Anime Christian Anime?!

[Sosogomi]

Don't hit me this isn't what you think it is... whatever you thought it was.>.<

As more and more of my freinds begin to watch anime some my younger friends from church with parents who are very strict have come up to me and asked if I knew of any anime they could watch that had some form of christian message to it so their parents wouldn't fuss. All I know about is Saint Tail and Super Book. Do any of you guys know of any other christian themes or something along those lines. Thanks.

I am Sosogomi and I approve this message.

[Guest ScirosDarkblade]

Just tell them that watching something because it has a Christian message in it is stupid. It would be watching anime for the sake of watching anime. Unless there's a series that is in other regards [i]good[/i] as well, then fine. But otherwise, I don't see the point.

[Hevn]

[quote name='ScirosDarkblade']Just tell them that watching something because it has a Christian message in it is stupid.[/quote]
[B][SIZE=1][COLOR=RoyalBlue]This meaning of this statement is unclear to me. Is this suppose to be a general statement? The 'stupid' word is kind of harsh. Or you could reconstruct the sentence to make your point.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B]
[quote name='ScirosDarkblade]It would be watching anime for the sake of watching anime. Unless there's a series that is in other regards [i]good[/i'] as well, then fine. But otherwise, I don't see the point.[/quote]
[COLOR=RoyalBlue][SIZE=1][B]I think we are all entitled to watch anime for our own personal reasons ^_~

To Sosogomi's question: There might be only a few animes that have Christian messages but if you google 'Christian Anime', you can see loads of reviews regarding Animes in the Christian aspect. Some sites may even contain information that you could show to your friends' parents. There really are a lot of online Christian communities/forums who talk about anime ^_^[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Sol-Blade]

I can't really say I've seen a show completely [I]REVOLVE[/I] around a Christian theme, but there have definitely been little pokes and jokes made about them in some shows. Some shows definitely take their humor (or seriousness...how ever you view it) to an extreme. [I]Trigun[/I] picked the entire premise apart basically...and with Wolfwood being a priest and all...there was definitely a message (A somewhat negative one IMHO...but funny never-the-less!) there. The entire issue im talking about can be found in the Trigun shrine, read all of it there. Im not going to link to it (You lazy bum) as it's on the same site.

Really now...religion is great (But I am in no way a pieous person! :rolleyes: ). But I, personally, would perfer not to see it in a show. Good intentions or not, I don't care for it.

Well that was my opinions on it anyways...

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[color=darkviolet]As far as I know Neon Genisis Evangelion had a few Biblical references in it especially in the end. I haven't seen the series yet, I'm only going by what I've heard, so don't quote me.

I've heard of some Evangelitical church going parents who won't let their children watch Pokemon because it deals with evolution. ( ie the pokemon evolve into more powerful pokemon :rolleyes: ) Or SailorMoon because of magic. Go figure.

I don't know if it's been made into an anime or not, but Rumiko Takahashi (creator of Ranma and InuYasha) has a manga called One Pound Gospel which looks pretty interesting. I guess that's somewhat Chritian based.

However as far as I know there aren't many entirely Christian centered anime more like not at all. I think that may be in part to the fact that Japan's main religion is Shinto. The way I figure it is as long as there's no violence it's safe for my kids to watch...probably because I'm Wiccan and not Christian.[/color]

[BlueYoshi]

Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water is supposed to be infested with Biblical references. I've never seen the anime, but I've read up on a few theories that seem substantial enough. See for yourself, is my advice. Other than that, you can opt for Evangelion. However, my views are purely based under speculation, so I can't rectify whether this is exactly what you're looking for, Sosogomi. Again, your best bet is to simply just watch it.

[EVA Unit 100]

Evangelion I'm not so sure would be appropriate for a "Christian anime." It has lots of bible refferences, that's for sure, but due to lots of violence, the "Angels", some shonen ai stuff, and an extremely cynical attitude concerning religion and basically humanity in general, I'm guessing most extremely religious people would be offended by it, possibly even going to the extent of banning it depending on how zealous and crazy they are. And that's a shame since it's a damn good anime with lots of meaning to it.

[Guest ScirosDarkblade]

Honestly, you can write a pretty good and long book on how little... respect?... you see for Christian religion in anime and manga. To 99% of the Japanese Christianity's trimmings and trappings are fashionable and perhaps fascinating (so many couples have weddings in a church, heh), but they by no means bear the [i]weight[/i] that Christian symbols do in a country such as the United States. As a result you have tons of anime that have references to Christianity or borrow elements of Judeo-Christian mysticism (such as Neon Genesis Evangelion) or just have characters wearing crosses. But the former is done in a similar manner as we do straight-up fantasy (and actually is infused with spiritual elements more relative to Shinto than to Christianity), and the latter is just a fashion statement.

In short, you'll be hard-pressed to find an anime that deals with serious "Christian" issues, unless they are universal. The animes mentioned so far have about as much respect for Christianity as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys did. And way less than DC Comics, lol.

That's why looking for an anime that shows specifically Christianity in a "good light" is like looking for an anime in which the main character lives in a seven-story purple tower. Even if you find it, whooptee-do. It might suck.

[Guest Mana]

You want them to watch some good anime, huh? Well, I indeed do have a suggestion for you, in fact I have a few. Tell your friend or whatever she is that she should watch the following series' and she might be happy, alright:

La Blue Girl
Bible Black
Ghost in the Shell
Ninja Scroll
Hellsing


-These are all good series' and they shouldn't bore you either. Enjoy, young Christians. Oh, and don't tell mommy, lol.

[Guest Midnight Rush]

If you are dumb enough to take ultima's advice you may as well suggest Cool Devices..................... or even Stepmother's Sin.....

Even better: Mail Order Vengeance

Not that I would know what these are...


My personal fairy informed me that this post would be...erm...clever in a..er... cutting way.

[Sosogomi]

Well I was just trying to find a way to comprimise instead of fighting the power. It leads to less emotional stress in the long run.
Ultimamilz just because I'm new doesnt mean I'm stupid. Nice try smartass.
To others thanks for your opinions and suggestions.

One more thing, violence isn't nessasarily the issue. A lot of kids were allowed to see Passion of the Christ and if you've seen it you know how violent that is. Sexuality and thematic material is more along the lines of what I ment.

Thanks again!

[Dagger]

It sounds to me like you're really looking for family-friendly anime--which would be more sensible than the alternative, since (as Sciros explained) it'd be borderline impossible to find series that deal with specifically Christian themes but aren't incredibly offensive and/or factually incorrect.

What other kinds of "thematic material" (besides stuff dealing with sexuality, I mean) do you consider inappropriate?

~Dagger~

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[QUOTE=ultimamilz]La Blue Girl
Bible Black
[/QUOTE]

[color=darkviolet]Keh, La Blue Girl and Bible Black. I've seen the former but not the later...although my husband managed to find a copy of Bible Black from a friend of his in Iraq so I know what it's about.

You forgot to mention Ogenki Clinic and New Angel-riiight. Too bad this guy doesn't seem to have much in the way of a sense of humor.

Seriously though, I have to go with what Sciros said earlier up there and what I stated in my first post. Christian centered anime really doesn't exist seein that Japan is not exactly the site of Judeo-Christian strongholds. Yes there are a few anime (SailorMoon keeps popping in my head with scenes from the 1st, 2nd 3rd, and 4th seasons ) Showed either church scenes or western style weddings, but nothing involving actualy Christian themes.

Sure some characters may attend Catholic Schools (Hino Rei from SailorMoon who practices as a Shinto priestess) but that doesn't make them Christian.

You've probably got to go more along the lines of family oriented (although not Pokemon with some Religious groups because of the whole evolution or SailorMoon and Fushigi Yugi because of magic and quite possibly not even InuYasha because of all the demons) You may be able to watch Trigun becuase Vash tries so hard not to be violent, but that's the best I can offer since it doesn't have much violence no evolution and no magic.[/color]

[Sol-Blade]

I thought the lyrics to Armageddon, of Evangelion were pretty interesting. Great song if you haven't heard it. The lyrics seem to deal with religion, prejudice, and other issues. I never really knew that until now. This is for the english verison of the song...

[I]Armageddon[/I] by [U]Vox[/U]
[I]-Lyrics from animelyrics.com-[/I]
-------------------------
Verse 1:
How many times must we start again
The creation of the world from beginning to end
What will it take before we learn
We gotta wake up now 'n' show some concern
What will the future hold
How many untold stories will be told
Just what will the future bring
How many species of birds will have a song to sing
Man 'n' man can't even get on
'N' man 'n' womans been at war for far too long
Superior race all this black 'n' white vision
Catholic. Muslim. There's too many religions
Too much hatred too much greed
Ignorant people pollute the air that we breathe
We've gotta wake up now before it's much too late
Hungry people need food on their plate
People being killed for just a few pence
Can you justify that 'cause it makes no sense to me
You're growing up much too fast
The destruction of mankind - how long will it last

Verse 2:
Perfect - that's what I'm striving to be
The next best thing will do for me
I do my best you disagree
Holier - than - thou holier - than - me
Commiting crimes with no remorse
As good as gold now an evil force
One word description is a dis
You lick a boy down for his bag of cheese 'n' onion crisp
And you don't even stop to think
Whatever happened to the dinosaurs could make us all extinct

I'm being judged by the clothes that I wear
We gotta educate those with a grudge to bear
But I'm content to a certain extent
You're condemned for life it's too late to repent
Inna - most beauty such a terrible waste
Caught between a rock and a hard place.

Verse 3:
Be judged according to what you've done
Live this life the next is a better one
Eat the fruit from the tree of life
'Cause if you live by the sword... you'll die by the knife
How great and wonderful are your days
How right and true are your ways...
No more death, grief, crying or pain
'Cause only the good things will remain...
Heed my words 'cause what I'm saying is true
Treat them exactly as they treated you -
Wipe away the tears from your eyes
Be proud, lift your head up - reach for the skys.

Verse 4:
Condemned for what you did to them
Now see how quick they fall to worship him
There's a place in my heart that makes me understand
Prepared and ready like a bride dressed to meet her husband
Treat life as a learning process
I said turn right so you took a sharp left
Wake up and we'll all sleep peacefully
The sun shines but it still seems bleak to me
You tell a lie and convince me it's the truth
I'm well mannered yet you still call me uncouth
I believe that there's got to be much more
I hope I'm ready when death comes knockin' on my door
Mabye tonight mabye as I sleep
It can drive you mad if you think too deep
But don't have a breakdown 'cause I called you a clown
You threw a punch 'n' missed I killed you with a kiss
What on earth will you do then
The hour of your death amen
'N' all the prejudice that I've sustained
I know it sounds funny but I just can't stand the pain

Six foot below
Reap what you sow
Grim without grief
Sad without sorrow
-------------------------
[url]http://www.animelyrics.com/anime/eva/ngearm.htm[/url]

[Guest sevenjay]

Hello everyone

I just want to let you guys know that thers a new Christian anime series that just came out. Its called Prayer Warriors. You can check it out at [url]http://www.itsfinishedproductions.com[/url] . It looks preety cool.

[Dan Rugh]

Sorry, but that looks like the dumbest thing I've ever seen. The character design looks like a 6 year-old's fan art. They're trying to make it sound all cool by saying "God's army of soldiers," but I'm sure all that means is people who belive in God, trying to force their beliefs on others. These people are from New York anyway. This isn't anime, the religion fanatics are just trying to capitalize on anime's recent success in America.

[Sol-Blade]

This reminds me of that Christian Anime Thread awhile back, someone was looking for something exactly like this.

But now I've seen everything, I can die happy.

Seriously though...I think the show has a corny premise and is heavily doused with Bibilcal References (The long, boring kind...no offense) to things unrelated to its (weak) storyline.

[Ellerby]

[COLOR=DarkOliveGreen][SIZE=1]Wow... doesn't this look, interesting. I really think they should've re-thought... just about everything. One of those thoughts being "Should we actually release this?".

Really though, the animation is like those legos for kids, what are they called... Oh jeez I forget. Oh well, it may have been a big help for them if it was actual anime. Not some 3D cartoon show. it looks as if they tried to make it look like they dubbed it from Japanese to English. Almost as though this was made on like Flash or something.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[klinanime1]

I don't know of any primarily Christian anime; just as a kind of "warning" (not really, statement maybe?) just because there's references to Christian symbols, it won't necessarily be promoting Christianity. Now, for compromise issues, there's very little "quality" anime that has little violence. Good luck on that, if you're cutting blood and gore out. The sexually provocative scenes might be easier to avoid. The good news is that with the sudden rise in popularity, I don't doubt anime will get a Contemporary Christian - like genre.
Question: What would public opinion think of an anime that subtly (or not so) promoted Christianity, creation, and fate? [Yeah, still toying with a manga idea... ehehe]

[Dagger]

[quote name='klinanime1']Now, for compromise issues, there's very little "quality" anime that has little violence.[/quote]

Those quotation marks confuse me, haha. I'm tempted to guess that you [i]do[/i] feel there are plenty of good non-violent anime (which would be nice), but I don't like to make assumptions. :whoops:

To answer your last question, I really don't think we're ever going to see a Japanese anime--not to mention an entire sub-genre--that promotes Christianity as Westerners know it. Religion is both thought of and treated pretty differently in Japan.

~Dagger~

[Otaku Princess]

[SIZE=2][COLOR=DarkOrchid][FONT=Comic Sans MS]My mother and I are Christians, though not super right-wing... About Evangelion, uh, she nearly killed me for watching that one around her. All the booze, violence and what-now, Plus it's just slightly perverted. Chrono Crusade... well, It was worth a shot. There is too much uh, iffy content. Hmm...

[URL=http://www.christiananime.net]http://www.christiananime.net/[/URL]

Its another forum, but maybe it could help. I'd love to look around in it but I just did register... and it's taking forever to get me a registration email. I'll edit this when it does come in.

It is hard to find any because Japan is not a Christian nation like the United States, as has been stated.

Ooo ooo ooo, Kaleido Star and Comic Party are somewhat ok. Key word there is SOMEwhat. Since i haven't seen more than a few episodes I can't say very much.

It took me almost 20 min to write this, 15 min ago I registered at that christian website... still no registation email.
[/FONT][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[ChibiHorsewoman]

[color=darkviolet]I think Kare Kano (his and her Circumstances) would be a good example of positive anime reguardless of religious denimination.

Okay I've only seen eight episodes but I'd say that it's a good one to watch since the message in the first part of the season is that instead of hiding behind a mask and trying to be something you're not is to try and be yourself. Because in the end all you're left with is yourself and that's who you have to deal with. Well, that's my theory on the meaning. Be nice I'm opperating on I think 3 hourse of sleep.[/color]

[Otaku Princess]

[quote name='ChibiHorsewoman][color=darkviolet']I think Kare Kano (his and her Circumstances) would be a good example of positive anime reguardless of religious denimination.[/color][/quote] [color=SeaGreen]
[/color][color=SeaGreen]I had forgotten about that one... I don't know why since I basically have a shrine deticated to it. Kare Kano would be a good one to suggest. It may not be christian but there's not much stuff that goes against it. It's an anime that I can watch with my mother and not have to feel weird when I know a specific kind of part is comming up.

About the christian anime site... well, I never got a registration email. Maybe it got delivered to my spam box instead and got deleted, I still haven't figured it out. Hopefully, if any of you went there, that it worked out for you. It was so hard typing this since I burned my fingers making pizza... but it was so worth it.

Also try Azumanga Daioh. Mr. Kimura may be a little on the iffy side, but thats it. Well, maybe Tomo's obsession with chests is, too.[/color]

[Lynn Luck]

[color=royalblue]Hmm...The only Chiristian anime I can think of are Chrno Crusade, Trigun, and Big O. I also think Zakuro from Tokyo Mew Mew might be Christian...

[B][U]Evidence[/B][/U]
In episode 10, (The one where she makes her first appearance.) we she her praying in a chruch. Then, later in the same episode, she's at the chruch again. This means that she might be Christain. (She might be there for another reason, so we aren't 100% sure.)

Well, that was pointless....O_o[/color]

[Dan Rugh]

If you're gonna count any anime that has a church in it, throw in Hellsing. I'm sure your mom would love you watching that. haha Chrno Crusade has a lot of blood and killing in it even though the main character is a nun. I'm sure Christian mothers wouldn't want their poor little children being exposed to that kind of stuff.