Are there "Christian anime"? Many anime-watching believers would affirm that there are. But what constitutes a "Christian anime"? What is the criterion by which we determine if something is Christian or not (e.g., anime, movies, video games)?
Now, the term "Christian anime" is used, based on my personal experience, by a YouTuber "Christian Anime Podcast," and those who listen to him. Whenever he says "Christian anime," what he means by that is an anime that contains Christian values. Thus, an anime may be full of idolatry, violence, and even severe immodesty, yet if it "teaches something" like forgiveness, it is called Christian.
However, I would like to bring the Scriptures into this. What does the Bible say makes something Christian?
What Does it Mean to be Christian?
I find it appropriate to look at the first mention of Christians (by this term) in Scripture. In Acts 11, the believers at Antioch were called Christians for the first time. Here's the record:
"[25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: [26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:25-26)
Based on this passage, the believers who were gathered in Antioch were called Christians. The Bible describes them as being disciples, or followers of Christ. Additionally, they were teaching the people the Scriptures. They taught the same things our Lord taught. Their conversation (both their actions and speech) reflected Jesus Christ.
Peter likewise contrasts those who are murderers, thieves, evildoers, or busybodies with the Christian. 1 Peter 4:15-16 states:
"[15] But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. [16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." (1 Peter 4:15-16)
Please notice that the standard set for Christians excludes the things in verse fifteen. So, when one considers what makes someone a Christian, it is that they live a holy life. Another passage with this theme is Ephesians chapter 5. We read:
"[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; ... [3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; [4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ... [8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) [10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." (Ephesians 5:1, 3-5, 8-12)
Paul commands us not to let uncleanness be named among the believers, not even once! It becomes of saints—of Christians—to not have sinfulness named among them.
We can see from Scripture that for someone to be a Christian, they must be conformed to God's Law. Does that apply to anime? Does an anime full of violence, immodesty, or drunkenness fit this criteria? It absolutely does not, no matter what lesson you "can learn from it."
The Example of Paul
While on Mars' hill, Paul preached to the men of Athens. He quotes one of their poets.
"[28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. [29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device." (Acts 17:28)
He quotes the poet, and it fits with the truth of the Gospel, yet Paul never refers to the poet as a "Christian poet" or his work as a "Christian writing." No, Paul is clear to state that the poet was one of their poets. Paul, if he were following the example of Christian Anime Podcast, would have said, "One of these Christian writings says," but he does not.
Obviously, there is a difference between a poet happening to say something truthful and an anime with a bunch of wicked content. Paul is not giving liberty to the believer to watch whatever filthy trash they desire.
Originally, this post was going to be named "Can There Be 'Christian Anime'?", but I found that title improper. This is because anime (or any media, for that matter) can be Christian. But for it to be labeled Christian, it must actually line up with the Bible. As of this writing, I am not aware of any actual Christian anime, sadly, even if it is theoretically possible for one to be created. So, to answer the main question, "Are there Christian anime?" No, there are not.