Anime has become so popular over the years and is currently being watched in almost every household around the globe. However, while some of the anime shows have been questioned in the past, a number of their shows do not contain any negative message or visuals, and this has prompted many Christians to wonder, “Is watching anime a sin?”
Religious scholars have agreed that watching Anime is not entirely a sin because its primary purpose is to entertain its audience. However, watching Anime can become a sin if a Christian intentionally watches shows that have violence, sexual content or those that teach vices that are against God, such as selfishness. In addition, if watching anime is constantly taking more of your time and leading you away from God, it automatically becomes a sin.
So, why do some Christians believe that watching Anime is a sin? How can Christians watch Anime in a way that glorifies God? Can a Christian watch Anime? Stick around to learn the answers to these questions and many more.
Why do some Christians believe that watching Anime is a sin?
Sin can be defined as an offense against God or the religious or moral law. From the definition, we see that for something to be a sin before a Christian, it should go against God’s will or their moral or religious law. There are several reasons why Christians believe that watching Anime is a sin, and we will look at some of these reasons;
One of the reasons watching Anime is believed to be a sin by Christians is because of its content. Although not all anime shows contain negative content, some portray violence in them and even sexual content. As a Christian, you are encouraged to fill your mind with only pure, right, and honorable things.
Philippians 4:8 says, “In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your mind with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.” Colossians 3:2 also reminds Christians where they should put their minds; “Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth.” Anime shows are earthly things; if they lead a Christian away from God, they should avoid them.
Consequently, if the Anime shows you are watching have sexual content, it becomes possible to be tempted into engaging in sexual activities which God warns against. Mathew 6:22-23 says, “The eyes are like a lamp for the body. If your eyes are sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eyes are no good, your body will be in darkness; how terribly dark it will be!”
Another reason Christians believe that watching Anime is a sin is because of some of the themes that these shows portray. For instance, some shows usually represent personal honor and success as themes of their specific films. This may lead to a developing Christian pride in life because of his personal success, which might lead to pride.
According to Psalms 10:4, pride drives Christians away from God, as they start thinking that he does not matter anymore; “The wicked do not care about the lord; in their pride, they think that God doesn’t matter.”
The last reason Christians believe that watching Anime is a sin is because of its origin. The term anime is the Japanese word for animation, meaning Anime originated in Japan. While most Christians are from the Western culture and have embraced Christianity over the years, Japan is from the Eastern culture and does not base its beliefs on Christianity but on polytheism and mystical superstition.
Japanese culture revolves around Shintoism, a religion that terms the Japanese people as descendants of many spirits and gods. Due to this reason, many Christians believe that most of the Anime storylines and their fantasy adventures base on the Shintoism religion, which God does not accept.
How can Christians watch Anime in a way that glorifies God?
As a Christian, you need to find a way to enjoy an anime show and, at the same time, glorify God. While this may be hard, we will share a few tips on how you can succeed in this.
First, look up the Anime reviews you are interested in before watching. This way, you will know what exactly is in the movie or film and choose whether it glorifies God or not. Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God; what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.” Secondly, you should be specific about the genre of the Anime you want to watch. Some Anime genres contain explicit content, while some have lessons one can learn from it.
Can a Christian watch Anime?
Yes and no. A Christian can only watch an anime if its content leads them toward God and glorifies God. A Christian can also watch Anime as these shows have an exciting way of storytelling that is usually exciting. Additionally, some themes encourage some of the Christianity virtues such as kindness, loyalty, courage, endurance, and self-sacrifice. However, Christians should avoid Anime shows by all means if it contains content that will lead them to sin or drive them away from God.
Some guidelines can guide a Christian in watching an anime movie or film. First, a Christian can watch Anime if its contents are pure, noble, admirable, and refined, as Paul encourages them in Philippians 4:8 “In conclusion, my brothers and sisters, fill your minds with those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable.”
In addition, Christians can watch Anime if their faith is strong and unshakable. Romans 14:1-3 says, “Welcome those who are weak in faith but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. Some people’s faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in their faith eats only vegetables. Those who will eat anything are not to despise those who don’t; while those who only eat only vegetables are not to pass judgment on those who will eat anything; for God has accepted them,”
A Christian can also watch Anime if the holy spirit convicts them to watch, as the work of the holy spirit is to help Christians choose what is right and what is evil. 1st Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Do not restrain the holy spirit, do not despise inspired messages. Put all things to the test; keep what is good and avoid every kind of evil.” Ephesians 4:30 also says, “And do not make God’s Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free.”
Finally, a Christian can watch Anime if it will uphold the glory of God and if it will not affect those around them negatively. God encourages Christians to always consider those around them so they can continue walking in the Lord. 1st Corinthians 10:31-33 says, “Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God’s glory. Live in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. Just do as I do; I try to please everyone in all that I do, not thinking of my own good, but of the good of all, so that they might be saved.”
Reference
- Is watching Anime a sin? – Can Christians watch Anime
- Can Christians watch Anime?
- Is Anime a sin according to the bible?
- What should be the Christian view of Anime?
- Can a Christian watch Anime?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
