Throughout
the series, I noticed somewhat the dark and moral themes presented in the
anime. The final episode somewhat moved me a bit; the words at the end had me
recall that there is always someone watching over you; and I gave my verdict
that it was an above average show (for the many who really enjoyed it, I
apologise but it just did not appeal highly to me, not that I believe those who
watched it would be reading this though XD). That was in essence my thoughts on
the anime at that time.
Sometime
later, as I was browsing the net in search for any manga/anime with
Christian-based themes, I chanced upon this site, beneaththetangles.wordpress.com.
More specifically, I came across this article,
which left me quite a while in reflection. For those who are reading this, I recommend
you also read what the author, TWWK eloquently wrote there.
Warning:
spoiler alert for those who have not, and intend, to watch Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
To
briefly summarise those thoughts,
- Madoka’s final sacrifice displays the mankind’s fallen state and the value of Jesus Christ.
- The relationship of Kyubey and the girls is similar to the serpent tempting Adam and Eve to eat the fruit in the garden of Eden, both instances the latter not realising the full consequences of their act.
- Madoka taking on the curses of all the magical girls throughout history parallels Jesus taking the burden of sin of all humankind.
- Madoka left Homura her red ribbon, reminding her she is not alone. Likewise, Christ, when He ascended to the Father, sent the Holy Spirit to the believers.
- Christ overcame sin upon the Cross. Similarly, all magical girls were freed from the curse of becoming witches due to Madoka’s self-sacrifice. Yet suffering continues in both cases. Sin is still prevalent in our world; while demons came in place of witches. But this life, after renewal is much better than the previous. The magical girls still fight, but no longer live under the witch’s curse. Christians still have to deal with sin, but can now look forward in hope towards our heavenly destination.
While
the points were certainly quite eye-opening, what particularly struck me were
not the insights that were presented, but the fact that I failed to notice
those insights even after completing the anime some time ago (for a person who
partly focuses allegory theology, I must admit I am a little disappointed with
myself). From time to time I like to fancy myself drawing anime-like artwork or
creating Catholic-themed manga (by the way, computer
graphics design would have been my first option for tertiary education
before engineering). Part of this is fuelled
somewhat due to some of these Japanese productions poking fun at, and sometimes
showing open contempt for Christianity. To say nothing of the fan service that
comes with almost every anime, many of them promote questionable moral values,
whether directly or through subtle undertones within their works. Really now,
is sexual-themed humour a must for a show to be successful?
Reading
TWWK’s article was in a way a wake-up call for me. Although reminded often,
many a time I fail to recognise God’s presence in every aspect of my life,
especially during periods of entertainment. “God is
not only found in Church, Scripture or prayer.” It is easy for one to
say it, even more so to take this sentence for granted. Only when you have
personally experienced something meaningful (and repeatedly) does the phrase
nail home. The Madoka post reaffirms me that there is indeed a divine dimension
in all areas of activity.
God
is truly present everywhere. We need however, to constantly remind ourselves to
open our eyes and ears and tune ourselves towards His presence. Not an easy
task to be sure, yet “he who seeks finds” (Luke 11:10). With this in our hearts, I hope that we will
gradually come to see Him in everything we encounter, and to glorify Him
through all that He has placed before us.
RFG always.
PS:
by chance (or should I say, His plan) the passage which I read while writing
this, Joshua 22:10-34 reminded that praise,
although presented differently, is just as acceptable to glorify His name as
with other forms of more traditional or contemporary praise, as long as it is absent
from sinful aspects – it is more the intention that gives what we do meaning.
