South African Christian/Anime Fan Greeting

[Riggidig]

Hey guys. 29-year old (almost 30, geeeez) Christian/Anime fan here. Just wanted to give a shout out.

I used to be a big fan of Anime/Manga back in college when I was doing animation/graphic/web design (1999 - 2003). However I lost my interest for it for a couple of years. My faith has also been going through a lot of dips the last couple of years. Recently though, my faith has strengthened, as well as my interest for Anime has returned.

I have to be honest and say I am at odds with the 2 though. I really want to serve the Lord better, and have been asking myself if a lot of the interests I have (mainly Anime and martial arts) are un-Christian. My old pastor said that both are, because they have their roots set in an un-Christian culture. I can see where he's coming from, but I had a fallout with him 2 years ago, due to some personal issues between us. However, I still feel guilty for liking what I like, due to what he told me.

It would be unfair and silly of me to ask something here like "Is this the Holy Spirit trying to tell me it's wrong for me to like Anime/martial arts/anything from the orient", because each and every person has their own opinion. I'm just a bit confused at the moment regarding if I'm doing anything wrong in the Lord's eyes. Really frustrating me it is...

Anyway, keep well and blessings to all

Richard

[rocklobster]

Welcome to CAA, our little slice of Heaven!

[Lilac#18]

Hi.

[Tsukuyomi]

Hey there and welcome to CAA ^^ I hope you enjoy your stay here and find our CAA friendly and welcoming ^__^

I would say there's nothing wrong with it ^^ Just as long as you know your boundaries ^__^

Perhaps think of anime and martial arts as gifts from our Father to enjoy (?) ^^ Just remember your priorities and you'll be fine 8D

[Ashley]

Hello, welcome to CAA! You should definitely strike up a conversation with BigSleepJ when you get a chance; you share a similiar geography.

As for the things you like being non-Christian, I would challenge you with this to think on. If you were to stay in your little Christian bubble, thinking/watching/reading only Christian things, how would you be able to relate to non-Christians. How would you be able to build relationships with those that desperately need Christ? What common ground could you meet them on?

While I agree that we must always guard ourselves from becoming too influenced by the world and its ways, I nevertheless strongly argue that just as our master, Jesus, never scorned anyone or anything because it was too "unclean" (the Pharisees sure did!), so we too should be unafraid of using our interests, hobbies, or skills in ways that not only glorify God, but build relationships with other people. Relationships that hopefully will lead to faith in Christ--not in a pushy, "do this or you can't be my friend" sort of way, but in a natural, growing, dignifying way.

It's the same argument I hear from a lot of Seminary students about why they don't want to work in the "secular world." Somehow, to do anything that's not overtly labeled "Christian ministry" is seen as lesser, dirtier, worldlier than "Christian" work. I say that if you can be a God-fearing plumber who greets people cheerfully, works for them honestly, and shares Christ with them verbally, then you are just as valuable to the Kingdom of God than any officiate of religion. And I think the same holds true for our "secular" hobbies or interests.


I hope this has given you a few things to ponder. I'm certainly not trying to tell you what or how to believe; I just truly believe that God intended us to live full, rich lives that include "secular" entertainment. This is obviously something you will need to pray about, and if you come to a different conclusion than I have I certainly hope my words will not offend a fellow brother.

[Phantom_Sorano]

Welcome to the site, Mr. Richard. Glad to have you. I hope you enjoy your time here.

[Riggidig]

[quote="Ashley"]Hello, welcome to CAA! You should definitely strike up a conversation with BigSleepJ when you get a chance]
Hi Ashley. Thank you for the time put into writing that reply. Appreciate it, and no, you did not offend me in any way, so no worries.

What you say has a lot of merit and validity. I will surely take it to heart and pray about it more, asking the Father for His guidance.

Also thanks to every once else for the welcome greetings :-) God bless.

Richard

[Anystazya]

Hi there Riggidig (haha, I love that username! XD)

I would like to echo what Ashley said. I, personally, want to be able to reach people who I otherwise wouldn't have. I don't want to come off as 'higher' than them, because I'm not ('m very much un-perfect), but if they see me as some preachy, 'perfect' Pastor's daughter, they won't want really think much of me or want to listen to me. There are also people who've used Anime/Manga to minister to others, as well, (things like Manga Messiah, or Let's Love Japan) which I think is kinda cool ^^

There are some awesome Christian people on here, who do like anime. Of course, if it's distracting you from your relationship with God, I don't think that's a very good thing for you. People don't always experience things the same ways.

Still, pray about it, and I'll pray for you as well. Look in His Word, and remember, just because this man is your pastor, doesn't mean everything he says is absolute. Your pastor is only human; he's not perfect, and doesn't know everything, just like everyone else on this planet. I'm not saying completely disbelieve every single thing he says, but, well, yeah, pray about it.

I don't know how it is where you are in South Africa, but here in Canada (and in the US too) we're practically surrounded by un-Christian things. You can walk into a store, and hear very un-Christian music playing, or see posters and ads that go against what we believe and know. This is what we deal with, and God will give us the strength to overcome anything, big or small, because He loves us and wants what's best for us. Don't lose sight of Him in the mess of a world we live in right now.

And, I am one of those people who love anime, AND I take a martial art...My dad happens to also be a pastor. He's proud of me when I do karate and win in tournaments. It's like discrimination against Asians to say that all oriental things are bad just because their roots are 'un-Christian'. God loves all His people just the same.

Anyways, I'm sorry to have rambled on like that I do that sometimes...

I wish you a very happy welcome to CAA, and I hope you enjoy your time here very much! The people here are friendly and nice

[Riggidig]

Hey there Anystazya (thanks for the compliment about my nick, yours is nice too). My parents divorced back in 2004 and my dad now lives in Canada. He's been living there since 2000 and I visited him (Saskatchewan) back during December 2001. Because you guys are in the northern hemisphere and we're in the south, I went from a warm, sunny climate to a VERY COLD climate. Never knew such cold existed LOL But yeah, it was strange how similar your culture is to ours. I was surprised at the amount of country and western songs I heard on the radio (our Afrikaner culture is also heavily into country-type music). Apart from driving on the right hand side of the road (we use the left), you guys are VERY similar to us (and vice versa). You even use the metric system (unlike your neighbouring country *coughcough*)

I used to take karate, but stopped because the instructor was a jerk. I am thinking about taking it up again, but my mind keeps stopping me. I keep thinking that it's wrong, but I still want to do it. It's really frustrating :-( What style do you do by the way and which kyu/dan are you at?

Thanks again for the reply. So far I really like the crowd on here. Very friendly and warm bunch you are :-)

Keep well and God bless

Richard

[Anystazya]

Oh, I see...lol, Canada has cold winters XD Especially since you were in one of the central provinces. It's colder there (Close to the coast, because it's by the ocean and everything, you don't get the same extremes as you do in the middle). But that's cool, how they're similar and stuff. (honestly, I've only been out of Canada once...and that was only a short ways into the U.S.)

I take shotokan karate. I feel bad for you, having a jerk for an instructor. My sensei is very kind and fun. His wife, my sempai, is also really nice...she knows how to give a good work out XD I'm at my...first purple belt, which would be the...5th kyu (The belt rankings go white, yellow, orange, green, 1st purple, 2nd purple, 1st brown, 2nd brown, 3 brown) ^^

I hope it all works out for you, and that God will give your mind peace.

God Bless! ^^

[uc pseudonym]

Welcome. Glad to have someone else from South Africa on board.

My old pastor said that both are, because they have their roots set in an un-Christian culture.

I would encourage you to view every culture as non-Christian. The religion may have developed in a specific area, but that doesn't privilege people from that area. No matter your cultural beliefs and customs, they are secondary when you become a Christian. For the earliest believers, that meant taking care of the sick when Roman culture exposed them to die. Chinese Christians worked against harmful practices like foot-binding. But Christianity can also celebrate what is good and right in each culture and I think that could include your interests.

[Riggidig]

Welcome. Glad to have someone else from South Africa on board.


I would encourage you to view every culture as non-Christian. The religion may have developed in a specific area, but that doesn't privilege people from that area. No matter your cultural beliefs and customs, they are secondary when you become a Christian. For the earliest believers, that meant taking care of the sick when Roman culture exposed them to die. Chinese Christians worked against harmful practices like foot-binding. But Christianity can also celebrate what is good and right in each culture and I think that could include your interests.

Hey there uc pseudonym. Thanks for the welcome. I get what you're saying regarding other cultures. It's just that my pastor was VERY religious. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to make it sound like a bad thing, but I was battling with a personal sin back then, whilst singing in the church band, and the week before he left for another congregation he asked me to sit out the singing that Sunday because he felt I wasn't "spiritually ready". It's really sad, because he left with the 2 of us not talking to each other. I felt really hurt and betrayed :-(

[Makachop^^128]

welcome ^^

[bigsleepj]

Welcome, Riggidig. Glad to see another South African. We need more local people to help implement my hostile takeover of the CAA. Oh, I talk about it openly because everyone else whose not in on it assumes I'm just being whimsical. See, they'll smile that and just carry on like nothing is happening.

Just out of curiosity, what part of S.A. are you from? (Old Transvaal area, Free State, etc)

Regarding your pastor's criticism on anime and karate, I'm going echo what most people said. It may have been the product of a non-Christian culture, but (karate in particular) does not really contradict Christianity in any way. By that logic school athletics are evil because it was invented by pagan Greeks. Unless your martial arts instructors insist on mixing your training with Zen Buddhism or Shintoism (these things happen) then there really isn't anything wrong with taking it because there is, then, no true way of hurting your belief through it. I'm sure your pastor meant well, but (to be blunt) I'm pretty sure he's wrong about it.

With anime, however, I don't blame him. Some (not all) can be pretty freaky (to put it mildly). If you don't feel secure or strong enough now in your faith to watch anime you can always return when you're more sure of yourself and your faith. Faith has a way of growing, and maybe at the right time you'll be able to embrace anime without believing that its wrong. If you never get comfortable with it, then it probably is best not to pursue anime further.

I hope this helps.

[Riggidig]

Welcome, Riggidig. Glad to see another South African. We need more local people to help implement my hostile takeover of the CAA. Oh, I talk about it openly because everyone else whose not in on it assumes I'm just being whimsical. See, they'll smile that and just carry on like nothing is happening.

Just out of curiosity, what part of S.A. are you from? (Old Transvaal area, Free State, etc)

Regarding your pastor's criticism on anime and karate, I'm going echo what most people said. It may have been the product of a non-Christian culture, but (karate in particular) does not really contradict Christianity in any way. By that logic school athletics are evil because it was invented by pagan Greeks. Unless your martial arts instructors insist on mixing your training with Zen Buddhism or Shintoism (these things happen) then there really isn't anything wrong with taking it because there is, then, no true way of hurting your belief through it. I'm sure your pastor meant well, but (to be blunt) I'm pretty sure he's wrong about it.

With anime, however, I don't blame him. Some (not all) can be pretty freaky (to put it mildly). If you don't feel secure or strong enough now in your faith to watch anime you can always return when you're more sure of yourself and your faith. Faith has a way of growing, and maybe at the right time you'll be able to embrace anime without believing that its wrong. If you never get comfortable with it, then it probably is best not to pursue anime further.

I hope this helps.

Howzit bru? Lekker to meet some locals on here :-D I'm from the Western Cape (PM me to find out where exactly if you want).

Thanks for the advice. I while back I saw a very wonderful Christian movie: Dinner with a Stranger. I liked it so much that I ordered it through take2.co.za. Should be here at the beginning of next month. The movie helped to get me "back on track" regarding my faith and religion, and I would recommend it to any Christian (heck, even any non-Christian).

Currently it's actually vice versa for me: I don't really have a big a problem with Anime (although you're right, some of the stuff out there, especially the late shows on Animax on DSTV, are big no no's). However, in my mind, karate (or any martial art) just don't seem to "gel". Like I said, it's really frustrating, because I like martial arts, but, in my head, I see it at odds with Christianity. Maybe I need to have a mindshift? I dunno.

Anyway, thanks for the message. We need more locals on here, cause, you know, local is lekker and all ^___^

Check ya and God bless

[Riggidig]

Welcome, Riggidig. Glad to see another South African. We need more local people to help implement my hostile takeover of the CAA. Oh, I talk about it openly because everyone else whose not in on it assumes I'm just being whimsical. See, they'll smile that and just carry on like nothing is happening.

Just out of curiosity, what part of S.A. are you from? (Old Transvaal area, Free State, etc)

Regarding your pastor's criticism on anime and karate, I'm going echo what most people said. It may have been the product of a non-Christian culture, but (karate in particular) does not really contradict Christianity in any way. By that logic school athletics are evil because it was invented by pagan Greeks. Unless your martial arts instructors insist on mixing your training with Zen Buddhism or Shintoism (these things happen) then there really isn't anything wrong with taking it because there is, then, no true way of hurting your belief through it. I'm sure your pastor meant well, but (to be blunt) I'm pretty sure he's wrong about it.

With anime, however, I don't blame him. Some (not all) can be pretty freaky (to put it mildly). If you don't feel secure or strong enough now in your faith to watch anime you can always return when you're more sure of yourself and your faith. Faith has a way of growing, and maybe at the right time you'll be able to embrace anime without believing that its wrong. If you never get comfortable with it, then it probably is best not to pursue anime further.

I hope this helps.

Hey bru. Lekker to meet some locals on here :-D I live in the Western Cape (PM me to find out where exactly if you want).

I saw a wonderful Christian movie recently: Dinner with a Stranger. It really helped get me back on track regarding my faith. I liked it so much that I ordered it through take2.co.za. Should be arriving here at the beginning of next month. I'd recommend it to any Christian (heck, even non-Christian).

For me it's actually vice versa at the moment: I don't have that big a problem with Anime (it actually helped to shift my focus off a bad thing recently), although some things are quite dodge (like the late shows on Animax on DSTV). Karate (and other martial arts) I have a bit more trouble with however. I really like the stuff, but, in my head, it just doesn't feel like the 2 can mix. Maybe I need a mind shift? I dunno...

Anway, thanks for the greeting, and we DEFINITELY need to talk more about this hostile takeover thing you've got planned. Sounds intriguing *rubs hands gleefully*

Check ya and God bless :-)

Richard

[Riggidig]

Welcome, Riggidig. Glad to see another South African. We need more local people to help implement my hostile takeover of the CAA. Oh, I talk about it openly because everyone else whose not in on it assumes I'm just being whimsical. See, they'll smile that and just carry on like nothing is happening.

Just out of curiosity, what part of S.A. are you from? (Old Transvaal area, Free State, etc)

Regarding your pastor's criticism on anime and karate, I'm going echo what most people said. It may have been the product of a non-Christian culture, but (karate in particular) does not really contradict Christianity in any way. By that logic school athletics are evil because it was invented by pagan Greeks. Unless your martial arts instructors insist on mixing your training with Zen Buddhism or Shintoism (these things happen) then there really isn't anything wrong with taking it because there is, then, no true way of hurting your belief through it. I'm sure your pastor meant well, but (to be blunt) I'm pretty sure he's wrong about it.

With anime, however, I don't blame him. Some (not all) can be pretty freaky (to put it mildly). If you don't feel secure or strong enough now in your faith to watch anime you can always return when you're more sure of yourself and your faith. Faith has a way of growing, and maybe at the right time you'll be able to embrace anime without believing that its wrong. If you never get comfortable with it, then it probably is best not to pursue anime further.

I hope this helps.

(NOTE: Rewriting this for the THIRD time cause it keeps disappearing for some reason when I refresh the screen).

Hey bru. Lekker to meet another local on here :-D I live in the Western Cape (PM me to find out exactly if you want).

I recently saw a very good Christian movie: Dinner with a Stranger. I liked it so much that I ordered it through take2.co.za. Should hopefully be here by the beginning of next month. It really helped to get me back on track regarding my faith. I'd recommend it to any Christian (heck, non-Christians as well).

At the moment, it's actually vice versa for me: I don't have a big problem with Anime (it actually helped to shift my focus off a bad thing). I do agree that some stuff is really dodge (like the late shows on Animax on DSTV). Karate (and other martial arts) I have this "mental block" in my head though. I really like it, but I just don't think the 2 mix very well. Maybe I need to have a mind shift? I dunno...

Anyway, we need to talk more about this "hostile takeover" of yours. Sounds intriguing *rubs hands gleefully*

Check ya and God bless :-)

Richard

[Riggidig]

(NOTE: Rewriting this for the THIRD time cause it keeps disappearing for some reason when I refresh the screen).

Hey bru. Lekker to meet another local on here :-D I live in the Western Cape (PM me to find out exactly if you want).

I recently saw a very good Christian movie: Dinner with a Stranger. I liked it so much that I ordered it through take2.co.za. Should hopefully be here by the beginning of next month. It really helped to get me back on track regarding my faith. I'd recommend it to any Christian (heck, non-Christians as well).

At the moment, it's actually vice versa for me: I don't have a big problem with Anime (it actually helped to shift my focus off a bad thing). I do agree that some stuff is really dodge (like the late shows on Animax on DSTV). Karate (and other martial arts) I have this "mental block" in my head though. I really like it, but I just don't think the 2 mix very well. Maybe I need to have a mind shift? I dunno...

Anyway, we need to talk more about this "hostile takeover" of yours. Sounds intriguing *rubs hands gleefully*

Check ya and God bless :-)

Richard

[Lady Kenshin]

Welcome! I'm glad you're here.

And my opinion is that of the other members who beat me to posting in your welcome thread...

Now that that's settled... what are your favorite animes?

[Riggidig]

Hi Lady Kenshin. Thanks for the welcome :-)

My favourite Anime? I take it you're refering to both shows as well as movies. Let me see, some of my favourites include:

Animes dubbed in my home language from my childhood including Heidi, Nils Holgerson, Dogtanian and the 3 Muskehounds, Moomin, Pinochio, as well as many others I can't think of at the moment or don't know the English name of.
Robotech/Macross
Kimba the White Lion
Blackjack
Giant Robo
Dragonball Z (prefer the subbed version, which was actually the first subbed Anime I ever saw)
Bubblegum Crisis (original version)
Spirited Away
Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind
The Cat Returns
Candy Boy (even though this falls under the yuri category, I personally didn't see anything wrong with the series, actually found it quite heartwarming)
Memories (liked all 3 stories)
Panda Go Panda
Sherlock Holmes (the series where they're all dogs)
Rider Bean Bandit
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Vampire Princess Miyu
First 4 seasons of Digimon
Tokyo Mew Mew
Love Hina
Dirty Pair Flash

There are loads of others but my mind's a blank at the moment :-P

[Phantom_Sorano]

Wow...long list. ^_^

[Riggidig]

Wow...long list. ^_^

Ha ha really? I thought it was an ok, not too long list myself ;-) Took me a while to type it though, because I used my mobile phone.