Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

This anime is about an elven mage named Frieren who was part of the hero's party during their conquest against the demon king. Due to her elven nature, she has lived for over a thousand years, and thus has a different perspective on time itself. However, after two of her former party members die, she realizes the influence they had had on her. Thus begins her journey to truly understand humans and create connections with others.¹

Devils

Within this world, there are demons.² They are hostile to people, whom they see as prey.² These devils are the "main antagonists" of the anime.² Would the Lord have us to be involved with evil spirits like this? I get that devils are wicked, but why would we watch anything relating to them, and for entertainment no less?

"neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27)

Witchcraft

Continuing the previous segment, there is another aspect to devils that we need to consider. Magic is a major part of this show,³ and is used by humans, elves, and demons. This means magic is portrayed as a natural and inherently amoral aspect of reality.

Using witchcraft, you're able to overcome and subjugate demons.⁴ Magic, witchcraft, spells, whatever you want to call it, is spiritual in nature. It is a devilish power we are programmed to believe we can utilize to overcome demons.

"[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:10-12)

We are to use the armor of God against the spiritual wickedness of this world. We are to resist them, not use some "magic" to fight them.

Language

This anime has profanity.⁽⁵⁾⁽⁶⁾ This sort of content is contrary to the Scriptures. God does not want us listening to this.

"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee." (Proverbs 4:24)

Why are we to put away the froward mouth and put away those perverse lips? Well, because they are a "breach in the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4). It will affect us, even if we think we are "strong enough" to resist it. Lot is just one example of a man who was affected by not only what he saw, but also what he heard (2 Peter 2:7-8).

Reddened Eyes

Crunchyroll reveals that the show contains alcohol.⁶ Alcohol is a vice that many Christians are fine with in real life as well. But this shouldn't be. The Scriptures are clear that alcohol is not pleasing to the LORD, and is, in fact, a sin.

"¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." (Daniel 1:8) 

Daniel had been taken captive from Judah to Babylon. Babylon's king brought the best of the Israelite children to his palace for indoctrination. Part of this meant they needed to be cared for and provided for, which the king did by giving them meat and wine.

However, Daniel and his friends purposed that they would not eat of the meat nor drink of the wine, for it was defiling. Later on in his life, Daniel does drink wine, which means there's a type of wine that defiles and a type that does not. Alcohol will and does defile you. It leads you down an ungodly path.

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1)

We want to be wise; we want to follow the Scriptures and obey God. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10); thus, if you are not wise, you are not fearing God.

"Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright." (Proverbs 23:31) 

When we are commanded not to even look upon wine, why would we believe it okay to do the contrary? Do we think we can go against the word of the LORD and be fine?

Conclusion

With these considerations in place, there cannot be a case made, biblically, to allow Christians to consume it. This media has sin in it and should be rejected. Psalm 101:3 is so clear when it states that we are to set "no wicked thing" before our eyes. May we heed the Bible!

Sources:

1. "Sousou no Frieren." MyAnimeList, myanimelist.net/anime/52991/Sousou_no_Frieren. Accessed 7th day of the fourth month 5785.

2. "Demon." Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Wiki, frieren.fandom.com/wiki/Demon. Accessed 7th day of the fourth month 5785.

3. "Spells." Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Wiki, frieren.fandom.com/wiki/Spells. Accessed 7th day of the fourth month 5785.

4. "Frieren." Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Wiki, frieren.fandom.com/wiki/Frieren. Accessed 7th day of the fourth month 5785.

5. "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Parents guide." IMDb, imdb.com/title/tt22248376/parentalguide. Accessed 7th day of the fourth month 5785.

6. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Crunchyroll, crunchyroll.com/series/GG5H5XQX4/frieren-beyond-journeys-end. Accessed 7th day of the fourth month 5785.