This will officially be my final column of Something More. It’s been such a pleasure to use my Google keyword skills (ha!) to hunt down articles at the crossroads of faith and fandom. Never fear: you haven’t seen the last of this column. Starting October, I’ll be passing the torch to Samuru, so send him some great articles to get his first edition of Something More off on the right foot! In the meantime, I’ll see you space cowboys over at the Tanglecast.
Anime loves its Vash’s and Naruto’s–messianic archetypes who extend a hand of redemption to even the most hardened of sinners. Something intrinsic to human nature (and certainly to the Christian faith) recognizes the priceless value of second chances, perhaps because we are universally flawed beings and our own worst critics. Many of us like to believe there is hope, even for the evilest among us, because somehow that implies we can never be too far gone ourselves.
In the real world, containment and rehabilitation is always an option… But in the world of Akame Ga Kill!, where the bad guys are too powerful to be corralled and too violent to consider therapy, is capital punishment the only form of “redemption” available? Can there be hope for anyone when grace is not allowed into the picture?
Read Cooper D. Barham’s full article at Geeks Under Grace:
>> Akame Ga Kill! and “Affording” Redemption
And now for a plethora of ponderous posts:
What makes someone (or something) “worthy” of being called “God?” If Serial Experiments Lain holds any truth, then worship alone does not the true God make. [RishRaff Anime Reviews]
Christians (fortunately) don’t need Death Note’s shinigami eyes to get insight into the lives of those around them and see the reality of the fallen world. [Otaku in My Veins]
With all the biblical love they put into action, Kirito and Asuna of Sword Art Online fame might just be #relationshipgoals. [Otaku Collision]
As Berserk’s (2016) bloodbath continues, a reflection of mercy manages to shine through Nina, bringing to mind that the first step in removing evil from a fallen world is to see the evil in us and rid ourselves of it. [Medieval Otaku]
>> Also, be sure to check out Medieval Otaku’s WIP anime recommendations page, which he divides into three categories: (1) anime which implies it was written by a Christian or an author under a deliberate Christian influence, (2) anime with morally edifying themes and Christian symbolism, and (3) anime which features a Christian influence that falls in-between the other two categories. [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 contact us to be included.
Thank you for linking to my “Anime for Christians” page and article on Berserk! I just have to note that the third category in my page is not really a medium between Dante and Cicero class anime so much as anime in limbo. I have not yet decided whether to place them into the categories above or drop them, because I’d like to watch those shows again or more seriously think about their content and themes before doing so.
You had a great run doing the “Something More” series, Casey! Thank you for bringing us so many interesting articles. In this post, the one on Akame ga Kiru particularly strikes my interest.
Thank you for correcting me on your recommendations list. I’m sorry I goofed there! I look forward to watching your list grow. Most all of my favorite anime feature prominent Christian content, so believe me when I say I have already jotted down several of your recommendations for future viewing.
Something More has been one of the most enjoyable writing projects I’ve ever done for a blog. The web is a big place full of perspectives and discoveries. Nothing was more rewarding than finding that super-unique take on anime and spirituality each month.
Thank you for leaving such a detailed comment over on the AgK article. The author was very pleased to receive feedback. I know he put a lot of thought into writing it and was specifically looking for discussion on the topic.
Samuru will take up the torch from here, and I know he’ll do a great job! Thank you for supporting me along the way by providing comments, feedback, and, of course, well-researched articles to link to.