CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

In Fullmetal Alchemist, I noticed that in episode 50, Roy says something with his fight with Pride that just caused me to question that anime.

If you've seen it, then you should know what I'm talking about.

Is FMA safe for christians?

Pride? Well, I'm only in the middle of the series, but I DO know they have characters names after the Seven Deadly Sins. Like Guttony, Envy, Greed Lust, Pride, and I forget the other 2^^

As for it being "safe" is all up to personal opinion of what types of anime you watch. Every Christian has a different "safe" list. Some can watch shows that involve stuff like magic/alchemy/whatever, and some make the choice of not doing so. I watch it, and since I know I'm not going to run around and try to make the show's magicy alchemy in real life, I know that I'm "safe" with watching it^^

Well, Vic Mignogna, who does the english voice of Ed and Caitlin Glass, who did the english voice for Winry are christians.

If that once staying would have bug them, I think we would have heard about it.


Wingzero22

Wingzero22 wrote:Well, Vic Mignogna, who does the english voice of Ed and Caitlin Glass, who did the english voice for Winry are christians.

If that once staying would have bug them, I think we would have heard about it.
[/color]

Yeah I keep hearing they're Christians and all, but sometimes it's kinda "hmm..." when I hear them swear on the show^^ Personally for myself, even if I WAS just acting/voice acting on some show, wouldn't want to swear and give peopel the wrong idea of who I was (a Christian) and all^^ I'd want to give a good representation and all, ya know? Even if just acting... I won't go further into this, but just stating my own little opinion on that^^

Well, I met Vic and I can say this. He is the nicest person you can meet and very out going and does talk about his faith.

Oh and put this way. If the script calls for that, then if you are an actor. Are you going to turn it down if its a some bad words and have to make another way of living.

Vic has turn down some anime voice acting jobs before, because of his faith.


Wingzero22

Well ANN interviewed Vic...and he talked about his faith there too. I think as an actor there are somethings that you have to do or you get fired.

If I were in his shoes... I think I would want to reach as many anime fans as I could with my work...even if it meant saying a few curse words

(there are a lot of Christian's who cuss... I don't but I guess that's between them and the Holy Spirit)

BACK ON TOPIC

I didn't find FMA that offensive. It's fantasy. And it's just an opinion

PLUS if the fact that the homungculous (SP) are named after the 7 deadly sins, don't let that worry you. The 7 "deadly" sins aren't even in the Bible.

I haven't met either Vic or Caitlin, but both seem very solid in their faith. For Vic, there's things like bible verses on his [url=vicsworld.net]website[/url] and the fact that he's a worship leader, but....

Besides just that, he's pretty bold about his faith in interviews at times, and...probably one of the best examples is when he got a chance to speak at Dare2Share after some arguements had been cropping up between the Christian teens there to attend the confrence and anime fans attending an anime con at the same hotel. He challenged the Christians to reach out to the anime fans, and some of the teens even invited the anime fans to Dare2Share.

So...it's understandable to be wary, but I think that when Vic says he's a Christian, he really means it.

EDIT: Oh, wait, this is about FMA, isn't it? XD Sorry, Vic fangirl.

Anyway...I've watched most of FMA, but I can't remember the comment you're talking about...that being said, yes, there are some ideas in there that don't match with biblical teachings. Probably one of the most well known is Ed's "alchemists are the closest things to gods" rant--although he says only a couple of episodes later (in a flashback, though) that "we aren't gods--we can't even save one little girl!"

But, yeah, while the show isn't anti-Christian, I wouldn't base my theology on it. But....as for saying "is it all right for Christians?" Well...that...kinda depends on the Christian. It's fairly violent, does contain some swearing, and it asks some pretty difficult questions...but, some of those questions are worth asking, if you know what I mean. It really depends on how you're convicted. If you feel that you're being told you shouldn't watch the series--then don't!

Tenshi no Ai wrote:Pride? Well, I'm only in the middle of the series, but I DO know they have characters names after the Seven Deadly Sins. Like Guttony, Envy, Greed Lust, Pride, and I forget the other 2^^

As for it being "safe" is all up to personal opinion of what types of anime you watch. Every Christian has a different "safe" list. Some can watch shows that involve stuff like magic/alchemy/whatever, and some make the choice of not doing so. I watch it, and since I know I'm not going to run around and try to make the show's magicy alchemy in real life, I know that I'm "safe" with watching it^^

your missing wrath and sloth...they dont come in till a little later. anyways the way i see it is it is a show...nothing more. if you can understand that what they are showing on tv is for entertainment purposes only and not to be practiced then i see no reason not to watch it. also as for the religous things they say in there and yes i realize they say a lot of them at times, if your strong enough in your faith to where you know taht a show wont change your beliefs then i think your ok. if you have trouble with either of those then you probably shouldnt watch it. thats my opinion.

About Vic Mignogna, he was actually featured in the CAA chat a few years ago. One of the questions we asked him was about his faith in the anime-making business. If I recall correctly, he said he and a few other Christian voice actors (particularly Jonny Yong Bosch and Steve J. Blum) and himself have actually refused to dub for certain series based on the script. In the case of Vic, it boils down to the actor's choice as well as personal convictions.

As to what you were saying about Ep 50, if you've been able to put up with what Ed says on repeated occasions up until now, I don't see why Roy's outcry should be much of a problem. I find it annoying, sure, but I still like the show. Doesn't mean I have to espouse Roy or Ed's beliefs. However, if you find yourself having too much of a problem with it, then do what you feel comfortable with. Watch or do not. Whatever's best.

By the way, Did all the homunculus die? (I know Wrath is still alive). I mean, what happend to Sloth and Gluttony?

Vic was on CAA last year... I think there is an old thread that has the interview in it...
*goes to find the link*

http://www.christiananime.net/showthread.php?t=24093

hmm

[spoiler] Lust dies, Greed Died, Pride died, Sloth died, Gluttony... I think died...he might not have.. so I think Envy and Wrath are still alive. [/spoiler]

To answer your question:

[spoiler] There is a movie that concludes the series. Gluttony, Envy (as a dragon) and Wrath appear on it, but nothing more will be said because I don't wanna ruin the movie[/spoiler]

Also, I don't think there's anything wrong with reading words of a page, cussing or not. It depends if your heart desires to cuss.

Let me conclude, by saying I wouldn't take the role of an athiest unless he changes.

Mustang generally gives Ed a bad time,wheter or not he has ever cussed him out for good I cannot recall.
btw:I believe it was the Ishbaalian Rebellion that convinced Mustang that there was no God because of what he had to go through then.

I think I know what comment you're talking about--and it kinda bugged me too---but, I also noticed....*semi-spoiler, I guess*
Right after Roy declared that he didn't believe God existed, Pride said something like "But, how can you know for sure?" I just thought that was kind of interesting--especially since the villains occasionally speak some truths--though they are often harsh truths. (Dante, for example.) There is definitely some controversial stuff in this series, but I get this feeling that it isn't entirely Atheistic. Eh, just a feeling. ^ ^;;

I personally really enjoyed the series, and it's probably become one of my favorites. Just watch with spiritual caution, I guess. (There are actually some really good morals in this series, aside from all the controversial stuff.)

From the interviews I've seen with Mr. Mcgnogna, (did I spell that right? o.o ) he really seems like a great guy. He really seems to have a passion for his faith, and it's really encouraging to know that a guy like him is working in the anime voice-acting industry.

I think it is safe for christians because of a few things. First The comments that are made about notn beleaving in God should not be taken in heart IMO because through out the show the charecters go through so much they find it hard to beleave God is out there, So basically that aspect is no worse than MTV. And secondly Plain and simple don't let it effect you.

Did anyone else notice how Ed basically denies any gods' existance in one of the first four episodes while he's talking to Rose?

Although technically he was denying the sun god's existance. O_O

Otherwise refered to as the "Alchemists are the closesting things to gods" rant once before in this thread.

I sincerly have to declare more alchemists as a kind of inbetween. It's kind of weird like that.

Ed doesn't believe in God probably because of the failure to bring their mother back.

mitsuki lover wrote:Ed doesn't believe in God probably because of the failure to bring their mother back.

Actually, that's probably part of it. When you think about it--if he DOES believe in God, then what he's been taught is "what happened with your limbs and your brother's body is the result of you going against God's rules, no matter what your motivation was." That's how 'God' is portrayed to the people of his country.

So his choices are either to (1) believe that there isn't a God at all, or (2) there IS a God, but he's majorly ticked off at you and all of the horrible things that are happening to you is his punishment.

The merciful God of Christianity isn't coming into play here. I think Ed probably gets some sort of comfort out of thinking "Well, at least it was my mistake, and something i can possibly fix, instead of a divine judgement I probaby can't turn back."

Poor Ed. The teachings of his world combined with his childhood have kinda made him a bit...messed up. XD But that's part of the reason I think he's a great character--he's very complex, and you get the feeling that [spoiler]towards the end of the series he's progressed from a "I'M the closest thing there is to God!" athiest to a "...I really have no idea what's out there, I just know I'm only human" agnostic. Which still isn't quite where he needs to be, but it's a step in the right direction.[/spoiler]

I think the point is that if we are going to question whether or not to watch FMA or any anime series because we fear that the philosophy or message of the media is damaging to our faith then should we watch any anime or much in the way of media in general. So little of what is produced follows basic Christian philosophy and doctrine. In fact, much is even quite contrary to what we profess to believe. Those who have said it is fantasy and and for entertainment are right. As long as you can separate what you know to be true from your study into faith from the religious philosophy highly influenced by the Bhuddist and Shinto influences powerful in Japanese media then you can watch freely.

These questions never have simple cut-and-dry answers. Much depends on an individual's own maturity level and security in their own faith.

Simply, yes we should be able to watch and enjoy these with no problems, but if you are insecure in your faith than you should beware of nearly all media.

johnyouth wrote:I think the point is that if we are going to question whether or not to watch FMA or any anime series because we fear that the philosophy or message of the media is damaging to our faith then should we watch any anime or much in the way of media in general. So little of what is produced follows basic Christian philosophy and doctrine. In fact, much is even quite contrary to what we profess to believe. Those who have said it is fantasy and and for entertainment are right. As long as you can separate what you know to be true from your study into faith from the religious philosophy highly influenced by the Bhuddist and Shinto influences powerful in Japanese media then you can watch freely.

These questions never have simple cut-and-dry answers. Much depends on an individual's own maturity level and security in their own faith.

Simply, yes we should be able to watch and enjoy these with no problems, but if you are insecure in your faith than you should beware of nearly all media.

I agree

I mean our world is a big place! And unfortunately, not everyone we meet is gonna be a Christian. (I wish it were that way).

So I guess it boils down to, not only will you watch the media, but will you even associate with non-believers as well.

I mean Jesus didn't hang around with people of the same faith ALL the time. He hung out with sinners too!

(not saying we should sin, but yeah...

I believe that FMA is ok as long as you strong in your faith.

Ultimately, it's between God and you.

Personally, FMA doesn't bother me because it's fantasy. The "God" of FMA is a fictional character mentioned a few times throughout, and I don't find that offensive because it's all fiction contained within a fictional world. When Ed went off on his rant in episode 1 or 2 (can't remember which) about alchemists being the closest thing there are to gods, it really didn't bother me, because what we're watching are characters in a fictiional world with a different set of rules than ours. If every TV show and movie existed in a Christian environment, that'd be lovely, but the truth is that they don't. This takes place in a world where Christ does not even seem to exist, and is not mentioned. Religion is simply a plot device in this show.

I guess that's a hard reality for some people to face, but it's fiction. If that bothers you, then definitely stay away from it. I can only echo the sentiments of others and say that if you feel convicted for watching something like that, then don't pay spend your time with it.

MorwenLaicoriel wrote:(2) there IS a God, but he's majorly ticked off at you and all of the horrible things that are happening to you is his punishment.

The merciful God of Christianity isn't coming into play here.

I don't have a problem equating God in FMA with the God of Christianity. Ed tries to bring someone back to life-- he is trying to be God-- and there are consequences. It's the same sin Adam did] I think Ed probably gets some sort of comfort out of thinking "Well, at least it was my mistake, and something i can possibly fix, instead of a divine judgement I probaby can't turn back."

Poor Ed. The teachings of his world combined with his childhood have kinda made him a bit...messed up. XD But that's part of the reason I think he's a great character--he's very complex, and you get the feeling that [spoiler]towards the end of the series he's progressed from a "I'M the closest thing there is to God!" athiest to a "...I really have no idea what's out there, I just know I'm only human" agnostic. Which still isn't quite where he needs to be, but it's a step in the right direction.[/spoiler][/QUOTE]

I do think you're right on with all that. Just because a character happens to be an athiest doesn't mean you should agree with him, or even that the show wants you to. (In a sense, the next 51 episodes are about knocking Ed off the pedestal he puts himself on in episode 1)

[quote="Animus Seed"]I don't have a problem equating God in FMA with the God of Christianity. Ed tries to bring someone back to life-- he is trying to be God-- and there are consequences. It's the same sin Adam did]

wow...now that you said that last part about knocking him off his pedestal...YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Once you think about it..

poor ed...

Also, Majhal (sp?) says "the act of molding flesh is better left to the hands of God" in episode 4.

Kkun wrote:Personally, FMA doesn't bother me because it's fantasy. The "God" of FMA is a fictional character mentioned a few times throughout, and I don't find that offensive because it's all fiction contained within a fictional world. When Ed went off on his rant in episode 1 or 2 (can't remember which) about alchemists being the closest thing there are to gods, it really didn't bother me, because what we're watching are characters in a fictiional world with a different set of rules than ours. If every TV show and movie existed in a Christian environment, that'd be lovely, but the truth is that they don't. This takes place in a world where Christ does not even seem to exist, and is not mentioned. Religion is simply a plot device in this show.

I guess that's a hard reality for some people to face, but it's fiction. If that bothers you, then definitely stay away from it. I can only echo the sentiments of others and say that if you feel convicted for watching something like that, then don't pay spend your time with it.

I totally agree with that (and what everyone else has been saying about not letting these things affect your faith) but I thought....*semi-spoiler*
[color=White]Wasn't Christ actually referenced to in one of the last episodes? o.o I remember feeling very startled to hear that in an anime--but then again, it's very possible that I misheard. I mishear things in the weirdest way sometimes. ^ ^]

Epidemic Xero wrote:[color=White]Wasn't Christ actually referenced to in one of the last episodes? o.o I remember feeling very startled to hear that in an anime--but then again, it's very possible that I misheard. I mishear things in the weirdest way sometimes. ^ ^]

I highly doubt it, though I haven't seen the end yet.

[SPOILER="general end of series and movie, etc."]It's pretty much common knowledge already that FMA takes place in a world parralel to our own. While it's kind of silly to force a Christian context onto it, I do anyway: there's no evidence to assume that the alchemical world ever had a Jesus Christ. Thus, God's plan for the alchemical world and atoning for their sins there is slightly different--see how Aslan's death for Narnia differed from Jesus' death for us; also see Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy, especially Book 2: Red.[/SPOILER]

Animus Seed wrote:I highly doubt it, though I haven't seen the end yet.

[SPOILER="general end of series and movie, etc."]It's pretty much common knowledge already that FMA takes place in a world parralel to our own. While it's kind of silly to force a Christian context onto it, I do anyway: there's no evidence to assume that the alchemical world ever had a Jesus Christ. Thus, God's plan for the alchemical world and atoning for their sins there is slightly different--see how Aslan's death for Narnia differed from Jesus' death for us]

your spoiler brings up a valid question that probably doesn't need to be debated but is worth mentioning.

If there is a pararrel (SP) universe...wouldn't Christ had died for them too? I mean he came to save everyone right?

Boggles the mind, no? :

EX: I have seen the end and I don't recall anything about Jesus being mentioned....

BACK ON TRACK

As long as it's not making you sin, yes, it's fine.