Mothra and Religious Connections

[Living Corpse]

Jesus (oh ha ha ) this thing is old.

[Tyler]

You be quiet. Mothra died for our sins, you know.

[JAGzilla]

On a related topic, I've always liked the idea of an in-universe religion based around Mothra. Not just among the Infant Islanders, but a global thing. It's followers would adhere to Mothra's moral code, along with praying to her for help with appropriate problems. Whether or not she could actually hear said prayers would be left ambiguous, though she and the Shobijin would be supportive of at least the religion's general idea.

Battra would probably attract a similar following, though he'd view it as a useless minority and ignore it.

[Rody]

^ I think Bobby Curnow said something about that regarding HALF CENTURY WAR.

I agree that this is a good idea; after all, I can actually see people doing that in real life.

[locomike65]

I agree jagzilla great idea would make for interesting storyline if theres ever another Mothra movie.
Another parallell. The "worship" scenes on the island are extremely similar to descriptions of what goes on in heaven written in the book or Revelations in the bible.
Having studied that book and the rest of the Bible alot I felt like I was waching those scenes acted out in the movie.
Someone made reference to one of the creaters being Catholic. I wasnt able to find any info on any of their personal lives. Honda was the sone of a Buddhist priest but no mention of his personal religious views.
However the story line has so many parallells to Biblical stories that I gotta wonder if indeed, whether subconsciensly or on purpose, if the creators of the movie didnt use their religios views to create the characters and story line.
If you get past the whole giant moth and lizard thing, its actually avery deep movie.

[PRIMEVAL]

I can definitely see the Christian connections from what I've seen in the Godzilla films.

[hammysammy59]

Doesn't Japan at large sort of view/interpret Christian imagery the way we view voodoo or pre-Christian imagery? Not with any deep understanding of the subject, but with vague notions that do a great job of setting an ancient, eerie, sacred, and foreign--maybe even forbidden, mood. I'd say they were aiming more for that nebulous, spiritual vibe than MOTHRA=JESUS.

[Living Corpse]

You be quiet. Mothra died for our sins, you know.

Mothra dies all the time. If anything I'd say she's more like Kenny from South Park then Jesus.

A badass Kenny but still.

[godzilla898]

On a related topic, I've always liked the idea of an in-universe religion based around Mothra. Not just among the Infant Islanders, but a global thing. It's followers would adhere to Mothra's moral code, along with praying to her for help with appropriate problems. Whether or not she could actually hear said prayers would be left ambiguous, though she and the Shobijin would be supportive of at least the religion's general idea.

Any idea where I could find such a thing?

[Jomei]

Doesn't Japan at large sort of view/interpret Christian imagery the way we view voodoo or pre-Christian imagery? Not with any deep understanding of the subject, but with vague notions that do a great job of setting an ancient, eerie, sacred, and foreign--maybe even forbidden, mood. I'd say they were aiming more for that nebulous, spiritual vibe than MOTHRA=JESUS.

I wouldn't say they view Christianity quite that negatively, and there are some (though very few) Japanese Christians, but I agree that the best you can glean from Mothra is a vague spirituality. Something benevolent yet animal, it also reflects Japanese attitudes about the relationship between humans and the environment/nature.

I'm sure Tsuburaya incorporated some of his personal views of Catholocism as well, evidenced by the death/rebirth cycle, self-sacrifice, etc.

[hammysammy59]

I'm sure Tsuburaya incorporated some of his personal views of Catholocism as well, evidenced by the death/rebirth cycle, self-sacrifice, etc.

I always forget Tsuburaya was Catholic. I'm so used to just assuming Christianity and its sects are practically non-existent in Japan.

[locomike65]

the only way to know for sure would be if someone could find his personal writings or an interview where e discussed this directly. I have not yet been able to dig anything up. That being said, there are just too many similaritys (although well disguised) to be a coincidence. Those of you commenting otherwise please take into account. You must first be familiar with Chritianity and with all the scenes in the movie to really see the connection.
Now, I dont doubt everyone here is pretty familiar with the movie. And most of you probably think you understand Christianity. But in my experience, few actually do even among those who would say that they do. I have studied (not just read but studied) the Bible for over 25 years. And , more recently, I have studied that film and most of the films involving Mothra and i'm telling you the parallells are multiple. I was very surprised myself and didnt notice till after seeing the movie a few times.
Its easy to just take it for what it seems to be on the surface, A giant monster movie. But there seems to be much more to this than that. Those were real people who created these movies, those people had ideas, world views, and maybee agendas (gotta say maybee until those personal writings turn up lol).
I just find the whole thing fascinating.
Thanks for making this thread and thanks for all the input.