Nckayla-Joubert
This Blogpost will look at the link between religion and pop-culture. And how deeply intwined both seem to be. It will explore various mediums and how religion is expressed via all of them. A special look will be taken into Banal Religion and how it is able to permeate entertainment. Deepening the story and giving life to a narrative that may otherwise not have existed if not for the religion said narrative was based on.
The YouTube channel Fundie Fridays, which examines the relationship between religion and secularism, demonstrates how religion attracts interest even from those who are not involved. They discussed the Duggar family, known for their religious beliefs and aversion to technology, yet they starred in the TLC show 19 Kids and Counting. The oldest son, Josh, faced child pornography charges shortly after his father, Jim Bob, lost a Senate race. The family supports the Quiverfull Movement, among other beliefs.
Religion often permeates various media forms, including anime, where it serves as a vehicle for creativity and thematic expression. Record of Ragnarök and Blue Exorcist are prime examples of this. Record of Ragnarök depicts the Gods' Council deciding humanity's fate through a battle, featuring human interaction with divine beings. Blue Exorcist focuses on Christian themes, following Rin Okumura as he trains to defeat Satan. Both anime use Banal Religion to deepen their narratives, blending religious elements with storytelling.
The TV series Good Omens is a prime example of Banal Religion, blending Christian themes with humor and fantasy. Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the show follows the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley as they navigate the impending Armageddon. By humanizing divine entities, Good Omens uses Banal Religion to depict Aziraphale and Crowley as relatable characters with worldly desires. The series also emphasizes humanity's role, suggesting that ordinary people's choices can shape the fate of the world just as much as celestial beings.
