CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

okay, here's the deal. i went to a con this weekend, and got this artwork of Integra from Hellsing, like, my favorite anime ever. so i bring it home and show it to my mom and she gets all shirty and says that she's offended by it. she couldn't understand why it said "Jesus Christ" on one side (part of Alucard's gun "Jackal" was showing "Jesus Christ is in heaven now") and Integra was holding a cross, and of course she had her little cross tie clip thing on, while she's smoking her characteristic cigar. i tried to explain to her that the religious symbols were integral (ha no pun intended XD) to the story and that it was a Protestant Christian organization that fights evil in the forms of undead, mostly vampires. THEN she says that that's even MORE blasphemous b/c Christians shouldn't believe in vampires. so i say, well that's why it's a FICTIONAL story....O_o and anyway, where does it say in the Bible, "thou shalt not believe in vampires" ???? lol, i must have missed that part. i mean, not that i do....but ya know...? so here's the question...is she right? i mean, is it bad that i like this show? i mean, just about anyone who's watched it knows that it's anything but anti-Christian in theme...she just judges things before she understands them...and it makes me so angry! >_< anyone? thoughts on this?

Not a bad series, so long as one does not take it seriously, though this is the case for most anime and entertainment. I am not under the impression that vampires are specifically mentioned in the Bible, and neither are lycanthropes (werewolves) or other monsters of legend (dragons being the big exception). There isn't any really religeous stratements in the series as i could see it...just borrowed imagery to set the tone and define good and bad.

Having not seen Hellsing myself, I cannot judge whether or not it is blasphemous. But remember, these are the Japanese we're dealing with, not exactly the most God-fearing bunch (not saying that it automatically equals immorality; there are many "moral" people who are atheists (and who I admire)). To them, the Bible and everything therein is some flashy piece of work to be exploited. The same could be said about us with our use of ancient mythology. They really are ignorant of the message of the Gospel; so they can't really be blamed for actively blaspheming the Word of God because they don't really know what they're doing. Remember, Jesus Himself said, "Father, forgive them; they know not what they do" with regards to THE VERY PEOPLE THAT NAILED HIM TO THE CROSS. So I interpret that as a ton of leeway.

I wrote a review for this anime, you can gind it here

Anyways for starters its on my top 10 favoirte anime list but thiers no doubt it goes against Christian teachings. It does however borderlines on bieng blasphemus in some areas of the anime but I found in some others it blasphemus (pentagrams and the such)

I think you're mom is just trying to I guess protect you and also voicing her opinion (with the name Hellsing, what parent wouldn't?). Just sit downa nd talk to her that you dont take it seriously.

but don't watch anything if it brings you down.

Just a brief note: Hellsing is a volatile title. Arguments will be terminated.

I honestly can't comment on Hellsing itself because I haven't seen it, but Vampire stories aren't blasphemous in and of themselves. There is REAL vampirism, but it's representation in movies is about nothing... The vampires in movies are fictional beings and it's not blasphemous to enjoy a story about a made up creature, even if the creature is evil in the confines of the story.

Vampire stories have used christian symbols for a long time. Sometimes with a degree of respect, sometimes mockingly. The cross was supposed to be a weapon against a vampire because something so evil should be scared by what that cross represents, though for the sake of the literature, the Cross is the object in itself and not the one who died on it for our sins... Not blasphemous as much as just a powerless icon...

As I haven't seen Hellsing, I can't comment if it is blasphemous, but some vampire movies have been... Particularly when the cross is compared to other religious things and they are all said to be the same. Of course, in real life, someone weilding the cross (or the name of Jesus for that matter) with no backing and real relationship with Jesus is no different than someone weilding a beach ball or the name of Barney the purple dinosaur, so...

Anyhow... I avoid vampire stories. They just don't appeal to me (though some games/stories I do like have vampires playing very small roles.)

Morluna wrote:she just judges things before she understands them...and it makes me so angry! >_< anyone? thoughts on this?

Get used to it?

Seriously though.... you'll find this alot in the Christian community. In the end some people, even those we love and/or admire will not be swayed by logical and solid arguments... in the end we can't allow it to divide us.

In addition I've not seen anyone mention this, but she is your mother and as a believer you're required to follow her lead while you're in her care.

I'm sure you'll be able to work it out, just be sure to keep your cool.... and realise you may lose this one, but it's ok in the end.

madphilb wrote:Get used to it?

Seriously though.... you'll find this alot in the Christian community. In the end some people, even those we love and/or admire will not be swayed by logical and solid arguments... in the end we can't allow it to divide us.

In addition I've not seen anyone mention this, but she is your mother and as a believer you're required to follow her lead while you're in her care.

I'm sure you'll be able to work it out, just be sure to keep your cool.... and realise you may lose this one, but it's ok in the end.

yeah...i think a lot of this whole problem comes from the fact that i'm only at home for the summer...and in the fall i get to go back to college...i've gotten used to my freedom and not having to answer to anyone, and now that i'm back home, there is some conflict. but i guess that's to be expected.

I didn't realize you were 18, Morluna and in college. I think I would definitely handle things differently since you're of an age where you should be able to have the freedom to make your own decisions on what you watch. However, parents are so different and we are supposed to respect them. I'm just bumping up this thread right now, and I already pm'd you my response as to whether or not I think Hellsing is blasphemous.

I think it is, but I would never judge someone for watching it. ^__^

It's all in the eye of the beholder, really. If one views the characters/series as being blasphemous, then that is just how one sees it. Visa versa. We really don't honestly know whether Hellsing was intended to be blasphmous unless we ask the author themself.

As for Vampires, they aren't named in the Bible or anything, but they are considered evil because of the blood drinking thing. Back in Old Testimate days, drinking blood was, and probably still is, a sin. Also keep in mind that vampires are generally considered to be some form demonic being...