- Jan 25, 2009
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Concerning why I'm writing this....
Let me begin by saying that I don't think Christians should take an unequivocally hostile attitude to paganism or pagan themes, as not all Christians historically have done so in the Church - and I am wondering if others out there agree with me.
As shared in another thread that examined the issue of literature elsewhere - in On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit, Seraphim of Sarov discusses the Greek sibyls, prophetesses or oracles, as examples of pagan sanctity. Additionally, many writers - from C.S Lewis to J.R Tolkien and many others - have consistently referenced other cultures when it came to expressing their views of who the Lord was....noting many cultures have partial truth and things the Bible supports. The way C.S Lewis was often demonized for promoting paganism is something that has always intrigued and fascinated me....
Being one who is an anime art style fan, I have long enjoyed differing T.V shows (i.e.Dragon Ball Z with its unique focus on martial arts fighting/the concepts of chi, Tenchi Muyo with the way that the spiritual world and science interconnect, Ronin Warriors with its focus on the spiritual realm having rules/systems just as with the physical world ....and many other shows besides that).
Currently, my favorite anime series is "Avatar: The Legend of Korra" (referenced earlier/here in # 15 ) - as the Avatar series occurs in an Asian-influenced world containing four nations associated with the classical elements (air, water, fire, earth). Some within each nation are able to manipulate their nation’s respective element through a form of “psychokinetic” martial arts called ”bending.” Apparently, the Avatar is the only one who can master all four elements and is charged with maintaining balance and peace. IMHO, with The Legend of Korra, it's amazing to see the animation as well as the focus on spiritual themes that have much basis in Eastern thought. The series is based on "Avatar: The Last Airbender" which wrapped in 2008 with a spectacular four-part conclusion. One of the groups discussed in the show are known as the Air Nomads, a monastic order of men and women practicing Airbending -- the mystical art of aerokinesis. They were pacifists and highly respected nature and creation....as well as ones into practices of deep spirituality (i.e meditation, restraint, etc). Many hints suggest that the Air Nomads are based on Chinese Shaolin monks (whom I've shared before on as being groups I respect for their culture/practice and economy) and Tibetan culture due to their peaceful nature, monk-ruled society, and geographical isolation due to elevation.
However, The Legend of Korra , following the adventures of the next “avatar” in an Eastern-flavored fantasy world, took it even further. Aang, the preteen hero of The Last Airbender had to master all four elements (as regular folks can “bend” only one element a piece) to save the world dominated by the Fire Nation - while his successor Korra has far more time and more-peaceful lands, but still problems. Korra’s second “book” or season began last moth and the series appears to be continuing its success of weaving great people, efficient plotting, and beautiful visuals with in-depth themes of technology vs. spirituality, and family conflicts and forgiveness.
I’m personally a huge fan of the original series mainly because (from what I've been told and studied) it represents Asian culture extremely well, and secondly because of its LOTR-style plot mixed with a good sense of humor. Moreover, if you’re an animation fan - anime in particular - I feel this is a must-see. For the general consensus around the web is that the quality of the animation is astounding.
The focus on the latest season is entitled "Spirits" - and I've greatly enjoyed it thus far.. in where it's trying to go
Indeed, the Avatarverse is definitely Eastern culture- and religion-flavored, with one titular mediation office-by-reincarnation and plenty of spirits, plus a natural-law magic system. Yet the worldview is of good versus evil, growth, and sin, repentance, and forgiveness.
And although some advocate that Christians shouldn't watch shows that are not explicitly Christian, I do think that it's really about what one can either get out of it from a philosophy perspective is in the same way that one can read literature from non-Christian sources that still has real concepts that harmonize with the Bible (more discussed on the matter here). The Spirit aspect of the show doesn't really perplex me that much when considering Eastern culture and even concepts taught within Eastern Christianity - one can go here, here, here, here, here, here, here ,here , and here, where another Orthodox believer and I were involved in a rather detailed discussion on the subject of Christians on Earth and in Heaven - and their interaction with the world around us.
And on anime issues, for places which gave some stances in support of believers engaging with anime, these are ones I had in mind:
That said, does anyone have any thoughts on what a Biblical response should be on the matter? What is the line when it comes to literature used and enjoyed by CHristians? Additionally, for those who are not saved, what do you feel believers should be learning from anime or the concepts found in Eastern religion?
Let me begin by saying that I don't think Christians should take an unequivocally hostile attitude to paganism or pagan themes, as not all Christians historically have done so in the Church - and I am wondering if others out there agree with me.
As shared in another thread that examined the issue of literature elsewhere - in On the Acquisition of the Holy Spirit, Seraphim of Sarov discusses the Greek sibyls, prophetesses or oracles, as examples of pagan sanctity. Additionally, many writers - from C.S Lewis to J.R Tolkien and many others - have consistently referenced other cultures when it came to expressing their views of who the Lord was....noting many cultures have partial truth and things the Bible supports. The way C.S Lewis was often demonized for promoting paganism is something that has always intrigued and fascinated me....
Being one who is an anime art style fan, I have long enjoyed differing T.V shows (i.e.Dragon Ball Z with its unique focus on martial arts fighting/the concepts of chi, Tenchi Muyo with the way that the spiritual world and science interconnect, Ronin Warriors with its focus on the spiritual realm having rules/systems just as with the physical world ....and many other shows besides that).
Currently, my favorite anime series is "Avatar: The Legend of Korra" (referenced earlier/here in # 15 ) - as the Avatar series occurs in an Asian-influenced world containing four nations associated with the classical elements (air, water, fire, earth). Some within each nation are able to manipulate their nation’s respective element through a form of “psychokinetic” martial arts called ”bending.” Apparently, the Avatar is the only one who can master all four elements and is charged with maintaining balance and peace. IMHO, with The Legend of Korra, it's amazing to see the animation as well as the focus on spiritual themes that have much basis in Eastern thought. The series is based on "Avatar: The Last Airbender" which wrapped in 2008 with a spectacular four-part conclusion. One of the groups discussed in the show are known as the Air Nomads, a monastic order of men and women practicing Airbending -- the mystical art of aerokinesis. They were pacifists and highly respected nature and creation....as well as ones into practices of deep spirituality (i.e meditation, restraint, etc). Many hints suggest that the Air Nomads are based on Chinese Shaolin monks (whom I've shared before on as being groups I respect for their culture/practice and economy) and Tibetan culture due to their peaceful nature, monk-ruled society, and geographical isolation due to elevation.
However, The Legend of Korra , following the adventures of the next “avatar” in an Eastern-flavored fantasy world, took it even further. Aang, the preteen hero of The Last Airbender had to master all four elements (as regular folks can “bend” only one element a piece) to save the world dominated by the Fire Nation - while his successor Korra has far more time and more-peaceful lands, but still problems. Korra’s second “book” or season began last moth and the series appears to be continuing its success of weaving great people, efficient plotting, and beautiful visuals with in-depth themes of technology vs. spirituality, and family conflicts and forgiveness.
I’m personally a huge fan of the original series mainly because (from what I've been told and studied) it represents Asian culture extremely well, and secondly because of its LOTR-style plot mixed with a good sense of humor. Moreover, if you’re an animation fan - anime in particular - I feel this is a must-see. For the general consensus around the web is that the quality of the animation is astounding.
The focus on the latest season is entitled "Spirits" - and I've greatly enjoyed it thus far.. in where it's trying to go
From cap-that.com
From cap-that.com
Indeed, the Avatarverse is definitely Eastern culture- and religion-flavored, with one titular mediation office-by-reincarnation and plenty of spirits, plus a natural-law magic system. Yet the worldview is of good versus evil, growth, and sin, repentance, and forgiveness.
And although some advocate that Christians shouldn't watch shows that are not explicitly Christian, I do think that it's really about what one can either get out of it from a philosophy perspective is in the same way that one can read literature from non-Christian sources that still has real concepts that harmonize with the Bible (more discussed on the matter here). The Spirit aspect of the show doesn't really perplex me that much when considering Eastern culture and even concepts taught within Eastern Christianity - one can go here, here, here, here, here, here, here ,here , and here, where another Orthodox believer and I were involved in a rather detailed discussion on the subject of Christians on Earth and in Heaven - and their interaction with the world around us.
And on anime issues, for places which gave some stances in support of believers engaging with anime, these are ones I had in mind:
- The Christian Anime Fan Perspective
- Eight Anime Recommendations for Christian Viewers |
- Christians vs anime and manga - ChristianManga.com
- Orthodoxy, Anime, and Hermeneutic | A Rather Silly Blog
- Next A Christian's Guide to Anime and Manga part 4-Discernment
That said, does anyone have any thoughts on what a Biblical response should be on the matter? What is the line when it comes to literature used and enjoyed by CHristians? Additionally, for those who are not saved, what do you feel believers should be learning from anime or the concepts found in Eastern religion?
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