UlasanAnime.com – We often find ourselves accustomed to the language, methods, and workings of mass media as we immerse ourselves in popular culture. Words are easily spoken, and while pictures might convey a thousand words, their true meaning to us lies in their ability to evoke emotion and ignite our passions.
This sentiment extends to the concept of worship, particularly within a Christian context. Reading about KOTOKO’s performance at A-Kon in Texas stirred a strong desire to have been present. This passion is amplified by her unique persona; the “nihilistic cowgirl” costume, a nod to her Mountie attire in Toronto, could easily persuade me to purchase any merchandise stemming from her two North American appearances this year. My dedication as a fan is specifically tied to her live performances and her engaging stage presence, which consistently brings a broad smile to my face, compels me to jump and wave until I’m sore, and makes me endure long queues filled with irritating fans.
My perspective is also influenced by my upbringing within the principles of Christian Hedonism. After many years of spiritual immersion, I’ve come to realize that its teachings have a singular limitation: they make assumptions that don’t universally apply. For individuals whose emotions are so profoundly distorted, it can be challenging for a stoic observer to grasp the importance of living passionately. After all, stoic love remains love. Imperfection is inherent in every soul, spirit, and body, yet God blesses those who seek Him through faith. This doesn’t even account for the possibility that some individuals are naturally stoic from birth. This might explain the difficulty some face in dedicating their lives to pursuits that align with their passions, especially when those passions intersect with godly living, or when they live godly lives devoid of passion.
Ultimately, worship is an act of praise and adoration, a response of love. It’s the driving force behind Nielsen ratings and the buzz around a popular movie at the water cooler. It’s why I attend church and, perhaps, why God created the universe. In a way, it also explains the drive for procreation. Observing many toddlers and younger children recently has deepened my appreciation for the immense love and devotion their parents have for them.
However, worship is only one half of its counterpart: goodness. We worship only that which we deem worthy of adoration. I believe that only good things deserve our attention. For many, this translates to only watching “good anime.” This is perfectly understandable. Similarly, some watch Aria because they recognize its inherent goodness, which is also a valid reason. Yet, many more viewers are drawn to Aria because they appreciate the goodness of slice-of-life stories! Just as some coffee is lauded for its lasting taste, we praise it accordingly. Even more people drink coffee simply because it’s beneficial to have some in the morning.
A passionate and vibrant life celebrates goodness, expresses itself emotionally, and motivates individuals to pursue even greater goodness. We find joy in our activities because we are engaged in what we love. This is a blessed catch-22, a reflection of the heavenly realm. This narrative mirrors the story of Aria. Does it also reflect the story of you and me? Or perhaps him?
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