Докса 2 (
2018)
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Abstract
This study analyzes Japanese animation series ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ in the context of postmodern theology as a cultural analysis and criticism. My selection of the series as a research object is motivated by Hideaki Anno, the creator of the series, who used some Christian concepts, symbols and themes in ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’. ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ in all its variations is a specific mythology of the beginning and ending of life on Earth. The life on Earth began accidentally, and it was caused by the representatives of the dying extraterrestrial race. The life on Earth can be ended by human beings due to the humans’ scientific curiosity – their desire to know everything based on the feeling of loneliness and separation from something coherent whole. The mythology of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ constitutes a postmodern theology which echoes mainly Judeo-Christians doctrines through the use of such words as ‘Adam’, ‘Lilith’, ‘Eva’, ‘Evangelion’, ‘Angel’, ‘Spear of Longinus’ et cetera; but, in fact, ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ turns out to be a criticism of the extreme enthusiasm of mankind about science and technology and the Japanese collectivism.