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I'm actually writing this for someone, whom shall remain nameless unless they say otherwise, that is having difficulties with Kuroshitsuji due to their religion. They're a big fan and I know it must be a difficult situation for them; I wouldn't like the thought that an anime or manga I enjoy suddenly conflicted with my morals. Heck, a book even, or a song, or a TV show, anything. We're all here because we know the wonders of a fandom and how sad it is when that fandom dies out. It happens quick enough as people age and their preferances change, nothing else should push it aside unless thoroughly warranted.

As it is, that intro paragraph has probably introduced my view point. Personally I relate most closely with Taoism (or Daoism depending on how you pronounce it) and I do so in the more philisophic sense than religious. For those who have no idea about Taoism the most general way to explain it is a desire to be in harmony with nature. The easiest way to do something is in the most natural way possible. The story that had initially drawn me to this philosophy was the story of a butcher whose work carving animals was considered an art form and his blade never dulled, all because he followed the natural contours of the body he worked with instead of hacking and chopping away to force it to his desires.

As such, and even if I did take a more religious standpoint on Taoism, it does not have much to say in the realm of what influences one should have on their life. I am also new and still learning about it as well, so if you have questions, I believe the internet would be your next best stop.

I only included that for some basis, as I would like to know what religion you come from and how deeply involved with it you and/or your family are. That, along with your view points in regards to Kuroshitsuji, and anime in general, and whether or not it has conflicted for you. And if so, how, or why you're still a fan.

I personally believe that no matter the religion or belief a show, movie, or book, is all fantasy. It is a method meant for story-telling and for entertainment. If Kuroshitsuji was a real life record of someone who decided to forsake their belief in God and make a contract with a demon, then I could easily see the confliction. As it is, as it sadly is, nobody such as Sebastian, Grell, Pluto, or any of the others exist. At least not as far as the general populace is concerned.

Even as a work of fiction, I do believe that the person watching it matters as well. If someone younger was watching the show, or perhaps someone whom was naive, or gullible, and believed it to be true or took the situation as possible; this would be wrong. If the mind and opinion of the person watching the show are not swayed morally by what they see, then there is no harm to it. It is a well rendered, action-filled, sexy, campfire story. If it is watched for entertainment's sake and entertainment's sake alone then there is no harm.

As it is, with the particular situation portrayed in Kuroshitsuji, it cannot be seen as completely negative. Given the bounds of many religions (none of which I claim to be an expert on) making a deal with a demon, or even meddling with one, is inherently evil. But Ciel was beaten, tortured, and about to die. He is a character that has seen the destruction of all that he loved and has decided to be strong and fight back. Again, I know very little about other religions, but you cannot live and be happy if you don't live at all. And as Kuroshitsuji is only a story, there are so many other details that could have played out between what we are shown. One could imagine Ciel healing, especially after his words during the extra Hamlet episode, perhaps moving forward, being happy again. Of course, this all relies on the hope that he did not die in the end, and he is still alive and well in the manga. We don't know what will happen. Yes, I can see what is inherently wrong with the situation from such a viewpoint, but from that viewpoint you also have to see what could come from it.

And I do realize that last paragraph bumps against contradicting my primary statement, that it is only entertainment. However, a little indepth examination never hurt...Most English courses in this day and age would be reduced to spelling bees without it.

That, is my view. Feel free to ask questions, but more importantly, express your own opinions! This is something I wanted to do for a friend, as well as anyone else who might find themselves feeling conflicted after a turning point in their life. This is a place for all to share, not a place to argue or, as the term goes, bible-thump. Give views on your belief and not just Kuroshitsuji, but other animes that might experience this same run-in with religion.

And to each their own, but just don't let this turn into a hate war between people who are religious and those that aren't...

Back onto the topic of other animes that contain religion in general, there are TONS of them. You have series like D.Gray-Man and Angel Sanctuary, Diabolo, obviously Kuroshitsuji just to name a few. A manga-ka would be foolish to make any clear point on religion in anime, as the series would lose fans if it shifted one way or another. To me, manga is generally open minded and showcases both viewpoints, thus giving the reader a chance to make their own decisions and base opinions given their own experience. What is Yana trying to prove? Make your own opinion on that, like I said...nothing will ever be for certain. She isn't bashing religion, neither is she praising it. And by religion let me say those that deal with demons, humans, and evil in general. Japanese do not consider themselves religious for the most part. Shinto has always been a part of Japanese life, and though they believe in Kami or spirits/gods they do not consider this religion. Neither is Buddhism a true religion, more a philosophy.

Kuro contains neither of these elements. Kuroshitsuji is the story of one boy's struggle within himself, whether it is for revenge or what...he encounters evils and struggles just like everyone else and thus, to me, the series can be considered a metaphor for the life struggles everyone experiences.

I will say that I, like Rozen am a non-denominational Christian. But I have no conflicts with religion and fiction at all. I don't believe in participating in the 'religion wars' that is for extremists...whom I deeply resent because they make the rest of us look bad and unintelligent. stressed
That's my rant on religion. When it comes to opinions I'm neutral, I tend to half-agree with one side and half-agree with the other. And yes, I'm also Independent. Just call me Switzerland, not at your service(or anyone else's).
As far as religion in anime, I love theology. And beleive it or not I have also studied demonology. All information, and stories are useful. One's belief is decided on their own. So there is no reason to put it into everything that you watch or read unless your personal morals conflict. In which case you wouldn't be watching it in the first place.
That said I love when theology is used in anime, it's one of those things that just makes me happy because I can relate it to concepts I've learned.

I believe its fine just as long as you don't start worshiping the demons. It's just for entertainment, we aren't going to go around praying to Satan just for watching a show with demons in it. Right? I myself, am a Sunni Muslim (there are different branches of Muslims; Sunni, Shi'a, Sufi, and Ahmaddiya), I have been for as long as I can remember and can think of no other way of life for me to follow. Well, I can remember that up until I was 6 my mother was Mormon while my dad was Muslim, and she didn't want my dad to teach me anything. She converted on her own will.

Being a fan does not interfere with my beliefs and isn't it natural to question religion? I'm not afraid to admit that I have, on more than one occasion, questioned the religion I've had for mostly all my life. Being a fan of Kuroshitsuji does not interfere with my religion. I've had teachers (in a Muslim summer school) that were huge fan of anime, one of them had over $200 worth of manga in her home. And my dad is a huge fan of Death Note, he's even a Kira supporter. He's starting to get into D.Gray-Man and Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro

So no, being a fan of "demonic" anime and manga has not conflicted with any of my morals. At least, not that I know of.