right is the Bible, God's holy Word, that He gave to man by inspiration of God's Spirit.

The Bible has the solid structure for all that we know to be right. It is the foundation on which a Christian should build his or her life (Matthew 7:24-27). It is our instruction book and source of understanding what is right and what is wrong. Psalm 138:2 says, in part, that God "... hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Psalm 12:7 says of God's words: "Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." God preserves His Word, the Bible, forever.

So, is it wrong for a Christian to see supernatural powers demonstrated in cartoons (or other forms of entertainment, such as comic books, movies, video games, etc.)? 

2 Corinthians 6:14 says: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6 that Christians are to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. This is another way of saying that we must not be in agreement with the ways of the world. A yoke of oxen (two oxen) plowed a field together in ancient times. They were in agreement, in other words. Communion, fellowship, closeness, intimacy, working together, or playing with the world's ways is not the lifestyle that God has for His people.  

2 Corinthians 6:14-17

"14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16 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.

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."

(A demonic character from the Ben 10 cartoon.)

God is saying in verse 16 that we, who are temples of God's Holy Spirit, must not have idols. We must forsake idols and the ways of the world. God desires to have intimate, close fellowship with us, His children (1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:5-7, Jeremiah 31:3).