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Finding God in Anime #2
Finding God in Anime: A Devotional for Otakus
Have you ever wanted a season two of your favorite anime but found out it is unlikely for the company to produce one?
Stinks, doesn’t it? Well, Finding God in Anime definitely isn’t like that. After all, you’re looking at volume two right now!
Welcome to the second installment of the acclaimed devotional: Finding God in Anime ! Each bite-size piece comes straight from the passionate otaku souls in our collective of Christian authors. You will find anime-inspired pieces from across tons of beloved genres within this devotional, and each one presents a unique and Biblical outlook on your favorite shows!
- Find God’s fatherly love in Daddy’s Girl, inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist
- Go down to your atoms to discover God’s purpose for us in Jobs, inspired by Cells at Work
- Huddle up to hear God’s game plan for living like Him in Get Your Head in the Game, inspired by Kuroko’s Basketball
…and so many others! So grab your shuriken or computerized make-up compact and join us on the exciting adventure of finding God’s teachings in anime!
Stinks, doesn’t it? Well, Finding God in Anime definitely isn’t like that. After all, you’re looking at volume two right now!
Welcome to the second installment of the acclaimed devotional: Finding God in Anime ! Each bite-size piece comes straight from the passionate otaku souls in our collective of Christian authors. You will find anime-inspired pieces from across tons of beloved genres within this devotional, and each one presents a unique and Biblical outlook on your favorite shows!
- Find God’s fatherly love in Daddy’s Girl, inspired by Fullmetal Alchemist
- Go down to your atoms to discover God’s purpose for us in Jobs, inspired by Cells at Work
- Huddle up to hear God’s game plan for living like Him in Get Your Head in the Game, inspired by Kuroko’s Basketball
…and so many others! So grab your shuriken or computerized make-up compact and join us on the exciting adventure of finding God’s teachings in anime!
- GenresChristian
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
30 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Laura A. Grace
13 books316 followersGrowing up, Laura A. Grace dreamed of being a Sailor Scout and searching for the seven dragon balls so she could make a wish. Those dreams have continued to inspire her as co-founder and co-organizer of the devotional Finding God in Anime as well as a writer and YouTuber for Beneath the Tangles, a website that blends discussion of anime and Christianity. She also even started her own anime-inspired small business, Cheery Tangerine Creations! When she’s not busy brainstorming new pin designs or filming YouTube videos to convince others to read her favorite manga titles, you can find her playing video games with her husband and three children.
Come see what manga she is reading and recommending on her YouTube channel!
Come see what manga she is reading and recommending on her YouTube channel!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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June 1, 2022Today marks the official release of volume TWO of Finding God in Anime and I could not be more excited!
Volume one of Finding God in Anime: A Devotional for Otakus was a deeply moving and impactful read, but I would say this volume is just as much as impactful and deeply moving. Once again, I found myself amazed at how manga and anime lovers just like me were also finding Biblical truths and parallels in the reads/shows they absolutely love. I cried over pieces I read, I flailed when I saw some of my favorites, and most of all, I felt God work in my own heart reading these.
While I am a co-organizer (and contributor) of this devotional, I will refrain from leaving a rating, but I truly hope you will consider checking out this devotional! It's free on Amazon and a variety of other platforms and think it has something for every anime watcher. <3
Volume one of Finding God in Anime: A Devotional for Otakus was a deeply moving and impactful read, but I would say this volume is just as much as impactful and deeply moving. Once again, I found myself amazed at how manga and anime lovers just like me were also finding Biblical truths and parallels in the reads/shows they absolutely love. I cried over pieces I read, I flailed when I saw some of my favorites, and most of all, I felt God work in my own heart reading these.
While I am a co-organizer (and contributor) of this devotional, I will refrain from leaving a rating, but I truly hope you will consider checking out this devotional! It's free on Amazon and a variety of other platforms and think it has something for every anime watcher. <3
June 16, 2022
I don’t review a lot of devotionals, but upon finding out that that Finding God in Anime was coming out with a second volume, I thought it’d be a good chance to support this really cool project! Like its predecessor, Finding God in Anime vol. 2 is a collection of short, meaningful pieces that explore Christian themes in a form of media that many Christians hold in disdain for its secular elements. And as someone who’s watched enough anime to understand that point of view, I’m happy to assure you that there are Christian viewers who seek out and appreciate the threads of truth woven into some of the most popular anime franchises in the past decade.
So, um, I wouldn’t call myself an otaku, according to its proper definition anyway, and I only recognized like a fourth of the many animes referenced throughout this devotional. Regardless of whether or not I’ve watched the animes they’re based on, however, I found many of these pieces inspiring. For instance, I don’t know much about Attack on Titan (except that it’s epically sad and too scary for sensitive li’l me), but I think anyone would empathize with the application of Mikasa Ackerman’s touching quote as explained in “Beautiful Cruel World.”
I was delighted to see some of my favorite animes represented among the list, of course, including Yona of the Dawn in “Never Alone”–which, though primarily about my least favorite character in that series, resonated with me deeply on account of the author’s heartfelt writing. Likewise, “Laugh without Fear” is bursting with a warmth and care that’s only fitting for one of the best-beloved characters from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and gives a beautiful reminder of what these epic sagas are all about. These pieces, along with others, are comfort to those of us who know that in a world steeped with darkness, holding on to our true light is a necessary lifelong battle, though never a futile one (as touched upon in “Reason for Our Pain”).
There are those pieces, and then there are the ones that don’t only bring comfort and encouragement but also remind us that there’s still a lot we need to and can do, as Christians who want to share the light of Christ with others. We can face our fears, like Tanjirou does even when he feels frozen on his feet in Demon Slayer (“Breathing Deeply”). We can learn to accept God’s forgiving love as Kyo learns to accept Tohru’s in Fruits Basket (“Our True Form”). And we can offer a hand to even the ones who have stopped reaching because those among us were the ones to hurt them, to sow compassion instead of the hatred heaped on the infamous villain of My Hero Academia (“Save the Shigarakis”–my personal favorite in this volume!).
And there are many more! Finding God in Anime covers a wide range of topics, both familiar and unexpected, but each drawing out the worth of a media that’s been popularized for many of the wrong reasons. I highly recommend picking up this devotional if you like anime. It might even change the way you watch these shows for the better 😉
*I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of writing a voluntary review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
So, um, I wouldn’t call myself an otaku, according to its proper definition anyway, and I only recognized like a fourth of the many animes referenced throughout this devotional. Regardless of whether or not I’ve watched the animes they’re based on, however, I found many of these pieces inspiring. For instance, I don’t know much about Attack on Titan (except that it’s epically sad and too scary for sensitive li’l me), but I think anyone would empathize with the application of Mikasa Ackerman’s touching quote as explained in “Beautiful Cruel World.”
I was delighted to see some of my favorite animes represented among the list, of course, including Yona of the Dawn in “Never Alone”–which, though primarily about my least favorite character in that series, resonated with me deeply on account of the author’s heartfelt writing. Likewise, “Laugh without Fear” is bursting with a warmth and care that’s only fitting for one of the best-beloved characters from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and gives a beautiful reminder of what these epic sagas are all about. These pieces, along with others, are comfort to those of us who know that in a world steeped with darkness, holding on to our true light is a necessary lifelong battle, though never a futile one (as touched upon in “Reason for Our Pain”).
There are those pieces, and then there are the ones that don’t only bring comfort and encouragement but also remind us that there’s still a lot we need to and can do, as Christians who want to share the light of Christ with others. We can face our fears, like Tanjirou does even when he feels frozen on his feet in Demon Slayer (“Breathing Deeply”). We can learn to accept God’s forgiving love as Kyo learns to accept Tohru’s in Fruits Basket (“Our True Form”). And we can offer a hand to even the ones who have stopped reaching because those among us were the ones to hurt them, to sow compassion instead of the hatred heaped on the infamous villain of My Hero Academia (“Save the Shigarakis”–my personal favorite in this volume!).
And there are many more! Finding God in Anime covers a wide range of topics, both familiar and unexpected, but each drawing out the worth of a media that’s been popularized for many of the wrong reasons. I highly recommend picking up this devotional if you like anime. It might even change the way you watch these shows for the better 😉
*I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of writing a voluntary review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
July 5, 2022
Such a great, unique devotional! I loved the first book and think this is a worthy “sequel” to it. Many of the pieces I needed to read exactly when I read them, and I really like how this devotional really shows you can find God anywhere and hear His voice in anything if you really listen and are open to see and hear.
I also wrote a piece in this one! It’s “Never Alone” and based on a character in Yona of the Dawn, my favorite anime and manga series, and how he reminds me of how Jesus never left me in one of the darkest times of my life. While I won’t say much so you can read and discover it for yourself, (hint, hint, nudge, nudge 😉) this is the one of the hardest, most raw things I’ve ever written, so much so I almost didn’t submit it. But I did and while I’m nervous about people reading my heart, I’m also so glad I did it in hopes it can help another hurting heart out there somewhere.
It is also a tribute to my late best friend and first horse, Duke, and I’m so happy others can meet and know him and what he did for me in some small way. 🥰
I also wrote a piece in this one! It’s “Never Alone” and based on a character in Yona of the Dawn, my favorite anime and manga series, and how he reminds me of how Jesus never left me in one of the darkest times of my life. While I won’t say much so you can read and discover it for yourself, (hint, hint, nudge, nudge 😉) this is the one of the hardest, most raw things I’ve ever written, so much so I almost didn’t submit it. But I did and while I’m nervous about people reading my heart, I’m also so glad I did it in hopes it can help another hurting heart out there somewhere.
It is also a tribute to my late best friend and first horse, Duke, and I’m so happy others can meet and know him and what he did for me in some small way. 🥰
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June 21, 2022I have a piece in this one, too.
June 4, 2025
Y'all, I am over the moon about this book! It’s chock full of biblical truths that can be found in anime (and manga, as many of the stories started out as books).
Now, this is no different than finding biblical truths in any other story under the sun, but for otakus, who seem to be in a league of nerd-dome all our own, it is so encouraging to see written right in front of us the evidence of our Christian beliefs displayed in our favorite stories that are generally viewed as more ‘out-there’ than others. I mean, people are far more used to the idea of finding God in LOTR or Narnia than they are in Naruto or Fullmetal Alchemist. But He is there in those stories, too. His truth. His principles. His teachings. All portrayed in a format that is easy for us to understand: story. And in the case of this devotional: specifically anime.
For me, having this pointed out for the first time was a life changing plot twist! Volume 1 was a game changer. Volume 2 is a rallying cry. Turns out you can like anime and love Jesus without compromising your faith. It also proves that God can reach His people wherever they're at. No good story is unusable for the kingdom.
If you've ever wondered how God's love can be found in anime, this book is for YOU.
Now, this is no different than finding biblical truths in any other story under the sun, but for otakus, who seem to be in a league of nerd-dome all our own, it is so encouraging to see written right in front of us the evidence of our Christian beliefs displayed in our favorite stories that are generally viewed as more ‘out-there’ than others. I mean, people are far more used to the idea of finding God in LOTR or Narnia than they are in Naruto or Fullmetal Alchemist. But He is there in those stories, too. His truth. His principles. His teachings. All portrayed in a format that is easy for us to understand: story. And in the case of this devotional: specifically anime.
For me, having this pointed out for the first time was a life changing plot twist! Volume 1 was a game changer. Volume 2 is a rallying cry. Turns out you can like anime and love Jesus without compromising your faith. It also proves that God can reach His people wherever they're at. No good story is unusable for the kingdom.
If you've ever wondered how God's love can be found in anime, this book is for YOU.
July 11, 2022
All good things must come to an end, but I certainly hope that more devotionals for otakus will be present in the future.
There are so many good devotionals in this book. Whether it is a reminder about the parts of the church body with Cells at Work or the reminder of the power of friendship, each devotional is easy to read and relatable. You don't have to watch the anime to understand the message, which I appreciated it. I may be an otaku, but even I haven't seen everything. That is why I was grateful that so many people included context or focused on the content of the devotional instead. My greatest hope, as I am sure is the hope of the other authors in this devotional, is to reach others like ourselves with the hope of God. So if you're hesitating, unsure if you would like this devotional, don't hesitate anymore. The devotional is a free e-book and the paperback is inexpensive. You'll love what you find in the pages!
There are so many good devotionals in this book. Whether it is a reminder about the parts of the church body with Cells at Work or the reminder of the power of friendship, each devotional is easy to read and relatable. You don't have to watch the anime to understand the message, which I appreciated it. I may be an otaku, but even I haven't seen everything. That is why I was grateful that so many people included context or focused on the content of the devotional instead. My greatest hope, as I am sure is the hope of the other authors in this devotional, is to reach others like ourselves with the hope of God. So if you're hesitating, unsure if you would like this devotional, don't hesitate anymore. The devotional is a free e-book and the paperback is inexpensive. You'll love what you find in the pages!
March 15, 2023
I'm extremely honored to have my own little devotional in this collection! I'd never written one before this, so I was happy that it was good enough for the wonderful ladies who compile these devotionals! There are a lot of very inspirational reads in this collection and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Jesus and loves anime!
August 1, 2023
Like its predecessor Finding God in Anime Vol. 1, FGIA Vol. 2 explores anime through a Christian lens. There are devotionals that explore various lessons that align with biblical messages as seen within anime.
Some of the devotionals that stuck out to me in this volume include:
- "Beautiful Cruel World" by Simon Barbu who explores finding beauty through seeing the world as God intended through an analysis of Attack on Titan.
- "Shine Bright" by Kathleen Bird who, with discussion on Your Lie in April, reminds us that we all have gifts given to us by God that we should use to bring glory to Him.
- "Get Your Head in the Game: Why Mindset Matters" by Megan Dill delves into how our mindset impacts our heart and faith by looking at characters in Kuroko's Basketball.
- "Reason for Our Pain" by Kandi J. Wyatt talks about purpose and overcoming hardship as seen in the plight of the Elric brothers in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
- "Laugh Without Fear" by Laura A. Grace looks at Demon Slayer to discuss being brave in the face of fear because God is our stronghold and salvation.
- "The Future" by Angela Watts looks at "Free! Dive to the Future" and uses it as a soundboard to remind us to not let fear stop us from living because God has given us life for a reason. Whenever we are scared, we can take our fears to Him.
- "Never Alone" by Sarah Ryder explores the fact that we are never alone because God will never abandon us looking at the relationship between Hak and Yona in Yona of the Dawn.
Some anime discussed are ones I am familiar with while others are new to me (now I have an updated list of anime to check-out). All the included devotionals are thought-provoking and more than one were well-timed for my own personal walk this past month. This is a great devotional for those who enjoy anime including adult otakus and younger anime fans (both young adult and middle grade readers could read this, though having others to talk about the outlook shared might would be beneficial to the younger audiences).
In all transparency, I have two devotionals included in this book. Though I will not deny that I am proud of my contributions to this collection, the anthology as a whole is a solid installment in this devotional series. Highly recommend!
Some of the devotionals that stuck out to me in this volume include:
- "Beautiful Cruel World" by Simon Barbu who explores finding beauty through seeing the world as God intended through an analysis of Attack on Titan.
- "Shine Bright" by Kathleen Bird who, with discussion on Your Lie in April, reminds us that we all have gifts given to us by God that we should use to bring glory to Him.
- "Get Your Head in the Game: Why Mindset Matters" by Megan Dill delves into how our mindset impacts our heart and faith by looking at characters in Kuroko's Basketball.
- "Reason for Our Pain" by Kandi J. Wyatt talks about purpose and overcoming hardship as seen in the plight of the Elric brothers in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
- "Laugh Without Fear" by Laura A. Grace looks at Demon Slayer to discuss being brave in the face of fear because God is our stronghold and salvation.
- "The Future" by Angela Watts looks at "Free! Dive to the Future" and uses it as a soundboard to remind us to not let fear stop us from living because God has given us life for a reason. Whenever we are scared, we can take our fears to Him.
- "Never Alone" by Sarah Ryder explores the fact that we are never alone because God will never abandon us looking at the relationship between Hak and Yona in Yona of the Dawn.
Some anime discussed are ones I am familiar with while others are new to me (now I have an updated list of anime to check-out). All the included devotionals are thought-provoking and more than one were well-timed for my own personal walk this past month. This is a great devotional for those who enjoy anime including adult otakus and younger anime fans (both young adult and middle grade readers could read this, though having others to talk about the outlook shared might would be beneficial to the younger audiences).
In all transparency, I have two devotionals included in this book. Though I will not deny that I am proud of my contributions to this collection, the anthology as a whole is a solid installment in this devotional series. Highly recommend!
July 1, 2022
I guess putting "reviews" on your own book is a thing now so WOOHOO LET'S DO THIS!!
Giving this Devo five stars because each and every author in this work deserves it! I've said it a bunch before and I'll say it a bunch more: you 👏 all 👏 are 👏 fabulous 👏 This devotional wouldn't be possible without so many talented creators and otaku coming together to share their heart.
Laura and I have received so many heartwarming messages from readers touched by the encouraging words shared within this anthology. 💙 God can work through anything and that includes anime! It was a pleasure to see how so many Christian otaku have felt the kindness and love of God through their favorite shows. He speaks to us in many ways!
No matter the trial you face, the heartache that cracks you, God is love. And sometimes, we need to experience that through fictional formats to best understand it. (Jesus often spoke to His followers in parables, don't-cha know.)
So thank you again to the contributors, to those who work tirelessly to produce the shows we know and love, and of course to our almighty God who blesses us in so many ways and shows us his unending love no matter where we are 🫶
Giving this Devo five stars because each and every author in this work deserves it! I've said it a bunch before and I'll say it a bunch more: you 👏 all 👏 are 👏 fabulous 👏 This devotional wouldn't be possible without so many talented creators and otaku coming together to share their heart.
Laura and I have received so many heartwarming messages from readers touched by the encouraging words shared within this anthology. 💙 God can work through anything and that includes anime! It was a pleasure to see how so many Christian otaku have felt the kindness and love of God through their favorite shows. He speaks to us in many ways!
No matter the trial you face, the heartache that cracks you, God is love. And sometimes, we need to experience that through fictional formats to best understand it. (Jesus often spoke to His followers in parables, don't-cha know.)
So thank you again to the contributors, to those who work tirelessly to produce the shows we know and love, and of course to our almighty God who blesses us in so many ways and shows us his unending love no matter where we are 🫶
October 28, 2023
A refreshing devotional for anime otakus.
December 28, 2023
Short cute devotional for teens and preteens.
December 21, 2025
When I read and reviewed the first book in this devotional series I was surprised that there are Christians out there that see Anime as evil. I am not sure why. But saying that, I actually had a parent tell me that Poe’s stories were evil because they showed the evil side of man. To each his own. I shared this devotional with my grandson who was excited because they love Anime as does their mother.
Many of these devotions resonated with me. Daddy’s Girl by Kandi J. Wyatt. Fullmetal: Brotherhood was not something I was familiar with. However, the way she describes Commander Hughes and his interaction with his daughter is something every parent can understand. This has been a tough year. I often spoke with the author and asked for prayer. She always had scripture leading me back to relying on God. I have to say. There were days I prayed he would hold me in his hands.
This book impressed me from the very first story. We have two brothers. One is drawn through a portal into the afterlife. The other brother sacrifices part of his body to get his brother back, even if not in his original form. The point is made that the ultimate sacrifice was willingly made by Christ for us. It was done out of love for us.
This book is not meant to be read in one sitting. However, it just means I will read it again slower. I figure each time I read it, God will show me what he wants me to learn from each one. It is also another book I recommend to anyone seasoned or new to Anime.
Many of these devotions resonated with me. Daddy’s Girl by Kandi J. Wyatt. Fullmetal: Brotherhood was not something I was familiar with. However, the way she describes Commander Hughes and his interaction with his daughter is something every parent can understand. This has been a tough year. I often spoke with the author and asked for prayer. She always had scripture leading me back to relying on God. I have to say. There were days I prayed he would hold me in his hands.
This book impressed me from the very first story. We have two brothers. One is drawn through a portal into the afterlife. The other brother sacrifices part of his body to get his brother back, even if not in his original form. The point is made that the ultimate sacrifice was willingly made by Christ for us. It was done out of love for us.
This book is not meant to be read in one sitting. However, it just means I will read it again slower. I figure each time I read it, God will show me what he wants me to learn from each one. It is also another book I recommend to anyone seasoned or new to Anime.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews