A question that’s often asked is, “Why is Good Friday good?” From an irreligious perspective, it’s a day commemorating the execution of a peaceful, innocent man by a domineering, colonizing empire. From a Christian perspective, it’s the day that our savior died. So what exactly, then, makes it good? I think we can find the… Read More Holy Week: The Love of Chise, the Goodness of God
One of my most popular posts on this site was for a personal piece I wrote regarding Clannad After Story and fatherhood. I revisited the post recently, and it struck me both how much time has passed, as the article marked a time – now seemingly long ago – when my kids were practically babies,… Read More Revisiting Clannad and Fathers
The world of Noragami reflects the pantheon of kami in Japanese religion. There’s an unraveling uniqueness to Yato, but from the beginning, Noragami also emphasizes the truth of Shintoism, that he is just one of many gods. And without a shrine, Yato is a minor one at that. The presence of many kami in Shinto… Read More Holy Week: Noragami and a Saving Grace
It’s Good Friday – the day we memorialize the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. For anime fans, and particularly those not of the Christian faith, it’s particularly of note that on Good Friday two years ago, the finale of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, as much a “classic” as any recent anime, aired. The two are of… Read More Magical Girls and Good Friday