Fullmetal Alchemist Ok for Christians?

[Lochaber Axe]

I am sorry about these triple posts, but this is an important moment for the two. This haunts them for a while.

This episode is one of those moments, that Chloe talked about.

[Heart of Sword]

Hmm, I didn't think that alchemy was glorified there.

The chimera is cute.

[uc pseudonym]

'twas a sad moment. I am uncertain as to your motivation for posting those pages here Lochaber Axe, but I see no problem with.

I apologize for hijacking awsam007's thread, but I wish to ask the following question: how many volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist are there currently?

[Heart of Sword]

*shrugs* I don't know...I don't watch it.

[Lochaber Axe]

Hmm, I didn't think that alchemy was glorified there.

The chimera is cute.

It doesn't end there... but I think that you should look yourself if you want to know what happens to Nina.

'twas a sad moment. I am uncertain as to your motivation for posting those pages here Lochaber Axe, but I see no problem with.

I apologize for hijacking awsam007's thread, but I wish to ask the following question: how many volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist are there currently?

I wanted to make clear how alchemy is treated. It is not an occultic practice reveled in the story, but is a fantasy style magic that is shown to many times be completely evil. This moral lesson gets even deeper, sadder, and more graphic as the series goes along. *Salutes Hughes*

There are 51 episodes planned for FMA. My current scanlations go to Volume 4.

[ShiroiHikari]

I have scans to volume 6, but 5 and 6 are by a different translator and aren't done as well. And 6 isn't the last of them. Check out http://www.fullmetal-alchemist.com if you're interested.

(The part with Nina and Alexander made me sob.)

[Lochaber Axe]

The only problem is that the site continues to freeze my internet slightly. Its annoying.

Oh and thanks also, I haven't had time to find different sites for the scanlations.

[MasterDias]

That whole situation with Nina and Alexander was creepy.

Anyways, I don't consider the "alchemy" in FMA a whole lot different from fantasy magic in RPGs like Final Fantasy or stuff like chi and chakra used in other shonen titles.

Human transmutation aka "what Ed and Al did to try to ressurect their mother that ended in tragedy" is very much considered illegal/immoral in FMA for a good reason that becomes more apparant as you get farther through the series.

[awsam007]

I would question the motivation of anyone watching hentai for such a reason. There is little art involved, and little need to warn others... it is called hentai for a reason. My purpose in stating this is the following: things that are not sin can cause sin in the viewing of them. Even the Bible has been used by certain sects to justify terrible things.

By the way, I was being a little sarcastic about hentai being watched for "art"] What I was saying was that if the Bible's moral compass is applied to the character's within the Bible, they will fall short of it (as they should- the Bible shows people like us, not superheros). By this I was saying that we should allow for a certain amount of brokenness in the lives of characters in other materials as well.

To continue the point: Christian entertainment can (and should, in my mind) show sin. That, in and of itself, is not sin. Likewise, secular entertainment should not be necessarily blasted for showing sin. Where Christian and secular entertainment differs is that Christian works will show sin for what it truly is.[/QUOTE]
Another well written point. You should join a debate team! Actually I haven't thought about media in that manner - that's an interesting way to look at it, thank you for that little piece of 'enlightenment'.

It is more than alleged]
Again, I was being facetious about FMA "allegedly" containing some questionable occult stuff. Still, I loved seeing the word "futile" in print. That never gets old. Good call. And a special shout out to Star Trek TNG's Borg for making that term popular again.

While occult practices are indubitably sin, there are a great many other sins. Is it truly any worse than the main character having the sin of pride? I can tell you that children are far more likely to act prideful than they are to practice witchcraft. Sin, regardless of its nature, is still sin.

Again you speak the truth kind sir. Indeed it is all too easy to forget (I catch myself all the time) that sin is sin. Even Charles Manson is no worse than I am if he was saved before being executed. Ah, the power of Our Redeemer, how great it is.

That said, I still believe something like pride, while still being even on the sin scale, is not as dangerous as occult stuff like witchcraft. I know because I used to be into some of that junk, not heavily like joining a cult or drinking blood or anything, but I know how addictive Satan makes that lifestyle, even if it's just being into TV shows and books which study supernatural things like ESP, telekenesis, ghosts and the like (which is what I was into). I just get concerned about things like Harry Potter where the hero is shown to use magik because I know younger viewers sometimes can become interested in being like the hero in real life, which then could lead to interest in tarot cards, casting spells etc. Doesn't mean they will nesessarily, but let's just say watching Lassie reruns never caused anybody to take up spoon bending. Now I'm rambling, sorry...

I believe a major point to consider when deciding what fictional stories that contain certain occult elements you should watch is to see how the other characters and the characters themselves come to view their occult practices in the end. Are there consequences for what the character does that it wrong? Is the sinful behavior exalted as something to be imulated?

I can't answer these questions because I haven't seen FMA yet. But I'd be interested to know

Another great point. I too would be interested to know how it plays out by the end of FMA.

Those questions have been my guiding compass as far as what is or isn't ok for me to watch too, MangaFan. First off I ask myself, who's sinning? If the villians are, ok--it cements their role as villanous. But if the heroes are, that's a bit different. Secondly, does it glorify the sin? What happens to the characters after they sin--is it realistically shown to worsen their lives or are they made better? Things like that I think make a firm foundation that allows you both the freedom in Christ to enjoy entertainment and the Christian stance to take with it. I know that's a bit offtopic, but I felt like it needed to be said.

And Awsam, I just want to say I really respect the way you handled yourself. It would have been very easy to jump in with a quick temper and hurt feelings and force us to close this thread. But you acted maturely, handled yourself well, and presented logical and courteous counterpoints. That's so good to see.

I think that mangafan and Ashley are on to something here with their 'anime sin compass'. Maybe we can trademark that and sell it in Japan right along side the plush Grunty dolls and strawberry Pocky! ]I happen to live with a big FMA fan, so I took it too personally. And for that, I am very sorry, awsam

No sweat. I may have overreacted as well *cue the group hug*. Feel the love people!

I wanted to make clear how alchemy is treated. It is not an occultic practice reveled in the story, but is a fantasy style magic that is shown to many times be completely evil. This moral lesson gets even deeper, sadder, and more graphic as the series goes along. *Salutes Hughes*

Interesting. OK, that does it, Lochaber was the last straw (in a good way I mean). Congratulations, you've all convinced me that I should at the very least try out this anime for a spin. From what some of you have written it seems that maybe I indeed jumped the gun and later in the story it somehow shows that messing with alchemy may not be the best idea. I guess I'll find out when it comes to Cartoon Network.

This thread turned out to be informative and candid. We truly have great members here who can provide nice insight and critical commentary on the world of anime with a unique christian perspective.

Hey mods, yeah you guys behind the curtain, that text above was my free 'plug' for this web site, feel free to use that quote.

[uc pseudonym]

*Salutes Hughes*

I hear that, brother.

I have scans to volume 6, but 5 and 6 are by a different translator and aren't done as well. And 6 isn't the last of them. Check out http://www.fullmetal-alchemist.com if you're interested.

I may have to attempt that, and fervently hope that the series is not licensed in America soon.

You should join a debate team!

My thanks (in regard to text surrounding the quotation). Actually, I have been a member of several debate teams. I enjoy honest debate greatly.

[Lochaber Axe]

The anime is licensed by Funimation, but the manga is still available.

[uc pseudonym]

Because I had switch my grandmother over to Firefox (which involved extremely long waiting times) I actually had a chance to read volume 5. As was stated, the quality is lower. And there's one page that simply doesn't seem to exist.

I like their Sensei's husband. Not sure if he has a name...