Cosplay, short for “costume play”, is a performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear self-made costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture, and a broader use of the term “cosplay” applies to any costumed role-playing in venues apart from the stage. Any entity that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject and it is not unusual to see genders switched. Favorite sources include manga and anime, comic books and cartoons, video games, and live-action films and television series.
The Bible does not directly address cosplay. However, there are some principles that Christians can apply when considering involvement in cosplay:
1. Consider what/who you are portraying
Some characters portrayed in cosplay come from sources that promote unbiblical themes like witchcraft, violence, sexuality, or the occult. Christians should avoid cosplaying as such characters, as the Bible instructs us to avoid association with darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
However, there are many fictional characters that reflect biblical values like justice, courage, sacrifice, etc. Portraying such characters can be acceptable.
2. Be modest in costume and conduct
Some cosplay costumes are designed to be sexually provocative. But the Bible calls Christians to modesty in dress and conduct (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Costumes should be tasteful and avoid sensuality.
“Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9-10)
Interactions should also be respectful and above reproach, avoiding flirtatious speech/behavior (Ephesians 5:3-4).
“But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:3-4)
3. Avoid idolizing fictional characters
While it’s fine to enjoy stories and portray characters, be careful not to obsess over or idolize them. Our devotion belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:3).
“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
4. Keep Christ preeminent
As with any hobby, be careful that cosplay does not become an idol that distracts you from Christ. He should remain first place in the life of every Christian (Colossians 1:18).
“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18)
5. Be a witness for Christ
Be open about your faith if it comes up, turn conversations to spiritual matters when possible, and look for opportunities to share the Gospel with others involved in cosplay (1 Peter 3:15).
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
6. Avoid addictive obsession
Be careful that cosplay does not become compulsive – check your heart for addiction to costumes, events, attention seeking, or approval from others in the cosplay community. The Bible warns against uncontrolled passions (1 Corinthians 6:12).
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
7. Practice good stewardship
Creating elaborate costumes and attending events can become expensive. Be a wise steward of your finances, time, and resources (Proverbs 21:20). Make sure cosplay does not interfere with family, church, work, or other priorities.
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” (Proverbs 21:20)
8. Examine your motivations
Why do you want to engage in cosplay? For creative expression? To grow in craftsmanship? Because you enjoy the community? Those can be fine reasons. But check your heart – if motivations like vanity, lust for attention, or obsession are taking root, it’s time to pull back (Jeremiah 17:9).
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
9. Act in love
When considering cosplay and interacting with others in the cosplay community, abide by the guiding principle of God’s Word: love for God and others (Mark 12:30-31). Seek to glorify Christ in all you do.
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
In summary, the Bible does not directly prohibit or condone cosplay. Discernment is needed based on costume portrayal and conduct. While exercising liberty, be careful to avoid idolatry, immorality, and addiction. Act in love and keep Christ first in all aspects of life.