Your responses to Dragon Ball Z

 Dragonball Z

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From Jonathan Yu: I am glad that I perused your article warning about the Dragonball anime series. I am a Bible-believing Christian who uses the King James Bible. I noticed that Dragonball Z depicts the idea that salvation is obtained by human effort and merits as depicted in other cartoons such as Tiny Toon Adventures, whereas the Bible states that we as Christians are saved by the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9, KJB).

The depiction of salvation in Dragonball Z also differs from Titus 3:5 which states,

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5, KJB).

Dragonball Z also showed that a character such as Vegeta can die multiple times whereas the Bible states that man can only die once as mentioned in Hebrews 9:27. I have watched the anime before and it does not depict life after death in agreement with the Bible. There ought to be more Christian reviews like yours on the internet as there are at www.christiananswers.net

Thank you, Jonathan, for your wise observations -- and for clarifying the difference between Christian faith and the beliefs generally taught through anime. I hope many will see your note and be encouraged.

From Becca N: I'm not sure if this is where i can do this but i am commenting on the anime/dragonball z postings. im not a christain and i hate religion but i love g-d. I also love anime. i know that probably wouldnt make since me hating religion but loving g-d but i dont wanna get into that. my fav anime is DBZ, ive watched since i can remember. not for once while watching it did i think or feel evil from it. i took it for what is was, a made up world of good verus evil.

besides, talking about not letting children see such evil things, there are tons of things in the bible i wouldnt let my children read becasue its too adult orianted. Like the whole Lot story...with him trying to give his daughters to the mob insead of them trying to get (or in some translations rape) the two angels. Then later after all of that the daughters getting their father drunk and having sex with him. lol you would never hear that in sunday school!

No, you wouldn't hear that story in Sunday school, Becca, but parents ought to read it. It shows that our wonderful, sovereign God has moral standards that are far greater than we can imagine. He knows what is best for us! That's why He shows us the consequences of doing the bad things He warns us not to do.

There are many examples of people doing what they feel like doing -- such as deadly sexual encounters that lead to sickness, jealousy, hatred and murder. God doesn't hide the foolish things people do, because He wants to show us that our human ways (which often seem right to us) lead to horrible ends. Then He shows us a better way: how to live together in His peace, protection and love.

By the way, people quickly get used to bad things. Then they don't feel badly about evil. Instead, it excites them.

You won't feel evil when you watch evil, if those are the values you have learned to live with. In fact, you probably feel far more badly when you read my articles. They make you feel uncomfortable, because you don't like to hear advice that might suggest that you change your ways or stop watching the evil that you love.

Here are some Bible verses that you may not like, but they may be helpful to others:

"You love evil more than good...." Psalm 52:3

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.... Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" Isaiah 5:20-21

"Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." Romans 12:9

 

"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?  No! They were not at all ashamed;  nor did they know how to blush." Jeremiah 6:13-15

"The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men." Psalm 12:8

From Simon Regan:   Dragonball Z: As previously mentioned on several comments, this anime contains the following objectionable elements: The use of 'chi' ('ki' in Japanese) or life energy to produce physical effects. This energy is often 'channeled' from the hands or eyes in a similar way to the New Age 'reiki' technique. Although there is some Scriptural warrant for the hands being symbolically used for the reception of the spirit of wisdom (in the Old Testament - Deut 34:9) or the Holy Ghost (in the New - Mark 16:18, 1 Tim. 4:14), the 'chi' in this anime is depicted as something that comes from within the person, not a gift of God (and even then, would it not be promoting the heterodox idea that god-sent signs and wonders of the miraculous type are still occurring today?).

The problem is not so much that 'super natural' abilities are being presented as that they are being named after concepts from pre-existing pagan religions (such as Shinto, Reiki, and Buddhism). The suggestion that we might be able to do such things today makes the viewer more open to 'experimenting' with the corresponding New Age techniques in the future.

DBZ depicts an 'afterlife' that does not match the Bible. Instead, it seems to be an ecumenical combination of Catholic, Buddhist, and original ideas. In this anime, 'evil' people are sent to a 'hell', but 'good' people are 'reincarnated', or allowed to return to Earth if their living relatives perform certain rituals. In the manga and animated films, we are told that 'evil' people are gradually 'cleansed' (an endorsement of purgatory?) in a 'cosmic washing machine'. Again, the problem is not that DBZ depicts death, but that it confuses Biblical truth with pagan ideas and ideas of human invention. This obviously has the potential to erode good doctrine, as the hints of Judeo-Christian truth serves only to make the lies more convincing (if it portrayed an entirely fictional system it would actually be less objectionable because people would be able to recognize that it was untrue and ignore it).

DBZ also contains a great deal of focus on aliens, monsters, and other demonic-looking creatures. Often, these are blatantly confused with demons, which makes it all the more dangerous when these characters are 'redeemed' and join the 'good' team. Whilst this is less of a problem than the previous two, it should still be unacceptable to Christians.
 
There are also direct references to 'magic', and magic ritual. Several times dead heroes are returned to life through the use of the 'dragonballs', which summon a dragon which grants wishes. Whilst dragons are viewed as being lucky and morally noble in the Shinto religion, in the Bible they are only used to represent Satan. Although the means by which the dead are 'raised' in DBZ is different from the sorcery forbidden in the Old Testament (since they are 'quickened' or 'brought to life' rather than summoned as spirits which are actually demons), it still contradicts the Biblical idea that only God can resurrect people from the dead. [Continues at Gundam Wing, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Anime]

Thank you, Simon, for sharing this information. My main question has to do with the depiction of the 'chi' in this anime as something that comes from
within the person. I have found that in holistic health and in various other New Age teaching this energy or "force" may come from within the person -- but through his or her connection to some kind of universal or pantheistic force.

Second letter from Simon: As far as I can tell, the 'chi' is not depicted as a connection to the universal power but rather is depicted as an 'innate potential' which is realized or developed by human effort rather than being properly credited to God (or indeed any other supernatural force).

This, in my opinion, is what makes the suggestions it conveys so dangerous - in DBZ, ANYONE is supposed to be able to gain these 'powers' with suitable training. In contrast, the Bible teaches that all good and perfect gifts come from God, not the effort of man (James 1:17), and not everyone receives these gifts (1 Corinthians 29-30).

This is very similar to the New Age/Buddhist idea that anyone can become 'enlightened', by which they often mean 'to gain spiritual power' (in a similar way to the 'powers' depicted in Dragonball Z) rather than the Biblical definition of 'gaining spiritual knowledge' (e.g. Ephesians 1:18, Hebrews 6:4).

There seems to be a modern trend to depict supernatural powers or abilities, and to depict them not as 'special cases' (Superman, Spiderman, etc.) but as something anyone can aspire to do or possess. Perhaps a clearer rendition of the paragraph in question would be as follows:

"The 'chi' in this anime is depicted as a force or power that comes from within the person and is developed by human effort. In contrast, Christianity teaches that all spiritual gifts come from God (James 1:17)".

From Joe Carroll:  Last night, I was watching a Dragon Ball Z DVD (Vol. 76) that I had rented from Blockbuster. And during the short animation sequence that  bookends where the commercial break would have gone, I had to do a  double take. Gohan and Videl drive across the screen in a car and  then Gohan's little brother (Goten) surprises them by lifting the car  by its back bumper. The double take was for the 666 on the side of  the car.
 
Today, I decided to try and look up why Akira Toriyama would do that.  And my search brought me to your website. Your website did not answer  my question, but I noticed the comments about the car. Although I cannot vouch for whether Mr. Satan's name appeared on the side of the car (I did not notice and I have already returned the DVD) or whether the picture on your site is fan art or official. I can vouch that the 666 comes straight from the anime.
 
And on a side note: In general, I think it is not so much avoiding the material as much as it is the importance of explaining to our
children the difference between what they are being presented and biblical truth. Because then they will be prepared when we are not
with them. (I hope that makes sense.)

Anonymous:  I was very appalled at your reponse to a dbz coomment you said that other relgions would become "normal and as acceptable as christanity. THEY ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These relgions are not salvery or cruel torture. These relgions have their own views and I for one think it is good we are getting an insight into their culture via this shows/game!

I so appreciate the fact that our U.S. Constitution promises each of us the freedom to speak what we believe. Don't you?

From "Gotenks": Wow. No matter how many people tell you the same thing, you remain as thick- skulled as you ever were. The following points have been stated and restated on your forums and each time you try and deflect these lucid, valid points with an asinine statement about how 'we are blinded by the satanism of anime' (notice NO QUOTATION MARKS) and then you wait for another post that you can not listen to.

-That picture that you show with the car, gohan, and videl, is not a screenshot from the anime and is, in fact fan art. Ergo, it does not reflect the morality or christianity of the cartoon. For example, Let's say I draw a picture of steve from blue's clues conjouring up a demon(not that I would) .
Does that make blue's clues evil?

-The anime and manga are just that. Cartoons. Fictional stories, that, by the way, Have CONSTANT themes of good overcoming evil. The ki/energy is just a creative and quite unique way of showing strength and fighting. It is not from the devil or anything like that, it comes from within themselves. The fact that ki means spirit coupled with the fact that it does come from within is just a statement which says that we all have spirits, or SOULS ( and I bet you won't say that the beleif in souls is against christiainity) inside ourselves that we can use to fight evil
-No one is worshipping any characters from the show.

And this point is from myself and the other posters would probably agree.

You create this forum with a holier-than-thou attitude from the start.

You offend people more than dragonball z/ gt ever could. You poke holes in political correctness. I can't beleive how discriminatory you are. Political correctness is just the elimination of stereotypes and discrimination, so, if you are against political correctness then are you for sexism and racism?
Are you also a gay basher? Do you have a kkk robe under that preist gown of yours? You are spreading the truly ignorant beleif that all religions other than christianity are evil. And finally you are so ignorant to say than wicca is evil. Wiccans worshop the earth not satan. They do not even beleive in the existance of satan.

P.s. Please respond to my email address or post it on your site. { I'm a CHRISTIAN TOO. YOU ARE NOBODY TO SAY THAT I AM NOT!}

I don't judge whether a person belongs to Jesus Christ or not, Gotenks. Only God can truly know your heart and judge your thoughts, intentions and love for Him.

Neither do I contradict your explanation about the car shown at Dragon Ball Z. I have left the picture there so that people who read all the comments about it won't be confused. But keep in mind, most anime pop art is inspired by the messages transmitted by the various anime themes. Such art tells us what people are learning or imagining because of what they see and hear. The car is probably a personal expression of the Dragonball message. Does that make sense?

Anime and other forms of story-telling and myth-making plant images and suggestions in the minds of their fans. Educational researcher know that well. That's why they revise history and use controversial stories in new curriculum. Then, when students imagine the themes and actions in these stories (which usually clash with traditional values) they feel confused (cognitive dissonance) and try to justify thoughts and actions that used to seem wrong. In other words, today's exciting fiction has been found to be more effective in changing a person's values than actual reality.

The current social shift is from Christian beliefs and values to global and amoral beliefs and values. You may think that is good, Gotenks, but history shows the social corruption and rising violence that follows such a shift.

Please read Movie Magic and Unconscious Learning and The Power of Suggestion. They will help clarify what I am saying.

From Daniel: The abilities used is "spirit energy" which everyone in this living planet has. even you and me. These characters has just learned to hone the spiritual energy in their bodies to to be able to defend all innocent lives; without getting any credit from the public.

The main character, Goku at one point, sacrifices his life for his son to have a happy life with his family and friends. WOuldnt this be such a noble sacrifice?

Remember, people are dealing with one of two realms or domains: that which belongs to God or that which is directed by Satan. The latter ruler has been delegated a certain amount of freedom in the world -- for this period of time. [See The Nature and Tactics of Satan]

God tells us in John 5:19 that "The whole world is under the sway of the evil one." It's true that Satan does offer his gullible servants around the world a certain amount of "spiritual energy" to be used for his anti-Christian purposes. But those who accept his deceptive favors -- which sound good but are merely an imitation of God's good] will regret it for all eternity.

The following Bible passage was written to those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ:

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
      "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace.... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:1-10

From Steve: Hi I am a DBZ fan, and I have no problem what so ever with you trying to expose it. I'm a very devoted Christian. No matter how much I like the thing people expose I ALWAYS try to get away from it.

I'm sorry that those DBZ fans (more like DBZ worshipers) are saying all of these rude comments. It just tells me that they say that "it's just fiction it's not real" phrase because they love DBZ more than GOD.

In my opinion if you love GOD you WILL change for him no matter how much you like a certain thing! And they need to understand that.

I also understand that someone said that the picture you put on (the one where Gohan and Videl are in a car with a surf board) is fan art.

Well I can understand someone who hasn’t watched the anime could make that mistake. There is one thing he didn’t tell you: That the name on the car "Mr. Satan" that IS a TRUE name in the cartoon. I don’t know about the 666 but the name is DEFINITELY real.

Also the name Videl if you rearrange the letters you get "Devil"!!

Well that’s all I had to say bye!

Thank you, Steve, for sharing this information. I so appreciate your willingness to follow God rather than popular culture!

From "Gotenks:"  Wow. No matter how many people tell you the same thing, you remain as thick- skulled as you ever were. The following points have been stated and restated on your forums and each time you try and deflect these lucid, valid points with an asinine statement about how 'we are blinded by the satanism of anime' (notice NO QUOTATION MARKS) and then you wait for another post that you can not listen to.

I am not sure I understand our point. You included quotation marks here, Gotenks. I have never used that phrase in any of my writings. I rarely use the word satanism -- unless we are dealing with specifically with the kind of religious system actually referred to as "Satanism" by those who embrace it and who maintain websites devoted to that specific spiritual title.

I'm a CHRISTIAN TOO. YOU ARE NOBODY TO SAY THAT I AM NOT!

-That picture that you show with the car, gohan, and videl, is not a screenshot from the anime and is, in fact fan art. Ergo, it does not reflect the morality or christianity of the cartoon. For example, Let's say I draw a picture of steve from blue's clues conjouring up a demon(not that I would). Does that make blue's clues evil?

-The anime and manga are just that. Cartoons. Fictional stories, that, by the way, Have CONSTANT themes of good overcoming evil. The ki/energy is just a creative and quite unique way of showing strength and fighting. It is not from the devil or anything like that, it comes from within themselves. The fact that ki means spirit coupled with the fact that it does come from within is just a statement which says that we all have spirits, or SOULS ( and I bet you won't say that the beleif in souls is against christiainity) inside ourselves that we can use to fight evil

-No one is worshipping any characters from the show. And this point is from myself and the other posters would probably agree.

You create this forum with a holier-than-thou attitude from the start. You offend people more than dragonball z/ gt ever could. You poke holes in political correctness. I can't beleive how discriminatory you are. Political correctness is just the elimination of stereotypes and discrimination, so, if you are against political correctness then are you for sexism and racism?

Are you also a gay basher? Do you have a kkk robe under that preist gown of yours? You are spreading the truly ignorant beleif that all religions other than christianity are evil. And finally you are so ignorant to say than wicca is evil. Wiccans worshop the earth not satan. They do not even beleive in the existance of satan.

I never said they did, Gotenks. But God has this to say about witchcraft and the various occult forces, rituals or powers that you say come "from within themselves:"

"There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer [see Crystal Ball in Symbols] or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12

"Also he caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger." 2 Chronicles 33:6

"But these two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness because of the multitude of your sorceries, for the great abundance of your enchantments." Isaiah 47:9

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king." 1 Samuel 15:23

"For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you." Deuteronomy 18:14

"Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver." Acts 19:19

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21

"And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts." Revelation 9:21

From John: I've been a christian for quite some years now and I must say I find what you guys said about DBZ being evil rather hillarious. The fact that you take any little mistake in Dragon Ball Z and claim it evil for that. Of course it's not perfect. Sesame Street, Mr. Rodgers, endless childrens' shows and movies are filled with it. You know why? Because we're not perfect. Nor you and I are, not since Adam and Eve has the world been perfect. So why must you insist that it is? Because of violence? Language? To tell you the truth, it's sommething called reality, we all live in reality wheather we like it or not. Reality is sin. Must we make ourselves perfect? No one is... surely you would know that.

Yes, sin is part of reality. But those who have been "born again" by the Holy Spirit (through faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ on the cross), have been set free from that old sin nature. God has filled us with His righteous life and promises to enable us to walk with Him and share in His holy life.

But we have to make some daily choices. We can either yield to our lusts and give our hearts to the all the occult thrills marketed through today's popular entertainment -- or we can choose to turn away (that's repentance) from all the things that God hates and just follow Him. If we choose the latter, God will set us free from all those common obsessions and unhealthy cravings. See Three kinds of temptation and Rom 6:6-14 and Deut 18:9-12

And the fact that you find it it sinful is rather funny as well. if you are to say something as general as this is sinful is funny. May as well say to keep our kids away from humans, because we too sin. Oh, and just because a man of a different religion made the show automatically makes it sin? That dosn't mean that by watching a a show made by a man who is muslim or hindu automatically make US followers of that religion.

No, but it gradually makes other religions seem as "normal" and "acceptable" as Christianity.

The story is Good V.S. Evil. How can you say it is wrong? It's (as I said) reality.

Yes, but God makes it clear throughout the Bible that we must learn to see reality from His, not from the world's perspective. Remember, the true reality is that God is the sovereign King of the universe whether you believe that or not. He will judge all people! He will bring some to Himself and condemn others to a very painful hell. The latter includes all those who refuse His gift of eternal life and rebel against His ways and Word. Therefore, the most loving thing I can do is to warn other and point them to God's ways  -- not to keep silent and watch them blindly follow a contrary path.

Saying a formula prayer does not guarantee salvation. Many pray those words without any real understanding of God's hatred for sin and our own need for repentance (turning from them to God). Few understand the love that caused Jesus Christ to lay down His life for us.

God reminds us repeatedly that if we are born again, our renewed hearts will love His Word, long to follow Him and choose to walk in His ways. If our lives don't demonstrate that longing -- nor His life in us -- we would be wise to question whether we actually have been regenerated (transformed by His Spirit). See What it means to be a Christian

Good has always been against evil ever since God casted Satan down in hell. If a show is dedicated in showing a program where Good is against evil, and the storyline is towards good, how can you say that it's sin? I mean the fact that you call a childrens show evil is quite frankly absurd. I mean you seem to rave that it's so real and that it's poisoning our minds; despite the fact that even 9 year old boy know the difference between reality and fantasy. It seems you don't, seeing how serious you guys are taking A CARTOON SHOW!!!

John, entertainment and drama in all cultures -- no matter how pagan or occult -- will usually show the battle between that culture's view of good versus evil. "Good" versus evil is the common tension used everywhere to make fantasy exciting. But that doesn't make it good in God's eyes.

The key is whether the "good" is acutally good from God's perspective. Dragonball doesn't fit. Nor do other popular anime. They all pits "good" occult powers against "bad" occult powers. In God's eyes, both are evil.

As I said I have been a christian for many years and I have accepted Him into my heart. But seeing this is quite frankly sickening... that you "christians" of all people would find a show so offensive. DBZ is something I watch for my pleasure because I find it interesting. Don't you think people know what "made up means"? I apologize but this is very sad to see a fellow christian(s) act so immaturely. If you don't like the show don't watch it. Simple as that.

Oh and by the way....

"That picture should not be taken seriously. That picture is probably a production of FANWORK, not linked to the OFFICIAL DBZ in any way, shape or form. In Japan, copyrights mean NOTHING. It took me a good look at that picture to REALIZE it was from fans. First thing, Goku, the driver, would not have a Driver's License that early. It shouldn't even SAY Dragonball Z on there. Dragonball should be on there, it's right after or before Goku's marriage. When DBZ comes around, Goku, the guy, and Chi Chi, his wife, should be married, have a son, and look much older that that."

If you people would actually listen to the show that you so ignoratley think is evil then you should know that in that picture Gohan is the driver. Yes it is Adult Gohan. And behind him is Videl, not Goku and Chi-Chi. No, DragonBall should NOT be written there... because that pic takes place in DBZ. ALSO... Gohan HAD his drivers liscence at the time. So as far as I'm concerned... it should be taken seriously.

Please... it's rather hillarious that someone who insists that DBZ was evil would at least know something like that. If you don't know that, then how are we supposed to know that you have thoroughly watched DBZ and made a constructive opinion... I think not.

From Carly C: I am a HUGE DB/Z/GT fan, my room is full of posters and pictures of DBZ and I have tons of videos of the show, also I am 15 and a female (but that’s probably not important, but it might be). I don’t want to fight but I would like to express my views such as you have yours. I would like to touch on a few points.

1: Kami-god/protector of earth. What's with him right? Well the deal is that Kami or the god of earth mostly just watches over it. In fact (I believe) the people of earth don’t even KNOW that Kami exists! The only people that know is the Z warriors and their families.

2: DBZ Afterlife-The DBZ after life is (I think) some what like the christian one. There is a Heaven and Hell. A man named King Yama decides if a person has been good or bad during their life. If they are good, they are sent to basically Heaven. But if the are bad the are sent to HFIL which in the English version is: Home For Infinite Losers, or in the Japanese version its: Hell For Infinite Losers.

Carly, eternity with Jesus Christ (as shown in the Bible) is nothing like the DBZ afterlife. Yet, DBZ fans like you tend to blend the two. The result is that the Christian view of eternal life is distorted by the new anime view -- even though it is just "fantasy."

The fact that you are "a HUGE DB/Z/GT fan" and your "room is full of posters and pictures of DBZ" and you "have tons of videos of the show" all tell me that the DBZ -- in our mind -- has taken on a life of its own. It has become far more than "just a fantasy." It is molding your mind and building your worldview. It is teaching you values that may well keep you from ever understanding or accepting God's view of reality.

3: My Personal Opinion: Ok this is my personal opinion of DBZ. I personally don’t believe that it is "evil" or "anti-chistian". I think it is a great way to let your imagination take you away and that it’s a great way to just well let the real world go. I personally write fanfiction (its stories based on movies/cartoons/books/anime etc.

I also write DBZ fanfiction. now I wont go into detail about my writings but I believe it is a good way also to let go. And I think, I'm not telling you, but I think maybe you should sit down and watch some of the episodes to fully understand why so many people (like me *smiles*) like it! It really is a great show and you don’t even have to get really involved in it to like it....well I think I'm done and I hope you put my letter on your website.

From SSJ138:  I read your site and I have to say that such content makes my decision to turn from the christian path all the easier. I am not criticizing you, and I'm not about to call the lot of you "ignorant," for you are not. You are simply well-versed in the knowledge you have chosen to study.

I have been a very big fan of DB/DBZ for a long time now, and surprisingly enough, I got into it when I was staying at my aunt's house for a week while I taught vacation bible school in her home town. I used to dislike it immensely; it was something about the animation style that turned me off at first. Then, I sat down and watched an episode, and I couldn't stop. It was great. I loved the characters, and there are many of them that I actually relate to. I agree whole-heartedly with the other DBZ fans here that have said that Dragonball is not for small children, and I wouldn't allow my aunt's little daughters to watch the show while I taped it at their house. I turned off the TV and we went outside for an hour or so.

Yes, there are many aspects of DB/DBZ/DBGT that embody a more "occult" or "unchristian" feel. Of course. It comes from an unchristian (note that I didn't say ANTI-christian...) culture. The christian god gave his creations the ability to choose for themselves, and every aspect of those creations to whom he gave intelligence turned away from him. His own angels, his own beloved humans, CHOSE to disobey him, by the very will he gave to them. What does this say about God?

Your summary leaves out much of what really happened and shows a very human view of the God who cannot be defined or explained apart from His Word and Spirit. Even so, it says that,  

  • God didn't want to make us mindless puppets
  • He allowed us to see what we (and the world) are like apart from Him, so that we would all the more delight in the hope, freedom and abundant, eternal life we have in Christ.
  • His patience and mercy toward those who turn to Him far exceeds our understanding.
  • His judgment on those who continue in rebellion and refuse to acknowledge His answers and provision for all our needs is justified.

Also, the christian ideals of sinning and redemption seem to me (and I have spent my entire life in a christian home, and spent years in catechism classes) a great cosmic game of cat and mouse. ... It would seem that belief in Christ's sacrifice is not enough ON IT'S OWN to ensure you victory. A person who believes in Christ's sacrifice for all of humanity and yet still disobeys God is STILL damned.

Please read Romans 6, 7 and 8. It gives a clearer picture of saving faith and the wonders of all that Jesus Christ accomplished on our behalf than I could write in a short summary.

Remember, it's by His Spirit that He draws us to Himself and opens our "eyes" to His truth. And it's by His Spirit that He enables us to understand His Word, believe in His atonement for sin, and follow His way. When we trust in His work on the cross and receive His new life, He will be both Strength in the midst of weakness and Peace no matter how stormy our circumstances. But this saving faith that makes us one with Jesus also involves choosing to let go of the addictive activities that pull our hearts and minds away from Him. See Matthew 6:13.

Why would God, who loves us so much, who is omnipotent, ALL KNOWING, with a full understanding of the Past, Present, and All Things, create Lucifer in the first place, knowing that the Morning Star would rise against his laws and take every single one of his beloved humans with him? "Yes, I love you so much. I have conquered over this devil that I myself created, knowing full well that he would drag you into a hell that I CREATED, so that you can be with me always in a pure and perfect paradise that I CREATED...." Blah. Blah.

"The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of evil."  Proverbs 16:4

If that seems confusing, please go to America's Spiritual Slide and read the last section. Pray that God help you to understand why He allows evil, and how He uses the dark places to draw us back to Himself and His light (not to a mystical New Age light, but the light of His Word which enables us to see and follow His way.).

With all that said, on to my DB/DBZ purpose. God gave us freewill that he intended us to use. Free will to choose what we want to watch, what we want to say, and what we want to do and create of our own accord. I realize you are only trying to educate parents to the "dangers" of DBZ, LotR, Harry Potter, Pokémon, etc., and that some of those worries are warrented. Yes... In Dragonball Z, the characters suffer dismemberment, death by liquification (in a round about way...you have to know the Buu saga...), and even such cruel maladies as holes blasted through their chests, or their entire heads reduced to ashes. Some of the characters are hardly role models, like Vegeta (at least in the beginning...). He is astonishingly cruel and wicked, a proud Saiyan Prince who killed his own henchman (Nappa, who's name is, by the way, a pun on the lettuce of the same name) when he failed to defeat Goku. Yes, even in the edited FUNimation versions this happens. These are hardly qualities any half-assed parent would want to instill in their children.

However, when you reach out and try to demonize DB/DBZ/DBGT, you will only serve to get a HUGE demographic of fans angry at you, a demographic who will say almost anything, including attempts at biblical parallels, to defend their beloved animé.

So, should I compromise my beliefs to please them? Or conform my writing to their wants and demands? No way!  I don't mind their anger and criticisms.  That's just part of the normal Christian life. See John 15:20-21. 

After all, Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets." Luke 6:26.

I myself was almost one of them. I love DBZ more than any show/art form on the planet, and I plan on getting inked with a couple of DBZ characters this week, encasing them and their qualities forever in my own flawed, free-will driven human flesh. I will even go as far as to say that the entire DB/DBZ system of gods/deities/guardians/OtherWorlds makes more sense to me as a person than christianity.

God's ways don't make sense until He enables a person to understand. He tells us,

“'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'

"But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God." 1 Co 2:9-12

I will end here with a few more comments. I urge any parent who may be concerned to sit down and watch DB/DBZ with their kids. Right now, on Cartoon Network, DBZ is involved in the Buu saga, one of the DBZ eras which focuses quite a bit on the OtherWorld/warriors-returning-from-the-dead/Ki energy/Fusion magic/etc. thing.

I suggest that if parents want to check the program, they should do so prayerfully, without their children, then seek God's will in this matter.  I don't believe He would agree with you. See what He tells us about parental responsibilities in Proverbs 22:6 and Deut 6:6-7.

I will try to finish your letter later.

From Otaku7: Sir, you are greatly misinformed! The creator of Dragonball and Dragonball Z, the works you claim to be 'anti-christian', did another work: a video game called Chrono Trigger. After reading some of the biblical names in it, I began to think it might have some biblical symbolism in it, and looked into my suspicions.

I was right. The storyline symbolically follows Jesus's lives step-by-step. How could a "demonic" manga-ka help to create a story with Jesus as the hero?

Easily. They just distort the nature of Jesus and present Him as just another super being. There are all kinds of such counterfeit gods being imagined and communicated these days -- just as the Bible told us long ago. See Matthew 24:24

YU-GI-OH. Allow me to quote you from a Dragonball Z response of yours: You must know as well as I do that it is perception, more than fact or history, that builds our understanding of the world.

Now to what you said about Yu-Gi-Oh: Naturally, Yugi fans believe that their hero teaches good, not evil, beliefs and values. Are they right? It seems, sir, that you are a hypocrite. In the former message, you stated that perception is more important than fact, while in the latter, you stated that fact is more important than a fan's perception. WHICH IS IT?

Your perception distorted the facts (my actual message), Otaku. Thus you helped prove my point. Read my statement again: "it is perception, more than fact or history, that builds our understanding of the world." 

Notice that I didn't say that perception was more important. I said "perception... build's our understanding" or world view. That includes beliefs and values. Thus, when history books distort history and offer students a twisted view of the past, the students will perceive that distortion as reality in their minds and imagination.

Another example: a few years ago, a TV network news program showed a fake car accident but presented it as a true illustration of a news story. Viewers perceived the phony film clip as fact, but their perception was faulty. Perception, like the imagination, can easily be manipulated by myths and lies. But facts enables us to take a stand and deal with actual reality. So facts are far more important. 

But in a world where people generally ignore facts that don't agree with their feelings, people build their world view on their own preferred perceptions rather than the actual facts. So, unlike facts, perception can be a very deceptive guide.

From Darryl R.:  I used to be a big fan of DBZ until I became aware of the evil occult. When I first started to learn about the evil occult I wanted to make sure DBZ had nothing to do with it. That's when I found your site and read about how bad DBZ was, and that's why I don't watch it any more. I didn't want to believe it, but I could not stand to watch the show any more.

But now that I did a little research on the occult I now know that DBZ is very much into the occult. This is all the forms of occultism I have found within DBZ. Telepathy, Witchcraft, Spiritism, Physic Powers, levitation, raising of the dead, auras, etc.

KI means spirit in Japan (SPIRITISM). In the English version on TV energy is used, but in the Japanese versions it is KI. The Super Saiya-Jins always have auras which is clearly of the occult.

A number of times in DBZ they brought people back after being killed. (RAISING OF THE DEAD). In the Buu Saga there is a WIZARD who controls Majin Buu!!!

Here is what the Bible says about occultism and wizardry: "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from
before thee." Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Thank you, Darryl. I am sure your discernment will help and encourage others.

From Dan Schelp:  Hi, I hope this is the right place to send a comment on Dragonball Z...I'm a missionary for the Lutheran Church in Kyrgyzstan, a small country in Central Asia. I've been looking for several months for a web page talking about the relationship of Christianity to Dragonball Z. I was disappointed to finally find your website and then discover that it advises parents to keep their children away from Dragonball Z because of references to magic, demons, etc. Let me tell you my story....

About the same time I became a fan of the anime Dragonball Z I started thinking seriously about going on this mission. I was especially attracted to the conflict between pride and honor (as represented by the character Vegeta) and love and duty (as represented by the hero Goku). It was especially meaningful to me because of my own conflict regarding the reasons I would go on this mission; whether it was for my own pride and glory, or whether I was really doing it out of a love for God and his people. It would be overstating it to say that Dragonball Z caused me to take this mission, but it did help me in making this decision.

I'm also surprised that no one before now (to the best of my knowledge) has commented on the parallels between Dragonball and Jesus Christ:

Now I am certainly not implying that Akira Toriyama wrote Dragonball with Jesus in mind, but the number of parallels cannot be ignored. The pure number of these similarities rivals those of both the movie The Matrix and C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, both of which were written to intentionally parallel the story of Jesus.

Dan, have you every considered all the parallels between a genuine dollar bill and a counterfeit dollar bill? Same letters, similar paper, same size and color....  Keep in mind, similarities only make the counterfeits all the more seductive and deceptive to the undiscerning mind -- or to those who want to believe in the authenticity of the imitation.

Since you represent Jesus Christ and His Church to the people in your mission field, I pray that you will seriously consider the warnings against any involvement in occult entertainment -- which includes the blend of Shintoism and Buddhism suggested in most forms of anime. Dragonball Z is no exception. Please see Deuteronomy 18:9-12, Romans 12:2, 9 and Colossians 2:8

You can't put a pretty mask on paganism and endorse it as a model for Christianity.

Remember God's warnings to those who lead His children astray -- or rather, into activities that His Word tells us to shun. That would include any form of occultism. See Mark 9:42 and Ephesians 5:2-17

But I also have another bone to pick...in the course of my dealings with fellow missionaries I constantly run into similar criticism of the Harry Potter books, The Lord of the Rings, etc; i.e., they deal in witchcraft and demonology. However, these same people hold up their beloved Chronicles of Narnia as a Christian and praiseworthy text. However, there are many instances of sorcery, magic, mythical creatures and animism to be found. And, if you defend the work by making the argument that the magic is used just for the benefit of evil people, then explain the wizard who ruled over the Puddleglums and who helped Lucy(?) (where's my copy of Prince Caspian when I need it?) use magic to turn them visible again. If we used the same razor sharp criteria to pick apart Narnia as we do to critique Dragonball, I think it would suffer the same fate (come on, Mr. Satan? It's a phonetic spelling of the Japanese character's name, and is edited out of the American tv show).

This is what I think...these books are fantasy, and fantasy is not in itself evil. Fantasy fuels imagination, and imagination helps us consider the truly staggering concepts of good and (yes) evil. I think Jesus asked us constantly to use our imagination when he spoke to us in his parables. Any way, I like Dragonball Z and I find value in it, and one of our Pastors here can't get enough of it and waits patiently for my monthly shipments from home to find out what happened next to Goku and gang....

When you use your imagination to enjoy and virtually experience what God calls evil (sorcery, spells, magic and witchcraft), you disobey God and reject His armor of protection. Please see Genesis 8:21 and The Armor of God

Anomymous: To those who have ears, let them hear...  You whitewashed walls!  You look to the outside, and judge the physical, and are blinded to the spirit!  God judges the inside, not the outside!  Wake up!  Wipe the mud from your eyes and see!  God will take you to the place you need to be!  Submit!

From Matt: um - that car with the no. 666 on it - im pretty sure that must be fan art (in which case it has no relevance [spelling?] to your argument at all) because on the tv programme, the no. on the car is 68. and it does not have Mr. satan writen on it. (which, is a parody, as the others have said)

i think i understand where your'e coming from in wanting to protect kids from being badly effected by this sort of thing (and many others etc) but the fact of the matter is that we live in a world where this stuff is alll around us, and we can't shelter kids for ever, we need to teach them that alot of the stuff they will encounter during their lives is going to be dodgy, and help them to descern for themselves what is wrong / right (and how do deal with it). we should be using this as an opportunity to teach them stuff about the character of God etc........ 

what about "friends"? that show (besides not actually being funny) is dodgy man! i don't watch it much (becuase it's not funny) but i've heard theres alot of inuendo in it...... that's just as bad isn't it? (of course it is!)
the reason i watch the show is simple (its 'the reason why everyone else who watches it does) its' a good show! it's very good. nice drawing, interesting plot (intelegent [spelling?] plot, dare i say!), characters that are (as much as can be expected from a fantacy show) real.

Please read Harry Potter and the Power of Suggestion, Matt. It shows some important reasons not to be seduced into all kinds of mind-changing entertainment. It's not enough to discern what is right or wrong (which depends on knowing God's heart and standards based on His revelation in the Bible.)    

how about a christan alternative? (that isnt cheesy mind you! - that's better than anything the world can come up with)

I'm working on that, Matt. But it takes time to check all the suggestions we receive. See Fun for the family

when paul (the apostle) went to rome, i think it was, (i could be wrong) he said to them "i see that you are highly religious" (paraphrase from memory). he didn't say "you guyes are dumbasses, you're all believing all this evil stuff, you deserve to burn!" no, he COMPLIMENTED them! :D:D:D. he then used the fact that they had an alter to "the unknown god" to link it back to talking about the god who has made himself known. that's what we should do. instead of complaining about how dodgy all this stuff is, we should be using it to point out that there is indeed a spiritual realm, and that it is VERY real, but we have a Dad who loves us and protects us and sent his son to die for us etc...... it would be a good witness wouldn't it? (of course it would!)

I believe you are referring to this passage, Matt:

"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things." Acts 17:22-25

Paul's comment was probably more an expression of understanding than a compliment. In any case, you make a good point. We need to understand where someone is coming from before they will listen to our message about Christ. But there is a big difference between a Christian who lovingly shares God's truth with an unbeliever because he cares about the person's soul and the person who seeks occult entertainment because he likes the excitement of spiritual power and mythical battles. See 2 Timothy 4:3-4

From YODA-SAMA: You are, I assume, aware that Dragonball Z was not meant for children, especially American children. And the horrible dub that FUNimation presents to them is as tame and lame as can be in comparison to the original version.

Most anime is not for kids, and I get a sickening feeling every time an ankle-biter wanders into the domain of my favorite hobby. I would hope and expect parents to make sure that animated shows are actually good for young viewers (instead of assuming so based on it being animated), just like they should with a television show made in America. Most prime-time shows and day-time dramas are 1000 times worse for people to watch.

Even if that was true, Yoda-Sama, such an argument based on relative values doesn't prove your point. The reality of dark, deadly overt occultism doesn't make a little bit occultism good. It only makes it more deceptive because it seems "good" compared to something worse.

And, Yoda-Sama if you contrary views gives you "a sickening feeling", don't visit Christian sites like mine which are so intolearable to you. Keep in mind, I have a different standard for what is good and evil than you do, and I don't expect you to agree with me. In fact, you won't even understand my values if you don't know my wonderful God.

Remember, I'm trying to communicate with those who do share my values. I am not trying to conform your views to mine. Please allow me the same freedom.

Putting the "spiritual" side of DBZ aside, it IS based on good values. The desire of the characters for peace over war, showing mercy to those that have done wrong to you, and on top of most things... hope and trust in others during trying times. That is not why I personally watch it though; I do so because of the dynamic characters. :)

Some things just aren't meant for some audiences, and I feel that you are unjustly singling out, and being rather harsh toward, one of my favorite shows ever (japanese version ONLY). Another thing, most of the animes that you use as examples are among the worst and least respected animes in all creation. Worse yet, I believe that you are basing most ideas off of the english versions of such shows, which are the most mind numbing things you could ever watch.

You are right, Yoda-Sama. I can only base my observations on the English version. I have never seen any other. Nor have most of the families that ask for my evaluations.

I may be wrong, but it seems logical to suppose that more children around the world actually watch the English versions rather than the Japanese. That means that many more children are addicted to the English anime message than to the original.  All the more, I want to warn English-speaking families that this show will distort a child's view of Biblical truth and present a contrary view of the spiritual realm.

God tells us to "train up a child in the way he should go," and that means teaching them to love the God of the Bible and to let His -- not Dragonball's -- values guide their choices. See Proverbs 22:6, Rom 12:2-9 and Proverbs 3:5-7.

From Bob: Being a devout fan of Dragonball Z, and judging from your misinformation and the fact that the many responses against you have not changed your opinion at all, I must say that you are the most stuck-up, conformist, anti-Asian, prejudiced, thick-headed, politically-correct person I have ever heard of. There is nothing "occult" about Dragonball; it's fictitious! People are, and should be, allowed to write works of art such as Dragonball without it being considered an actual belief system. Then again, you probably won't listen to me, will you?    

I did listen, Bob. Please keep in mind that you and I evaluate entertainment from totally different points of view. I base my thinking on Biblical truth. I tend to believe that you base your judgments on popular opinion  -- the consensus of your main peer group. Your thinking will probably change, since opinions and consensus positions usually change with new ideas. My position is based on God's revelation about Himself and His ways. It doesn't change. 

PS: I'm not sure if you know this, but if God exists, he would send you to Hell without a second thought because of your intolerance.

How can you be so sure? What is your authority? 

Mine is the Bible, which has been verified repeatedly by history, archeology, climatology, etc. See Evidence for the existence of God. You would do well to consider some of the evidence, then pray to the only One who can save you from the awful destiny you seem to assign me. See What it means to be a Christian.

My God loves Asians as much as Caucasians. Race and nationality means nothing to the Savior who looks at our hearts. He died for you as well as for me, and I pray that you turn to Him and let go of all that anger. I would love to call you my brother in Christ.  

From SSJ: Dragon Ball is not abbreiviated as DDB, but just DB.

On to the religous stuff.  FACTS AGAINST DBZ

Any other things you want to interrupt my letter with, go ahead below.

Now then.  First off, Mr. Satan is an earthling with an afro which is kinda outdated, but anyway, he does not have anything to do with the devil, besides the name.  It is supposed to be a pun, like most characters' names are.  For example, all Saiya-Jin names are puns on vegetables.  Kakarot (Goku)=Carrot, Nappa=Apple or something like that, Raditz=Radish, and so on.  In America, they changed it to Hurcule so people like you wouldn't fuss about it.  (But nooooo, you had to see the Japanese stuff, which is an entirely different culture than ours, therefore they don't give a **** what we think.)  

Secondly, Videl is just another pun on the devil concept.  The good, fine, INSANE, STUPID, CENSORING people at FUNimation didn't notice this somehow or didn't care.  By the time they released the first tapes with Videl, it was too late to change the name, so that once again people like you wouldn't know about the entirely different Japanese culture.  So they fired the censoring people to get better ones, and the fired people woke up in the Target automotive section with hubcaps in their mouths.  When the clerks asked if they wanted to eat their hubcaps now or take it home, the censors replied, "Blayzdaffun!" and ate it there.  So anyway...

Where was I?  Oh yeah, the gods.  Kami is a god who looks over the people of Earth, much like our God, except God watches over everything.  And now you're gonna say something in return at this, but I look at it this way: I'M RIGHT, YOU'RE WRONG, SO BACK OFF!  

The next level of gods is HFIL, which was the censored form of hell.  Then heaven, the four Kais (North, South, East, and West), then the Grand Kai, who looks over everything.  Now, there's a heaven and hell, what's wrong with that?  Above all, we have to look at one point: It IS a ficticious story, and anyone who can not tell the difference between a Kamehameha and a gun should not be watching the show.  The show is rated Y7, which tells parents that younger children should not watch it.  Nevertheless, some parents let their kids watch it, because common sense tells them that it's about the same as Power Rangers, Sailor Moon or any of those shows with a battle of good versus evil. (Except DBZ is the only good show like that)  And if they watch Power Rangers (which you did NOT say anything about, by the way), why shouldn't they watch DBZ?  After all, DBZ is entirely a cartoon, whereas Power Rangers uses a real life setting.

The nudity from Japan is all censored, among other things, such as crying (why would you spend millions of dollars to censor tears?).  The violence has to stay, or else it wouldn't be Dragonball. (when I say Dragonball, I refer to DBZ and DBGT also)  Well, most of it, anyway.  The blood from the first couple seasons was all taken out, until FUNimation realized they could show blood after the success of Gundam Wing.  The swearing is still completely taken out. 

The killing is part of the violence, and thanks to the Dragonballs, wishes can be made to revive people, so everyone lives to fight another day.  Unless they aren't wished back or don't want to go back.

The dragons do get summoned, but they aren't gods, for gods can do anything, whereas the dragons of Earth and Namek(a planet in DBZ) are both limited to the powers of the Namekian(in Earth's case, Kami, then Dende, who became the new Kami sort of when Kami fused with Piccolo-and in Namek's case, Guru, and then someone else when Guru died of natural causes) who created them.  Of course, this all sounds confusing to you, as your "research" has come up with everything against God, and nothing about Japanese culture, Goku, the Saiyans(the race Goku is of, the reason he has a tail, not because he's a freaking witch doctor!)

Now then, I got a little carried away, but I still mean all the things I have said.  I already explained the "little boy with the tail" thing, so I think I'm done. 

No, no, no, no, no, I'm not done yet, you idiot!  I have to talk about your c___ article some more!

See ad in Dragonball Z Collector Issue # 7.  The car doesn't say Satan, it says MR. Satan! (see above)  Once again, like it was mentioned many letters to you ago, it is fanart, furthermore, fanart meant as a joke!  That means the 666 on the car is part of the joke!  Further still, it was probably drawn by a Japanese fan of Dragonball, as is the tradition of their culture not give give a **** about what we think!  And the cover of Dragonball comic #1.  What's wrong with a boy holding a pole and a dragon?  The dragon is Shenron, the dragon who is summoned with the Dragonballs!  The boy with the pole is Goku, and that's his Nyobi, which uses to fight off dinosaurs and such, as he isn't strong enough to fight by himself yet. Ok, I'm done ranting.

Thank you for the interesting information, SSJ.  I do want to know the facts about your side of this issue. But it doesn't change my standards for what is good or bad. I still have to evaluate the message according to God's guidelines. He tells us repeatedly to have nothing to do with all those other gods. Enjoying them as entertainment only makes them more acceptable. It desensitizes children to what God calls evil. So does the joke about satan. It takes the seriousness out of a constant warning in Scriptures. See Rom 12:2-9 and, if you have a Bible, 1 Peter 5:8.

From Mina Rose: Well, I've finally made my decision about the show DragonBall Z  - I'm not going to watch it.  You see, the thought about either watching or not watching that show has been going through my head for some time now and today I decided to research about it and when I came to the DragonBall Z Warning part of your website, I was amazed about what I had read.  

I also remembered while reading some letters that nowadays the world sees "good as bad and bad as good" which isn't how we're supposed to look at things.  I've seen parts of the show and I was interested at what I've seen in it.  Please pray that I'll not have the urge to watch that show anymore along with others.  (My email to you is very choppy, but I'm staying up late a lot since it's now summer.)  

I also know that not only the Lord works in mysterious ways, but the Devil does too, which other people don't see and then seem to defend on the bad behalf it seems like.  I wish that those people who state that they are Christians will think about what they are saying if they disagreed with your article.  

Anyway, I wish to know your point of view of Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and  The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog.  They are both my favorite cartoons, they seem like they're really high in quality, and they're both sci-fi adventure/humorous cartoons that are built for kids.  I'm the kind of person that enjoys watching space-like cartoons that aren't really weird, but I strongly don't believe in evolution or life on other planets.  

I've read some of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia and they have things that take place in a different dimension that represent Biblical truths, but what about cartoons that are sci-fi that don't do that?  I know that I should really ask God about this, but I maybe thought that you might want to think about this stuff too, if you want to.  Well, I guess that it's time for me to go.  I'm getting pretty tired now.  Bye!  And my God bless you!

Thank you, Mina, for that nice message. I'm so glad you made that choice -- and I am already praying that God will guard your mind and heart. To resist the temptations to return to DBZ, you might want to memorize and quote a Bible verse -- just as Jesus did when He faced temptations in the wilderness. (See chapter 4 in both Matthew and Luke). One of my favorite Scriptures s is Galatians 2:20:  "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me." Then I thank Him for His life in me and trust that He will do His will through me.
 
Thank you also for your suggestion about Star Command and Sonic the Hedgehog. I will try to do watch them as soon as I finish some current projects.
 

From Will:  This is the third time I have sent this message, and you have yet to post it. I know you have updated you animé pages since I sent it. This proves my theory that you only post messages that you have a chance to poke holes in. You must only post it to disprove me.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience regarding my previous e-mail. I thought that it would be posted with my first letter. I eventually found it and the response, and would like to comment further.

First off, let me settle any ideas concerning the picture containing the "666 Car." No, this is not the work of a fan. It is from the 2nd Japanese DBZ opening, entitled "We Gotta Power." I am absolutely positive of this. Just thought I'd settle that.

Anyway, on to the real point of this e-mail. I think that you are taking this too far. Contrary to what you may believe, there are not conspiratist animé artists. These shows (and most other things) that you condemn are not meant to be a replacement of religion. It's as simple as that. However, I am open to argument. When you can produce someone who genuinely worships Kami-sama, Kaio-sama, Kaio-shin, or any other gods from the Dragon Ball universe, I will change my views.

However, my point still stands that you will avoid a strongly given point that has much support. Instead of admitting your fault, you will concoct an elaborate story to back your side of the argument. Case in point: the Endless Waltz plot. Instead of admitting that it coincides with Biblical Truth, you make up conspiring artists, out to destroy the minds of young US kids. 

By the way, I must admit I feel sorry for what you must go through each day. Most "fans" in the DB community are derranged, and have the spelling and grammatical skills of a first grader. I feel I must commend you for sorting through the "u .....!!!!!" e-mails.

I await your answer.

Will, I am sorry you have had to wait so long. That was not my intention. I have lots of other waiting letters that I haven't had time to post yet. Those that are reasonably short may be posted within a few days [after I check to make sure I have permission to post] if I'm not traveling, speaking or trying to finish a new article. If I am too busy to post something, that letter may get left behind -- fall through the cracks. When I'm in a hurry it is often easier just to grab one of the latest ones. My only reasons for choosing not to post something are: more profanity than I can easily delete, excessive length, or too time-consuming to write a needed response.

If you have read the other comments pages, you should know that I don't hesitate to post critical and angry letters that argue in every way against what I have written.  If I had 24 hours to work on this website, I could get a lot more done. But, like you and others, I need at least 6 hours of sleep a night -- and take care of my family as well.

I pray that God enable me to be more efficient and helpful in my responses. 

Sinria Reficul:  My cildren watch these anime shows like DBZ Poke'mon and well every thing. What I have noticed is my Son Joey has brought his grades up from a D- to a A- just because latly he has been watching DBZ and my daughter who has canivan a rare desease that attack the mylan insolation on the brain cells hasbeen recovering at an amazing rate she is not even taking her meds! The oinly resons I can think why she has been recovering so fast is because of Tenchi Muyo... it seem to put a warm glow in her heart after every episode. Well good bye better tuck my kids in it is getting late.

You seem to be giving a lot of credit to Tenchi Muyo. I'm glad your children are doing so well, but I question the source of the healing and the power behind the show. Since I have not seen it, I can't comment on the story.

From Kenneth: hi hope my letter finds you well happy mothers day well let me get to the point i have read your articles on dbz i am a advid fan i like the show because it shows you its doesnt matter were you start off from  its were you end up is what matters the most 

i dont pray to any other gods except jesus he has seen me through mayn trials he is the reason i have a place to stay a good wife and good children we censor what they watch if you look for eviel you will find it but if you look for good you will find it 

dbz helped my daughter to learn to read we dont allow rap music rock music in our homes dbz is ok i agree some anime is trash but not all we have to sit down with our children and watch tv with them  and say hey this is ok no this is wrong and give specific reasons and not just sling scriptures at them i  am working on bieng a good steward of the children he gave me so we watch tv together we talk all the time if i ever see a show that is dangerous to my childs development i ban it from my house there are many cartoons that are banned they can only see rated g movies sorry to go on like i have 

i just think your mission is misguided i see so much pain in my community not related to cartoons or videogames you see i used to be saved church every sunday i am taking a break from church not jesus he is always on my mind well hope you have blessed day

Thank you, Kenneth. I so appreciate your desire to raise your children to follow God. But please consider how the violence and psychic powers could influence their faith. Remember Colossians 2:8: 

"Be sure that no one leads you away with false and empty teaching that is only human, which comes from the ruling spirits of this world, and not from Christ."

Anonymous: Being a devout fan of Dragonball Z, and judging from your misinformation and the fact that the many responses against you have not changed your opinion at all, I must say that you are the most stuck-up, conformist, anti-Asian, prejudiced, thick-headed, politically-correct person I have ever heard of. There is nothing "occult" about Dragonball; it's fictitious! People are, and should be, allowed to write works of art such as Dragonball without it being considered an actual belief system. Then again, you probably won't listen to me, will you?

I read your letter, and I tend to believe that I am more willing to listen to you than you are to me. But listening doesn't mean I would conform to your somewhat rude and angry attitude toward those who hold different beliefs and values. You can choose your beliefs, why shouldn't I? Remember, I didn't tell you to come here and read my articles. But many like to come because they share my love for God's Word and values.

My name is... well you can reffer to me as Gogeta_the_ssj4. im responding to your dragonball z article which i was completely digusted by. Im a great fan of dragonball z, i've even made my own website...  Satan in japanese would actally be more pronounced like satin, he's an ego-maniac who's pride is bigger than his fro. if you actually did some research, you would see that DragonBall Z is very strong in the religious sense, there is a heaven and hell, all of the good characters go to heaven after they die. 

The characters' powers come from what is called thier "Ki" which means spirit in Jap., depending on how strong thier spirit is, good or bad, is how strong thier attacks will be. This is one of the reasons why Goku, the main chracter, comes out on top, because of the fact that he has a pure heart. Goku and the other Z warriors fight to protect earth from certain dooms.

When Dragonball Z was brought to America, they has changed Mr. Satan's name to Hercule realizing there were gonna be controversy from people like you. I find it sad that you would spend your time discriminating against telletubies and pokemon and dragon ball z.  what is even more pathetic is the fact that you wont take in what people are telling you.

Dragonball Z is a form of are called Anime, i veiw it as art and so does many more people, yes there is nudity which can be labled as ____  i also find this a form of art and i do not get off from it as i know some people do.

Japanese are is influenced by Japanese culture and religion and i no way by christian beliefs. In the article you stated:

"In Toriyama's original work, merely called "Dragonball", the main character, Son Goku, is a super-strong, little boy who also happens to have a monkey-like prehensile tail attached to his backside."

Notice the interesting tie to the animal world. The shaman or "Medicine man" in earth-centered cultures around the world would often wear animal masks, horns, tusks, feathers, or fur in order to invoke a corresponding animal spirit.

Im sure Akira Toriyama did not think "hmm... i'll ____ christians by making a young boy with a monkey tail which im sure they can find some connection to evil..."

Dragonball and Dragonball Z is the story of a person's life, we later find out why he has a tail, and i dont think its because hes a medicine man, but im sure you will find some way to throw what i just said out the window. Furthermore, i would like to correct what James has said about the sticker, it is a work of FUNimation, the company which currently owns dragonball, and the picture is of Gohan, Goku's son, and Videl, Mr. Satan's daughter. 

Yes Videl is a rearrangement of the word Devil, but it symbolizes, by rearranging the letters, an overpowerment of that creature or thing, its like taking way their authority almost, everything in Dragonball Z and every other anime sybolizes something, even a bloody nose means something. You probably dont understand what im saying and would rather not take in the fact that what you see is wrong, so i leave you with this, Dragonball Z was not intended to be anti-christian, satanist, occult or anything else you want to call it, it was made solely for the purpose of entertainment, Thank You.

p.s.- you have the permission to post this, in fact i insist you post this

Yes, I have noticed that "DragonBall Z is very strong in the religious sense." That's why I am concerned. The fact that it has a different set of definitions and meanings for familiar words such as heaven and hell and satan makes it all the more effective in distorting the Christian meaning of those words. 

Remember, words are like symbols. They can mean different things in different cultures and religions. The meaning you attach to a word in a particular culture helps establish your understanding of reality. When you twist or adapt that meaning to a new religion, you change your original understanding and beliefs. This becomes a serious problem to Christian parents who want to raise their children to follow God.  

From Nick: Well, I have to say I'm quite disgusted to have people like you in my religion. You say we anime fans are blinded by anime, which blinds us from the word of God. Have you thought that maybe you strong beliefs are blinding you? This world well never be the place He intended if you go around trying to look for the evil in everything. I could make bunny rabbits seem evil if I tried hard enough, but I don't feel the need to make myself seem superior to everyone else.

Also, I'd like to point out that the name of Mr. Satan isn't even pronounced the same way as Satan. It has long A's, wherras Satan sounds more like Satin.

Son Goku, oops, I probibly shouldn't use character names with you, as you have obviously never seen the anime or manga. The little boy with the tail has nothing to do with Christianity in the slightest. As has already been pointed out, it's based on an ancient Asian legend.

Yes, I know that. And the Asian legend is based on a blend of Shinto and Buddhism. I am not trying to turn a Buddhist or Shinto anime fan into a Christian. I am only trying to warn Christians that if you blend Biblical truth with other religions, you no longer have Christianity. God's truth is no longer the truth when you alter its meaning or context. 

But that message must not be for you. You can choose to ignore it. We don't force anyone to come to our site or to listen to our views. Nor do I become "disgusted" with you for your rather intolerant beliefs. To the contrary, I believe that in America we should all be polite and caring toward each other even if we hold different philosophical positions or disagree on amine.  

That art with 666 on the car was drawn by a fan. It has no relevance at all. If I were to draw a picture of Jesus slaughtering babies while wearing a shirt with 666 on the back, would that make Jesus evil? No it wouldn't, and neither does a DBZ picture drawn by a fan trying to be humorous. If anything, trying to find the evil in everything is more evil than anything you'll find in DBZ.

I made it clear that a visitor had sent that to us. Are you saying that on our Christian website we should only post opinions that agree with yours -- and refuse to post others?  That doesn't sound like freedom or justice to me. Does it to you?

From Daniel: Hello!  I came across this webpage www.crossroad.to/text/articles/DragonBall.htm#1 on your site, and I wasn't sure where to mail about it.

I have a couple of questions regarding christianity in general, since I am christian (but alas, quite young and without much clue of what it's really about)

The impression I got from the page earlier mentioned was that other people's point of view was thrown in the trashcan, simply because they don't follow christian views. I beg to remind you that, large as it is, there are many other religions as well. I'm not an especially "extremist" type, so I became sad and horrified when I read the way other people's opinions where bashed here. 

I am a devoted reader of the DB Classic (the original comicbook series) series, and I really don't think about these things you've pointed out. Here in Sweden (which I'm from) we are not very strict about our religion, and we respect different views. I may not live my life 100% after what Bible says, but christian I am, nonetheless.   All I wanted to let you know is that this actually left me 'kinda scared. Is this close-mindedness usual in in The United States?

I can see why you might be offended by our views. In today's pluralistic or multicultural world, it is not very politically correct to take a position and refuse to compromise. But Biblical Christianity has seldom been very acceptable to the masses. Most people want others to affirm them, feed their self-esteem and approve the things they like. In contrast, people like me put a cloud over some of the most popular forms of entertainment.

Since I am from Norway, I probably understand where you are coming from. Both Norway and Sweden had strong Christian communities a century ago. But like God's people in ancient Israel, both these nordic countries have turned away to other gods and pursuits. These two Bible verses describe it well: Isaiah 5:20 and Isaiah 30:9-11.

Our goal has been to help Christian parents raise their children to follow Jesus Christ. He calls us to love and be kind to everyone, while never compromising our faith or His truths. If you read the page on our "beliefs" you would see some of the key "truths." 

My research has brought me into contact with many Wiccan men and women.  Our discussions have always been friendly. I met with one Wiccan high priest repeatedly to discuss culture and environment. As a Christian, I want to show God's love to everyone, no matter what the other person believes. But I take God's Word  very seriously and I cannot compromise. Isn't that a freedom and a right we should still enjoy in this "free" world?

 

From KS: The car says Mr. Satan. Not Satan. There is a small difference. Mr. Satan is a pushy, noisy, coward, lying no good, with no power. He`s not meant to be looked up to, respected or praised. He`s a joke.

The girl in the car is Videl, his daughter and the boy is her husband. The 666 goes along with the joke, here`s this huge guy, who likens him Satan, talks like ‘I`m great, I`m the strongest, no one can beat me’ but can`t really do anything at all. I did a bad job at this. 

If you don`t understand, email me and I`ll get my sister to help. (Her English is much better.) Below is biography that explains it better. The picture is of Mr.Satan. Thank you for your time.

"Sporting a large fro, Mr. Satan is the strongest man on Earth who cannot manipulate ki. After taking credit for defeating Cell, he becomes an international sensation...."

It doesn't matter all that much whether the picture or character presented as "Mr. Satan" is an insignificant joke or not. Either way, this twist gives a new and supposedly funny meaning to a Biblical word that is neither funny nor insignificant. God tells His people to take His Word and warnings seriously, and turning the word "satan" into a joke undermines and redefine the meaning of an important truth. 

Please see The Nature and Tactics of Satan

From Ray A: There are just a few things I'd like to point out about your DBZ article, and a few other general comments. Mr. Satan (whose name is pronounced differently thna the devil) is far from being a devil. You probably wouldn't know this because he has yet to appear in the comics. 

Mr. Satan is a goofball. He's not very strong, but his heart is in the right place. ... His few big moments in the series are when:

1: He takes the head of Andriod #16 and throws it to Gohan, the little kid. The head talks to Gohan for a bit before the bad guy crushes it. Then, Gohan gets mad and beats up the bad guy.

2: Majin Buu, another big bad guy, takes Mr. Satan hostage. he makes Mr.  Satan his slave for a while. At one point, Mt. Satan tells Buu he really shouldn't kill people and destroy their homes....   Buu also adopts a pet dog, the only creature that wouldn't run away from him. However, the dog and Mr. Satan both get shot. Mr. Satan beats the men up that shot the dog, but then one came back and shot him. Buu healed them both times.

3. He convinces the people of Earth to help the good guys. 

Most of the time, Mr. Satan is just goofy. he tries to do stuff most of the time, but he is too weak. The worst thing he did was not go and fight some terrorists that had captured the Mayor.

Goku's tail was not in any way a relation to a Shaman. There is an old folktale called "A Journey to the West", and the main charachter is a little monkey without a tail. Goku's tail was supposed to show the relation to that folktale (though it later served another purpose)

Now, you say you target anime in particular becuase it is un-christain. That may be so. But then again, do you go out of your way to aviod Muslim or Jewish temples of churches in your area? They're as un-christain as you get. Will you next set up a website discouraging christains from talkign with Jews, Muslims, Bhuddists, Hindus, Shintos, and so on?

No, I don't avoid Muslims at all, and many of my friends are Jewish. But I wouldn't want a Muslim religious leader to teach my children beliefs and values. We need to understand the differences between religions so that we can make wise choices. 

For Christians, the first step toward wisdom and discernment is knowing what God tells us in the Bible. Then we can take other stops such as showing God's love to others -- without conforming to their religion or philosophy. 

Popular entertainment (some call it edutainment) is one of the most powerful ways to teach a new set of values to a new generation. That's why I warn Christian families not fill their minds with the mind-changing images and suggestions in anime. 

You asked one person if, when they were discouraging thier children from using crack cocaine, would they let thier kid loose among several addicts, or tell them the dangers? Me, I would walk my kid through a bunch of addicts that have really suffered from it. Sometimes, telling a person something isn't enough. They've gotta feel it themselves.

You make a good point, Ray. A person will remember something that stirs an emotional response -- anger, compassion, etc. -- far better than just words. But that's also why experiences can be so dangerous. 

For example, sex education in schools (which includes all kinds of lessons in sexual experiences) breaks down moral boundaries, stirs curiosity and prompts -- rather than enhibits --  premarital sex. Sensual pictures in anime or movies, especially when peers discuss them afterwards, accomplish the same purpose. 

In other words, it depends on the subject. A child who finds an injured bird may feel compassion for it and try to help it. Such an experience doesn't violate moral boundaries. But the experience of watching a seductive anime or movie does invite feelings and thoughts that violate moral standards. And the new images imprinted on the mind are not easily erased. It can stay to haunt and tempt him for a long time.

Now, let me ask you this. Suppose that it was discovered that there was a page missing from the Bible. Suppose this page said that any baby under the age up two that cried after 9 PM would be put to death. Would you encourage people to kill their two years olds that cried after 9 PM?

No. That's not God's way, and He doesn't contradict Himself. Any newly "discovered" page believed to be from the Bible would have to pass a test: is it consistent with what God has already revealed about Himself, His will, His purpose and His love. 

________________________________________________________

From Matt L. (Re: Anime and Dragonball Z): I must congratulate you for creating a web site that clearly expresses the ignorance and intolerance of most Christians. With that out of the way, let me tell you why I'm writing. I am a very big fan of many types of role-playing games, collectible card games (like Magic and Pokemon), and also, a fan of Japanese Animation (Anime).

It is painfully obvious that you know little about role-playing games (and have spread your misinformation to other, gullible Christians). I have decided to write you an e-mail about anime (especially Dragonball Z), so that you will be able to see the truth about this great art form.

Anime is simply that: An ART FORM. It is truly a beautiful art form as well. In addition to wonderful drawings, anime features griping story lines and incredibly stirring music. While it is true that "Adult Anime" exists, it is intended for mature audiences that enjoy that type of entertainment. However, there are many anime that are not in this category, and, indeed, many that teach powerful moral lessons (such as Dragonball Z).

With this said, it is true, however, that there is a good amount of anime that features (gasp!) nudity. Still, I fail to see what is sinful and wrong with this--isn't the human body a thing of beauty? A thing that your religion believes was made by God? But, I do understand how some parents do not want their children exposed to nudity, no matter how slight or brief. This brings me to Dragonball Z, an anime that is shown on Cartoon Network at 5:00 PM.

Even in Japan, I don't think the show had much nudity, if any. Here in America, that's not even a concern because of the HEAVY censoring the show has undergone (this censoring, which was taken to ridiculous extents, had many otaku enraged). In the first two seasons, all blood was cut out and characters could not say "die." In its current season, some blood is allowed and you can say "die," but the voice acting is terrible and there is NO cursing AT ALL (which I'm sure you would see as a good thing)

Although Dragonball Z can be accused of being overly violent, it is a show that is truly moving and powerful. In its uncensored form (which America will never see) it clearly displays the consequences of violence, with graphic scenes of blood and death (all cut from the US version). There is even one Japanese scene (edited out of the US version) where a village of good creatures is destroyed and one of the good characters properly buries the dead-it was incredibly touching.

The lesson of this anime is that true power does not come from your strength, but rather from the friendships that you forge. In one unforgettable episode, Goku's best friend is terribly killed (cut from the US version) and Goku's feelings of sadness and anger trigger a powerful transformation within him. It was a very powerful scene.

As for being "occult," this anime is as far from the occult as you can get. The characters have special powers like flying, energy blasts, ect. (like Superman, for lack of a better analogy). In Japan, these powers come from the characters' ki, or inner energy (it's difficult to explain--even I don't understand it fully!). In the American dub, ki is NEVER mentioned. The characters just use their powers-in both the Japanese and American versions there is NO LINK AT ALL WITH THE OCCULT.

I'm sure you'll disagree with me. You'll probably point to the characters' ability to "gather energy," and the wish-granting powers of the Dragon Balls (including the ability to resurrect the dead). I assure you that all of this is FANTASY (you don't seem to know what this means, do you?)! It's ALL make believe. I do not know of any occult belief revolving around wish-granting Dragon Balls. Please, I beg of you, do not turn off Christian parents and children to a truly fantastic style of art.

Berit's comment: For insight into the meaning of the "ki" (or chi, as in Tai Chi and the martial arts) read chapters 2 and 3 in A Twist of Faith. See this excerpt.

From Robert Morrison: I just discovered your as-yet-incomplete article about Dragonball Z via a link posted in the alt.fan.dragonball newsgroup. I normally would have ignored it, because I've long since grown weary of dealing with zealots, but I recognized your URL and decided to see what you people had to say this time.

It's nice to know some people never change. You guys are as ignorant, misinformed, and spiritually defunct as ever. Honestly, guys...do you EVER research the things you rant and rave about? If you bothered to research these things, you would, as you would have with Pokemon, come to the realization that DBZ, like Pokemon, is not MEANT to have any link or relation to Christianity, because IT'S BASED ON ASIAN MYTHOLOGY, WRITTEN BY A JAPANESE MAN WHOSE RELIGION IS AN ASIAN RELIGION, and NOBODY EVER CLAIMED DRAGONBALL Z EVER INTENDED TO REFLECT CHRISTIAN BELIEFS.

Thanks, Robert, for proving my point. Some anime fans argue that anime teaches Christian values. I have been saying all along that it teaches Asian myths and spirituality -- which cannot be joined to Christianity. I appreciate your confirmation.

There ARE other religions out there, you know. Just because someone isn't Christian and doesn't write something full of Christian morals and values and beliefs, that doesn't give YOU the right to declare THEIR work a tool of the devil!

Dragonball is anything but a tool of the devil. It's a flight of fancy. It's an adventure based on an old fable. It would take someone with less than half a brain cell in their head to have any sort of notion that Dragonball is some sort of guide to how they are expected to live their lives, or to see anything in Dragonball as a basis for accepted behavior or religious practices. For God's sake, Dragonball features a completely fictitious religious heirarchy! ANY IDIOT can tell that!

I honestly fail to see the rationale in constantly attacking harmless, innocent things that never caused anybody any harm. Have you witnessed someone attempt to behave like a Dragonball character and end up hurt because of it? Have you witnessed someone turn into a pillar of salt after watching an episode of the series, or dissolve into a bubbling puddle of flesh from reading the comic? I seriously doubt it. 

No, but I sure have witnessed a shocking stream of profanity, curses and threats coming from Anime fans. Many of them are far too hateful and profane to post. What I see is that Dragonball and other Anime teach values -- and the values are not very pretty. These eruptions anger should be a deep concern to those who care about the future.

Once again, the only people causing any harm to the Christian way of life are yourselves, because once again, rather than focusing on the REAL problems in the world, you focus on some completely innocuous thing that happens to be a popular form of entertainment at the moment, and in doing so, you shed a bad light on Christians everywhere.

I know you'll ignore this, but let me give you some real, useful advice. Live and let live. You live your lives the way you see fit, and if you don't like something, avoid it, but for crying out loud, stop publically attacking things without (a) fully researching them, and (b) bothering to try to understand what it is you're attacking.

You try to pass yourselves off as experts on a number of things, when the fact is, the only thing you are experts in is wedging your heads in !&&^@!%.

Anonymous, apparently from Japan: I would like to address your problem with the anime in on a calm Christian to Christian basis, but first I need to say that your article about Dragon Ball (Z) (GT) made me very angry. but I am going to try and turn the proverbial cheek and stay calm. I would like you to please put this in your mail section.

1, I see that the E-mails you have posted are from very umm..... lets just “mad” people, now one idea that comes to is that you just put the mean letters on your site but I don't think a priest (which I am assuming you are) would do something like that. The reasons I think you are so many mad E-mails because most western fans of the are males around the ages of 13-20 and most men in this age group are always ready to jump up and fight tooth and nail for what they love (be it a girlfriend, car, show, whatever) with out talking about it first. Please don't judge all anime fans by them. Also you have in so many words said that the majority of Japan is going to hell. 

From Berit: I'm just an ordinary mom and a proud new grandmother. No priest.  I post anything that is not too long, too repetitive (of points already stated), or too full of profanity. The latter is the biggest reason for refusing to post a comments. I haven't made the accusation you mention in your last sentence. But I probably have indicated that, according to the Bible, only those who believe in Jesus Christ will share in His promises for eternal life. It doesn't matter whether one lives in Norway, Japan, India or the USA. All have the same spiritual needs and Biblical promises. God tells us that His family will be made up of people "from every tribe and nation." I have some wonderful Japanese friends in Christ.  

Sir. if I may give you a little friendly advice: Japanese hate it when westerners who have just as many problems with there society as Japanese do try to say there is something wrong with Japanese morals, which brings me to my next point.

2, You get more flies with honey. Don't you think you get a better reaction from Japanese if you talked about how good it is to have Jesus and how much better life is when you know that he loves you and is protecting you? Then after they love Jesus they will do what the bible says to make Jesus happy.

Instead of say “this is evil, that is evil, your whole culture is evil. At least you could try to be a little kinder after all “A gentle answer will calm a person's anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger.” Proverbs 15:1

I totally agree with that verse. Thank you for quoting it. When Christian parents ask me to evaluate a popular trend, I try to show the dangers in as gentle a way as possible without compromising my own faith and responsibility.  (See 2 Timothy 4:2-3)  

3, I would also like to point out how hard FUNamaton has tried to remove anything that might be offended a Christian. They even put things in to try and please you. Piccolo who is supposed to be a demon (although he is not a demon he's a alien from Namek) saying "Obviously you've never heard the story of David and Goliath," or Kuririn, a Buddhist monk, reciting a Christian prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep..." nice names like Tenshinhan and Raditsu are change to Tein and Radditz for no apparent reason. How much does it have to be changed?

Those references to the Bible or to prayer makes it all the more seductive. You cannot put Biblical truth into a pagan context (one that deals with supernatural power not from the Biblical God) and still call it Christian. The main point in the story of David and Goliath is not that the weak conquered the strong, but that God chose to work through David because (1) he knew that God was his Lord, Shepherd, Strength, and Salvation. (2) David remembered what God had already done for him. (3) He declared his faith that God would again bring the victory. In 1 Samuel 17:3, David demonstrated all three:

"The Lord 

who delivered me from the paw of the lion...

will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

4, DRAGON BALL IS NOT FOR LITTLE KIDS!!!!! That can not be said too many times. It's very violent (even the English Dubbed version) people do die, many of them die hard. Any American parent that lets there kid under 12 watch Dragon Ball is a BAD parent. It is for juror high and high school and +age people. On Dragon Ball people get broken bones, cuts, bruises and sometime even lose limbs. Many of the characters have large scares. It gives a realistic view of what happens if you hit some one.

5, By the way Dragon Ball has almost no nudity. In the 508 episodes their are two naked new born babies, a mooning and about three other scenes with ... for versus reasons. It is not in any way shape or form a porno!

6. How many episodes of Dragon Ball Z have you seen? It's on cartoon network at 5:00 where I live. Also a very good anime called Gundam Wing is on right after DBZ I don't think anyone could find anything wrong with it. The characters are all normal human. They are from many different country. See if  you can figure out who is the American, Chinese and Japanese :-)

I have watched four episodes while it was still shown on a standard network. I can't get the Cartoon network on our cable. But I have read lots of the manga (comic books), which tell the same basic story.  

7. These are not all the points I have but I am not very good at writing in English. Please be a nice person and put this in your mail section. I worked many hours on this and I want the other viewers of your site to see it. I am sorry if anything came out wrong but like I said my English is not great. I like many parts of your site but please try to be a little faired to Japanese and people from other countries. Christianity will work it's way in to other countries much faster if you are friendly. Thanks you for your time!!

Thank you for taking time to share your concerns with us in such a thoughtful way. I will pray that God enable me to show more love and understanding in what I write -- without compromising the message He gives me. 

Anonymous:  you are absolute fools about the whole deal with Anime. Dragonball:   You talk about how it is so wrong becuase of gathering dragonballs and dragon gods. DID YOU EVER STOP TO THINK THAT THE JAPANESE ARE DIFFERENT FROM YOU?!?!?!?!!?!?   not everybody belives in your so called "god". it is a MYTH. the bible is a MYTH God is a MYTH. Storys which express value but have no proof to them are MYTHS....  God isnt real to some of us. A different God is real to some of us. Some of us dont want to spend our lifes in a corner not doing anything fun becuase it might be a sin. Where the ...  do you get off thinking that you can wave your finger and everybody will belive it all and not belive something different becuase of what you say. You sick %$#@  need to leave the japanese alone. They belive something different from you. 

Dragonball was based off of an old chinese story called Jurnoy To the West.  Son Goku wasnt a "monkey boy" he was a Sayi-jin, a being from a different world.

From Brian:  My name is Brian, and I am 18 years old.  I am a Presbyterian. I do my best every day to act as God has taught me to.  I also am a fan of many anime series, particularly Dragonball.

(Note before reading: When I use the term "Dragonball", I refer to the Dragonball, Dragonball Z, and Dragonball GT television episodes, as well as the 42 Dragonball tankouban (a set of chapters of manga))

I have read through many pages on your website.  First of all, I compliment you on staying calm and rational while stating your beliefs. I know from experience that when people write spiteful messages to you, denouncing your beliefs, keeping a sound mind is difficult.

While this email will, I assure you, be completely calm and rational, I feel this same difficulty now.  This is due to the fact that while reading through your website, I have found many pages that tell me that anime conveys such evil messages, linked with Satanism, witchcraft, etc.  This hurts me, for I have always felt that what I do and think is the way God intended me to.  I feel pressured right now to write a message not unlike many other responses to your articles, but, I shall stay collected as I write.  Messages you receive that seem full of anger quite possibly are due to the fact that they feel offended that they're favorite show is being linked with the "occult", not just because they are from teenagers ready to jump in a battle.

After reading through just about every anime-related page on your website, I do understand many of your arguments.  I'll address most of these arguments with references to Dragonball, for this is the series I am most familiar with.  Yes, Dragonball is quite full of references to other religions, predominantly a fictitious religion made up just for this series as well as Buddhism, from the Buddhist monk, Kuririn (Krillin). 

The main character, Son Goku, meets and trains under several deities under the Dragonball hierarchy of gods.  Kami-sama (Kami) and Kaio-sama (King Kai), have been used in the current FUNimation dub of Dragonball Z.  I do not deny this for an instant.  The characters of Dragonball follow different religions than Christianity.  One of my best friends is Jewish.  Neither watching/reading Dragonball nor being friends with someone Jewish make me any less of a Christian.  In fact, I feel even more assured of my religion, since I see other religions and their practices routinely, yet I have no doubt in my mind that my faith is in the religion it should be.  I feel closer to God after seeing other religions than I would without.

Why do you think so many people send you letters defending a different cultures right to have different religions and different ideals? Mainly, it's because you accuse these shows of presenting "occult" messages, while they just come from someone who believes a different religion/culture and doesn't notice the relationships to evil that you seem to.  I, for one, never noticed any relationship between Shenron (the Dragon of Dragonball) and Jesus. Shenron is more of a servant, in fact, who is required to grant one's wish, good or evil.  Just because he is respected by the characters doesn't mean he is worshipped.  In fact, this teaches a rather positive message, the more I think of it.  All the "bad guys" of Dragonball tend to shout orders at Shenron when making a wish, while the "good guys" show respect for him, although he is, in reality, obligated to do whatever they wish.

Now, positive messages are not true when it comes to one type of anime.  I am referring to ... the pornographic anime.   This is a side of anime that is not intended for children, and should not be viewed by anyone under 18.  I'm personally not a fan of hentai, but just because it is pornographic doesn't mean it's any worse than non-animated pornography....

No, your website never mentions that anime is pornographic. However, the messages presented lead frantic people to search for anime on the internet to find out.... I

Anime is an art.  Most of it is beautiful animation, combined with a compelling storyline, and wonderful music to boot.  One movie not mentioned was the recently-in-theaters/soon-to-be-on-video "Mononoke Hime" ("Princess Mononoke" in the US), which is my favorite movie of all time.  I recommend this to everyone.  It has no nudity, and while it does show (and rely on) another religion, the story is incredible, and I didn't hear the children in the theater worshipping the great forest spirit.

This whole issue would be solved if parents spent more time teaching their children what they believe, the difference between right and wrong, the love of God and how it is in our everyday lives, and less time getting mad because television doesn't teach these principles....

I hate to make a reference to another disiked animated show, an American one, that has so much negative publicity around it (for good reason), but it makes a good point.  In "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" (the movie), the lyrics to a song entitled "Blame Canada", where the parents blame Canada for making an R-rated movie that they let their kids see, ended with "... we must blame them and cause a fuss before somebody thinks of blaming us."  Yes, I admit, this is an exaggeration, but it does make you think a bit. Thank you for your time....  

From "Fael":  I wrote in concern to your reviews, but mainly the Dragon Ball one, which is the only section I fully read. I am a devote fan of the show and a follower of the Roman Catholic church. Although I can see where your prejudices come from, I believe you should be more informed about the series. Dragon Ball was created by Akira Toriyama as a tribute to the story Journey to the West about a monkey with an extending staff. 

In the Dragon Ball series this money is displayed as Son Gokou. The tail is in no way shamanistic but as a way to link the two characters together. Many of the characters in Dragon Ball were altered slightly from original characters in Journey to the West. 

Another concern of mine is your disrespect for Japanese theories and the like. Ch'i is a basic concept of the energy of life in China. This same concept is translated to Ki in Japan and Prana in India. The word itself cannot be translated into English directly but can most simply be explained by the life force or electricity keeping things alive. Many of the 'inner' martial arts believe they can focus this Ch'i or Ki through meditation to enhance their attacks, instead of having all force be in the muscles and the sheer physical force. 

Tai Chi Ch'uan, which was changed to Tai Chi when it was brought to America to try to shake off some of its Martial Art aspects, is an inner art where techniques are done slowly and precisely, breathing with ones movements and meditating to focus yourself into the technique. The Ki use in Dragon Ball is no more then pushing this one step farther for fantasy, projecting the energy of your body out as a force of power. 

In my beliefs one cannot compare the Bible, written in Europe, to almost anything created in the orient that has an ounce of Asian culture in it, as their history is completely different then that of the Hebrews who live on the other side of a continent, divided by mountains, water, deserts and many other obstacles, even enough to call Asia another continent. I beg of you to reconsider before you shun another culture, for even in the Bible it is said that man should not judge one another. And as Jesus said to the crowd near the prostitute Mary, "He who is without sin may cast the first stone." So I ask you, are you perfect enough to judge the world?

From Berit: I can see your points from your perspective (or world view), but my perspective is very different. I have to be true to my faith just as you seem to be true to your convictions. In evaluating Japanese entertainment for Christian families, I have to present the Biblical world view.  God tells us repeatedly to guard against deception. For example,

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

Neither the supernatural characters nor the Buddhist-Shinto world view are "according to Christ." As you say, they are totally different. So are the world's other spiritual alternatives to Jesus Christ. They all tend to pull people away from God's Truth and the promises He offers those who trust and follow Him as the only God. 

Those who don't completely reject God tend to blend some of the new impressions with Biblical truth. You might say they re-imagine God as something that, for the moment, fits their own desires better than the purity and simplicity of what He has shown us in His Word. 

God has told us to use His Word as a filter for what we see, hear, and believe. That's not "judging one another". As I have said before, I am not judging you or anyone else who enjoys Anime. I am simply evaluating entertainment using God's Word as a standard.   

 

See picture the left side of the top of this page.

From Nick M.:  I am responding to the letter from Mr. Morrison and can’t believe anybody could be that stupid. In his letter he stated “It's nice to know some people never change. You guys are as ignorant, misinformed, and spiritually defunct as ever. Honestly, guys...do you EVER research the things you rant and rave about.”   [Click here to read Mr. M's letter]

Well to answer his question. Yes I do, and one of the thing’s I heard these characters say is one of the reasons I will never let my kid’s watch a program like that. He stated that the other characters were some of the cutest DEMONS they have ever seen.

The other remark that he made was “ If you bothered to research these things, you would, as you would have with Pokemon, come to the realization that DBZ, like Pokemon, is not MEANT to have any link or relation to Christianity." In this case my 10 year old son discovered this and it blew me away. He came to me with a DBZ sticker and showed me what was on it and if he didn’t do that I would have never seen it.

I couldn't transfer the picture to this page, Nick. But it was a shocker. The image makes a mockery of Biblical truth. I am glad you described it below. If anyone wants to see it, perhaps I can forward it on request (without your message or address).

If you look at the side of the car you can see the words Mr. Satan and the number 666. Now tell me that there is no link to Christianity when the one thing that tries to destroy God’s people has got his name on this sticker. Mr. Morrison maybe you need to read the Bible a little closer and open your eyes.

And your last remark gives me an even better picture of your misguided thoughts “IT'S BASED ON ASIAN MYTHOLOGY, WRITTEN BY A JAPANESE MAN WHOSE RELIGION IS AN ASIAN RELIGION, and NOBODY EVER CLAIMED DRAGONBALL Z EVER INTENDED TO REFLECT CHRISTIAN BELIEFS”.

Well DUHHHHHHH we can see and hear this by the totally anti-christian words and pictures the try to sell our innocent children.

Mr. Morrison I expect a response from you………..

From Benjamin: I am a christian and goto the First Babtist Church of Wellsboro Pa. 16901. My father was a preacher at a smaller church, however decided that the lord was leading him on to different things.

now: I am extremely disgusted to be represented by you. I find your ignorance and immaturaty (I have a feeling I just spelled that wrong) absolutely repulsive and offensive.  You people should be ASHAMED! I am probably 20-30 years younger than you and I am more mature! instead of spending an hour trying to type up what makes me so disgusted, just go here: 

Sorry, Benjamin. I prefer not to include the url you sent.

As you can see there are 3 or 4 members of that message board that are also christians and are as well extremely disgusted On there I am known as FF7_SD_Masamune.

If you like I would gladly spend 2-3 hours typing up my feelings in a essay to send you (it would take me this long because I can't easily type the complex waves of opinions, what I typed there took me a half an hour to do.) 

If I were you I would take some lessons from some wiser people then yourselves.  God bless,

Benjamin, do your remember some of the key passages in Romans 12? If not, you may want to memorize verses 1-3 and 9:

1. "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 

2. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God....

3. "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly..."

9. "Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."

ps. please don't make a big deal out of the word evil in my email address, the games name is Resident Evil and has nothing to do with anything evil in it, it was called Bio Hazzard in Japan (It was made in Japan and imported to America and was named Resident Evil to hype up people) because it's about a brutal virus that gets released into the public and has horrendus effects, then again judgeing by your dragon ball editorial it wont matter anyways.

 

From ZxNinjaxZ: You know, I've read through your site some more.  I'm not going to offer excuses anymore.  I'm going to try not to make suggestions that you will not follow.  I'm going to tell it like it is.  And maybe, just maybe something that I say will get in your head and you won't have the attitude that your religion is the only right way.

      First off, the Dragon Ball Character, Mister Satan, DOES mock your religion.  In my point of view, you and all other Christians fear this "Satan" because of his so called "Dark Power".  The character "Mr. Satan" is an old, ignorant man with an afro, and the attitude of some Pro-Wrestlers from the 80's.  The character's personality is one that makes him seem uninteligent, stupid, ignorant, and weak.  I think that Akira Toriyama was trying to say that you've just made your "Satan" stronger by fearing a made up character.  In Dragon Ball, none of the main characters fear Mr. Satan, because they know how weak he is.  Your only making this thought of your
bible's "Satan" stronger by fearing it.
      You follow God's Word?  How long ago was the Bible written?  What if God decided to CHANGE HIS MIND about what he wanted?
      You never answered the question in my last letter (which you failed to reply to, or post on your website), if God created everything, then who created God?  Did he create himself?  That's an impossibility.

God is omnipotent. He can do anything He pleases. He is also eternal. He always existed and He always will. He preceded and directed creation of the universe, the earth and all life. For more on this, please see creation.

      You know God's Word because the Bible says so?  Do you honestly believe in everything books say?  If a book said that there was a cat that lived on a streetlamp in New york, that had six legs, four tails, two heads,
and had fur made entirely of solid GOLD, would you believe it?   I'm guessing you wouldn't.  So why would you believe something from the Bible, which has lots of stuff in it that will never happen today.

Why should I trust "a book" and its fantasies. Why shouldn't I trust God whose truths through the centuries have been verified both by archeology and history? 

      You, yourself make me angry, and your ignorance to find fault with every piece of entertainment that is even remotely popular sickens me.  But wait, I missed one bit of very popular entertainment.  Sports entertainment,
Pro-Wrestling.  The World Wrestling Federation to be exact.  My entire family watches WWF shows such as "RAW is WAR", and "SmackDown!", we enjoy them.   
        There are quite a few things that I noticed that do not go by your religion.  They are supposedly "Wrong" in your God's eyes.
      Stone Cold Steve Austin drinks a lot of beer...  What about Rikishi Phatu, a large wrestler with the biggest backside one could lay eyes on?  You could write an article on the picture of a dragon he wears on his entrance attire.
      The WWF even put in a storyline to mock Self-Rightous people who believe that your way is the only right way.  The "Right to Censor" group (consisting of 5 people), who constantly try to stop people from using their
gimmicks....  [I deleted all your illustrations because they were way off our topic here]
      Now, on the information on Stone Cold and the Undertaker etc., I was being sarcastic.  But the WWF is one form of American entertainment, that you failed to touch, and it is quite popular.  Why do you think that is, that you didn't touch anything on this popular American originating entertainment, but you felt the need to go into Japanese anime?

Because many parents asked me to watch anime and write about it. There was a need for information based on a Biblical standard, and I tried to fill it.


      I have come to the conclusion that Pure Christians are offended by everything that does not pertain to their religion.  I can safely say that nothing will ever satisfy you unless it's pure Christian entertainment.

I am neither shocked nor offended by what I see out there. Its exactly what I expect in a world that doesn't know my God or His ways. Without Him, people just follow their human nature and seek entertainment that feel good and bring thrills.  That human nature hasn't changed through the centuries, but today's media and technology has multiplied the impact. But few realize it. Most simply rationalize away the immorality and violence, and thus lose all discernment.  I will write more about this in Brainwashing, Part 2. Did you see part 1? 

      To the parents out there, who are strict Christians, go ahead, hide your children away in a little shell from the rest of the world.  Keep their noses in their Bibles until they turn 18.  Then watch as they're shocked to find out that the world is nothing like the Bible, and watch as your children make mistake after mistake because they don't know anything about the real world.  You parents don't have to listen to me, because I'm just a 14 year
old Highschool Freshman right?  I don't know anything.  I'm blind to the world because I don't worship your God and do absolutely everything for him like slave.  I'm never going to read the bible, for fear that I will become
like all of those over protective parents.

If you were a parent trying to warn your child about crack cocaine , would you send them out among addicts to feel or experience the consequences?  Or would you reason with your child, explain the dangers, then counsel your child to abstain? 

From Fong Chih: Most of the names in Dragon Ball are puns of something. From Garlic to Broccoli to Bras to Snails to Rice, a lot of the names are puns or inside jokes, since it started out as a gag manga (comic). Mr. Satan and his daughter Videl are two puns on the word devil. Since Mr. Satan's name is pronounced Sah-tahn as opposed to Sae-tan Troiyama tries to make the distinction. As for REAL demons and such, he has entities such as Daruba, Bibidi, Babidi, and Buu (again, another Pun) which are not the protagonist (like Mr. Satan is.)

Trust me, after seeing Mr.Satan [Fong included a link to a film that I left out] you will see that he is incapable of doing any evil, simply because he is so incompetent (he was added as comic relief). 

From Will: I have read over your page concerning one of the joys in my life, animé. Throughout the pages on Pokémon, Dragon Ball, and Sailor Moon, you demonstrate your complete ignorance of the seires. For instance, when you describe DBZ, you "point out" that Son Gokou's tail means that he is a medicine man. This is completely untrue; he is a Saiya-jin, and they have tails. You must not ralize that humans have tail bones. According to your logic, all humans are evil.

I'm not sure how you came to these conclusions, Will. You seem to have misunderstood my comments.

Occult? Where did you get the idea that anything in DBZ is occult? That they fly? That they utilize their ki? Where? And if you plan on saying that Mr. Satan and his daughter Videl (rearrange the letters for devil) promote Lucifer, think again. Nowhere in the series do either of the characters make reference to satan. Oh, and while we're on the devil topic, SATAN (DARBURA IN DBZ) IS KILLED IN THE MAJIN BUU SAGA! That is correct! The Lord of the Dark Realm is killed by Majin Buu! Satan is killed! How's that?

Another topic is the hierarchy of the Gods. Each planet has a Kami. Each galaxy has a Kaio. The universe has Kaio-shin. These Gods are not all-powerful, and, in fact, some are killed on occasion. Regardless, the Kaios are treated with very high respect, even from the strongest warriors in the universe. However, you must remember that this show is from Japan, and is not out to destroy Christianity. It was written by the talented Akira Toriyama, of an Asian religion.

I also feel that I should point out that I am a devoted Christian, and the head acolyte at my church. I also have a collection of animé including: Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Ghost in the Shell, and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. I have seen others, and plan to add such hits as Trigun and Akira to my collection. Watching these movies does not shake my faith at all. In fact, animé viewing does something far from destroy my Christian values; it provokes thought into some very deep and often neglected topics (as far as US shows). Some examples are:

Do you see where I am going?

I think so. But I don't see much of a link between your list and Biblical truth. Might you have traded the Biblical world view for politically correct thinking?  

Look at your first example. If "good" nations destroy their weapons, the more deceptive nations will become stronger. Even if every nation agreed to destroy their weapons, human nature wouldn't change.  Soon the more aggressive leaders would build new ones. Will, you sound like anti-Christian UN leaders, not someone who knows and loves God's Word.  I wonder if all the anime has blinded you to His truth -- and you didn't even notice what happened. 

If you really are a "devoted Christian," please ask God to help you see yourself and anime from His perspective. Or do you love anime too much to be willing to put God first and seek His wisdom? These are important questions. I pray that you consider them seriously -- perhaps on your knees before Him. Kneeling has a wonderful way of breaking through our self-esteem and rationalizations. It humbles us and helps us to hear His still small voice and see ourselves from His perspective.  He says,

"I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is...  

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.... Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good."  Romans 12:1-2, 9.

I hope you will stop your ignorant ways, and look upon animé for what it really is: a wonderful art style, often with deep morals and stirring music. And if you cannot be swayed, please stop inserting your false ideas into parents.

From James: Questions and quotes from earlier comments:

From Nick M.: I am responding to the letter from Mr. Morrison and can't believe anybody could be that stupid. In his letter he stated "It's nice to know some people never change. You guys are as ignorant, misinformed, and spiritually defunct as ever. Honestly, guys...do you EVER research the things you rant and rave about?" Well to answer his question. Yes I do, and one of the thing's I heard these characters say is one of the reasons I will never let my kid's watch a program like that. He stated that the other characters were some of the cutest DEMONS they have ever seen.

Me: They're not demons, it's just a way of saying it. They are just some really, really powerful evil beings, and your child couldn't put any better way to explain it.

The other remark that he made was " If you bothered to research these things, you would, as you would have with Pokemon, come to the realization that DBZ, like Pokemon, is not MEANT to have any link or relation to Christianity." In this case my 10 year old son discovered this and it blew me away. He came to me with a DBZ sticker and showed me what was on it and if he didn't do that I would have never seen it.

If you look at the side of the car you can see the words Mr. Satan and the number 666. Now tell me that there is no link to Christianity when the one thing that tries to destroy God's people has got his name on this sticker. Mr. Morrison maybe you need to read the Bible a little closer and open your eyes.

Me: That picture should not be taken seriously. That picture is probably a production of FANWORK, not linked to the OFFICIAL DBZ in any way, shape or form. In Japan, copyrights mean NOTHING. It took me a good look at that picture to REALIZE it was from fans. First thing, Goku, the driver, would not have a Driver's License that early. It shouldn't even SAY Dragonball Z on there. Dragonball should be on there, it's right after or before Goku's marriage. When DBZ comes around, Goku, the guy, and Chi Chi, his wife, should be married, have a son, and look much older that that.

Why shouldn't it be taken seriously, Falconcunning? You must know as well as I do that it is perception, more than fact or history, that builds our understanding of the world. A child that sees 666 on a DBZ picture doesn't care whether or not the picture is and official DBZ production.

And your last remark gives me an even better picture of your misguided thoughts "IT'S BASED ON ASIAN MYTHOLOGY, WRITTEN BY A JAPANESE MAN WHOSE RELIGION IS AN ASIAN RELIGION, and NOBODY EVER CLAIMED DRAGONBALL Z EVER INTENDED TO REFLECT CHRISTIAN BELIEFS".

Me: It IS based on Asian Mythology. FANS are CRAZY in Japan, ok? It's grown out of control. The satanic stuff comes from the culture of the FAN that made the artwork. If you ever look at the other anime comments section, you'll know what I mean.

Well DUHHHHHHH we can see and hear this by the totally anti-christian words and pictures the try to sell our innocent children.

Mr. Morrison I expect a response from you.....

From Melissa Hyatt:  I am 15 and a very proud christian and I read your article on how Dragonball is "bad." i happen to be a christian and i don't appreciate what you are writing.

The show is just 'Make Believe' Just because it is on T.V. doesn't mean that people are nessecarily going to believe it. Have u actually watched the series? Well i have. I happen to think it is a very good show. There is no blood the people in the show don't even say 'die'. in the edited version there is no nudity or swearing either.

Even in the Japenise un-edited version there is very little nudity. If parentd are to read this,the will stop there children from watching it. The problem is that parents don't undersatnd it. You have to realize that it is all fantasy.It isn't like they are shoving there beliefs down our throats. Children like to watch shows like that. and if they watch the edited version then they won't see anything bad.

Did you read my reasons for avoiding it, Melissa? Though I have watched Dragonball Z and bought many of the manga (comic books), I haven't had time to actually write an article about it. But since you call yourself "a very proud Christian," may I suggest you read Digimon and Answers to Pokemon mail. Both will help you understand why these programs undermine Biblical faith. 

 

 

 

 

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