Welcome to the first of our more sporadic version of Something More. The blogosphere has been resplendent in it’s spiritual-related articles the last couple of week, regarding anime series both current and classic.
Christian symbolism runs rampant in Kill la Kill, as do opportunities to discuss Christian themes and ideas, particularly as they relate to clothing, in the series. [Taylor Ramage’s Blog]
The Spice and Wolf light novels paint God as malicious, but does this really to his true character? [Medieval Otaku]
Christianity plays a role, at least superficially, in countless anime series, as Eugene Woodbury states:
At the same time, in terms of theology, the suggestively Catholic Haibane Renmei can stand beside any of C.S. Lewis’s work as a powerful Christian parable. The same is true of anime such as Madoka Magica and Scrapped Princess, though you may have to look harder to see through the metaphors.
But he also goes on to suggest that the Japanese view toward the faith may rather reveal a positive view for many of the country’s feelings toward religion as compared to western ones. [Eugene’s Blog]
Speaking of Madoka, Woodbury recently explained that the series is “an exploration of the doctrine of universal reconciliation.” [2]
Is Mushi-shi a fatalistic series? Perhaps quite the contrary… [Organizational ASG]
To the tune of Christian themes, there’s more to A Good Librarian Like a Good Shepherd than meets the eye. [Cacao, put down the shovel!]
Sailor Moon draws more than merely character names from Greco-Roman mythology. [Lady Geek Girl and Friends]
And continuing with Sailor Moon, episode 14 of Sailor Moon Crystal emphasizes the power of prayer…even if it is to the Crystal Tower. [Geeks Under Grace]
The dividing of the girls in episode 5 of KanColle brings to mind the discomfort the early Christians must have felt as they started their mission. [2]
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As part of the Something More series of posts, Beneath the Tangles links to writings about anime and manga that involve religion and spirituality. If you’ve written such a piece or know of one, please email TWWK to be included.
