CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

There Seem to be alot of Anti-Christian Anime out there. So Can anyone tell me which Anime Shows are Pro-Christian or atleast, Semi-Pro Christian.


Thanks.

Can't speak for Anime, but Naoki Urasawa's Manga 20th Century Boys is both respectful and accurate towards Christianity. Two predominant supporting characters are both Catholic priests, who's respective redemptive background stories are very well done.

Fish and Chips wrote:Can't speak for Anime, but Naoki Urasawa's Manga 20th Century Boys is both respectful and accurate towards Christianity. Two predominant supporting characters are both Catholic priests, who's respective redemptive background stories are very well done.

You mean
[spoiler]The Japanese priest who was the former guerrilla/gang member?[/spoiler]
Dude. His redemption story was absolutely powerful.

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:You mean
[spoiler]The Japanese priest who was the former guerrilla/gang member?[/spoiler]
Dude. His redemption story was absolutely powerful.

There's one half of our deadly duo. It's a refreshing change to see the Catholic Church with its hand in something other than vampire hunting.

I don't think there are a lot of shows out there actually attacking Christianity (much less Christ) per se. The related recent thread bears this out pretty well.

While I'm not sure the manga can be quite said to be this way, the anime of Ruruoni Kenshin counts as being at least Semi-Pro Christian. Trying to tag Christian influences represented in the _story_ itself is about as tough as trying to find references to Christianity in the Talmud (for somewhat similar historical reasons!); but insofar as Christians actually show up as such (even wildly heretical ones, such as in the noncanonical Tales of the Meiji season) or can be guessed at (Kenshin's parents?? The original Seijuro Hiko and/or his successors of Hiten Mitsurugi??) they and their beliefs tend to be treated in a positive and/or sympathetic light. (There's only one real villain in the rebel group during the Meiji series, and iirc he lets it be known he's only trying to take advantage of what the group believes for his personal advancement.) The anime art crew apparently picks up on this, because the Church and other Christian references are positively linked to Kenshin during credit sequences for that season.

Whether anime or manga, there is also what _looks_ a lot like a sustained critique throughout the series of traditional Japanese attitudes (to some extent) versus Christian charity not only to friends but to enemies. Friends and foes alike are frequently taken completely by surprise with Kenshin's attitudes and have difficulty coming to terms with it. When they do come to terms with it, they either reject it completely (Shishio being the paradigmatic example) or else 'convert' to some extent: something that happens pretty frequently.

(I doubt it is coincidental in the least, though I also strenuously doubt the author intended any specific religious connotations, that when all is said and done, and the worldview-representatives have all had their shots, it comes down in the end to Shishio's thoroughly materialistic Darwinism versus... whatever it is that Kenshin is standing for. {g} Which thematically is clearly _not_ supposed to be traditional Japanese warrior-philosophy.)

Ok,I think I got one. Which Hunter Robin and Trigun Might Actually be 2 Pro-{or semi-pro}Christian Anime Series.

Robin Is A Christian and Vash Acts like one Sometimes.

Ugh. Most shows just use Christianity (Or religion in general) as a way to make it "unique" or cool. There is no such thing as a "Total Christian Anime".

Uh, what about Big O? I mean every time Roger starts up that Megadeus, we see "CAST IN THE NAME OF GOD YE NOT GUILTY."

Mr. SmartyPants wrote: There is no such thing as a "Total Christian Anime".

Yeah there is. What about the Superbook and Flying House always being mentioned? Oh and don't forget that Tezuka, while he did write a manga titled "Buddha", helped make an anime series based on Bible stories, like David and Golith and other classic tales.

Tenshi no Ai wrote:Yeah there is. What about the Superbook and Flying House always being mentioned? Oh and don't forget that Tezuka, while he did write a manga titled "Buddha", helped make an anime series based on Bible stories, like David and Golith and other classic tales.

Well most of us are referring to things that are a bit more mainstream.

While technically Superbook and Flying House are Japanese Anime, they generally do not appeal to most anime fans. This is why I excluded them.

rocklobster wrote:Uh, what about Big O? I mean every time Roger starts up that Megadeus, we see "CAST IN THE NAME OF GOD YE NOT GUILTY."

So? He says some stuff about God and Judgment. That's not really "Pro" Christian. That's just saying something for added effect.

It's like driving around with a Ying-Yang bumper sticker.

Christisright wrote:Ok,I think I got one. Which Hunter Robin and Trigun Might Actually be 2 Pro-{or semi-pro}Christian Anime Series.

Robin Is A Christian and Vash Acts like one Sometimes.

Actually, Yasuhiro Nightow (the man behind Trigun) converted to Catholicism after researching it before beginning the series, so I think it's fare to call Trigun a Christian Anime (despite some violence and language issues). Wolfwood's prayer in episode 24 alone can testify this leaning.

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:
So? He says some stuff about God and Judgment. That's not really "Pro" Christian. That's just saying something for added effect.

Some of the quotes though, when dealing with God etc, can make for really good quotes though. On Digimon Savers, there was one good quote they used that I gave a nod too. Basically it involves the god named Yggdrasil (so, Norse mythology), buuut he turned out not to be such a merciful god :/ So, one of the characters got mad and with one of those "attacking-lines" as he was about the punch Yggdrasil's light's out, said something along the lines of "Those who don't want to save people, shouldn't be called a god at all!!" I dunno, I just thought it was good and thinking "you know, that's true." *shrugs* I dunno^^

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:Ugh. Most shows just use Christianity (Or religion in general) as a way to make it "unique" or cool. There is no such thing as a "Total Christian Anime".

Hey MSP, Do you have somthing Against Me? 'Cause if you do,I wanna make ammends.

Anyway MSP,your right about a "Total Christian Anime" being Non-Existant.

Fish and Chips wrote:Actually, Yasuhiro Nightow (the man behind Trigun) converted to Catholicism after researching it before beginning the series, so I think it's fare to call Trigun a Christian Anime (despite some violence and language issues). Wolfwood's prayer in episode 24 alone can testify this leaning.

That's interesting; I never knew that. It would certainly explain how well-done Wolfwood's big scene in episode 24 was, though. XD

Anyways, I basically agree with Ryan here. Sure, you're going to find anime that either borrow aspects of Christianity to use as plot material or portray things that Christians would normally agree with, but that's no indication that the creators are Christian or even had intentions of coming across that way. The Matrix makes lots of references to scripture and Christianity (not to mention about 20 other religions), but does that make it a Christian movie? Hardly. We've just got to remember that just because something has Christian themes or symbolism in it doesn't mean it's a Christian work, so be careful before you put too much stock into whatever point you think it's trying to make (not that I think you guys would do that, I'm just saying. XD).

Christisright wrote:Hey MSP, Do you have somthing Against Me? 'Cause if you do,I wanna make ammends.

Anyway MSP,your right about a "Total Christian Anime" being Non-Existant.

No, it's just that these threads pop up all the time. There is a search function you know. Nothing against you.

...and it doesn't have to be Christian to be enjoyable.

Let's not forget that there is allegorical stories that teach Christian values without mentioning God by name. I.E. Chronicles of Narnia, and even the parable of the prodigal son.

Let's not forget the book of Esther, where you cannot find God's name at all anywhere (a source for the great debate as to whether or not to include the book in the Bible). However, though God's name is not in the book, His fingerprints are all over the place.

Godly stories can be like that too.

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:Ugh. Most shows just use Christianity (Or religion in general) as a way to make it "unique" or cool. There is no such thing as a "Total Christian Anime".

Ever heard of Superbook? It was an anime. There's one other one I can't remember right now....

Flying House! It was on the same channel. But to my knowledge, neither is on DVD yet.

Well, Hellsing has some christian themes in it. Some imagery. i wouldn't call it "Christian" but there are a lot of catholics and angelicans running around in it quoting scripture.

I've gotta stand with MSP on this one, it seems a lot of anime directors don't have a very extensive knowledge of Christianity and they just throw it in to an anime for "shock value". However, it would seem some series would make respectful references, but I'm sure a lot more just kinda throw it in to be "cool". Sorry to rain on your parade, guys.

Like MSP, I'd have to say I'd be hesitant to apply a "Pro/Anti Christian" label to any anime, simply because most of the time, Japanese creators doesn't have the knowledge of Christianity that would lead them to intentionally produce something as such - at the end of the day, offensive or not, most anime series treat religion as no more than a plot device. With that in mind, I have to say I find threads like this a little silly...

The Doctor wrote:Let's not forget that there is allegorical stories that teach Christian values without mentioning God by name. I.E. Chronicles of Narnia, and even the parable of the prodigal son.

There are also allegorical stories that teach good Buddhist values.

I think every religion has parables in it. So that isn't something that's limited to Christianity.

While it's only a personal theory of mine, and one I can't completely back up yet because I haven't seen an interview with him, I think Makoto Shinkai might use Christianity in his films.

My proof is in the film "The Place Promised in Our Early Days" (2004).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Place_Promised_in_Our_Early_Days

Near the end of the film, Sayuri (one of the protagonists in the film) along with Hiroki start making a prayer that they'll be able to see one another again, even for one last time.

"O God, please hear my prayer. Please, even for just a moment, if even for one second, please let me see Hiroki again."

There's more, but I can't remember because I haven't seen the film for some time.

Also, in the short film She and Her Cat, there's a scene with the girl who is very deeply troubled and starts begging for someone to save her. Although she might just be asking for anyone.

This is only a theory I have, and it could have very little credibility, but I thought it would be interesting to mention.

Kokoro Daisuke wrote:I'd be hesitant to apply a "Pro/Anti Christian" label to any anime, simply because most of the time, Japanese creators doesn't have the knowledge of Christianity that would lead them to intentionally produce something as such - at the end of the day, offensive or not, most anime series treat religion as no more than a plot device.

This pretty well sums up my thinking on the matter, too.

I'm also inclined to be hesitant to label, but I would have to say that Trigun is one of the titles closest to deserving of it. It's surprising to hear that Nightow became a Catholic [in fact, I'm still somewhat skeptical ~ mind you, I mean no offense], but it would explain some things. From episode 24 to Vash's general desire to avoid loss of any life and belief in second chances for everyone, even those as twisted as Knives. It's a philosophy that is rather conducive to the teachings of Christianity as I understand them. I'm not fond of the animation quality, but the series still holds a special place for me, especially after viewing the whole.

.rai//

Trigun is actually really, really hard for me to accept into being the closest to Christian Anime.

While I know Nightow-san is Roman Catholic, I can't seem to wrap my mind around the idea of how he's connected to his faith. I'm not saying that he isn't deeply connected to it, not at all. But what I can't understand is, if he's Christian, why does he put so much objectionable content into his works?

I just can't wrap my mind around that idea.

Alexander wrote:Trigun is actually really, really hard for me to accept into being the closest to Christian Anime.

While I know Nightow-san is Roman Catholic, I can't seem to wrap my mind around the idea of how he's connected to his faith. I'm not saying that he isn't deeply connected to it, not at all. But what I can't understand is, if he's Christian, why does he put so much objectionable content into his works?

I just can't wrap my mind around that idea.

Aside from language issues and some violent scenes in particular , I'd say Trigun is fairly tame.

Fish and Chips wrote:Aside from language issues and some violent scenes in particular , I'd say Trigun is fairly tame.

The manga is a lot worse. Though since this thread is about anime, not manga, I guess the manga doesn't count. XD But yeah, Trigun is actually really tame. It's a series I wouldn't mind showing to younger kids (not like, 6 or 7 year olds, but 11 or 12 year olds).