Should Christians Watch ANIME?

Anime is loved by many around the world and some Christians have asked if they're allowed to watch it. While the Bible doesn't explicitly state that anime is or isn't allowed, there's biblical wisdom that we can use to help us reach a conclusion. In this video we explore the question "Should Christians Watch Anime" and how it can be consumed in a way that doesn't hinder spiritual growth.

[HattaTHEZulZILLA]

You just need to remember ONE simple rule: DO NOT be too absorbed by things like this.
It's fine to just give your brain a break but NEVER be too obsessed with it.

[christianknight]

As a Christian and a anime fan. I highly agree on every single thing that was taught on this video.

[FrostbiteGamesK]

I like how you Drew Jesus in an All Might art style for the thumbnail.

[AllMightsSister]

The thumbnail (Jesus with All Might's face) almost made me fall off my chair. Jesus is the reason I'm spiritually saved, and All Might is the reason I'm physically alive. God used All Might to change me into an ENTIRELY new person, and I'm a child of God, truly, for the first time in my life. Remember, people: Don't be a lukewarm Christian. You're either all or nothing! God bless. Thanks for that thumbnail, Impact!! I love it!

[RedCloudGawdian]

As a Christian who runs an anime community, I will agree that this is all correct and things I've had to struggle with over the course of my walk. Idolatry has been the main sin, but now my focus is clearly on the Lord Jesus.

[andrewschwartz]

Can you do a video on friends that don’t believe in God? And how to handle that as a believer!?!

[Lichenroc]

As a Christian you can watch anything nothing is off limits as long as nothing you watch inspires you to do something morally wrong.

[dataArtists]

Thank you for this biblical and well-balanced analysis and advice. Appreciate all your work, and God bless, strengthen, and help you as you help the highly creative people of Japan. 🙂

[oscarmarquardt]

I’m literally struggling with this right now. I just prayed to God about this 30 minutes ago, and now I see this video in my feed. Praise God! Thank you for your ministry.

[awesomeephault]

I think every Christian, weather an anime fan or not, should watch Vinland Saga. It teaches love and forgiveness and how you can move on even when people have taken everything from you. The “love your enemies” quote from Jesus is literally in the show. It actually changed my outlook on life and helped bring me much closer to God. The first season is all about anger and revenge, but it also shows how those things only lead to destruction, and the second season is all about how to forgive and move on from your past. 10/10 would recommend. Can’t wait for season three.

[masonjackson]

This is why I like Sonic the Hedgehog so much. His story always centers around sacrifice and uplifting those around him. He maybe the hero and can be cocky but when his friends and loved one are in need he isn’t prideful and helps them through anything. He even treats his enemies with respect and a love for their well being.

[xellarias]

I agree at 7:38
there is a cartoon that i once felt drawn to, Hazbin Hotel and once i finally decided to watch it and check out why, i realized all the blasphemy it had, the lies about how lucifer was an innocent dreamer or wisher. I couldnt keep watching, tiktoks were all over my fyp after that about it. like if it was following me but i decided to warn my family about instead of watching it.

[domtom]

I almost didn’t watch this because it was specifically about anime, but after having watched it anyway, I’m really glad I did. The principle here goes beyond just anime and I was able to really think about my own Christian liberties vs that of my fellow believers. Thanks for posting this!

[arttheorems]

I wish to make an anime that has Christian themes that was inspired by my Life with Christ. I pray to God one day to help me to spread His goodness by my testimonies through this method. Thank you for enlightening on what to do as an aspiring writer and animator. May God bless you and have a good day.❤

[Banjokazooie-eq]

An anime I love is dragon ball. It teaches us that even the worst of people can still be redeemed, especially in the case of two major characters in particular. Avengers infinity war and endgame also has me THIS close to crying too.

[SuperStoryMode]

LOVE THIS!!! I've learned all three of these lessons--thankfully NOT the hard way. The hardest part for me was honestly just telling my friends (even Christian ones) "Nah, I won't watch that, " because I was afraid of their reactions. "What, you think you're better than me? What about THIS show you watch, or THIS game you play? How is that any different?!" I don't have my "Do's and Don'ts" down to a science--it's not like I have a spreadsheet or a spectrum of the "Sin-O-Meter" to point you to--but I just follow my conscience. Sometimes Holy Spirit will show me why something's not for me, and sometimes I just feel it. I love how you described the criteria we should follow: discerning what TRIGGERS us.

The only other advice I'd add for somebody reading this is that you shouldn't base what you watch, read or play off of "how much you can handle;" if there's any amount of something that bothers you, you should consider giving it up. I'm taking this out of context, but "a little yeast permeates the whole dough". Your triggers don't have to be concerned with temptations, either: it could simply be that you feel it's wrong. You set an example for others, whether for yourself, your friends, family, children under your care, etc. Sometimes God will call you away from something simply because He's giving you more responsibility for yourself and others. I'm trying to start my own YouTube channel centered around gaming and Christian content, for example, and Holy Spirit told me that I shouldn't play anything that I wouldn't be comfortable sharing with others, even when I'm not recording for content. What I was playing before wasn't convicting me of sin, but I've decided not to consume any media from now on which doesn't have a hopeful and inspiring message. For example, "Attack On Titan" was a show that I enjoyed, because I connected with the raw human emotion and struggle, but it ultimately has a very bleak outlook on life and human nature, so I dropped it.

Be wary, as well, of "searing your conscience". Basically, that's what happens when you make allowances for sin and ignore your convictions about wrong behavior long enough that you no longer feel that tug on your heart to turn away. More often than not, it happens slowly over time, as you convince yourself "Well, it's not THAT bad; it's only a little suggestive, or a little violent". It is NOT, in fact, a sign that you've "matured" or "grown up, " it's a sign that you've burned your skin enough that you no longer feel the pain. But God can reverse the process, if you ask Him for help and get serious about what He's asking you to do or not do. Who CARES if you get made fun for being a baby or a weakling or a goody-two-shoes?! If that's how your friends respond, then they need to see your example. And if they make a big deal about it, maybe you need new friends. Don't try to gain favor with people and lose your soul in the process! Your only concern is doing what's right for you, and setting the example for others to follow!

And the final thing I'll say is this: Don't worry about "having nothing to watch, read or play" if you get rid of [insert thing here]. God will replace what you've lost with BETTER things--first and foremost, Himself and His Word! He'll give you things that don't just fill your time, but fill you with LIFE and feed the very essence of your SOUL! It's also convenient to get rid of things, because with less things you'll spend more time with the things that you REALLY love! You won't be rushing to finish something and move on to the next one; you'll genuinely take your time, and get more out of it in the end. It's also great for saving money, time management, and developing a more varied lifestyle!

So, in effect: 1. Love God with everything you've got; 2. Do what is right for you, and DO NOT compromise; 3. Take your time, and enjoy life. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk, and sorry for the novel, IVM. Thanks again, for this incredible video! You truly are wise in both Word and life!

[megumiai-wowe]

As someone who majored in Theology, watches anime, and writes fanfics trying to portray the Gospel in them, I have to say thank you for your outstanding video! I believe it will provide great insight to our fellow brothers and sisters!! 😀😀

[Philliwolf]

I've been a huge anime fan for many years, and I love this video. You are absolutely correct. I love the usage of scripture and that you didn't just condemn all anime like so many people do. I have noticed that I am a lot less inclined to watch the more fanservice type anime out there. It's just not appealing anymore. I feel like it's me not only maturing as a person but also as a Christian. Thanks for another great video!

[hay_Z]

A silent voice is a super good one, full of beautiful animation, and a deep enjoyable story, has zero nudity in it, i highly reccomend it as a christian, its super inspiring in general, but if you are working on your own anime/manga its even more so inspiring imo, im currently working on 2 christian manga series right now, and practicing animation for when im ready to get a team together and make an official anime 😊❤️

[robynsegg]

I love how you made Jesus look like All Might (which is the perfect nickname) in the thumbnail...