Against Anime

180AD "Against Heresies" - Irenaeus

2025AD "Against Anime" - Kenyon Bowers

I believe watching most, if not all anime, to be sinful. One may ask how I can make such a brazen statement. That's what this essay is for; I'd like to explain my case against anime.

What is Anime?

We must first define "anime." Anime, as I have gathered, refers to animation originating from Japan. This means that American cartoons (even if they look like anime) are not considered proper anime. Now, there's a little nuance as some consider donghua (Chinese animations) and Korean animations to be anime, while others make distinctions. For the purpose of this blog, we go with the latter definition which excludes donghua and Korean animation (though there is sometimes overlap). Thus, the running definition for anime I've come up with is:

Anime, noun: Animation originating from Japan.

 Why is Anime Bad?

Now that we have a definition for anime, let's look at what makes me reject it, especially with such a passion. If you've ever watched anime (if you haven't, don't), you know what I'm about to say to be completely true. Anime often contains explicit or immodest content, murder, witchcraft/magic, thievery, false gods, reincarnation, alcohol, or other sinful things. I am not accusing every anime of having each of these, but most contain at least one or two. Let us look at the Scriptures:

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." (Psalm 101:3)

This verse teaches us to set no wicked thing before our eyes. Since all Scripture is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16), this is not simply the psalmist's personal standards. I don't know of a single anime that doesn't violate the aforementioned verse. I have asked over two hundred people to provide one that doesn't—they've turned up empty-handed.

Now, before we get any further, I do acknowledge that the animation style of anime is not inherently sinful, instead it's the content of the anime. Thus, theoretically speaking, there could be an anime created which is fine to watch. If such a show exists today, it is so obscure no one has heard of it. The majority, however, are not okay for Christians to participate in watching.

Paul tells us in Ephesians to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). The Christian who consumes anime is the antithesis of this verse. Similarly, we're told to think on specific things:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report...do you believe that includes anime? Based on what we've discussed previously, it would seem unlikely; in fact I'd say it's impossible to watch something with all that sinful material in it and it not violate this verse. Sadly, it seems so many Christians ignore that fact—they fill their minds with the filth found in anime.

Even the Lord doesn't look upon sinful things. In the Book of Habakkuk, the prophet states:

"Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?" (Habakkuk 1:13)

The Bible tells us to "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). If God Himself is of "purer eyes than to behold evil" why would we think it fine for us to do so? Are we more holy than God?

Can't I Skip the Bad Parts?

Many would object to what I've said by stating they can just skip the fan service or other sinful scenes. The problem is, with most anime, you'd basically be watching the credits as the female characters are "worldly modest" but not biblically modest.

However, there is another issue. The Bible says we are to watch what we associate with. Here is what God says about it:

"[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)

It is not coming out from among the wickedness if you participate in watching it (regardless of whether you skip the bad parts or not). Another passage which speaks to this is 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." When one watches anime (even when they skip the bad parts), they associate themselves with that specific anime and they give off the appearance of evil.

Doesn't the Bible Contain Sin?

One of the major arguments one may use against what I've provided is, "The Bible contains sin; you're saying we can't read the Bible!" However, this is a fundamental misunderstanding of my position. The verses I have been using are almost exclusively about what we see with our eyes. When you read the Bible, all you see are words.

Additionally, the average Christian with any sense of morality knows that erotica is wrong, yet reads the Bible. They know there is a difference in the Bible saying "And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her" (2 Samuel 11:4) and erotica. Both an image of adultery as well as erotica are way different from simply recalling "David committed adultery." It is disingenuous to use this argument.

A mere mention of a sin that has taken place is not the same as making a picture of it or going into graphic detail in word. There is a difference in the Bible mentioning a sin happened and actually making a visual image of it.

Why Focus on Anime?

There are so many different forms of media, so why did I specifically choose to call out anime? I feel like in this modern world where just about everyone and their grandma is online, anime consumption among Christians has increased. It's gotten to the point where there are "weeb" Christians and "otaku" Christians. They make their online profiles about anime—from an anime profile picture to their Crunchyroll linked under their name.

Anime, I believe, has a bigger foothold in Christendom than most other media. Lord willing, I plan to help reveal the truth about this wickedness and help "reverse the clock."

Conclusion

I hope this has set a foundation for what you read on this blog. I pray you will heed the Scriptures and live accordingly.