What should be the Christian view of anime?

Answer

The term anime—the Japanese word for “animation”—generally refers to animation that originates from Japan. Strictly speaking, anime is simply another medium used to convey a story or artistic idea. While the actual art style in terms of angles and shading, etc., is morally neutral, there are some more ambiguous points to be addressed regarding anime. The same applies to anime’s printed counterpart, manga.

To start with, Japanese culture differs significantly from Western culture. While Western culture has historically emerged from monotheistic roots and embraced a Christian moral code, Far Eastern cultures such as those in Japan lean towards mystical superstition and polytheism. Unique to Japan is Shintoism, a religion that considers the Japanese islands and people divine. According to Shintoism, the Japanese people are direct descendants of the numerous gods and spirits (kami) residing throughout the islands.

Shrines dedicated to the various gods or spirits are prevalent in Japan, and the themes of Shintoism are also widespread in anime and manga. Some anime delves into the subject of religion, utilizing Japanese culture as a backdrop for fantasy adventures where the spirit world and humanity interact, either harmoniously or discordantly. Given the mystical underpinnings of Eastern culture, anime also tends to incorporate elements of the occult such as tarot cards, incantations, and more. Themes of personal honor and success are also recurrent in anime. However, an emphasis on personal honor and success can lead to pride, which obscures our need for God “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”, (Psalm 10:4).

Another aspect to consider is anime’s reputation for containing violence and sexual content. While not every anime series is excessively sexual or violent, mostExamples of anime do come with varying levels of salacious and/or violent content, ranging from light innuendo and slapstick violence to full-on porn (though this is its own subcategory, called hentai) and gore-fests.

As Christians, we are supposed to dwell on “whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute” «Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. », (Philippians 4:8). Additionally, Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” For the Christian, guarding what comes and stays in our minds is very important. We are to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” «casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; », (2 Corinthians 10:5).

While there can be a lot of questionable things in anime, there are strong Christians who enjoy the medium. They appreciate the style, the futuristic settings, and the imaginative storytelling in anime. And they might see and be encouraged by some biblically approved themes present in anime such as self-sacrifice, kindness, loyalty, endurance, and courage.

Other Christians, however, might decide that something with so many lurid landmines is not worth the time required to navigate it safely. Or they’ve been convicted against placing themselves in positions to be exposed to something that could hurt their spiritual walk.

What should be the Christian view of anime? Carefully. What might be beneficialI for one person could be devastating for another person (Romans 14;1 Corinthians 10:24-29). Be aware of what the Holy Spirit might be saying. If He’s saying to stay away, then stay away (1 Thessalonians 5:19;Ephesians 4:30). But if you have no conviction against anime, and you’ve thoroughly searched your heart and motives, then approach with caution and bear in mind that you are called to, “whether . . . you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31).