What Pokémon Legends Arceus Teaches Us About Humanity [Free]
A Bible Study on the video game Pokemon Legends Arceus
Not sure where to get started? Find our 101 Guide to using our curriculum here.
Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer that sets the tone for the study, asking for openness and understanding as participants delve into the themes of light, darkness, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Sample Prayer:
Heavenly God, thank You for Your Word and for the wisdom found in unexpected places—even in the games we play. Help us to see past our differences and discover the unity You call us to in Christ. Guide our thoughts today and let us grow in grace and truth. Amen.
Prep Questions
Have you ever had a strong disagreement with someone over something you both believed in deeply?
What’s a rule or tradition you’ve followed for a long time that you've recently rethought?
What video game has unexpectedly taught you something meaningful?
Link to Video
Shortened Transcript
In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, players discover the ancient Sinnoh region and encounter a conflict between the Diamond and Pearl clans—each convinced they alone correctly understand the nature of their god. Their feud mirrors how humans often cling tightly to tradition or interpretation, even at the cost of unity. But as the story progresses, they discover a deeper truth: they were both partially right and need each other’s perspective to see the full picture.
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus teaches that He hasn’t come to discard the old law but to fulfill it. The Pharisees clung to the law’s surface meaning, missing its heart. Jesus calls His followers not to do the minimum, but to live with depth, compassion, and spiritual understanding.
Just as Adaman and Irida learned to work together, we’re invited to embrace the fuller, richer truth of the gospel—one that surpasses binaries and invites us into a life of nuance and unity.
Guided Questions
Why do you think Adaman and Irida were so passionate about being "right"? How does that relate to disagreements in today’s church?
What does it mean that Jesus came to "fulfill" the law rather than abolish it?
How can Christians today move beyond minimal rule-following to living with deeper righteousness?
Where have you seen division in the church that mirrors the Diamond/Pearl conflict? What would healing look like there?
Jesus offers “a third thing”—not choosing one side or the other, but a deeper truth. What might that look like in your own life?
Activity
“Law & Lore” Supplies:
Two index cards per participant
On one card, write down a rule, tradition, or belief you’ve held onto tightly.
On the second card, write a moment where you realized someone else’s view challenged or changed that belief.
Share your cards in pairs or small groups. Discuss: How can these differing perspectives bring us closer to the heart of Jesus?
After Questions
How did sharing your cards make you feel?
Did hearing other perspectives help you understand your own beliefs better?
What might God be asking you to “fulfill” more deeply in your life?
Spiritual Practice
Practice: Reflective Listening Prayer
Find a quiet space. Ask God to reveal where you've been clinging too tightly to your own perspective. Sit in silence for a few minutes and listen. Write down anything you sense—feelings, thoughts, scriptures. Close by thanking God for showing you the beauty of nuance and unity.
Closing Prayer
Conclude with a prayer that acknowledges the Holy Spirit's presence and asks for continued guidance and protection in the journey of faith.
Sample Prayer:
Lord, Jesus, thank You for showing us a better way—not just a right or wrong, but a deeper truth. Help us listen more, judge less, and love beyond our understanding. Unite us in You, and teach us to fulfill Your law by living in grace. Amen.
Notes From The Nerd Pastor:
Any opportunity to explore the division in the church is one that I will proudly take. Exploring that in the vein of my favorite franchise of Pokemon? I love this sermon.
Resource Notes:
Find basic information about Pokemon on the wiki.
Helpful Nerd Terms:
None in this one :)
Theological Themes:
Dispute, Disagreement, Righteousness, Belief, Hatred, Division, Law, Nuance, Matthew 5:17, Matthew 5:18, Matthew 5:19, Matthew 5:20
Other questions? Ask in the comments below!