Christian aspects of anime

[Jeikobu]

This just seems like an interesting idea for a topic. Post anime with good Christian-like aspects. It could be a good way to recommend anime and discuss their best attributes.
Some:

-Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Nausicaa can easily be seen as a metaphor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Though Miyazaki sadly didn't intend it that way, I and many others took it that way never the less. The movie preaches themes or love and protection, both of which can be held highly.

-Porco Rosso: One scene seemed very supportive to Christianity, and became easily my favorite scene of the whole film. [SPOILER]Porco Rosso tells the story of how his entire fleet of pilots were killed and only he survived. He ends up hovering above the clouds and little by little sees all of his comrades slowly float upward to heaven. The girl he tells it to (I forgot her name, I only saw the film once >_<) then says it must have been God telling him it wasn't his time to die. This whole part really touched me.[/SPOILER]

-Spirited Away: Obviously no references to Christianity, but alot of strong themes that relate to it. Even though part of me was bothered by Haku's spell ("in the name of the water and the wind within thee, unbind her"), I in a certain way found it symbolic, as water and wind in a serious sense always tend to make me think of the Holy Spirit (wind makes me think of John 3, and water makes me think of the living water, a.k.a. the Spirit). And the Spirit gives us power, especially in helping others and conquering evil.
I also liked how Chihiro never gives up when she asks for a job at the bathhouse, she just keeps trying until it works. Jesus also mentioned a parable of a man who kept asking another man for bread until he finally received it. Perseverance, another strong Christian theme.
An interesting little note, while not as symbolic or anything, is how Kohaku tells Chihiro not to look back as she leaves the spirit world. This reminds me of Sodom and Gomorah.
Finally, my favorite thing about his movie is how Chihiro goes from being a whiny, more self-centered kid who is frightened by her early experiences in the film, to being a mature, couragious person who practices complete selflessness and love for the sake of Haku and her parents. The theme of love and humbleness is as good as it gets.

-Trigun: I don't have to explain this one if you have seen the series. Yes, Wolfwood is one unorthodox priest. But the later part of episode 23 is one of the greatest scenes in all of anime. This is one of the few anime that are actually directly supportive to Chrisitanity.
Also, the themes of love and preservation of life are unmissable.

-Pocket Monsters: Alot of good morals are preached, but none as strong as friendship and love. In the first film, Mewtwo Strikes Back, [SPOILER]when the Pokemon are brutality destroying each other with no hope in sight, Satoshi runs into the heat of it all and surrenders his own life to stop the war. I always think of how the Lord Jesus said that there is no greater love than that one would lay down his life for his friends. I also can see this scene as symbolic of Jesus dying and being resurrected to save us. Thus this is my favorite scene all time, any movie.[/SPOILER]

Post your's!

[Joshua Christopher]

Miyazaki doesn't like religion, due to his Marxist background. Though I hear that lately he's warming up to it a little.



In the third part of Giant Robo, Chief Chujo does a funeral service where he reads from the Bible.

[kazekami]

There are two animes that I have been thinking about recently because of the fact they deal with sin, forgiveness, and redemption. Haibane renmei and Madlax. Haibane Renmei being a sweet quite slow paced series. But the main theme seems to be sin and redemption. There is one girl who can't go on because she is bound by sin. This sin needs to be delt with in order for her to go on. Its a very beautiful series.

Madlax is the most intresting. I did not expect to find this theme in the series at all. We are talking about a series with a civil war, a female agent, a secret organization, and 3 mysterious books.
[spoiler=Madlax]Apparently the little pink haired girl and Madlax are part of Margret. Madlax is the part that has sined by killing her father. the pink girl represents lost innocence. Margret, even though she has grown physically has had her time stopped when the incident happened. As a person she cannot move forward because she has not accepted her sin but denies it. Through most of the series she appears to be lathargic. Doesn't show emotion. SHe is like the shell of a person. Not until she faces the truth and accepts all of herself as well as the fact that she sinned and the regret is she able to move forward. Also quite a few people in the series give their life up for Margret and Madlax. To protect someone they love.[/spoiler]

Also in madlax everyone seems to be trying to find the "truth."

[Jeikobu]

That Madlax series sounds very good kazekami, I think I may have to try that at some point.

Another anime I thought of is Rurouni Kenshin. Redemption is a very strong, recurring theme.

[Rocketshipper]

X TV has an ending that would be considered a Christian allegory.

[spoiler] In the final battle Kamui willingly sacrifices his life in order to save his best friend, Fuma, and the entire world. [/spoiler]

[Sesshoumaru]

Out of all the ones I like, none really are supportive of Christianity. -_-

[kazekami]

That Madlax series sounds very good kazekami, I think I may have to try that at some point.

Madlax is my favorite anime series. A little slow but really good. I definety recommend it.

[Hoshika]

Hmm, I would say Shoujou Bisenshi Seera Muun, because it really focuses on loving the people around you and appreciating life. Sad thing is from beginning to end the anime supports homosexuality which you see a lot of in the third season of the series. -_-;

Hands down Fruits Basket has to be named amoung the most moral of anime. The main character is extremely upright and though she is surrounded by "deliquents" instead of their bad habits rubbing off on her she rubs off on them and they become better people.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Full Metal Alchemist in a way... fighting characters such as lust and greed and wrath and sloth.... they're going against the sin that they comitted

[yukinon]

Rurouni Kenshin has a million and one Christian implications, allegories, and illustrations, whether they were intentional or not. I would have to read the series again to point out specific ones, but there are tons.

A friend and I were actually reading Kenshin around the same time, and would consistently use examples from the series when talking about our spiritual lives. It's a beautiful series with awesome characters.

[Wise Dragon]

If you have ever seen Aquarian Age there are many parrallels to the spirtituall battles we face. Its not a long series only three DVD; long but it shows how a guy tries to reach out to his friend who has become enslaved in darkness.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

it shows how a guy tries to reach out to his friend who has become enslaved in darkness.

i suppose naruto could also fit that description

the only religious part of Monster would be "good triumps evil" and the beginning it showes a verse from the book of Revelations

[mitsuki lover]

Witch Hunter Robin.Robin's Catholicism is part of her personality.Not only was she trained in a monastary but she also goes to the same chapel every day for prayers.

Did anyone else catch the reference to the tower of Babel in Metropolis yesterday?

Not necessarily Christian but in the Inuyasha ep.Only You,Sango when Kagome
daydreams of Miroku and Sango getting married the setting is the outside of a
Christian church.(Note:I understand Western i.e."Christian"style weddings are
popular in Japan.)

The Soultaker has numerous references to Christianity.Kyosuke's adoptive mother
apparently was at least a nominal Christian and the first scene takes place within a church.It also includes a ep. that takes mainly in a missionary school.
Not to mention all the uses of Crosses throughout.Also Kyosuke at one point compares himself to both Christ and Satan.

[freerock1]

Cowboy Bebop: Specifically "Brain Scratch," which deals with a religious cult leader who denies the existence of God but...
[SPOILER]...eventually acknowledges that God has given humankind its knowledge and intellect[/SPOILER]
Another episode's climax takes place in a church.

Also with Inuyasha, the "Soul Piper & the Mischievious Little Spirit" episode. Although I wouldn't normally consider Inu a great source of spiritual accuracy, this episode was a very good Christian allegory of our need to witness and in so doing rescue lost souls from hell.

Big O... Depending on whose opinion/review you read of this program it can seem either very Christian or very humanistic. But coming from our perspective, some Christian elements are very apparent. Most noticeably, when Roger activates Big O, the message, "Cast in the Name of God, Ye Not Guilty." From that I see sort of an allegory of redemption; Roger was entitled to operate Big O because he was not guilty of wrongdoing, just as we're God's children and heirs of Him because He has redeemed us of sin. Along these lines,
[SPOILER]Alan Gabriel, when he tried to pilot Big Duo, was not entitled to do so. He was guilty.[/SPOILER]
(I realize the phrase also comes from a Medeval reference, but from a Christian perspective we can obtain this also.) Additionally...
[SPOILER]- Toward the end of the series the search for truth becomes a major theme, especially involving Schwartzvald/Seibach.
- Some see the final few episodes involving the fight between Roger/Big O and Alex Rosewater/Big Duo (and eventually the arrival of Big Venus) as bearing striking resemblances the book of Revelation. For example, when Roger/Big O disappears into the sea and Alex looks to have won but Big O comes back to defeat Alex, this could parallel the 2 prophets who consume their enemies with fire, are killed by the antichrist, and are raised back to life.
- Domineus (sp?) translates from Latin as "God" or "Lord." Incidentally, in the episode "The Greatest Villan," Roger is held hostage by Beck on a cross-like structure.[/SPOILER]

Also there are the religious symbols in NGE, but we won't go there.

[CDLviking]

Akitaroh Daichi's anime usually has strong Christian values in it. In Jubei-chan one of the characters crosses himself and the others ask him if he's Christian. Max also crosses himself in Robotech/Macross.

[Maledicte]

RahXephon sort of has a "new Heaven and New Earth" ending, that's about all I can pick up from there....

In Blackjack, the main character treats various patients who have little or no money to pay him with. But most of the time he gets his money...

Father Anderson from Hellsing quotes...I believe it's Psalm 2, in episode 7.

[Zane]

Metropolis.

Not only is the Ziggarot (the big tower of Metropolis) symbolic to the tower of Babel both in all manners. But Tima is also presented as a Christ-like figure; a cross appears behind her when shes on the throne and a dove lands on her shoulder like when Jesus was baptised. Its an awesome anime.

[GhostontheNet]

Metropolis.

Not only is the Ziggarot (the big tower of Metropolis) symbolic to the tower of Babel both in all manners. But Tima is also presented as a Christ-like figure]

Hmm, thats pretty thoughtful Ghost. You are probably more in tune with what the Directors thoughts were, and you're right the climax was not protraying Tima as a Messiah, it could be seen that way though, as I originally did.

Erm, could you please tell me which of the two, or some fusion of them it is? One more likely Biblical theme in Metropolis though is to compare Duke Red's opening speech and the general flow of the film with this Biblical passage]Isaiah 14:3-15 ESV When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve, (4) you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: "How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased! (5) The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers, (6) that struck the peoples in wrath with unceasing blows, that ruled the nations in anger with unrelenting persecution. (7) The whole earth is at rest and quiet; they break forth into singing. (8) The cypresses rejoice at you, the cedars of Lebanon, saying, 'Since you were laid low, no woodcutter comes up against us.' (9) Sheol beneath is stirred up to meet you when you come; it rouses the shades to greet you, all who were leaders of the earth; it raises from their thrones all who were kings of the nations. (10) All of them will answer and say to you: 'You too have become as weak as we! You have become like us!' (11) Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, the sound of your harps; maggots are laid as a bed beneath you, and worms are your covers. (12) "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! (13) You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' (15) But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit.

[eva-boy7985]

While I haven't seen the whole series yet (only up to disc 4) and there's a "gray area" obviously with one of the characters being a "good guy", Chrono Crusade has alot of positive faith oriented elements. In the extra features (Azmaria's extra lessons), she makes direct reference to Jesus a couple times in a positive light. Plus, so far, the spiritual warfare aspect has been portrayed pretty well. As I said though I haven't seen the entire show since it hasn't all been released yet; hopefully things will pan out for the better in its entirety :-)

I also concur about Witch Hunter Robin. The show ultimately shows just how powerful something like fear is (in this case driving people to persecute their fellow man just because they were created "different") I was really surprised how forward the show was with faith based things (Amon even saying "God does not forsake any of His children).

Without giving any spoilers, Wolf's Rain upholds some great Christian principles ("the greater love hath no man...." verse comes to mind....).

Anyways just my two cents on some titles...

[yukinon]

I've only seen a few episodes (which I really really liked), but I didn't expect Witch Hunter Robin to be very positive about faith, possibly because of the dark atmosphere and the theme of witches.

I had originally stayed away from it for that, but I may have to try it again.

[Jeikobu]

[quote="eva-boy7985"]While I haven't seen the whole series yet (only up to disc 4) and there's a "gray area" obviously with one of the characters being a "good guy", Chrono Crusade has alot of positive faith oriented elements. In the extra features (Azmaria's extra lessons), she makes direct reference to Jesus a couple times in a positive light. Plus, so far, the spiritual warfare aspect has been portrayed pretty well. As I said though I haven't seen the entire show since it hasn't all been released yet]
I wanted to see that one alot, but a demon as a protagonist is too much of a bother, especially when he's teamed with someone like a nun.

[Mi-Ru-Me]

the biggest thing I noticed that in most of thes shows they mix things from diffrent religions. Yet one thing I noticed is that alot of them represent hell and there are some that have a symbolince of heaven yet they dont get the part on how to get there the same or right. One thing I see in a lot of shows people get hosed and evil people usally go to hell like in berserk bad people go to hell and some good ones but mainly it shows that if you mess too deep in evil your going to get into trouble. And I have yet to understand because I didnt pay good attention but in techemon blade 2 theres a part were they read a story of cain and able from the Bible.

[yukinon]

Doesn't American entertainment treat Christianity in more or less the same way though?

I mean, perhaps with less mystique surrounding it, but they still pull ideas from here and there and use them as plot devices and such.

I wonder if this is an attempt to appeal to Americans or if general Christian ideas (evil people go to hell, etc.) are more prevalent in Japanese culture than it would seem.

[rocklobster]

Geneshaft has a theme that certainly seems Christian. It focuses on several characters who are cloned and shows cloning in a negative light. This is a Christian view because Christians believe only God can create life. (Actually, the views are implied, but if you pay attention, you can see that the show doesn't seem to find favor with its dystopian future.)
I also concur about Full Metal Alchemist. Ed helps out the poor a lot in this show, which is a Christian belief. The homunculi (sp?) are all personifications of the 7 deadly sins. (I wonder if Wrath is female After all, Shakespeare said that Hell hath no fury like that of a woman scorned)
Dragonball Z's Cell Saga has Goku fight Cell to his very death, right up til Cell kills him. Okay, so Goku came back, but doesn't this illustrate Jesus's quote about laying down your life for your friends?
Android Kikaider is a great anime version of Pinocchio, which was also drawn from Christianity, at least in the original version. (Did you know Gepetto is actually Italian for Joseph? And is it just a coincidence that Pinocchio was carved from wood? I think not!)

[yukinon]

s'possible that wrath would be female. It seems a less honorable, more twisted version of anger (which can be righteous), so yeah.

Most of these traits seem like just general 'good' traits and not necessarily Christian specifically.

[Lady Arianrod]

Most of the titles I was going to mention have been named, but I agree with the following nominations:

-Haibane Renmei
-Nausicaa
-Fruits Basket
-Full Metal Alchemist
-Kenshin
-Trigun

The last two are especially filled with Christian morals, characters (Wolfwood, etc) and symbolism. Rurouni Kenshin and Trigun are generally positive and spiritual.