Religions of TMNT Characters

[Azrael Macool]

I recently found this site

http://www.adherents.com/lit/comics/comic_book_religion.html

But anyway, it chronicles the religions of various comic book characters, but it has no TMNT characters. But it did get me to wonder about what has been stated, religion-wise. For instance, Splinter is a Shinto Buddhist, is he not? Or am I just assuming here? Did Archie ever say, I know they did a big series on various world religions.

[Candy Kappa]

I'd say the Turtles and Splinter are, depending on the incarnation is closer to Shinto Buddhism then any other religions.

The turtles may also be non-religious. Why would they worship or even care for human religion and faith systems, then they are not human. Unless Splinter raise then that way, which would most likely be Shinto Buddhism.

[Azrael Macool]

But are there any instances of characters saying or implying, or maybe mentioned in an interview of something from.a writer?

[Candy Kappa]

Splinter praying to Buddha in the IDW comics is what comes to mind at the moment.

But I don't think any actual statement per se is given about the TMNT's religious views. And TMNT is set in a world where spirits, magic, extra-dimensional beings, alien warlords, ninja in modern day and god-like beings exist.

I don't think religion really is important when it comes to TMNT, spirituality sure but not deity worship.

[Azrael Macool]

Yeah, that's true. I was mostly just curious.

[Jester]

I know Archie explores several world religions, much to the chagrin of some over protective Christian parents.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Splinter praying to Buddha in the IDW comics is what comes to mind at the moment.

But I don't think any actual statement per se is given about the TMNT's religious views. And TMNT is set in a world where spirits, magic, extra-dimensional beings, alien warlords, ninja in modern day and god-like beings exist.

I don't think religion really is important when it comes to TMNT, spirituality sure but not deity worship.

Achie hade some religious themes, not just Christianity.

[Candy Kappa]

Achie hade some religious themes, not just Christianity.

when was Christianity mentioned in my post?

[BubblyShell22]

I would think the Turtles are raised as Buddhist if Splinter is praying to Buddha. Besides, I can't see the Turtles as being Christians since their lifestyle wouldn't fit that religion with all of the killing and whatnot. So, I'd say they're Buddhists unless they decide not to follow even that.

[Candy Kappa]

I can't see the Turtles as being Christians since their lifestyle wouldn't fit that religion with all of the killing and whatnot.

not to mention humans are meant to be above animals, i don't think that would jive very well with non-humans

[BubblyShell22]

Exactly. I also think that their lifestyle itself and the code of Bushido from the 4Kids cartoon is kind of like their religion. That's the way I always saw it myself.

[Foot Soldier Clang]

I think OT Splinter's personal religion would be more Zen Buddhist rather than being Shintoist(which is a separate religion from Buddhism altogether). Although Shinto is one of Japan's more prominent native religions, most Japanese are irreligious. They see religion as more as a superstition, or something to be respected as a form of tradition.

So because of his constant philosophical thought, meditation practices, and stern discipline I really see Splinter as a stalwart Zen Buddhist, even if it's more traditionally a Chinese religion. As for the OT turtles, I see them as unaffiliated but open-minded and respectful of religions, but not following one school of thought.

[pannoni1]

Overall, I'd say Leonardo would most likely be a Shintoist or a Zen Buddhist just like Splinter since he's the most loyal to him. Michelangelo is the most upbeat of the Turtles and is most likely some Christian denomination, since that presents "the good news". Donatello seems to be an Atheist Agnostic as they tend to be most knowledgeable about religion (though he may be a part-time Christian due to his busyness), while Raph is probably also non-religious due to his temper and just feels to wise to feel that religion is necessary. April is either Catholic or Jewish, leaning more toward the Catholic since Irish immigrants tend to be Catholic. Of course the original Renaissance painters that the Turtles were named after were Catholics, so perhaps except for Leonardo, all had significant affiliation with being a Catholic.

[Sage Ninja]

wasn't it mentioned in the old mirage comics by one of the turtles (maybe Leonardo) that Splinter brought them up not to believe in God?

I can't see the Turtles as being Christians since their lifestyle wouldn't fit that religion with all of the killing and whatnot

Ever heard of the Crusaders? ;)

[Venom]

Steve Murphy is a buddhist and tended to tackle more philosophical issues in his stories so the religious influence in Archie and Mirage was probably derived from him.

As a personal aside, I've thought of Don as deistic since he is well aware that the universe is vastly beyond anyone's full comprehension thus ruling out an underlying creative force would seem illogical. A giant white-bearded man sitting on a golden throne in the clouds, though, no.

[BubblyShell22]

Either that, or Don is agnostic seeing as how with everything they've been through, he probably wouldn't want to rule out the possibility of a deity if he thought about. Raph I could see being straight up atheist though. As for Mikey, I'm not sure. Maybe he'd be pagan and think that there's more than one god up there ruling over things. And Leo would be Buddhist for sure.

[Venom]

Well, technically, in Tales Vol. 2 it's revealed there is a pantheon of sorts (over animals, at least) when Rat King heralds Splinter into the afterlife. He asks Splinter to take his mantle, IIRC.

[BubblyShell22]

Ah, I see. I can see the Turtles maybe knowing about different religions but not subscribing to them. I've read a few fan fics where the Turtles joined certain religions, and it never sat well with me because it felt like the author was trying to force their beliefs onto the Turtles. I just don't think religion would work with them, except for Buddhism. That seems like the more logical choice for them. I think Irma is Jewish, and I believe April to be Catholic. I'm not sure about Casey though.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Overall, I'd say Leonardo would most likely be a Shintoist or a Zen Buddhist just like Splinter since he's the most loyal to him. Michelangelo is the most upbeat of the Turtles and is most likely some Christian denomination, since that presents "the good news". Donatello seems to be an Atheist Agnostic as they tend to be most knowledgeable about religion (though he may be a part-time Christian due to his busyness), while Raph is probably also non-religious due to his temper and just feels to wise to feel that religion is necessary. April is either Catholic or Jewish, leaning more toward the Catholic since Irish immigrants tend to be Catholic. Of course the original Renaissance painters that the Turtles were named after were Catholics, so perhaps except for Leonardo, all had significant affiliation with being a Catholic.

Is Irma a Keynesian? Is Big Louie a monetarist? Is Vernon a Hayekian? Does Shredder belive in NAIRU? Does Burne Thompson blieve in the Phillips curve? Does Bebop think fighting inflation is the most important? Does Rocksteady think the fight against unemployment is more important? Is Rat King a Democrat? Is Leatherhead a Republican?

If not mentioned, we don't have much to go after, no matter if it's economics, politics or religion? 1987 show seems to have some Christian values (as the TMNT didn't fight for revenge = turn other cheek) but that's probably so the show could be kids and family friendly by Western World standard.

[Candy Kappa]

1987 show seems to have some Christian values (as the TMNT didn't fight for revenge = turn other cheek) but that's probably so the show could be kids and family friendly by Western World standard.

I think thats more in line of being good guys then any religious views

[BubblyShell22]

Yeah, I think it's more about good versus evil with them.

[Lethal Lullaby]

I don't know why but I just see Don being an agnostic as well. and Raphael being a well as some have said athiest.

[Coola Yagami]

Steve Murphy is a buddhist and tended to tackle more philosophical issues in his stories so the religious influence in Archie and Mirage was probably derived from him.

As a personal aside, I've thought of Don as deistic since he is well aware that the universe is vastly beyond anyone's full comprehension thus ruling out an underlying creative force would seem illogical. A giant white-bearded man sitting on a golden throne in the clouds, though, no.

A giant white-bearded man sitting on a golden throne in the cloud is probably the least of the bizzare things they have seen.

[Toonami Tom]

That is an interesting question. There have been Christmas episodes, so that might be an indication.

Splinter has a belief system with a creator, as he mentions it in the TMNT 2003 episode "Bishop's Gambit." Yoshi also visits him from the afterlife in the same series.

I don't why the turtles would be associated with religion. Might as well ask about Bugs Bunny or Secret Squirrel. They are all cartoon characters, so I don't think they are on that deep of a level. Just entertainment. :)

[The Stryker]

Plus everyone knows Bugs is a lutheran.

[Raph's Girl]

if you go to http://www.ComicBookReligion.com You'll see a more comprehensive list and the turtles are on there. At first their religion was listed as Ninja till I emailed them to tell them that their religion was Buddism. They quickly replied back to me saying that after doing some research I was correct. :)

Here's the TMNT page:
http://www.comicbookreligion.com/?Team=Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles

[sykosis]

Sorry but the TMNT are anti religion, they deal with evolution, a Christian taboo, mutation and Dinosaurs

[Jephael]

Religion can be a touchy subject. Look how Lisa Simpson's decision to become a Buddist caused Ned Flanders to get a knot in his shorts. At the same time it can make for some good humor.

l95OX_V0FBg

[Candy Kappa]

That is an interesting question. There have been Christmas episodes, so that might be an indication.

Not really, there is a lot of people that celebrate Christmas without being religious of any sort.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I think thats more in line of being good guys then any religious views

Yeah, but the idea has affected the Western World so much. The funny thing is how society in the Middle Ages, when Christianity is said to have peaked, couldn't do that (= turn other cheek). Everything was like Old Testament revenge instead. Torture was carried out in Middle Ages on prisoners, with bread and water, forced hard work, and a lot of executions and floggings, often even in public.

[Newton Gimmick]

Casey Jones = Catholic

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Casey Jones = Catholic

Why would he be that?

[Azrael Macool]

Sorry but the TMNT are anti religion, they deal with evolution, a Christian taboo, mutation and Dinosaurs

Hey, no need to be reductive of anyone's beliefs. Plenty of Christians do accept evolution as fact, and anyway, there are plenty of religions other than Christianity.

And Raph's Girl, the site you linked to doesn't seem to have citations, which is kinda what I'm looking for.

And in Archie comics, did Splinter ever definitely answer the question as to his beliefs, or was it otherwise answered in an interview or letter, etc? IDW Splinter is a Buddhist of some kind... Isn't Don an atheist or agnostic in that continuity? and in 4Kids, I remember Leo talking about bushido a lot. I see that listed as a religion sometimes; is he the only one who followed it, and was it only in that series?

[ZariusTwo]

Why would he be that?

If Casey knew a thing about Jimmy Savile...well, let's just say he wouldnt be one for long.

[oldmanwinters]

Splinter/Hamato Yoshi at least appreciates the Western Renaissance traditions, which were heavily influenced by Christian themes. I was surprised the Fred Wolf series actually showcased Da Vinci's The Last Supper in the European Vacation season, although Splinter didn't really elaborate on its religious significance.

[Ninjinister]

Sorry but the TMNT are anti religion, they deal with evolution, a Christian taboo, mutation and Dinosaurs

^ Obvious lack of knowledge of the subject

Also Christianity isn't the only religion. Way to go, sport.

[Raph's Girl]

And in Archie comics, did Splinter ever definitely answer the question as to his beliefs, or was it otherwise answered in an interview or letter, etc? IDW Splinter is a Buddhist of some kind... Isn't Don an atheist or agnostic in that continuity? and in 4Kids, I remember Leo talking about bushido a lot. I see that listed as a religion sometimes; is he the only one who followed it, and was it only in that series?

He never really answered altho he did study under a Dali Lama (who was at the time a mutant Llama till he was killed off an reborn as a human...all in one issue!). There was an issue where Splinter reflected on his life with The Other (an odd spirit who also seemed to pop up for Donatello when he was captured and tortured by Christopher Columbus).

There were several religions dealt with in the TMNT Adventures. Heck one of their allies was a Muslim bird mutant who helped them avert a holy war in Israel (they had help from a female Golum as well).

Also, when they were in Japan they had help from Izanagi and Izanami, the Japanese gods of creation. On their way to Japan Splinter explained their backstory and Raphael sarcastically remarked that he could totally worship a blind god.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Splinter/Hamato Yoshi at least appreciates the Western Renaissance traditions, which were heavily influenced by Christian themes. I was surprised the Fred Wolf series actually showcased Da Vinci's The Last Supper in the European Vacation season, although Splinter didn't really elaborate on its religious significance.

Also, a lot of church buildings are seen in "Vacation in Europe". Especially the cathedral in the "Ring of Fire".

Also, isn't "Son of Return of the Fly" set on a churchtower if I recall right?

[ChaoticGood]

(Longtime lurker; registered to post this!)

I remember that Donatello quoted a bit from the Book of Psalms during "City At War," so he at least is conversant with the Bible, and puts some stock in Jewish and/or Christian scripture. That doesn't make him a "believer," necessarily, but it's interesting!

[Candy Kappa]

Don also encountered a Golem right out of Jewish Folklore.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Don also encountered a Golem right out of Jewish Folklore.

Where? City at War?

[Candy Kappa]

Where? City at War?

http://miragelicensing.com/comics/mirage/talesvol2/10/10.html

A pretty cool story

[Logan]

I think the best answer to what the religions of the characters, and the Turtles in particular, is that they practice ______. Comic books tend to shy away from things like religion to maximize their accessibility. Obviously, spiritual elements crop up from time to time in the stories, but it's best to say that the Turtles' religion is unknown. Let's leave it that way.

And this is coming from an observant Christian who finds the religious views of people to be fascinating.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I was surprised with Michelangelo going for revenge in the new show.

[BubblyShell22]

What do you mean? When he un-friended Chris Bradford? That was nothing compared to what he could have done.