From Carl Larsen: I'm a college student at Harvey Mudd
College in Claremont California and I found your site through a link from an
Anime discussion site I regularly visit. I've been reading what you've had to
say on anime in general and pokemon in particular, and, as a longtime fan of
anime I have to both agree and disagree with you on your position. But first,
a little explanation. Anime is a broad general term which describes virtually
all animated videos and TV shows that are produced in Japan. Even shows that
have been in the US for many years, Voltron for example, are basically
anime….
Anime contains a very wide range of shows in both style and content. Many
of these show do have fairly graphic depictions of woman in tight clothing and
a few do cross the line into pornographic material; however, these shows are
not in anyway directed at children. There is a basic difference in how the art
of animation is viewed in Japan and how it is viewed in the US. Here animation
or "cartoons" are considered almost exclusively the domain of
children, very few animated shows are ever produced in the US which have an
older intended audience.
As such, many Americans assume that all animation therefore is directed at
children. Japanese anime can, however, be better explained by comparison to
the American movie industry. It produces films for children, for teenagers,
and for adults, It covers lighthearted humorous themes, themes of love and
romance, themes of action, and yes just like the movie industry, themes of a
more sexual nature. As such although these shows may have some stylistic
similarities to cartoons they are not intended for the same individuals nor
are they intended to entice younger people into violence or depravity. In fact
the vast majority of anime concern much more mundane stories concerning the
relationships between people, and are basically just animated sitcoms.
The animation allows a freedom to uses elaborately drawn sets for which
comparable live action scenes would be impossible within the budget of a
television show. In fact if you would like to see the beauty and drama of
animation I challenge you to watch the movie "Grave of the
Fireflies" a truly moving animated picture. Most anime is basically
innocent and projects no more messages of "evil" than any other
television show. It is merely a matter of ignorance about the medium. Many of
the responses by Christians on your page seem shocked by the idea that there
is pornographic animated content, I fail to see the difference between this
and the "real" pornographic material widely available in the United
States. The animated nature of the medium does not change the fact that the
content is directed at adults who wish to view such material, and not at
children. Anime is a whole spectrum of content and painting with a single
broad brush does it a grave disservice.
….I myself collected and played the "occult" card game Magic:
the Gathering throughout middle school and part of high school, in fact I
spent quite a bit of money on the cards and went through several stages of
collecting different sets and series of cards. However, I eventually grew out
of the concept, sold my cards and moved on. I believe that these types of
games and shows are not an unhealthy influence unless you allow them to be. So
my suggestion to you all is to not necessarily clamp down absolutely on their
use, but instead to monitor your children's habits and make sure they are
staying within safe levels.
Berit's comment: The parents whose children happened to see Anime porn
in a video store were drawn to it because they recognized familiar Anime
characters. They had reason to be shocked. I came across some porn pages in
my own simple Internet research on Anime. The animated women I saw were not
simply nude, they were being grossly violated sexually. We are facing a
danger that is already out of bounds among men in American -- even Christian
men and youth pastors (one hotel reported their surprise at the number of
youth pastors who watched TV porn during a Christian conference) across the
country are addicted to pornography. Now children have free access to an
even more enticing media for communicating this horrendous use of a woman's
body.
From Secret Squirrel (Re: Card Captor Sakura: If you hate
Pokemon...):
I've noticed that you have much information about the
"occult" content of "Pokemon". If you (and your friends
over at the AFA) knew that a series which, by your standards, is even more
"occultic" than "Pokemon" was coming over the horizon,
what would you do?
Nelvana, the Canadian animation company responsible for such series as the
"Care Bears" and "Bob and Margaret" has acquired the
rights to the Japanese anime series "Card Captor Sakura" (which it
will rename "Cardcaptor" for North American television). Press
Release.
This series can legitimately be described as a cross between "Sailor
Moon" and "Pokemon". One day Sakura, a fifth grader, finds a
mysterious book in her father's study. She opens the book, and a deck of
Tarot-like cards goes flying every which way! "Kerberos", the
guardian of the "Clow" cards (who resembles a teddy bear with a long
tail and wings), explains that only people with magic ability are able to open
the book. He gives Sakura a wand and sends her out to recapture as many of the
"Clow" cards as possible. Eventually, when she captures
"Windy" (which happens in the first episode), she will be able to
fly her wand like a witch's broom. She is accompanied on her quest by Kerberos
and Tomoyo Daidoji, a rich girl who likes to videotape Sakura in cute
costumes that she makes herself. (Some people, on anime chat boards, have
suggested that Tomoyo is a young lesbian, but I think that they're reading a
little too much into things! It's just harmless hero worship.) It's
interesting to note that, in the Japanese version of this show, Sakura chants
full incantations to capture and use the "Clow" cards. (On
"Sailor Moon", even in the Japanese version, the characters just say
"power" words.) Also, in one of the early episodes, Sakura's dead
mother, Nadeshiko, makes an appearance just to see how her children are doing.
The Card Captor Sakura On-Line Encyclopedia: http://www.tcp.com/doi/sakura/
Another Card Captor Sakura Page: http://members.tripod.com/Card_Captor/ Card
Captor Sakura links: http://www.anipike.com/series2.html (Scroll down to
"Card Captor Sakura"; there are several dozen pages linked!)
Now, it's still about 10 weeks until the NATPE (National Association of
Television Programming Executives) Syndication fair in New Orleans. This is
the annual event where syndicated television programmes are shown to networks
and individual TV stations. This would mean that, at this point, very few
television programmers have actually seen "Cardcaptor". Nelvana may
not have even dubbed a "pilot" (screening episode) yet. NATPE:
http://www.natpe.com/
I love "Card Captor Sakura". Why am I helping you (and, by proxy,
the AFA)? Because I want to sabotage this series from being hacked and slashed
to bits for American television the way that "Sailor Moon" was. If
there is enough of an outcry from "concerned" parents, the
individual TV stations won't pick up this program, and eventually Nelvana will
have to sell the rights to a domestic anime distribution company, who will
distribute it subtitled on VHS and DVD, the way this series ought to be seen!
I hope that you find this information helpful!
An Anonymous "Sailor Moon" Fan!
P.S. "Secret Squirrel" is not my pseudonym! It's just the name
that www.anonymizer.com uses for it's anonymous e-mail service.
Berit's comment: Kerberos (sounds a bit like Care Bears) is actually a
Greek mythical creature called Cerberus assigned to guard the entrance to the
underworld. It is the proverbial "hound of hell" who, according to
the myth, would usher in the dead and make sure no one leaves. This two- or
three-headed creature with a serpent tail symbolized the permanence of hell
and all its terrors. It is pictured on page 262 in Scholastic's paperback
version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In this chapter, this
hellish three-headed dog guards the mysterious sorcerer's -- or as alchemists
called it, philosopher's -- stone believed to hold the power of perpetual
youth or life.
Anonymous: I just stumbled across your website
and I figured that I would share my opinions. But before
I start that I want to say that I believe that you are
entitled to your beliefs and that I respect them, although I may disagree
with them. However I would like to tell you my opinions and the
reasons behind them.
Anime
is one of the few major creative industries in the Japanese culture.
They view it as separate from real life in every facet, which is
why anime often has nudity and extreme violence. They believe that it is
ok for their children to see it because it is, to them, not real or representing
anything real, and the children know and understand this. [anime pornography] is different and is meant for adult audiences,
much the same way as live pornography is in America.
Pokemon
is much the same way. Nobody went out of their way to include the
influences which you think are demonic. They simply made a cartoon with
a basic premise, that Pokemon exist and that it is possible to
capture
them and use them to help you. All of the demonic influences which
you see are simply your interpretations of the cartoon, which would
not have occurred to the Japanese because their culture is, well, different
is the best word. They wouldn't even think of this, because it
simply doesn't occur in their culture.
[Berit's
response: You are helping me make my point. I didn't say that the
anime makers "go out of their way to include" occult influences.
Their stories are not part of "a plot to corrupt Christian youth. The
artists are merely presenting fantasy -- the kind the public will buy --
from the perspective of their spiritual and historical world view which is
Eastern pantheism and animism. Seen from from a Biblical perspective,
both involve "other gods" or unbiblical forces. Of course they
"wouldn't think of this," because it is natural to them. Neither
will they understand my worldview. That's one reason Christianity has not
spread in Japan.]
Many
of their anime movies center around a source of magical energy, or fighting
demons and vampires, and include graphic summonings and incantations.
To them, it is just a plot device, and in their minds, nobody
would ever take it as real. So while I agree that it may unsuitable
for American children, who aren't raised with the same idea that
anime is in no way a reflection of real life, it is NOT a plot to corrupt
Christian youth.
This,
I believe is the main point on which I disagree with you...not so much
that these influences could corrupt children, although I seriously doubt
that any child given a basic grounding in reality can ever get sucked
into the occult against their will, but that you seem to think that
it is all a plot against Christianity.
Anyway...I
have said all that I care to. I believe that seeing plots against
Christianity is paranoid, but you have every right to spend your time
however you want. Feel free to post this, anonymously please, or respond.
Anonymous: I can tell from
the brief quotes you highlighted in your Sailor Moon bit, that your article is
going to be pulling out the "Feminist ____!" banner. First
off, women shouldn't have to "bow down" to anyone to do something
disgraceful, and they should stand up when their being sexually harassed. Simple
as that. Women aren't weak.
<<Nickelodeon's Powerpuff
Girls, which some suspect is an American attempt to imitate the success of
Japanese animators. >>
First off, it's Cartoon Network who
makes the show, and this indeed shows how little research you do into the
subject beyond hearing word of mouth. As for the content of the show, it's
absolutely nothing like Sailor Moon and anyone would see it by watching five
minutes of it. Art style's different, characters are different.... the whole
premise and basis of the show is entirely different.
<<Market to girls: "Bringing
girls into comic stores is not 'embarrassing.' It
is necessary." >>
Well, usually when there's a
demographic that you don't reach in a market place, you want to bring them in.
Then again any person who knows a shred about marketing would know that.
<<Broaden the topics: "These
authors tackle subjects from marriage and love to homosexuality and the
supernatural. Readers respond to the sensitive depictions and renderings,
which have no US equivalent." >>
So the books shouldn't touch on topics the
Bible does? Or any other piece of media for that matter?
<<Appeal to feminist ideals:
"Rumiko Takahashi is the best selling female comics writer on the planet,
and has spawned hundreds of merchandise lines. They
become instant role models to girls who had only known American comics where
men controlled the depiction of women." >>
So the fact that the writer/artist
is female, she shows strong role models for girls (which boys have by the way)
she's automatically promoting feminist propaganda. I think someone has become
a wee bit to desperate for topics to bash...
<<Surprise young readers: "Like
the Harry Potter books, anime and manga depict a hyper "reality"
where common problems (social acceptance, competition, peer pressure) have
fantastic solutions.... [M]anga
tackles gender issues without flinching - the price of celebrity, growing
pains, the complexity of love...."
>>
Whatever this has to do with
"surprises" I obviously don't get, cause I see nothing
"surprising" about any of those topics. Then again I was raised in
this "blood soaked" and "sex filled" society unlike your
nice hunky dory 50’s where problem were just neatly sweeped under the
proverbial rug.
You really should stay away from the
keyboard, cause every time your throw up another "well researched and
informed" article, my already low respect for you goes down another
notch. Face it, you never had a pedestal to stand on in the first place, and
after your getting self in a rut with people, you show how little you do have
to stand on. It's a sad day when the Bible gets brought down over all this
nonsense, but like the horrible Christian church of the Dark Ages (Which your
brand of mind con... I mean Christianity is a modern day version of), it will
prevail, and triumph over all this non sense.
I also got the chance to read some
of the Pokemon comments I never read before and I was appalled at the
disgracing of Martin Luther and the use of his liberal and level headed words
to make this sort of nut bar crap "right” in the minds of
impressionable people. In fact, playing this stuff has nothing to do with
anything Martin Luther said. He promoted the fact that only faith (not acts)
can save you, and guess what? He's right.
His more recent note: I
would like you to not only publish my emails, but I would like it if you gave
out my email address. If you're not willing to endure harsh criticisms for
your ideas, then you obviously don't have to much faith in them. [His
email: SiberioS@aol.com
]
Berit's response: Most of the above comments refer
to quotes on a Sailor Moon webpage. They are not my words. I haven't written
the article yet, and I'm not sure when I will, but you can see the beginning
of it here: Sailor Moon
From
a concerned mother:
I, myself, had a feeling inside that something was very wrong with these card
collections and many other TV "comics" like dragonbalz, sailor moon,
pokemon, etc. to name just a few…. I thank you because it was confirmed to
me through you, that the Holy Spirit was trying to get me to discern and also
spiritually clean our house and I was not just imagining this situation.
Our son has left the gameboy and card collection quite some time ago, but it
was not easy being the mean MOM. That's ok though because my first
responsibility is to my Savior anyway. Thank you for being obedient to
Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit guide you and give you the strength to
perservere. I will be praying for your boldness…. James
1:2-4,12 & Isaiah 40:29-31, 1 Peter 2:9-12. I am looking
forward to taking the time to read the rest of your articles.
From TJ Condon (follows his Pokemon
comment): Also, about your attack on anime...
Yes, True Japanese uncut videos and
series do sometimes show nudity. But you have to remember:
1) In Japanese Culture, this is
commonplace. Also seen in several European cultures...That's one of the
reasons Italy and Germany are high on the list of the most-anime-friendly
contries. (Japan, naturally, is the best. Followed by Italy, Germany, and
Canada in no particular order. America is around 5th place.)
2) The term for nudity and
pornography in anime is "[deleted - if anyone needs to know this word,
write us]" This is also the term for "pervert". Also much
of this "______" is fan-made, the actual artists, production
companies, etc. have no real control over this.
3) In America, cartoons are mostly
child-oriented, therefore they usually lack much of a plot and rely on sight
gags. There is anime for just about every age, from Pokemon and Sailor Moon to
Dragonball Z and Ranma 1/2 and Tenchi Muyo to La Blue Girl and Ninja Scroll.
All of these depend more on plot than cheap effects.
4) Anime is much of the reason I've
been discovering my love for art, and I have been studying Japanese in my
spare time… Thank you for your time.
From Karen
Moll: I just happened
to come across some of your articles while searching for a church for a family
member… I, myself, had a feeling inside that something was very wrong
with these card collections and many other TV "comics" like
dragonbal z, sailor moon, pokemon, etc. to name just a few. Please, I
pray, do not get weary in doing good, as in Galatians 6:9 & Colossians
1:9-14
I
thank you because it was confirmed to me through you, that the Holy Spirit was
trying to get me to discern and also spiritually clean our house and I
was not just imagining this situation. Our son has left the gameboy and
card collection quite some time ago, but it was not easy being the mean MOM.
That's ok though because my first responsibility is to my Savior anyway.
Thank you for being obedient to Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit guide you
and give you the strength to persevere. I will be praying for you that
God would send His angels out and surround you with a solid hedge of
protection that only He can give (Psalm 91). Trust Him, He will
never leave or forsake you. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior you
were not immune to the world hating the truth . . . . James 1:2-4,12 &
Isaiah 40:29-31, 1 Peter 2:9-12. I am looking forward to taking
the time to read the rest of your articles.
From Kyle Davis:
Hello! I
stumbled across your site today, and noticed the Pokémon, Sailor
Moon, and Dragonball Z stuff all over it…. As a Christian, and huge
Anime fan, I thought I'd write down a few
of my thoughts and shoot them your way.
First off, I have to tell you that
I have mixed feelings on your (and other Christian authors as well)
work. You shoot from the
hip, and many uneducated parents read your site, then
instantly act on your words. I
am of the opinion that parents should interact
with their children, and be involved with their lives (especially
'Christian' parents!) The
folks that had no idea what Pokémon was, and that
their kids were really into it don't need to read your website, or
others like it - they need to be
involved with their children.
Berit’s
response: As Christian parents, we must go to God’s Word for guidance
concerning appropriate toys, games and activities, not to our children. God
has told us to teach and train our children what’s right and wrong, not vice
versa.
Second, I have to disagree with your
scare tactics which condem an entire genre….
As for the "Dragonball Z/Sailor
Moon are porn cartoons" on the Internet and in Japan, you'd really
have to be looking for that sort of thing to find it.
That doesn't mean because
some pervert posts nude drawings of the Sailor Scouts on his webpage
that Sailor Moon is bad. (If you look around the Net, you'll also find
porns of Snow White, and other
'good' American cartoons - yet you don't condemn
them as rapidly as you do Sailor Moon).
The world
view behind the whole Anime-Manga genre is pantheistic. The psychic or PSI
force that empowers the humans and the supernatural creatures is occult
according to the Bible (See Deuteronomy 18:9-13. God tells us to have
nothing to do with it. He holds us accountable for our thoughts and
imagination as well as our words and action. Remember Matthew 5:27-28.
Again, I know you've all heard this
before, but, like I said, I'm a Christian
and a fan of the aforementioned anime series. On the subject of kids
getting 'obsessed' with Pokémon. That
isn't and should not be a
criteria to make a judgement on the Christian/evil nature of
the show. For example, I
have a relative who doesn't allow their kids to
watch TV…. How do they spend their
time? Watching, and yes,
becoming 'obsessed' with Veggie Tales, a Christian
cartoon! (And yes, I
*LOVE* Veggie Tales!) My point
is, ANY time ANYONE gets too
obsessed with ANYTHING, it's not healthy.
I agree. But some obsessions
are more dangerous to the body, mind, and/or spiritual life than others.
You just attribute this
evil of obsession to Pokémon, and thus parents become scared an take
drastic "not in my
house" measures, rather than watching it for themselves and
discussing it with their kids. The bottom line is parents need to watch
TV (ALL TV that their kids watch).
From Bulbasaur! The Plant Type:
I
must say that I am thoroughly confused by your site. You seem to be able to
find un-christian themes in almost every children's show and video game. I,
myself, am an avid player of Pokémon and other rpgs. I also enjoy viewing
Japanese anime and Star Wars films. I am an active Christian and I contribute
to my community through the Boy Scouts of America organization.
There is one comment on your page
for feedback that I would like to correct. It states the following:
"As for Pokemon, I watched it
for 5 minutes the other day, and noted a highly anti-family emphasis, as
follows. The two heroes of the story happened upon a nursery, with dozens of
babies, and no one else there. The father of the babies had gone fishing to
feed his babies. The two heroes started playing with the babies. Then the
father came back and became instantly aggressive, attacking the heroes. The
father and one of the heroes fought for a while, then both backed off. The
other hero said, "you shouldn't fight."
The father told the two that the babies
were his, that the heroes were trespassing, that they were interlopers, and
that they should leave. The two heroes balked and would not leave. One hero
picked up a baby. The father said not to touch his babies. The heroes
ignored him. This is the value that Pokemon is trying to instill: that
parents have no right to sovereignty over their own children. And fighting
to protect your own children is wrong. This is like a fascist or Communist
Chinese philosophy. I was thoroughly disgusted."
The segment this person discusses is
not from an episode of the Pokémon shows. It is from the somewhat similar
show, Digimon. I would be grateful if you posted this message on the feedback
section for others to see.
From a concerned parent:
Last fall my sons friends at school were all caught up in playing Pokemon at
school. My son had a feeling that there was something wrong with the game, it
felt evil to him somehow. After finding your web page and printing out the
information and articles, we were able to help the school in dealing with the
problem. Now my son said that he doesn't have any friends to play with because
they all like to play DigiMon and he doesn't like to play that game. I have
done some searching and found some sites devoted to the game. From what I can
see, it looks very similar to Pokemon. Do you have any insight into this? Can
you point me to where I can find information that can help us.
From James
R. Powell:
I happen to be an anime artist. I don't want to start this out on a bad note,
but I do feel that some people are somewhat ignorant on the subject of anime
and pokemon in general. I'm 16 in the 11th grade my artistic skills with anime
have won me many awards in the field of art, but I haven’t once been told,
or picked up the notion that it was an evil kind of thing.
Berit's comment:
Remember, the concept of good and evil can easily be molded to fit the
world's different cultures. A century ago, most America, which first based
its values on the Bible, generally rejected homosexuality, premarital sex,
and rituals to earth-centered gods. Today all those practices are promoted
through the media, movies, and public schools across the country. The new
twist on "tolerance" pressures everyone to approve what once was
considered wrong. My point is that your observations about right and wrong
may not match my Christian values, and I would compromise my convictions if
I used your feelings or public sentiments as a standard for my values.
Picasso was
scrutinized when the world didn't except his unique why of
"seeing" things on canvas. Later we found out that he was a
great artistic genius'.
Why, I ask, are these
two subjects put under heat when they are no different than things that are
already around us everyday. Pokemon does show good values that even some
teachers cannot show their students. The main character Ash shows a lot of
qualities that parents try to show kids. Ash shows determination when things
look grim. Doesn't our Lord tell us the same? To always persevere?
Good question, James.
Yes, He does tell us to persevere, but His kind of perseverance must be seen
in the context of His other teachings. In the New Testament, perseverance
usually refers to persevering in His truth when pressured to compromise.
Throughout history, the world has always sought approval for natural
cravings and unholy thrills. But God always draws us back to His unchanging
Word. Just look at the two verses below. Notice that the second one (one of
two references to "persevere" in the NKJ version of the Bible)
ties perseverance to uncompromising commitment to God's standards. But even
that isn't enough if the obedience is legalistic and not prompted by an
unwavering love for God Himself.
"Convince,
rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching. For the time will come
when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears
tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to
their own desires; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and
be turned aside to myths. But you be watchful in all things, endure
afflictions...." 2 Timothy 4:2-5
"I know your
works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are
evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and
have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have
labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I
have this against you, that you have left your first love." Revelation
2:2-4
Or how about when Ash
is willing to give his most precious possessions to save the life of a pokemon
he has trained? Ash and another important character Misty teaches us that love
can come from anyplace even though they fight. Their care for each other is
easy to see if you try to look behind the fact that it’s different. They
also teach us that we must take responsibility in the things we do. People
need to look around the norm to look at things differently than how they
already see things.
God tells us
that we must see from His perspective, James. The universal ideals you
mention show the best the world can offer, but it falls short of God's kind
of love and responsibility which comes from God who, in turn, enables us to
live the life of love and perseverance. Sometimes a nice-sounding ideal can
be the greatest obstacle to God's best.
Anime
originates way back. Its not just a style of art, its a language in its own.
The sites with the pornography aren’t anime. Please I stress this to
everyone who thinks they are the same. Here are the correct names for the
styles ... [sorry James, I deleted the words. I don't want any child to do
a search for those sites. I have seen some and they are awful!] are
pornography look alikes of anime. They have a separate name for just that
reason. Anime pronounced: Ann-Nuh-May, Manga pronounced: Mon-Guh, are
generally geared towards Kids and Teens they are notably easy to tell apart
from their "porno cousins". Anime, and manga always have a lot of
humor. Its a very beautiful art if seen properly, its not meant to look
exactly like a person, its beauty comes from its simplicity.
Another
thing about it is that its very difficult technique to use.
... I wish I could leave you with a favorite quote that’s fitting to
this article. Uhm here's a couple to ponder: "It is unwise to be too sure
of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might
weaken and the wisest might err." Mohandas K. Gandhi. "The most
important thing about communication is hearing the things that aren’t being
said."
Remember
Gandhi was a devout Hindu. Though humble and gentle, he spoke from a
perspective that denies the cross, the need for Jesus, and the hope He
offers. Yet, when seen from a Christian perspective, his words do carry an
important reminder of our own inadequacy apart from Jesus:
"I am the
vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much
fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
From
Angie-chan: I was at your
site today and personally I found some of your opinions slightly disturbing.
I'm not trying to be rude by of this, by no means...I would just like
to tell you my opinion. I
understand your reasoning from assuming anime is "evil" [altough
it's not]...I can see where you might question some of the things in the
televised anime today. Some of
that is due to bad translating and dubbing...and censoring as well.
But
the big part where everyone is losing track is the cultural difference...anime
is from Japan, made in Japan, and intended for the citizens of Japan.
Personally America is the least open minded country in the world [which
may not be true, but that's how I see it, and I am pure American myself].
Japan's
culture [and many other for that matter] are more open to things a lot of
americans would consider "Taboo".
They are less concerned about things like cussing and death on
childrens television, like we are. I mean a lot of the anime aimed at children
isn't some big shot em' up fest or anything...but an example would be in
Sailormoon S [third series, not aired in US due to it's "graphic"
nature]...in that series they had things like people sacrificing [by
death...which turned out to be temporary] themselves for others, which is a
selfless and god-like act. Am I
right?
Also,
one of the young girls, Chibiusa [Reeni in the US dub] has a dream about her
friend Hotaru being hung from [not nailed on or dying, she was just on it] a
cross, calling for help. Then
several "scarey" looking hands rose up and took her away.
Then Chibiusa promtly woke and called for Usagi [Serena in the dub] and
told her they had to help Hotaru because she was in trouble.
Plus there is a lesbian relationship in it too [why are we scared to
have that on TV...there are homosexual people all over the US, what's wrong
with that?]...these are the main reasons why SMS is not aired in the US.
We
[Americans] are just scared I think. Scared
to let people see the truth too early. I
mean, kids are going to find out about things like this anyway.
Why not let them learn it early. I
can understand not letting them watch something if it completely scares them
and makes them cry or something...that's sensible.
But if they enjoy it, and parents tell them they can't watch it because
of one thing that was said that was taken out of context...that's ridiculous.
I
beleive, as long as the parents sits down and discuss with the child what's
right and wrong, immaginary and make beleive, etc then everything should be
okay. I don't think a little
anime and teletubbies is going to corrupt your child [yeah, I saw the stuff on
your site about that too...not that I really _like_ teletubbies or anything, I
mean I'm 16, but they're not evil]….
Thank
you for taking your time to read this. And
as I will say in honor of my personal love animeand japan... ::bows::
Arigatougozimasu.
Berit's
response: It’s not that simple, Angie. Please read Answers
to Pokemon mail. Thank you.
From
Jason: Parents may not understand
the nature of Dragonball Z, so allow me to explain. The
difference between this show and Pokemon is that Dragonball Z is a more
complex show, and it requires a certain amount of maturity to watch it. In
reality, six year olds are not even the majority of the audience that
is watching it, it's teenagers
and adults, and it's as it should be, because the
show is defintely more geared toward an older audience.
There
are elements of violence and
intense action in this show, and in its uncensored form
contains a good dose of blood. Yet
it does not compromise on death, this show
at times shows the affects battle and death have on people and how it changes
them. Some villains see the error
of their ways and become good, others
who do not turn from evil end up being hoisted on their own petard.
I hardly think this show
is an occultic influence, because no one can do the
things they do on that show! They
can't blow up planets with fireballs, or
soar through the air, or have wishes granted by dragons.
(Actually, it seems
every popular show for younger viewers gets criticized this way.
I remember He -Man and the Masters of the Universe, Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles, and Mighty Morphin
Power Rangers also being bashed for things like this.) Anyone who
actually tried to do all that stuff would look really silly.
Frankly, I think our
energies should be directed elsewhere. In
Hollywood movies, there is
constant taking of the Lord's name in vain, and that as a Christian really
sours me. We should be
teaching people to respect the holy name of God.
As for Dragonball Z, if
your kids are going to react badly to it, don't let them
watch it! God empowered
parents with that responsibility, so let's quit
acting like we're powerless. In
the holy name of Jesus, we can command the
evil of Satan to leave our children and our homes so we focus on His
word and His will.
Remember, television shows do not have power over us unless we let
it! They're nothing more
than a slight diversion. Let's
remember that. Thank you, and God bless.
Jason
There's
a good reason, Jason, why "every popular show for younger viewers gets
criticized..." Hollywood and the TV industry have been selling their
thrills in a global market place for years. By now, the world has
become psychologically addicted to gratuitous sex and supernatural violence.
Anything less would bore mainstream youth.
He-Man, Power Rangers and other shape-shifting characters with supernatural
power fit the craving for power without accountability to God's ways and
moral order. Since most of today's popular fantasies come from an industry
that rejects God and promotes a universal, pantheistic or cross-less
spirituality, they will all clash with Biblical beliefs and values. (See Three
cultural paradigms)
From Mark: I
am writing to WARN about a dangerous new cartoon introduced to America in
early March on the Cartoon Network called "Mobile Suit Gundam Wing".
(weekdays 5:00pm, with the "uncut" version at 12:00 midnight)
There
are already so many cartoons with overtly evil occultic themes, like
"Sailor Moon", "DragonBallZ" and "Ronin
Warriors" where the "hero" characters all practice forms of
magic, with lots of cute stuff thrown in.
This new cartoon is insidious and even has
"moral" philosophies being taught in it. There are many things
I could say about it but I want to point out that this particular cartoon is
getting closer to "real life" , (without unbelievably 'goofy'
visualizations), which I believe makes it insidious.
Many of the web sites I found on the topic
have some of the characters, (primarily five teenage boys - the pilots), being
portrayed as living a homosexual lifestyle. Even though the actual 'anime'
doesn't show that, it does leave open some possibility of suggestion in that
direction, making "fan" sites with that theme "believable"
by kids that might . Many overt scenes making suicide look
"honorable" are in the show. Even though the "Gundam
pilots" are battling for freedom-loving people in colonies who are
feeling the tightening chains of military domination by world-government
control, the show has distinct dangers built-in regarding the conditioning of
young minds with philosophies that Christian parents would reject.
I understand that most people, (yes-
including children), know that cartoons are not real. Yet, after several
years of studying this topic seriously, I conclude that everything we hear and
see has a conditioning effect on us, and if certain themes are repeated often
enough, acceptance of them is much more likely, whatever the 'media'.
I understand this cartoon series has been
affecting Japan and the orient for almost twenty years, and that their
previously staunch customs are unravelling, and that their suicide rate is very
high. While it wouldn't be good judgement to attribute ONE CARTOON with
having caused this and other problems, just watching ONE show has convinced me
that the unprepared viewing population will NOT go unaffected by it. After
researching on the WEB a bit, I've found that this show is quite restrained in
comparison to other projects yet unseen my most Americans.
Another violent, moral-twisting show
has hit our shores - HARD. I'm on the wall and shouting. Don't just
stand. Stand READY. God bless you.
From
Jason: (This is a follow up to a recent letter I sent regarding Anime.
You may post this.)
Having read your response to
my letter, I understand your position. To
make my point about kids' shows,
I was basically drawing on my own experience when
I was four years old. When I
watched He-Man, I liked watching it, but I never
considered it a guide for living. I
never tried to summon magical power
or perform chants, I just watched the show and played with the action figures.
I never believed it was real, and by no means did I consider it a substitute
for the true God. These shows did
not make me who I am today, and they
did not shape my morals. This has
been the case for many of my friends.
Berit, the problem in
conveying your message is that to many people there is
no clear distinction between media that is genuinely occultic and that isn't.
Almost every fairy tale has some kind of magic, and even the hero has a
magic sword or shield. C.S. Lewis
and J.R.R. Tolkien's stories respectively
have a lot of magic and supernatural in them.
I believe you should clearly point out the distinctions so we can
understand where you're coming
from.
Since this site is to offer
guidance to Christian families, I will say this
about Anime: It is not for kids. The
stories and violence are too intense
for young children, and for the most part the large part of the audience
is adults and teens anyway. I
also want to reemphasize the importance
of parental authority. If your
kids are going to have a problem with
these shows, by all means do not let them watch it.
I hope you consider my
suggestions.
Thankfully, Jason
From Berit: Thank
you, Jason. To understand "where [I'm] coming from," may I suggest
you read Digimon and re-read Answers
to Pokemon mail? Keep in mind, I believe that any spiritual power not
from God is from a counterfeit or occult source -- whether it's darkly evil
or simply what Johanna Michaelson called "The Beautiful Side of
Evil." The best counterfeit is the most dangerous deception. That's why
I don't write about the obviously occult entertainment but focus instead on
what many families accept as okay.
What we need to do
is to study and thoroughly know God's Word and heart. Then we will recognize
every spiritual counterfeit or occult message that counters the purity of
His truth.
From Jim:
HI :) I've my website "Charizard's Gym"
up for about three years. And starting a few weeks ago I recieved some emails
and a response on my guest book, (which was erased) all which exept for one
were towards a negative direction. Most of them were Vicious complaints
towards myself. Most contained sentences of me going to hell.
I don't put much thought into them as I
hear them almost every Wednesday or Sunday during my hockey games. As an elite
ranking goalie I often hear alot of complaints after making a save. So all the
complaints exept for one didn't "phase" me one bit. The one that did
was from a concerned mom. She sincerely asked me to give up Pokemon and anime
because she thought it was evil.
Nothing touched my heart more than
this. Sure my girlfriend makes me cry when she's in pain, but othing was like
this. I thought that something truly awfull had happened to her. A couple of
mouse clicks down the e-mail she said that she had visited some
"Anti-Pokemon" websites, many of which were really extreme in
getting the message through. But she also mentioned yours, which brings me to
the purpose of this e-mail. Thanks for wading through this lengthy letter.
She told me that somewhere on your site
you used the phrase "pornographic anime." At first I didn't think
much of it until it hit me. While I know your trying your best on making your
website as visitor-friendly as possible, I am asking you in hopes that you
will change that word. Anime has been defamed too much to suffer another hit.
While their are some sick people labeling their grotesque work
"anime" its truely nothing of the sort. So please I hope you can
find take them time to give it a different name, maybe "anime like
pornography." True anime is usually of the comedy genre. One great one is
"Masson Ikkoku" Its about Masson's daily life. Similar to MTV's
"Real World" .
Mahollow (Haiwian for buh-bye)
Berit's response: Jim, I wish we, who
call ourselves Christian, would always "speak the truth in love,"
so that others would recognize our faith and our Lord especially because of
His love shining through us. But I'm afraid our human weaknesses often take
precedence over His wonderful life in us. I'm so sorry.
After glimpsing some of the Japanese
"anime-like" pornographic pictures, I too am concerned about the
ease with which anime fans can explore look-alike porn. Though, I
appreciate your tender heart and understand your concern, I can't change the
words others have used. But I can and will invite Christians to pray
with me that God give our children discernment and protect them against such
awful images and influences.
From
BrassMouse: I am 22, gainfully employed in 2 rewarding
jobs with great promise in each, I own my own home, and am active within my
community.
I am writing this in response to your
various and sundry articles on anime, manga, etc... and the responses of the
various other people who have posted to your site. I would be honored if you
would post my message and would appreciate it if you would post my address, in
the event that you do so any parents/others may feel free to email me for any
information they desire....
I am no longer a Christian, the reasons
for this are many and varied and would require far more time and space than I
have, I did however make a reasoned logical decision to leave and was not
coerced in anyway, my decision to leave Christianity also predates my exposure
to and subsequent interest in anime. There are several points that I would like
to touch upon:
First, the "pornographic"
scenes in popular anime that have been broadcast on american television are,
well, not. They often occur in a furo (Japanese bath) or onsen
(hot springs)....[Berit deleted the
descriptions] I am aware of no
anime that contained more than that pre-dub and none that did so post-dub. The
so called pornographic scenes are less sexual than victoria's secret
commercials which can be seen round the clock on just about every network or
the jeans commercial which features a woman stripping. These are far more
deserving targets for righteous anger than anime, at least over this issue.
However it is true that there are anime
which are created for adults, just as there are movies created for adults,
these should be stored separately and marketed separately, just as home-grown
pornography is, Most otaku are in fact disgusted by this material and will not
display it on their sites.
It seems then that to prevent your
children from accidently stumbling onto this material you would be better off
to pressure distributors into racking and labeling it separately from
mainstream anime. It is true that you can very easily wander into the
inappropriate areas of the net, but every site I have heard of (I am however
no great expert being rather repulsed by it myself) has warnings put up to
stop minors from accessing it.
The same problem occurs with just about
any topic. The operators of pornographic sites will intentionally put huge
blocks of keywords on the gateways to their sites to attract as many people as
they can, again blame needs to be put on the industry which markets that
garbage on not on mainstream anime. If this seems rather esoteric to you look
at it this way, if you had a problem with something the local adult channel
was showing would you call the fox networks and complain? As hard as it may be
to believe, that is exactly how different the two are, especially to
fans.
Secondly, you and many of the people
who reply to your page seem to be suffering from a case of wishful nostalgia.
The United States is part of an interdependent world in which many of the
parts are inherently different, we need to learn how to accept and, indeed,
take pride in those differences, America is in the throes of a cultural
backlash as it realizes that it cannot stand alone and many people are
therefore turning their backs on anything different, often this xenophobia is
given the label of christianity.
I do not believe we should all
submerge our identities into some sort of awful global fascism, but I do
believe that we need to move towards a more global social structure. Yes, some
cultural melding and blending will occur.
You are probably wondering how this
relates to anime? Few anime have been broadcast on American television, Otaku
are of mixed feelings about this, on the one hand they want more exposure for
their hobby. On the other the few anime which have been broadcast (BTW anime
is the plural term, most Japanese words follow the same rule as moose) have
been brutally censored and poorly dubbed, American seiyuu (voice actors) are
often of poor quality. This censorship relates in many cases to the mass
xenophobia and in particular homophobia sweeping the states.
Most readily apparent is the dub of
Sailor Moon which had the gender of one of the characters changed so as to
avoid a homosexual relationship. This is simply the act of small minds who
wish to avoid facing reality, however I shall attempt to place it in a
cultural context for those who don't understand why there was such a
relationship in the first place.
Homosexuality is both a new and old
thing in Japan, the label and stigma are both new and foreign, but the acts
have been there for centuries, this is NOT a part of any of the Asian
pantheism etc. that you refer to on your site but instead can be traced back
to feudal Japanese history, *sigh*
Really, you would think people would
learn things from the shining examples of intolerance in the past, I say
shining because most of them involved flame, the continuous persectution of
the Jews in Europe, the Burning of the Templar Knights, the Burning Times in
Europe, the Holocaust, slavery, the civil rights era, different people are
DIFFERENT.
From Berit: Please read Biblical versus Cultural Christianity
Finally I shall attempt to tackle the
absurd charge that Anime, particularly Sailor Moon promotes satanism,
occultism etc. I have noted from your replies that you do not feel that it is
intentional and for that I congratulate you, many people would see some sort
of Japanese conspiracy to taint our youth. Ki, or Chi is most often shown and
described in Anime as the power of the spirit, it is almost without exception
an internally generated thing which requires great amounts of study and
practice to use. Often the power comes from emotions (see Ranma Nibun no Ichi).
And while some anime unquestionably depict the characters casting magical
spells (Slayers) it is often done so in a moral context, this is always the
case in Sailor Moon.
Different "experts" disagree on this point. Some martial arts
teachers and gurus would agree with you, but others attribute it to the
universal pantheistic force that is central to many forms of Buddhism. But
what's important to children is what they see and perceive. The power
displayed in the cartoons is clearly supernatural. It is not a Biblical power.
Therefore it clashes with Scriptures.
In fact, Sailor Moon, especially the
dub, seems to be the very model of Christian Virtues as taught to me by my
grandmother (excepting the church going, I am referring to the morals and
principals behind the ritual) The characters are dedicated to both each other
and the city, they fight evil in the form of the negaverse, they never kill
any human without giving them numerous chances to reform and even then there
is often a climactic conversion to the side of good.
The main character displays an almost
insane level of devotion to her boyfriend (despite a roving eye) and many of
the other characters break various female stereotypes. And they use magic
powers. Really, anyone who lives in constant fear of being persecuted by evil
beings from some dark netherworld needs to be firmly grounded in reality,
period. Even if you believe in Christianity you should be able to discern
fantasy from reality, and as for children saying things like "I'm drawing
power from the Moon, just like Sailor Moon" that's the same as people
trying to fly like superman or playing cops and robbers, they are play-acting,
and anyone, ANYONE who would take the play acting of children as an
introduction to the occult needs to be seriously grounded in reality.
I would second the suggestion of one of
your readers that you watch Grave of the Fireflies, it is indeed a deeply
touching movie which shows a side of WWII that few people think of.
Sincerely, BrassMouse [brassmouse@digitalanime.com]
From Ryouga Hibiki
[Mexico]: What you are trying to do??? Put every person who
believes in god against anime???????????? I believe in god, but not cause of that I
destroy anime.
You are upset to seeing
violence in dragonball??? lesbianism in Sailor Moon???? gay acts on Pokemon???? sex like in many others?????
Is that it??? well us anime fans
dont have the fault. Im 18 and I dont want you to destroy anime for that. That's why the animes are labeled for certain
ages. In Japan Sailor Moon,
Dragon Ball, CardCaptorSakura and even Pokemon couldnt be seen till a certain age (the first 3 from 13 and above, pokemon 8
and up).
Its not our fault that the TV
studios bring them for all ages, if you wanna punish somebody I’ll suggest
punishing the TV stations. And above of all the series have also been
censored, and even with the censorship you want them to dissapear???? Its
true, a little kid should not watch it, but he is
watching it cause of the TV stations.
Personally I hate DragonBall,
but love Ranma Sailor Moon, and CCS. The things you hate from anime are really
normal on Japan, they do it cause they teach their kids since early days, not
cause they are sick mental and horny (forgive the word) people. Japanese dont
are afraid of lesbianism or gays, they respect them, so they present them on
anime like a normal thing.
There are sometimes sexual
oriented scenes, but no sex is shown, unless it is an "H" anime
which is strictly for 18 year old people and up, see the labels on the videos.
Once I saw a news on TV saying to guys were arrested for selling this videos
(which they only sold to 18 people like vulgar XXX american movies), but what
upset me is that they said that it caused violation to kids rights, that they
prostituted them….
The Japanese do this
"H" anime cause they
cannot do real XXX movies (Im not defending them, Im just presenting
the facts). The real problem here isnt anime, is that TV shows these
like cartoons for kids. Ever saw Ranma1/2 here in my country [Mexico] it was
censored and supercutted to show
it to kids.... it upset me very much. Just think bout the Simpsons, or Ren and
Stimpy, why does nobody ever got mad about them? they are really disgusting,
the stupid things they show.....
I think the problem is that
you guys hate anime… Animation
DOES NOT mean its for kids. That is why you get scared to see that. Almost all
animes are for people of 13 years and older. In Japan Dragon Ball couldn't be
watched by kids under 13. Please think bout what you doing.
From
V9CyberKid: In recent news, the Catholic Pope has endorsed
Pokemon, saying he finds no problem
with it. I suppose he's wrong too, right?
Quite frankly, you all
are a group of bigoted idiots. Your articles ramble on about
unrelated subjects, and make such far-fetched claims nobody truly reads them,
or care what they say. Simply put, all your site does is fear monger against
Anime, Pokemon, Digimon, and their like.
As has been put before,
it's fantasy. Children understand that. But yet you all
truly believe that by watching anime, the minds and morals of us young ones
will be corrupted, and we'll be desensitized. And to that, I say thee, 'nay!'
Your reports and
articles are based on word of mouth, and perhaps a single comic
book and half-watched episode. A lot of assumptions, limited research, heavy
exaggeration, and racist fear-mongering, and you've successfully written
another article.
What you protest is
people of different races and cultures having anything in common.
What your protest is global unity, a dream shared by many. If you cannot
accept influences from other religions and cultures, how can you call yourself
Christians? Jesus first appeared to women after having been risen from
the dead. In that time, women were oppressed, and would not be believed. There
was much fear mongering against them.
Remember now that Jesus
was heavily persecuted, and in the end, his way was revealed
to be true and right. He was persecuted by Jewish religious leaders and
Romans. So, how are you any different, persecuting other faiths and beliefs?
I call you hypocrites. You attack other religions, faiths, ideas, out
of your own blind faith.
By attacking anime, you
show your ignorance, your bigotism. I am offended by the
subtle hintings at perversion in your articles "Angemon and his shapely partner"
indeed. Perhaps you should look at reality, where women don't look like
men. Perhaps if you actually opened up your eyes once, you'd realize that
there are cultures BESIDES the US, that until you die and are judged, you
won't know which ways are right and wrong, and an open mind is all that can
be done.
The same passages you
tote against anime, Japan, it's native religions, etc., are
the same kind of passages toted about years ago that oppressed women, that
told us we should take blacks as slaves. These are the same passages that
tell us to oppress homosexuals. By your unwillingness to global unity, you
take the very nature of the television character 'Archie Bunker', but with
more flowery words.
On a side note, I
showed your articles to a few Japanese priests in my area (All
Catholic or Baptists) and they were disgusted and offended by your blatant
racism and bigot towards them, and your phobia of everything that is not
completely Catholic American.
~Coronusia Ajikazia
wonkycyber --- ANDREW Ingle "If we live in a society where we cannot see
each other, how can we see a God?
If we cannot accept others, how can we be accepted?" ~Nik-kun
Berit's response:
Please read your own letter again and see who shows most hateful bias -- you
or I. Then show me where I show "racism." I believe--as I have
stated repeatedly -- that God has called people from "all tribes and
nations" to Himself, to receive the salvation that is by faith in His
redeeming work. Skin color makes no difference to Him. Nor to me or others who
love Him. That's why Christian missionaries have left their comfortable homes
and safe food and traveled to distant cultures to bring His love and good news
to people of every color.
Finally, please check
your assumptions and facts a little better. First, I'm not Catholic. Second,
nothing I write is based on world-of-mouth speculations. Third, I challenge
you to refute -- using the whole Bible -- what I write as a
Christian.
From Sarah: If
you think Pokemon and Digimon are evil (even though they're just cartoons for
kids), you might as well say that Looney Tunes and other cartoons are also evil.
Digimon is just a cartoon for kids!
Berit's response: When I finish the article
on the power of the imagination, perhaps you will understand our
concerns.
From "an
anime fan": I
have a few more comments for you. Anyhoo..
I couldn't help notice that in one of your responses, you say "that the
world view behind the whole anime/manga genre is "panthestic."
This is a grossly wrong generalization.
First of all, there IS Christianity in
Japan. There may be other religions alongside it there, but that's no
different than what we have here in the USA. And beyond that,
there ARE anime and manga with religiously neutral or even Christian themes.
I know that Sailor Moon has heavy Shinto influence, and I guess I could see
where a Christian parent could be coming from if they did not allow their
young son or daughter to watch it because of that. (On a side note, they
would also be closing off a good chance for children to be educated about
other religions in the world.) Secondly, pokemon and Ranma 1/2, with the
exception of the psi pokemon in the former, are almost totally neutral. (In
fact, in one of the Ranma episodes, Christmas is celebrated.) Thirldly,
Neon Genesis Evangelion has a heavy Christian influence. I guess that
the fact that the invaders are referred to as "Angels" could
be somewhat misconstrued by a Christian that has never heard of the show
before, but with a good deal of parallels to the bible, and especially the
fact that one of the main characters (Misato) is commonly seen with a cross
around her neck. How could this be thought of as
"pantheistic"? No other religions besides Christianity are
even hinted at in this anime. The characters do not have any psionic
powers (that I've seen so far), and they fight to save mankind from the
invaders that threaten to destroy it. Please do not take this in a
disrespectful manner, but I implore you to gather more information before you
go around making generalizations.
Another thing.. more on the nudity in
anime.. NGE has nudity, yes. In the opening, even. (It
is silhouetted, by the way, at least in the opening.) and after seeing
it a dozen or so times.. you know what? It has only heightened my
respect for and admiration of the female form a hundredfold. Nudity and
sex is not and should not be taboo, and this is backed up by the Song of
Solomon. Both the male and female forms are wonderful, beautiful
gifts from God, and should be viewed as such. Most popular anime series
strive for this mindset. I honestly believe that a child could and
should be able to view tasteful nudity, especially the kind that is so
prevalent in anime, at any age. (Conversely, how porn is always referred
to as "adult" entertainment makes me laugh. So porn is somehow
okay for adults to view? Pah.) I mean, they're going
to learn anyway sooner or later anyhow, when they stumble onto a late night
"adult" show, or an issue of Playboy, or something.
Does it not make more sense to show nudity
to children the way it is showed in anime, so they may gain respect for the
opposite sex and its form as well, rather than letting them indulge in porn,
which only teaches them disrespect for women and lust? Instead of
sheltering children from nudity, which only makes them that much more insecure
about sex as they grow older, why not educate them about it, and explain that
it is nothing to be ashamed of in the least when it is viewed (in my opinion)
in a respectful, Christian view? If people would become a little more
open minded about nudity, especially with their children, this may help to
drive away the Puritanical mindset that nudity is somehow "wrong"
or "bad".
However, I do respect your opinions.
I just wish you could show me the reasoning and/or Scripture behind them.
Berit's response:
Please read Answers to Pokemon mail, then
Ephesians 5:3-18. Pray first that God will enable you hear the message.
From
Angelo Benedetti: I would like this email to be posted on the
Anime Discussion area of your page to reflect my views. I am a 14-year old guy,
who lives a classy suburb of Cleveland Ohio. I was first introduced to anime
once I bought the game PokeMon. I found it to be a fun, if a little addicting,
Role-playing Game. After searching the net for PokeMon sites, I finally caught
all 150 and beat the game. (And by the way, I never once saw a Hentai site on my
many searches) I also discovered there was a PokeMon cartoon. I watched a few
episodes, and thought nothing was wrong with it. My Christianity wasn't offended
by the "Physic Powers" and the "brainwashing" and "addictveness"
it views (in your minds).
Berit's response: Please read Biblical versus Cultural Christianity.
It should show you why neither your form of Christianity nor your
conscience was "offended". We train our conscience by our
activities and habits as well as by the values we are taught.
I soon outgrew it and began
watching a new Anime, Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball Z, or DBZ for short, is a
hyper-fast action packed anime. That action turned me onto it. The first 2
seasons were sliced and censored heavily. So heavily in fact, cleavage, blood,
bruises and other things like that were fuzzed out. There was no profanity or
talk of the occult. The third season began showing some more blood, but not
enough to change the show's rating (TV Y7).
Soon, DBZ began becoming to childish for
me, and I was turned onto the newest anime on Cartoon Network, Gundam Wing.
Although there was an "Uncut" version at 12:00 and some of the pilots
were slightly suicidal, I was never offended, which gets me to my points at
hand;
Why do you feel anime is so offensive??
American anime is censored to American standards and has none of the
"offensive" material the Japanese might have. How does Anime become
the work of Satan?? I would like to know this answer drawn out clearly. If it is
so evil, then why when every time a person like me tries to explain it, you cut
in with your "opinions" and slash our words to nothing before we can
make the impact we are trying to??
For
an answer, see the references in my last response.
As to you parents out there that are
finding "Anime Porno" and things of that nature, you have to be trying
to find that. I have done many a search for PokeMon, DBZ and Gundam and have
never once found a [xxx=word for Japanese animated porn] site. Ever. And
for the xxxx sites that do exist xxxx is not anime xxxx is a form of
Pornography like hard-core or soft-core. Just because it is animated and
Japanese doesn't make it anime.
Most of our visiting anime fans would
disagree with you. So would the websites that feature this anime porn. They
call it what it is: anime.
And my final point, why must you hide
behind the image of God to tear apart anime?? So some contains "magic"
and "ki power." Haven't you all read myths or fairy tales or stories
containing magic while growing up?? When did it become Anti-God and Satanic??
It's simply FANTASY! Not reality, FANTASY! Why are these themes evil?? They
stimulate a child's mind and make them curious and imaginative. It's healthy to
be imaginative. I would greatly appreciate if this is posted so I can see your
views in full. Thank you.
Please read Answers to Pokemon mail
and the article, Bewitched by Harry Potter.
They should answer your question.
Anonymous:
I would like to say I found your website through a mailing list I was on,
someone made a comment about the anime section. I went to read what was there,
and I would like to give my opinion. First off I am a 15 year old male from
Canton, Ohio. I believe myself to be a strong Christian, I go to church every
Sunday, I do my devotions on my own and with my family, I am a baptized
believer, and so forth. Anyway, I got into Anime when I was around, 12
years old. I must say at that time it was only because of the more adult
titles, not nessecarly because they had sex, some did, but because of just how
different it was.
First off, about Gundam Wing, I really
see no reason why the show would be considered bad or evil. I do agree young
children should not watch it, by the midway point of the series it gets to a
point of storyline where I think anyone who was thirteen or over could watch
it. As for the yoai (homosexual) stories and sites people find online about
Gundam Wing, that is because of it's fans. The characters of Gundam Wing are
considered to be bishounen, which is men who are really beautiful but have
that girly look to them. A lot of the female fans think it is funny to make up
yoai stories about them, although I have no particular interest in it. So it
is not the actual show which is that, just the fans.
But then again you will find something
like that with everyone, just as you would find stories about people from the
bible in those situations in stories that people have posted online.
I wonder if anyone knows of the series
Superbook? It was an older anime series which is about a boy and a girl who
find a bible, and are transported back in time to the times of the bible and
you see all the stories. It was a great series for little kids to help learn
their stories of the bible, there was no violence, no sex, no language, etc.,
So I don't think it is right to have a
section devoted entirely to Anime, because not all anime is wrong. You have
anime for little kids, anime for teenagers, anime for adults, and anime for
all ages.
Oh yes, and I read about someone
concerned about nudity in Sailor Moon and Dragonball Z. In the original
Japanese version of Sailor Moon, it is not really nudity, when they transform
into their Sailor Scouts, there is a big glowing light on the entire screen
with an outline of the Sailor Scout in black, that may be mistaken for Nudity.
Or they could have found some fan website which had fan art (yes it can be in
either japanese or english) where they found pictures of the Sailor Scouts in
that mannor.
Dragonball Z, the only real nudity was
in the original series, Dragonball, which is no longer airing on TV, but it
was brief and such. But then again, it was only brief.
From Cyanne Coldsteel
[cyanne@home.com]: Mark said: "I
understand this cartoon series has been affecting Japan and the orient for
almost twenty years, and that their previously staunch customs are
unraveling, and that their suicide rate is very high."
Actually, Gundam Wing has only been
existence for 5 years. As for Japan's staunch customs being unraveled,
I would attribute that more to American influences upon Japan, not to anime
itself. If anime was the cause of their customs unraveling then that
would have started about 40 years ago. If you look at it, many of the
older Japanese citizens, whom stay as far away as possible from American
influences, still maintain their customs proudly. It is the newer
generation that grew up with American influences their whole lives that are
leaving their tradition customs.
As to the suicide rate being high, I
cannot argue with that. But you have to look WHERE the largest number
of suicides occur. If you look carefully, you will notice a majority
of suicides occur either at the teenage level, mostly those who are between
the ages of 17 and 18, and those who are wealth business executives.
That is because of 2 reasons, stress and honor.
Unlike America, Japanese Students are
required to take entrance exams to get into college. The higher they
score, the better college they can get into. Their whole lives depend
on 3 days of grueling tests. If they even miss 1 day, their whole life
will be affected. At home, they are pressured by their family and at
school by teachers to do well on these tests so that they can go into a good
college and thusly lead a good life. If they fail these tests, they
believe that they have failed themselves and dishonored their family so they
opt for Sepukku, a ritual suicide where the person who is committing suicide
can redeem honor through death.
Business executives
face this pressure also. When their company fails, they believe that
they were the ones who caused the downfall so they kill themselves for they
have dishonored themselves. Please post this up with my e-mail
address.
From
"An Enraged Agnostic": This website is no surprise to
me anymore. You see, I am a Non-Christian girl who went to a Catholic
school (I had no choice, all the public schools in Louisiana are
horrible.) and have experienced this for years. Do you have ANY idea how
many people have called me Satanic or said I practiced Voodoo just because
I'm not Christian? I'm Agnostic for crying out loud! You are bashing
EVERYTHING that isn't Christian! Just because someone believes something
different doesn't mean its evil and you're pure and wonderful!
And for your
information, I've lived with Christians for years and most of the
non-Christians have better morals than the Christians! I'm so incredibly
sick of this pompous attitude that all non-Christians are heathens and all
Christians are good and wonderful. Infact, most of the Christians I've met
DON'T follow thier religion at all and yet they freak out when someone
isn't Christian and shove Christianity down their throats!
And I'm SO incredibly sick of this 'Poor Christians' attitude you all
have. 'Oh poor us, Pocahontas made us look like savages. Oh poor us, the
Romans fed us to the lions! Poor us! Poor us!" You should talk!
Christianity has done more persecution than anyone! Was ANYONE taught
about the Crusades? Yep, you guys fought the Muslims, and killed any Jew
you saw on he way. And why did they kill the jews? JUST BECAUSE THEY FELT
LIKE IT!!!! The jews weren't fighting, and THEY KILLED THEM ANYWAY!!! Oh,
and let's not forget the Salem Witch trials and the many protestants you
tortured and burned too! And stop whining about Pocahontas, because the
Englishmen WERE savages! You forced you religion on them, killed them,
took their land, the list goes on and on! I have a Native American friend
that would be SO disgusted with you! I could go on forever!
And to add insult to injury, you insult Anime. As someone else pointed out
Anime is like movies, and each series is targetted at a different
audience. Assuming that it's all for kids is showing how incredibly
ignorant you are on this subject. Yes, on Dragonball thier is a bit of
nudity, but it's small CHILDREN!! When's the last time you've seen a baby
commercial that didn't have a kid's bare butt?
How you can find evil in Sailor Moon is beyond me. They have superpowers!!
So does Superman, but you don't claim he's a tool of Satan!! And may I
remind you how incredibly low Japan's crimerate is? I bet you wanted
to ingnore that didn't you?
You guys are so lucky that I have a few Christian friends who are actually
moral and not HYSTERICAL over everything, or else I would probably hate
all Christians at this point! Do you have any idea how many years I prayed
as a young child, asking your God to please make the children from the
Catholic school treat me like a human being? Even though Agnostic, I can
see that Jesus was a good man who preached about love and peace. But all
you people talk about is hatred. Stop finding fault within other religions
and start improving your own. didn't Jesus say not to judge others? I'll
leave you with that.
Berit's response: Yes, I do
suggest that televised anime for children (Pokemon, Digimon, Dragon Ball
Z...) are evil from a Biblical perspective. But keep in mind, my
comments are directed to Christian parents who ask for this information.
Beyond this one point, you are assuming a lot of things that aren't
true. May I suggest you list all your accusations and assumptions about
me, then find the reference in my articles that validate your
accusations. For example, notice that I didn't judge you or any
other anime-fan in my writings. All my warnings are directed at the
entertainment, not the child. Perhaps you need to consider following
your own advice. Finally, please take time to read Biblical versus Cultural Christianity.
It would clarify some of your concerns and biases.
From LordCow:The idea that
pokemon is evil so silly. You should focus on more important things. So
what if it has influences from the place it was made, what you say Japanese
have no right to put their own culture and religion into their products.
And if they do, Christians should avoid it like the plague. What is so
wrong? Most kids will not even pick up on it. they will just play
the game and enjoy it. You make Christians look like rabid zealots. As for
Anime, its allowed to show any world its wants with any number of gods
ruling. It can make up is own spirituality because its fiction and yes
there is adult anime just like adult TV. Why are Christians so
insecure? It's the most predominate religion.
From
Shinji, "an anime fan":
I was the one who wrote the mail that began
with "I have a few more comments for you. Anyhoo.. I couldn't
help notice that in one of your responses, you say "that the world
view behind the whole anime/manga genre is "panthestic."
This is a grossly wrong generalization.
I was pleased to see that you posted it on your site. However, I
read the "Answers to pokemon mail" link -- several times -- and
it barely relates to my letter at all. I mentioned pokemon maybe
once or twice in my e-mail, and it was not the main focus -- just a very
minor point. I was talking about Neon Genesis Evangelion more than
anything else [I'll get to this in a second.] Furthermore, I read
the Ephesians bible verses that you told me to, and it just didn't do
anything for me. I don't see how it relates to anime. I would
suggest that you post that link up only when responding to pokemon e-mail,
as it has very little -- if anything -- to do with anime as a whole.
Saying all anime is panthistic and occult is like saying all movies are
violent just because Terminator 2 is violent [guilt by association.
Wasn't this a big thing during the McCarthy trials?]
NGE is an anime, and yet teaches us very
Christian values:
John 15:13: "Greater love has no man than this, that his man
lay down his life for his friends." In one of the last episodes
of NGE, one of the characters shields a friend with her own body, even
though it leads to her death.
Col. 3:20: "Children, obey
your parents in everything, for this pleases the lord."
Shinji never disobeys his "mother" [not really.. it's almost
like she adopted him, as Shinji's real mother had died.. but you'd
have to see it to understand the circumstances.] Misato, and always
trusts in her strength and courage.
If you like, I will find more parallels, and
back them up with Scripture. Just thought you'd like to know this.
Not all anime is "occult" like Pokemon might be. And one
last thing -- the message you wrote:
"Our articles were written to
encourage Christian parents who share our goal of following Jesus and
trusting His Word. We are not trying to censor your favorite anime. If you
don't share our faith, you may not want to read our information. On the
other hand, if you have committed your life to Jesus Christ and seek to
follow Him, I suggest you also read Answers
to Pokemon mail and Ephesians 5:1-16. "
seems to imply that if you are an anime fan in
any form, then you are not a Christian. If this was your intent,
then I find it very appalling and disturbing [see John 3:16}. If it
was not and I interpreted it wrong, my apologies. In any case, you
may want to reword a little it to avoid any future confusion.
Our response: I wrote the above
comment to clarify to non-Christians that my articles are not an attempt
to criticize, judge or direct them. Nor did I intend to imply that an
anime fan could not be a Christian.
I did say "that the world
view behind the whole anime/manga genre is "pantheistic." But
that's not the same as what you suggest I said: that "all anime is
pantheistic and occult." I wouldn't say that since I have not
seen "all anime." Yet, many of our visitors have defined
"anime" as originating in Japan. The supernatural power
demonstrated in the limited number of anime that I have watched or read
in the "manga" (corresponding comic books) are based on the
historical, pantheistic Shinto-Buddhist world view in Japan. (See Digimon)
It may be cloaked in humanistic explanations, but those doesn't explain
the supernatural features of many anime myths.
I suggested that you read Answers to Pokemon mail
because it takes the discussion out of the realm of "how far can we
push the limits?" to the more important question: "How can
those who love God best follow Him and share in His life?
You argue that some popular anime
stories teach Christian values. It may seem that way, but you
cannot separate Christian values from the Biblical context. When you do
-- when you insert Christian-like choices into the context of a
different belief system -- they are no longer Biblical values. As
Christians, we enjoy God's grace, love and salvation because we choose
to trust and follow Him, not because we do "good deeds."
God tells us repeatedly in His Word that, separated from Him, our good
works (often viewed demonstrations of "Christian"
values) mean little. Trusting in our own human strength
or some mystical supernatural strength doesn't count with God. What does
count is trusting Him to provide His life, love, wisdom and
strength for every challenge we face. If we do, He
will give us His strength in our weakness, His love in place of our
resentments, and His peace in the midst of our storms. He says,
"Come
to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take
My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew
11:28-30)
From Scott
Bowen, Catholic/Avid anime viewer [Age:
17]:
Im trying to present my arguments in an orderly, concise, fair,
and non-offensive mannor. ...
I am both an avid anime fan and a
Christian, which means I hold the same values and value standards as the
next Cristian. My dad is very avid in the church, oftentimes alot more
than the pastor himself. I have heard tapes on many of the top Christian
theologans, includeing R.C. Sproll. I know the Bible very well because I
was essentialy spoon fed it all of my life, from before pre-school to the
present day. I have been in at least 2 religouse classes every year in
school starting in first grade. I have pittifuly and imbaresinly been in
every church made musical play from birth up untill the 5th grade. I have
successfuly debated with myself many times the argument between there
being a Christian God and not a Cristian God (just as a practice, I assure
you).
Berit's response:
Please see my comment at the end of your letter.
Now for the Anime cridentials: I
have watched anime for many years now, and have been presented to the many
different forms of flowing color that the style is. I have seen various
animes ranging from Ninja Scroll to Dragon Ball/Z/Gt to Hello Kitty (yes
thats an anime on Nickleodean). I have written many an essay about the
subject of anime and given many a speach on it as well. I myself am
planning on becomeing an anime artest myself, I have the tallent, drive,
knowledge of the industry as well as the art form. I have 3 websites on
different animes.
I have the uncensored Japanese
versions of Dragon Ball Z from eppisode 118-265 and movie number 7, and
the last 8 eppisodes of Dragon Ball Gt. I have seen every American
eppisode aired on DBZ and know them fluently well. I own Dragon Ball Gt
Finnal Bout in the Japanese form. I have seen every American Gundam Wing
eppisode both the American sensored and uncensored forms. I know many
people also on the inside of the Funimation company personaly, and have
spoken with them many, many times on the subject of sensoring. Rangeing
from their regulations on sensoring, to the debate of no sensoring
altogether. I know many forign exchange students from the country of Japan
and so have a dirrect link to there culture and society as a whole.
I even know a bit of Japanese
myself from watching my Japanese version DBZ tapes (see theres at least
one GAURENTEED benifet you have to agree:) So as you can see I know my
subjects extremely well. I also have a full year of collage freshman
english 2 (the harder one) with a B average in that class, while Im only a
high schooler at the current moment. Now that Ive given any credible
cridentials on myself relating to the issue Im about to address, lets
actualy address the issue shall we...
I believe your sites and many of
your sites readers claims to anime being occultish and anti-Christian is
as far false as the concept of the word false can possibly be taken. Let
me explain. Occultish means something that is essentialy spoken of or
talked about untill it becomes like that of a religion.
[Please take time to check the
dictionary definition of occult and occultism]
Now this deffinintion entitels
exacly what you are doing with this page, you are picking a topic, in this
case anime in general, and continualy talking about it utill it ultimately
runs what time you could be useing to speak to others about God and
thereby become occultish with God in word, like it should be. I also bring
up the point that in many of the letters that you post people are doing
the exact same thing, everyone is makeing the generalization that all
animes are this way. Now let me break this statement down for you. There
are words that are commonly used in the mails posted up those words are,
"every show, every anime, etc." These words are called
generalizations which fall under the catagory of fallicies. The
deffinition of fallicy in the dicionary (that some person made reference
to so highly in one of your letters) says a fallicy is "Incorrectness
of reasoning or belief", and fallacious stating "Tending to
mislead; deceptive."
.... You speak of many times that
the shows of Dragon Ball/Z (not Gt because it has yet to be intruduced
into America) and such things are overly violent, but you neglect the fact
that many, many times the Bible itself speaks mentions of wars for
Christianity or the perservierence of Christianity. Now real life human to
human wars are alot more brutal, violent, bloody, and realistic than that
of any cartoon could ever attempt to accomplish. ...
Also the battles taken in DBZ are
justifiable, if a person was threatening your plannets destruction, you
would fight to prevent that, would you not, well that is the exact same
cenario placed in DBZ.
Ok now to kill two birds with one
stone. For the characters "superhuman and magical (referenceing magic
as a Wicca cult)" powers. And the concept of Ki being a magical
practice. Well these ones will be easily dissproven, so here we go...
First off I will make reference to
a passage in the Bible stateing "But the manifestation of the
Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the
Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the
same Spirit......To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts
of HEALING by the same Spirit; To another the working of
MIRACLES;..." Well
that already dissproves the concept of Ki being a anti-Christain magic
form, but Ill continue on this one as well so as to prove myself even
further. If you learn about what Ki is and what it can do for you, you
ultimately realize that Ki and the Holy Spirit are speaking roughly about
the same thing....
Sorry, but you didn't prove
anything. The Bible also tells us:
"Do not
believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you
know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ
has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not
confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God."
(1 John 4:1-3)
Many people believe that because it
originated from a different religion and a different language that is must
be false or anti-Christian, but many other religions speak of people
having spirits or souls to them, just like Christianity. So when the
concept of Ki is brought up it is basicly the Japanese supliment of Holy
Spirit. Also Ki is only mentioned in the Japanese versions of DBZ (which
is not sold in America), and so Ki should not be an issue....
Also that Bible passage mentioned
above also aplys for the fact that it is technickaly possible for what is
done on DBZ to be done in real life not to mention on TV. This is because
God is the diety that gives everyone there individual tallents and gifts,
correct? Well then God can also regulate the capability of that person so
being able to shoot a blast of energy is very possible, but only with God
backing you up with that power. So if he can do anything, including that,
that means that haveing a person on that show being able to do that kind
of thing is not magic but Gods power controling it. Also you may scoff at
me makeing this point by saying "people couldnt do that, well God can
do anything, therefore that is possible".
You are supporting my argument
that "Christian" anime fans learn to accept a fictional world
which distorts both the real world and their understanding of
God.
Now about that subject of
nudity.... First off you should have no worries about that
altogether because you arent going to see that on Cartoon Network EVER I
gaurentee you. Maybe in tape form... Also seing as how many DBZ
eppisodes I have, I have never heard of a case where there is any type of
frontle nudity... Also I quote the Bible again stateing "the
body is Gods temple" meaning the human body is something of
sophistication and beuty to be admired, not flaunted or humorized about,
which DBZ does not in any way shape or form actualy do.
I again thank you for reading this
long essay of mine supporting my arguments and
dissproveing each of yours, DBZ is not a threat to God or his teachings
in any way shape or form. Good day,
you may get up and streach now.
First, you didn't disprove any of
my arguments. Second, you did prove how a person can grow up in a church
culture and learn very little about God, His Word and His
ways.
Third, since you refer to the
body "as God's temple", let's put that truth into the right
context -- one that clarifies at least one of your earlier
misapplications of Scriptures. God's Word tells us:
"Do not
be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has
righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with
darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a
believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God
with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.'
"Therefore
'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Do not
touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to
you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,' says the Lord
Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Every believer who
have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has become a
"temple" for God's Spirit. But this gift and privilege is no
excuse for public nudity, but rather a call to separate ourselves from
people and practices that encourage contrary beliefs, sexual
promiscuity, etc. While He tells us to reach out to others around
the world with His love and truths, we are not to be part of the world
system that rejects His Word and ways. I know this message isn't exactly
politically correct. That's one of the reasons why Christians
have been despised and persecuted through the ages.
Finally, you have missed the
point of what it means to be a Christian. Your list of credentials might
sound good to those who don't have a personal relationship with God.
But those who have received His Spirit know that His peace,
strength and eternal life came through faith, not by such "good
works" as church attendance or an "avid" father. (See my
note at the end of the previous letter)
May I suggest that you pray that
God help you understand your need for His wisdom, strength, and
goodness. Neither you nor I have the power in ourselves to become a
child of God or to follow the Shepherd. (See beliefs)
But when we confess our sins and trust that Jesus died for us on the
cross, He pours out His love and grace into our lives in ways we can't
even imagine. He frees us from bondage to the cravings of our human
nature and fills us with His wonderful life, strength, hope and joy. May
He draw you to Himself and show you all the wonders of His love!
Click here for current set of Anime Comments
| Home | Armor
of God |
Persecution | His Word
| Articles | Books | Links |
Your Comments