6 Extremely religious anime characters (& 6 who are confirmed atheists)

Anime characters often portray dynamic personalities that make them lovable. Religion is a topic explored in the animanga medium through various notions. Some characters are depicted as loyal followers of religious figures or deities while others label themselves atheists.

The past of some anime characters shapes their religious beliefs. However, a tragic past can often lead to a character becoming an atheist. Let's explore six anime characters who are religious and six characters who are atheists.

Disclaimer: This list is not ranked and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

6 anime characters who are religious

1) Rose Thomas (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Rose Thomas as seen in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Rose was a devout follower of the church of Leto and the fraud prophet Cornello before Edward and Alphonse uncovered the truth and saved her life. As a kind girl, she believed in the teachings of Cornello, thinking that he'd be able to bring her dead boyfriend back to life.

Rose is one of the most religious anime characters, who suffered from a grave emotional crisis after Cornello's true intentions came to the limelight. Eventually, she became grateful to the Elric brothers and decided to rebuild the town.

2) Enrico Pucci (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 6: Stone Ocean)

Enrico Pucci as seen in Stone Ocean (Image via David Production)

Pucci is the main antagonist of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 6: Stone Ocean. He was a Stand User and Dio's faithful follower. Pucci wanted to become a priest when he was a teenager. However, his beliefs were distinct from the Christian perspective as a consequence of tragic events and the death of his sister.

Even as an antagonist, he was generally addressed as Father Pucci. He was one of the religious anime characters whose upbringing led to firm Catholic beliefs ingrained in his mind. His main goal in the series was to attain heaven. However, his notion of heaven was very different from the Christian beliefs.

3) Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Trigun Stampede)

Nicholas D. Wolfwood as seen in Trigun Stampede (Image via Orange)

Wolfwood is one of the memorable anime characters who is not only religious but also a womanizer. His weapon, the Punisher Cross, is a symbol of Christianity. Wolfwood is a priest who has to kill even if he doesn't want to.

Even with the Christian symbolism, Wolfwood's beliefs are not necessarily Christian. Despite his aversion, he believes that killing is required for the greater good. Wolfwood is a man depicting several contradictions in his character.

4) Chrollo Lucilfer (Hunter x Hunter)

Chrollo as seen in Hunter x Hunter (Image via Madhouse)

Chrollo is one of the major antagonists of Hunter x Hunter. He is the founder and leader of the Phantom Troupe. Chrollo is a born leader with an intelligent personality. He notes the opinions of other humans, but he is also a cold-blooded character like his fellow Troupe members.

Though Chrollo is not shown to adhere to any particular religion, he has his religious philosophy regarding good and evil. He portrays Christian as well as anti-Christian symbolism through his tattoos. Furthermore, Chrollo's last name is reminiscent of Lucifer, the fallen angel.

5) Kikyo (InuYasha)

Kikyo as seen in InuYasha (Image via Sunrise)

Kikyo was a priestess who practiced Shintoism. She was a Miko, trained since childhood, and met her tragic downfall as she fell in love with Inuyasha. Her spiritual energy allows her to become a legendary Miko, dutifully performing exorcisms.

Before meeting Inuyasha, she faithfully performed her duties without any touch of corruption. As a Miko, she was not allowed to encounter desire. However, after meeting Inuyasha, her spiritual energy depleted significantly as she fell in love with him. It ultimately led to her downfall.

6) Alexander Anderson (Hellsing)

Alexander Anderson as seen in Hellsing (Image via Gonzo)

Alexander was one of the anime characters who appeared as a priest and served as a major antagonist in Hellsing. He was a Catholic, who often quoted the Holy Bible and took care of children. However, due to his abilities as a Regenerator, he was seen to lose control during fights.

His Catholic beliefs played an important role in the series. It provided him with a strong sense of morality, which also portrayed his dark side because of the violence he committed to kill vampires. He believed that the word of God could protect him against vampires, which is why he recited the Holy Bible's passages.

6 atheist anime characters

1) Zoro Roronoa (One Piece)

Zoro as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Zoro is a swordsman and Luffy's right-hand man. He portrays exceptional combat skills using his unique three swords fighting style. Zoro is one of the atheist anime characters who uses logical reasoning in critical times.

In the Skypiea arc, Zoro explicitly states that he doesn't believe in God, which is why he does not pray. Zoro is a follower of samurai philosophy and the doctrine of Bushido. This leads him to have a kind personality who does not attack his opponents when their backs are turned.

2) Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Edward Elric as seen in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Edward is one of the atheist anime characters who is well-known within the animanga medium. Right from the beginning of the series, he establishes that he is an atheist. When speaking to Rose, he tells her that it is impossible to bring someone back to life as it is not supported by science.

Edward's dedication to alchemy influences his atheist beliefs. Even though he knows about the existence of Truth, he doesn't believe in the existence of God and doesn't worship God. His atheist beliefs are one of the most important parts of his personality.

3) Senku Ishigami (Dr. Stone)

Senku as seen in Dr. Stone (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The protagonist of Dr. Stone, Senku, is a scientist. He is one of the most logical anime characters, whose love for science allows him to make decisions backed up by scientific methods. He believes that science has the power to explain everything.

Senku's atheist belief is a reflection of his deep-rooted faith in science. His logical reasoning lets him take responsibility for his actions rather than leaving them to fate. However, atheism is not a recurring theme in Dr. Stone.

4) Rebecca Lee (Black Lagoon)

Revy as seen in Black Lagoon (Image via Madhouse)

Revy, the female protagonist of Black Lagoon, is a merciless anime character who kills without restraint. Her combat skills are unmatched and very few characters in Black Lagoon can keep up with her fighting prowess.

Revy is an atheist and does not believe in showing her emotions. She has a nihilistic outlook and does not expect forgiveness for her actions. However, Revy is seen to respect her allies as well as trust them.

5) Guts (Berserk)

Guts as seen in Berserk volume 23 (Image via Young Animal)

As the protagonist of Berserk, Guts is one of the most iconic characters. He is an exceptional swordsman, who can wield Dragon Slayer. Guts has endured countless traumas throughout his life, making him one of the most tragic anime characters.

In a world full of demons, Guts does not worship or follow the word of any God. He is an atheist who possibly acknowledges the existence of God but does not believe in the superior being.

6) Kusuo Saiki (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.)

Saiki as seen in the anime (Image via J.C.Staff)

Saiki is one of the atheist anime characters who explicitly states their disbelief in the existence of God. As the only character with psychic powers, Saiki is a dynamic character who has become introverted as he grows up hiding his powers.

Saiki is intelligent and perceptive to others around him, showing a caring personality. However, he dislikes prayers as he does not believe in the existence of God. Despite his logical reasoning, he often gets swayed by desserts such as coffee jelly.

Final Thoughts

Religious anime characters often portray empathetic reasons for their belief in the existence of God. They take drastic measures to prove God's existence. On the other hand, atheist anime characters also portray ideologies that are shaped by their past and surroundings. A life grounded in science can also lead to atheism.