Can (should) Christians watch anime?

[VerticalLiftEnjoyer]

Before I get started, let me just say that this is a discussion thread. I have no stake in the question since personally my conscience abhors it (wisely), but when I make general threads like this you guys have a lot of interesting perspectives I’ve never heard before, and you often introduce me to new sources and even entire doctrines.

So, with that out of the way: can (should) a Christian watch anime? By this I do not mean the medium, but the “community” and everything associated with it. I understand that it, like all art communities, isn’t unified, but considering what it churns out I categorize it as Japan’s “theatre”, or “ballroom” or the like.

What do you guys think about it?

(also sorry if this is an inappropriate topic for the Lord’s Day)

 

[CasualWestminsterEnjoyer]

I still haven't heard a good reason for a Christian to own a tv. Granted, the law of God nowhere says "thou shalt not own a tv," but it's not edifying in the least, and it does nothing to advance the kingdom. (Although I'll confess, to avoid charges of hypocrisy, I do occasionally watch something.)

 

[alexanderjames]

I still haven't heard a good reason for a Christian to own a tv. Granted, the law of God nowhere says "thou shalt not own a tv," but it's not edifying in the least, and it does nothing to advance the kingdom. (Although I'll confess, to avoid charges of hypocrisy, I do occasionally watch something.)

Coming from someone who is moving into their own home and plans not to have a TV, one reason - there are a lot of good documentaries (including Christian ones) for children and adults.

 

[alexanderjames]

So, with that out of the way: can (should) a Christian watch anime? By this I do not mean the medium, but the “community” and everything associated with it. I understand that it, like all art communities, isn’t unified, but considering what it churns out I categorize it as Japan’s “theatre”, or “ballroom” or the like.

What do you guys think about it?

To be frank, I think most people will know next to nothing about anime let alone the community/culture, and those that do are likely more biased.

 

[Deleted member 13126]

Before I get started, let me just say that this is a discussion thread. I have no stake in the question since personally my conscience abhors it (wisely), but when I make general threads like this you guys have a lot of interesting perspectives I’ve never heard before, and you often introduce me to new sources and even entire doctrines.

So, with that out of the way: can (should) a Christian watch anime? By this I do not mean the medium, but the “community” and everything associated with it. I understand that it, like all art communities, isn’t unified, but considering what it churns out I categorize it as Japan’s “theatre”, or “ballroom” or the like.

What do you guys think about it?

(also sorry if this is an inappropriate topic for the Lord’s Day)

Beginning with God’s Word, Colossians 3:1-3 comes and 1 Corinthians 10:23-29 come to mind, as well as Romans 14:23. This article from Dr. Peter Masters also comes to mind.

I haven’t watched anime in probably twenty years, so I’m not sure what it’s like these days, but even back then it was worldly entertainment and not a good use of my time. Eventually I reached a point in my walk with the Lord Jesus Christ where I regretted what a poor steward of my time I’d been.

 

[MyCrows]

I would say its a similar question to "should Christians play video games?"

There may be some edifying talk now and then between the players, there are some decent games that promote critical thought/teamwork. But overall is worldy-mindedness.

I played games for most of my young and adult life. And when I say "most", I mean at least hours a day. I grieve it now. It was a colossal waste of time, and a distraction.

Now and then I will play something, preferably with a close friend or family and chat while doing it/laugh together.

By myself is usually, like I said, a colossal waste of time.

 

[Polanus1561]

To be frank, I think most people will know next to nothing about anime let alone the community/culture, and those that do are likely more biased.

I don't think PB is the place where you find people able to make an informed judgment on anime, much less the current anime community scene. May be wrong.

Things like entertainment are nuanced and according to conscience. There are godly Scottish ministers living who love soccer now and then. I don't think Scottish ministers in the past enjoyed soccer as much. Does it mean ministers today are more worldly? No. It takes wisdom to use recreational activities wisely and soberly for the sake of rest and cheering up of spirit. Every one has different tastes for recreation according to the age and place they live in. There are ministers who enjoy rock music also. They may be today looked down upon by those older folks who grew up in the hippie culture of the 70's.

Entertainment is such a nuanced thing where surveying opinions of other people on this or that may be the most profitable. The best course is to establish general principles for entertainment and apply it. Also, avoid entertainments/recreation that seek to consume you more than the time you allocate for it (daydreaming about doing this or that too much while working).

I echo @CHSalzgeber on Rom 14:23. Crucial. Which is why there is nuance in this question for we are all different.

See my post here for more of my own view: https://www.puritanboard.com/thread...reness-glorifying-of-god.111450/#post-1339829

If someone is able to find a recreation that does not draw away time from his family or work; not inordinately expensive; not distracting; able to cheer one up within a short period of time (time is a resource). I think that is good. I won't apply Col 3.1-3 or Phil 4:8 for recreation (although of course recreation must accord to certain principles) because no recreation can stand up to such tests. No hobby can be said to be 'seeking the things above'. And no, spiritual exercises are not 'hobbies'.

I believe these verses speak on the general direction of the Christian life. Let your life be swept up away by the great truth of union with Christ and let nothing draw you away from that.

 

[Logan]

A couple of thoughts on entertainment in general, although up front I will disclose that I have watched three or four anime shows over the years that I was informed were masterpieces. Most of it I wouldn't touch.

Entertainment is creativity. Anime has been admired by many because at least in the past it was all hand drawn, and in many cases it was some of the best showcases of human animation and talent out there (I think of Miyazaki's films, for example). Humans are made in the image of their Creator and they love to create.

There is (some) benefit in being connected to the culture. If you read the Puritans you will find many examples or citations from the Greek myths. These were part of their education and they used them as some great illustrations. There is a difference between being connected to and being influenced or taught by culture. We should absolutely critique culture.

It can help you understand and critique culture. Much anime is filled with buddhist thinking which is absolutely foreign to the western mind and it can be rather difficult to grasp how it affects a worldview, so watching something with this influence can be helpful. There can be a lot of imagery regarding reincarnation or Ouroboros, where the history of the earth or of reality is merely a cycle. Yet many times these shows are very honest in the portrayal of the hopelessness of this worldview. That can provide a common talking point with someone and also reinforce your own commitment to a biblical worldview.

Which brings up another point: often times sci-fi particularly can ask some really good questions. They don't always have the answers but many times the author's goal is to raise the question of whether this is ethical, or the potential consequences of gene editing (I just watched a movie called "Gattaca" where everyone in society is judged by their DNA potential and people are designed, which doesn't account for drive or emotion or will. I thought it was a good commentary (from 25 years ago) on how we can think we know every outcome simple because we think we understand one area of science. But sci-fi has been exploring moral and ethical and practical consequences of AI for years. Most of the possible issues have already been thought about and at least explored, if people would care to consider them.

I've never understood why people think "fiction" is a waste of time yet "history" gets a free pass. Every history is written through the perspective and bias of a historian and some are more fictional than a fantasy novel, in my opinion. The point being that discernment must be used regardless of the genre and not everything in a history book should be taken at face value or is useful. You might think it is useful to read about the reason WWI was started so we can avoid it again, until you start to find out that author grossly oversimplified it and there were many complicated factors. Acting certain about partial truth is sometimes more dangerous than outright lies.

As with all things, moderation and discernment are in order. I don't think it's right to say there is no benefit. Perhaps there are things with more benefit. I personally am appalled at how much time some of my co-workers spend on straight up entertainment. So much so that they run out of things to watch and lower their standards just to fill the time. That's absolutely a waste. But there is plenty of decent, thought-provoking material out there as well. I don't think man was made to work 16 hours a day and I find myself greatly refreshed after reading for an hour during lunch break or watching 20 minutes of a show in the evening with my wife or kids (the Puritans recommended recreation too, just not on the Lord's day!). And then we discuss it: what is good about it, what is bad about it. Our lives should be a constant evaluation of the things in our culture we come into contact with.

Does Japan churn out garbage? Absolutely---so does everything else including history and theology, and you should avoid the garbage. But every once in a while there is a very thought-provoking or (dare I say) spectacularly entertaining gem.

 

[Polanus1561]

On the spectrum of things to do in our free time, I do not think spiritual exercises and recreation belong in the same category. Within Free time: Set apart time for recreation, and set apart time for spiritual exercises (which one to do more? Well I think you know the answer).

If both are in the same category then there is no room for recreation. "If praying is more profitable, why spend time on recreation?" But both are different activities that serve different purposes, though some purposes may overlap. If one is in a period of work stress. Do pray. Do also engage in activities that can cheer up your spirit.

Does 'seeking the things above' mean a conscious rejection of recreation since prayer achieves this seeking far better than recreation? I don't think Paul has in mind this ascetic view of life here. Rather, I believe Paul refers to the whole outlook of life that must show that direction of someone who knows he has a heavenly destiny that does not end in this world.

And what is 'worldly recreation'? Most recreations are temporal and do not translate to eternal things (a tennis game etc). But that is fine. Such temporal exercises serve the eternal by giving us rest as we take a break from our labors that have eternal value (family, church.. the whole life), Are we to place such 'does this activity specifically translate to eternal value' tests on recreation? If the recreations involves a subtle influence of worldly values in the person (which affects the seeking things above) then yes it is to be avoided (bad movies... night clubs etc).

There is always someone more 'conservative' in recreation than you. There are people who don't ever need recreation. This does not necessarily mean they are godlier. Thus, it all boils down to doing allowable things soberly with a free conscience towards God

 

[Logan]

One other brief comment from my own experience:

I probably read more than average. I think in my case the reason is that I switch up genres so I always have something that I feel like reading in the moment. With that said, I've read 40 books so far this year and the breakdown in genres (roughly lumping things together) is:

Theology: 11 books
Fiction: 15 books
Biography/history: 6 books
Non-fiction: 8 books

On the one hand I could be like "wow, all 40 of those could have been theology, what a waste!"
On the other hand, I have absolutely no doubt I would not have read 40 books on theology. If all I read was theology my throughput would likely be lower, maybe 5 or 6 books. So ironically by "wasting" time on other genres, I feel like I actually read more theology than I would have. At least that's my feeling.

 

[Polanus1561]

One other brief comment from my own experience:

I probably read more than average. I think in my case the reason is that I switch up genres so I always have something that I feel like reading in the moment. With that said, I've read 40 books so far this year and the breakdown in genres (roughly lumping things together) is:

Theology: 11 books
Fiction: 15 books
Biography/history: 6 books
Non-fiction: 8 books

On the one hand I could be like "wow, all 40 of those could have been theology, what a waste!"
On the other hand, I have absolutely no doubt I would not have read 40 books on theology. If all I read was theology my throughput would likely be lower, maybe 5 or 6 books. So ironically by "wasting" time on other genres, I feel like I actually read more theology than I would have. At least that's my feeling.

Case in point: I have no interest in historical books. Perhaps because I never grew up with appreciating historical books (were you a history lover since young @Logan?) And I have no desire to cultivate such a habit now. All my book reading is theological. But never in a million years would I judge Logan or any other history lover for not reading purely theological books. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[iainduguid]

I would just add that as a preacher, everything you encounter provides sermon illustrations. No Ralph Davis sermon is complete without an illustration from a) civil war history, b) world war 2 history, c) baseball, d) all of the above - which gives you an insight into what he is reading. Tim Keller's illustrations came from a different set of sources and probably fit his audience better. There's probably an audience out there for whom an anime illustration might connect better than one from world war 2 history, and a wise pastor will know the cultural influences that impact his sheep.

 

[NoxNoctum]

For what it's worth, Puella Magi Madoka Magica's story has a lot of parallels with the gospel. Best accidental allegory I've come across.

It's just a really solid depiction of selfless love in general that I've rewatched multiple times.

 

[YT&Reformed]

I know a lot of Christians who like it. I used to watch a lot of anime over a decade ago. Some of them have decent themes, but one of the things that weirds me out is the apparent hyper-sexualization of female characters, many of which are clearly not adults (Many anime shows take place at high schools or with high school aged children). The well-known idea of "fan service" in these shows and films is enough for me to find it unnecessary to watch. Others I have talked to take issue with the excessive gore/violence. Obviously not all Anime shows have fan service or excessive violence, but I would dare to say that most of them have at least one of the two. I don't really watch TV any more, I cancelled Netflix and Hulu a long time ago and haven't had cable since I moved out of my parents house at 18, so I have to go out of my way to watch TV in the first place. What I'm seeing in this thread are two main critiques, the first being that TV in itself is kind of waste of time, and the second that the community of people who watch Anime is, well, interesting. I'll add my critique to the pile that many of these shows are kind of degenerate. If anybody remembers the whole "Should Christians watch Game of Thrones" debate a while back, I imagine we're going to find many of the same talking points in this discussion.

All that said, I don't find many of pro-anime arguments compelling because they often seem like the same justifications people use to do anything they know they shouldn't be doing. Just because somebody can divine a gospel theme from between the lines of a piece of media doesn't mean that the piece of media is wholesome or worth spending time watching. I'd rather somebody just say, "I enjoy anime" rather than hyper-christianize the argument by saying, "Well I watch it because of the Gospel themes." Just because something has Gospel themes doesn't mean that the piece of media is worth our time. There are tons of movies that have redemptive themes and also are borderline pornographic, vulgar, and not wholesome. If the argument is, "I watch Anime because of redemptive storytelling," I can point you to a book that is full of that kind of content. In short, if you're watching something solely for the reason that it has Gospel themes, it seems more productive to just read the Bible, or enjoy a work of fiction that is by design a gospel allegory rather than trying to scrape Gospel themes from animated shows that are clearly not attempting to be Christian media. I'm not particularly convinced of the whole thought that Christians should only watch media that is intentionally Christian, I'm just saying that it's not a good reason to consume content just because you can interpret Gospel themes from it.

The second critique that I saw in this thread has to do with the community of people who watch Anime. I have found that this genre attracts many people on the spectrum, which isn't a problem, but I have personally seen friends of mine with ASD learning to socialize from Anime and the result is maladaptive. If you have watched Anime, you will know that the social dynamics between men and women in these shows are unrealistic and intentionally...not realistic and will have the result of creeping people out or making people feel uncomfortable. I have also seen it serve as a gateway to certain types of adult content which malforms the mind and is very unhealthy. I'm not saying that Anime is a gateway to animated p0rnography in every case, but it certainly can be and has been for some men that I have talked to and counseled. I know a handful of men who I have helped with p0rn addiction who found animated p0rnography and justified watching it because "It's not real people." Some of them credited the "fan service" of animes they watched as the reason they got into this genre of p0rnography. Obviously I'm not saying that Anime leads to p0rn, but we all know how men think, and we at the very least should be aware of the risks of watching over-sexualized content in any medium (i.e. Game of Thrones).

In short, I don't watch Anime, or much of anything for that matter, and I don't find the argument that "Anime has redemptive components in it" to be particularly compelling as a justification to watch it. It is okay to watch something on the sole grounds that it is entertaining and well made. I'd rather somebody make an argument for a specific animated show on the grounds that it is a great piece of media than on the grounds that "it's basically a Christian story". If we're being honest with ourselves, most anime is not intended to be "christian media", so if that's your argument, it's not convincing. If I were a big media consumer, I personally wouldn't spend too much time watching Anime due to my aforementioned critiques (fan service, excessive gore, etc.). I know there are wholesome anime shows out there, but I would suggest that people be aware of the degenerate themes that exist in many of these shows and to shield your eyes and ears from anything that might lead you down the path of p0rnography, which is an epidemic among men in churches. Also, why watch anime when Turretin exists (mostly kidding, but come on, Turretin!).

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

I don't know much about anime, but I do know a lot of it is sexual. Anything sexually immoral should be avoided, but if there is clean anime, that of course is fine. I have heard that a lot of children are led to p0rnography addictions based on what they are exposed to in anime.

 

[Logan]

I don't know much about anime, but I do know a lot of it is sexual. Anything sexually immoral should be avoided, but if there is clean anime, that of course is fine. I have heard that a lot of children are led to p0rnography addictions based on what they are exposed to in anime.

Absolutely. That is media in general these days, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook and even billboards, not just shows (of any genre or country of origin) or movies.

 

[VictorBravo]

On the spectrum of things to do in our free time, I do not think spiritual exercises and recreation belong in the same category. Within Free time: Set apart time for recreation, and set apart time for spiritual exercises (which one to do more? Well I think you know the answer).

Not picking on you, but the idea of dividing activities into categories is common, but I don’t see us being told to approach it this way.
“Do all to the glory of God.” In other words, our goal should not be to fit in some “off” time as long as we have more “on” time.

I think I’m known for having a lot of interests. While pursuing those, I try to see how they can be God honoring. I’m not necessarily very good at that, but I can say that some of my deepest spiritual meditations have occurred while repeatedly planing a board or pruning grapes, etc.

As for anime, I know very little. It was only this year that I discovered it was not pronounced “Ah-neem.” Blame my French studies….

 

[Polanus1561]

Not picking on you, but the idea of dividing activities into categories is common, but I don’t see us being told to approach it this way.
“Do all to the glory of God.” In other words, our goal should not be to fit in some “off” time as long as we have more “on” time.

I think I’m known for having a lot of interests. While pursuing those, I try to see how they can be God honoring. I’m not necessarily very good at that, but I can say that some of my deepest spiritual meditations have occurred while repeatedly planing a board or pruning grapes, etc.

As for anime, I know very little. It was only this year that I discovered it was not pronounced “Ah-neem.” Blame my French studies….

Sorry brother, I am not understanding your first paragraph.

 

[VictorBravo]

Sorry brother, I am not understanding your first paragraph.

I was addressing the idea that recreation and spiritual exercises are necessarily two separate categories. I think proper use of recreation ought to be a spiritual exercise

 

[Polanus1561]

I was addressing the idea that recreation and spiritual exercises are necessarily two separate categories. I think proper use of recreation ought to be a spiritual exercise

Gotcha. It really depends if the recreation is one which engages 100% mental activity (a tennis match) or not (gardening... walking). I don't know how one can have elements of spiritual exercises in a tennis match. My point is that tennis does not, and nor is tennis less a 'proper' recreation than gardening. If a recreation enables one to contemplate spiritual things, that is great but not necessary.

my 2 :cents:. Willing to learn.

 

[VictorBravo]

I don't know how one can have elements of spiritual exercises in a tennis match.

Everyone has different experiences, but I often had “fearfully and wonderfully made” echoing in my mind when setting up a serve.

 

[Polanus1561]

Everyone has different experiences, but I often had “fearfully and wonderfully made” echoing in my mind when setting up a serve.

sounds like someone possesses a good racquet.

 

[VictorBravo]

sounds like someone possesses a good racquet.

That’s good. I should have added “you teach my hands to war.”

 

[alexanderjames]

I watched Howl's Moving Castle having discovered it by the great soundtrack, and see no issues with something like that. But I would share Taylor's concerns above for a significant portion of anime as an entertainment form. And even where there are no glaring sinful issues, like with many things, we are called to pursue things worthy of our time as followers of the Lord Jesus (preaching to myself here).

 

[YT&Reformed]

I watched Howl's Moving Castle having discovered it by the great soundtrack, and see no issues with something like that. But I would share Taylor's concerns above for a significant portion of anime as an entertainment form. And even where there are no glaring sinful issues, like with many things, we are called to pursue things worthy of our time as followers of the Lord Jesus (preaching to myself here).

100%. Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, etc. Great films. The problem is not with the select few amazing films, it is with the commonly watched anime that has glaring issues. Agree completely Alexenderjames.

 

[Deleted member 6112]

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. - Eph 5:14-17

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. -Ps 90:12

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. -Col 3:1-2

We have precious little time in this world, and the time we have is to be spent in service to God and anticipation of the next world. Watching cartoons wastes God's time and sets our affections on things on the earth.

Caveat: I'm not saying that watching cartoons is sinful in itself--I'm saying that anyone who devotes large portions of his life to habitual cartoon watching is wasting his life, which belongs to God. The same goes with any other unprofitable worldly practice (video games, spectator sports, obsessing over popular music, etc.).

 

[ZackF]

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. - Eph 5:14-17

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. -Ps 90:12

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. -Col 3:1-2

We have precious little time in this world, and the time we have is to be spent in service to God and anticipation of the next world. Watching cartoons wastes God's time and sets our affections on things on the earth.

Caveat: I'm not saying that watching cartoons is sinful in itself--I'm saying that anyone who devotes large portions of his wife to habitual cartoon watching is wasting his life, which belongs to God. The same goes with any other unprofitable worldly practice (video games, spectator sports, obsessing over popular music, etc.).

What if my wife devotes me to cartoon watching?

 

[Deleted member 6112]

What of my wife devotes me to cartoon watching?

Corrected.