More open-minded?

[Jeikobu]

I've been thinking lately about trying to be more open-minded in what anime I watch and what manga I read. But I'm not sure what my limits should be. And there are so many different angles to look at it from. Yes, it's only fiction. But then fiction can have a big impact on people. Besides, the Bible says to meditate on what's good and what's pure. But if you acknowledge it's just fantasy and not take it too much to heart, then is it more acceptable? Granted, there are anime I will never watch, like Hellsing. But there are many that I would want to see but am not sure about. Would God smile on me watching stuff like Princess Mononoke, DragonBall Z, InuYasha, etc.? The bottom line is listening for His voice, but I would still like advice from all of you here. What are your experiences? What do you recommend I do? What do you think is and isn't acceptable? Help would be greatly appreciated. Arigato gozaimasu.

[Nate]

I think you just have to figure it out for yourself, dude.

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive. - 1 Corinthians 10:23

For example, I watch Cardcaptor Sakura and I love it. Some Christians can't get past the fact that it has magic, which is fine. It doesn't bother me in the slightest, but if they are bothered by it, they shouldn't watch it.

I don't see any problem with any of the anime you listed...well, except DBZ, but that's more for the slow-moving storyline and cheesy fight scenes than anything else, and that's a personal preference, not a moral conviction.

Ultimately, it's between you and the Lord. If you want to watch something, watch it, and if you feel that you are uncomfortable, stop watching it.

[EvilSporkofDoom]

Hm.. I think the best thing to do would to pray about it, and if you start feeling uneasy about whatever you're watching, then you can know that you probably shouldn't be watching it.
I don't like emphasis on open-mindedness, myself.. the word itself has a positive connotation, but one can be open-minded about drugs, witchcraft, and so on, and for us Christians that isn't a good thing. I personally don't force myself to watch things for the sake of being open-minded.. what's the point of that? If something seems like it would enjoyable, or thought-provoking, than that induces me more to watch it.

I personally think Inu-Yasha, Princess Mononoke, and DBZ are pretty harmless, but then the whole matter is subjective.

[Hephzibah]

I judge what I watch or read alot on the reviews here in CAA. Often, if it has objectionable religion, sexual stuff or language, I avoid it. There are alot of good animes that dont have that stuff in them (eg Gundam Wing)

[Sesshoumaru]

Ok,now DBZ is a problem?? wow.Anyway just pray on it and decide for yourself. I mean many people may not like Hellsing because of the violence or hatnot but it's still a good show. And as I've said before Inuyasha really is just harmless comedy

[Ashley]

I echo what many have already told you, Jeikobu--in the end, you are the only one that can know what is or isn't acceptable for you. The way I see it, God wants us to enjoy our lives but He wants us to seek His will first. I honestly think if you came to God with even a simple prayer like "what title would be ok with you if I watch?" He would smile that you're devoted to Him and His will and honor your request with an answer.

And just for an extra two cents, what I usually do is if I see a title that looks interesting, I research it. I read up on it and several sites, I find out what objectionable stuff is in it, and I weigh it against my own personal convictions and finally pray about it. Usually the Lord is great about giving me a thumbs-down before I get into a series. ^^

Oh, one last edit--I would encourage, even exhort you not to satisfy for compromise. I think it's one thing to want to enjoy good, clean titles, but it's another to let yourself slack off just to get some cheap thrills. Keep God first, honor His convictions in your life, and you'll be FAR better for it, even if you miss out on some "great" anime titles. In the end, pleasing the Lord is always better than satisfying our flesh (duh).

[Ingemar]

When in doubt, don't justify reasons to watch the title in question.

It's a slippery slope, my friend.

[Kat Walker]

Remember that no human cannot help being influenced by what they surround themselves with. Everything from who we associate with to our choices in entertainment all shape us one way or another, just in various levels. Keep this in mind as much as possible, because it doesn't pay to rationalize away something you know is unfit for a Christian to view, only to find one day it's developed into a temptation you can't just ignore.

Of course, there are some things which should be painfully, mind-numbingly obvious that you shouldn't view. Hentai, titles with needless and pointless graphic violence, and anything with ridiculous heaps of swearing and fanservice.

As for magic, mindless hocus-pocus shojou fairytale fluff (Sailormoon) shows little threat. Mythological semi-pagan fantasy epics (Princess Mononoke, InuYasha) should be taken as just that -- old folklore. Now, let's say.... titles where the main protagonists are half-demon vampiric warlocks that wear plate-sized pentagrams...that's treading onto dangerous real-life occult ground. This is especially true for anything with a warped view of God, Christianity, and Christian figures mixing with magic and witchcraft....don't even give the creators of that garbage extra royalties.

[Sesshoumaru]

I still see nothing wrong with things like Inuyasha

[Ashley]

Come to think of it...*moves to anime area*
Also, Sesshoumaru, your point was made so I think it's safe to let it die now.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Open/ wide minded is rarely a good thing. Remeber that narrow is the path that leads to life.

[Fireproof]

As for magic, mindless hocus-pocus shojou fairytale fluff (Sailormoon) shows little threat. Mythological semi-pagan fantasy epics (Princess Mononoke, InuYasha) should be taken as just that -- old folklore. Now, let's say.... titles where the main protagonists are half-demon vampiric warlocks that wear plate-sized pentagrams...that's treading onto dangerous real-life occult ground. This is especially true for anything with a warped view of God, Christianity, and Christian figures mixing with magic and witchcraft....don't even give the creators of that garbage extra royalties.

Best Christian explanation of magic in anime, EVAR. XD

[Mave]

Siggh...I guess I'll just add this, along with what has already been said: IMO, being open-minded is fine but the question is WHAT you choose to open your mind to.

Sure, I'll open my mind to whatever God has to reveal to me anytime (although sometimes His revelation and His plans with my life blows my mind over and over again and I have a hard time accepting it). I'll open my mind to hear other ppl's opinions about their faith and their personal convictions.

But I won't open my mind to fanservice or elements that I KNOW bugs me spiritually. Your faith is not about following a bunch of rules. It's about your relationship with God. Open your mind to God and He'll show you how much and what stuff you can allow yourself to be open to, without compromising your purity since He knows your weaknesses and strengths personally.

[Jeikobu]

Thanks everyone, I guess the bottom line is putting God first no matter what and listening for his voice only.

[true_noir_chloe]

Thanks everyone, I guess the bottom line is putting God first no matter what and listening for his voice only.

Exactly. ^__^ Man, I'm always last to find these threads. *heh* I think many of the ones who replied gave you great answers.

[Sesshoumaru]

Come to think of it...*moves to anime area*
Also, Sesshoumaru, your point was made so I think it's safe to let it die now.

Ok

[Joshua Christopher]

Well...
Liberal I am not. Open minded? Meh...

Look, I like Kill Bill. I like Versus. The majority of films that I own are violent, R-rated kung-fu movies...

The violence never bothered me too much. It's al fantasy, those people aren't dying...heck, the animation is just that, animation.

I won't watch things with sex or occultic themes...

If there's an anime to check out, it'd be Giant Robo. No sex or even fanservice, mild language(unless it's the dub, which contains a lot), and the violence isn't too bad... Plus it's just so great...

And yes, I am on a campaign to get more people to watch Giant Robo.

[Chaps]

I really think as long as the show or movie, etc, portrays a positive theme, then it's fine. I mean you can't just say "this movie is bad because it's violent." Because, the Passion of the Christ is easily one of the most violent movies out there. Violence can be used to progress a story that portrays a positive theme (but it also can be an utterly pointless gore and bloodfest).

I guess the line you need to think of is whether you're crossing the "isolation" camp or the "imitation" camp.

Imitation-deep down you'rea Christian, but on the outside you're nothing but an imitator-indulging in all the negativity, swearing, being a negative influence- no one would guess that you're a follower of Christ.

Isolation-Being in an ultra paranoid fear of being a 'bad' person, thus isolating yourself from the outside world and everything relating to it-movies, music, parties, outings, etc, etc, etc.

Personally I feel that neither extreme is healthy, and somewhere inbetween would be a good idea. (I'm just kinda pointing this out, I don't really think this applies to you at all Jeikobu).

[agasfas]

First off, most of the time if I see an anime that looks interesting I'll look around and read different reviews-- getting different takes on it.

Like many have already stated, you need to know what you are comfortable with and where you draw the line. I mean I've seen a many anime titles that I've loved that have suggestive and explicit dialouge and scences. Among many: GTO, Wings of Honneamise, Cowboy bebop, Vandread, Perfect Blue etc... I mean, at most there is brief nudity, a few curse words but it's not too much. When it becomes too excessive I wont watch it. I can tolerate it... it's their culture and it really doesn't offend me.

I have my moral beliefs, bUt if I only watched things based on strict guidelines the list would be so small. I mean, it would be taboo to watch Cowboy Bebeop or even Wings of Honneamise. In my opinion, it's okay to watch things if you know it wont change your character. We can't always remain sheltered our whole life. Occasions will arise and we need to be able to handle them. Is is realistic to always have our eyes and ears covered when walking the streets? You will hear and see a million things in life you dissagree with. But you also need to know when you draw the line. Will a curse here and there, or a scene of brief nudity change you character (personality, beliefs ect..) or offend you? If so, veer away, if not, I think it may be okay to watch. It really differes from people to people.

In summary:
if you think it'll damage/distort your character, then veer away.

If it's within reasonable limit, and it doesn't really offend you, then it may be okay to watch. It's okay to remain open-minded, but don't take in more then you can handle. Know your limits and where you stand in your morals.

My point was if we make our guidelines so strict, almost 99.99% of animes , tv shows and video games like

*cough* teen dramas like the OC*cough*, king of the hill *cough* ABC's Lost *cough* Reality tv shows *cough*, adult swim on Cartoon network *cough* Zelda *cough* Final Fantasy *cough* Halo *cough*

would be taboo-- even the kiddie ones. All there will be left would be Disney shows like "The Wiggles" , "Out of the Box" or that Roly-Poly show. Errr... creepy.

[rocklobster]

Really, it all depends on how strong your faith is. I've been into fantasy for years, and I'm still a Christian.

[Kisa]

Whatever you think is right. If it causes you to stumble then no, if you can watch it and know its not real, and it doesnt affect you, then fine. Pray about it too! ^^

[Hephzibah]

I've been talking with my mum recently, and I have come to the following conclusion:

It doesnt matter how "strong" your faith is when it comes to watching or reading things... its about what the Holy Spirit says to you and how you react. My mum has (in my opinion) a VERY strong faith, yet she doesnt watch fantasy, action, and just about anything with language, violence or sexual stuff. The reason? She felt God say to her not to. Easy as that. Listen to the Holy Spirit when it comes to matters such as these. Your conscience is also a good guide.

[Jeikobu]

Talame, you're exactly right. All that's really important is what the Lord tells you. He knows best, that's for sure.

[agasfas]

Personally, I think it's hypocritical to watch one bad thing over another. For example:

I know many people who watch fantasy type animes that include characters that are wizards, mages (Lord of the Rings) ... all using magic. I know many who watch fantasies, then proclaim other series/genres like GTO, love hina etc are morally bad because a little use of language here and there and contain suggestive dialogue. For someone to pick and choose what is right or wrong is hypocritical in my opinion. To watch fantasies that excuse sorcery (Scrapped Princess or Full Moon wo Sagashite) and state animes that contain premarital sex (His and Her Circumstances, and Kimi ga Nozomu Eien) or anything else that many view as immoral. I jut don't think that's right.

In my opinion, it's not right to pick and choose. I don't mind people have their personal limits/threshold because I do myself, but to say one thing is totally bad and unjust and then watch something that you know is also "morally bad" is just wrong. Know your limits and follow your conscience , but don't be a hyprocrite-- picking and choosing on degrees of personal morality.

Ex: Sorcery is bad, but in my opinion sexual content and language is worse. So it's okay this time if I watch something that contain things of sorcery.

again, know your limits of acceptability, but if you rate things on overall morality, picking and choosing what you think is worse or better... then either do it all the way, or don't do it at all.

Please forgive me if anything came out rude or crude.That wasn't my intent. I'm not angry or anything like that but wanted to state my personaly belief. I'm just a bit tired of many people being hyprocrites when it comes to choosing and defining limits of acceptability on things they want to watch... whether it be anime, movies or tv shows.

[Fireproof]

Good thoughts, Agasfas. I sometimes wonder why we brand all anime sexual content while what really matters is the context of said content.

[Nate]

I know many people who watch fantasy type animes that include characters that are wizards, mages (Lord of the Rings) ... all using magic.

What's even funnier is the people that watch LOTR, but then say that they won't watch Cardcaptor Sakura or Sailor Moon or play Final Fantasy because they have magic.

Still haven't figured out that one yet... :/

[Debitt]

You summed up my feelings on the subject perfectly and yet more tactfully than I would have myself, agasfas. </pointless post>

[Hephzibah]

What's even funnier is the people that watch LOTR, but then say that they won't watch Cardcaptor Sakura or Sailor Moon or play Final Fantasy because they have magic.

Still haven't figured out that one yet... :/

I am one of these people (for the most part). If you want to know why, simply read the Silmarillion... it provides more depth to the stories and shows distinct parallels between the stories and Tolkien's Christian faith.
Also, I have not been convicted over LOTR (who knows, it might change), although I still respect others who dont want to watch it (eg my mum)

[true_noir_chloe]

Please forgive me if anything came out rude or crude.That wasn't my intent. I'm not angry or anything like that but wanted to state my personaly belief. I'm just a bit tired of many people being hyprocrites when it comes to choosing and defining limits of acceptability on things they want to watch... whether it be anime, movies or tv shows.

I have to agree with Kokoro - I couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for the honesty, Agasfas. I'm getting a bit tired of the hypocrisy myself. -__-

[Jeikobu]

What's even funnier is the people that watch LOTR, but then say that they won't watch Cardcaptor Sakura or Sailor Moon or play Final Fantasy because they have magic.

Still haven't figured out that one yet... :/

Part of the thing with LOTR is that it has such strong Christian metaphors. The other part is how it's presented. It doesn't have that dark, evil feel that something like Harry Potter does. And it doesn't really get into the details of magic. Granted Saruman has a very occultic feel to him, but he's supposed to be evil. With Gandalf it's very different. Usually the most that he does is use his staff to help in tough situations.
Again, the bottom line is what the Holy Spirit tells you.