History Main / AmbiguouslyChristian

* Possibly Mello from ''Manga/DeathNote''. He wears a rosary necklace [[note]] Even though wearing one as a necklace is not technically correct. But, then again, Mello never was one for playing by the rules! [[/note]], as well as a matching bracelet, and crosses and even a Virgin Mary graphic appear on his clothes [[UnlimitedWardrobe occasionally]]. He also has a crucifix on the wall, a little cross charm on his gun, and a small Marian shrine on the mantle in his personal living space. He also refers in ''LightNovel/AnotherNote'' to [[{{God}} The Almighty]] This, and a real name [[spoiler: Mihael Keehl]] that marks Mello as being possibly from a predominantly Catholic country or ethnic background, leads many fans to believe that he is [[TokenReligiousTeammate a practicing Catholic]]. It would also be [[AgainstMyReligion a plausible reason]] to fight against Kira besides besting Near, [[spoiler: whom he technically ''gave'' the role of L's successor to in a fit of sour grapes.]] However, it is never actually confirmed InUniverse if Mello actually ''is'' a Catholic, or if he ''was'' one but [[RaisedCatholic is not anymore]], or is one InNameOnly, or if he just thinks the [[CreepyCoolCrosses crosses]] and such look [[RuleOfCool cool]].

* Possibly Mello from ''Manga/DeathNote''. He wears a rosary necklace [[note]] Even though wearing one as a necklace is not technically correct. But, then again, Mello never was one for playing by the rules! [[/note]], as well as a matching bracelet, and crosses and even a Virgin Mary graphic appear on his clothes [[UnlimitedWardrobe occasionally]]. He also has a crucifix on the wall, a little cross charm on his gun, and a small Marian shrine on the mantle in his personal living space. This, and a real name [[spoiler: Mihael Keehl]] that marks Mello as being possibly from a predominantly Catholic country or ethnic background, leads many fans to believe that he is [[TokenReligiousTeammate a practicing Catholic]]. It would also be [[AgainstMyReligion a plausible reason]] to fight against Kira besides besting Near, [[spoiler: whom he technically ''gave'' the role of L's successor to in a fit of sour grapes.]] However, it is never actually confirmed InUniverse if Mello actually ''is'' a Catholic, or if he ''was'' one but [[RaisedCatholic is not anymore]], or is one InNameOnly, or if he just thinks the [[CreepyCoolCrosses crosses]] and such look [[RuleOfCool cool]].

* Possibly Mello from ''Manga/DeathNote''. He wears a rosary necklace [[note]] Even though wearing one as a necklace is not technically correct. But, then again, Mello never was one for playing by the rules! [[/note]], as well as a matching bracelet, and crosses and even a Virgin Mary graphic appear on his clothes [[UnlimitedWardrobe occasionally]]. He also has a crucifix on the wall, a little cross charm on his gun, and a small Marian shrine on the mantle in his personal living space. This, and a real name [[spoiler: Mihael Keehl]] that marks Mello as being possibly from a predominantly Catholic country or ethnic background, leads many fans to believe that he is [[TokenReligiousTeammate a practicing Catholic]]. It would also be a plausible reason to fight against Kira besides besting Near, [[spoiler: whom he technically ''gave'' the role of L's successor to in a fit of sour grapes.]] However, it is never actually confirmed InUniverse if Mello actually ''is'' a Catholic, or if he ''was'' one but [[RaisedCatholic is not anymore]], or is one InNameOnly, or if he just thinks the [[CreepyCoolCrosses crosses]] and such look [[RuleOfCool cool]].

* Possibly Mello from ''Manga/DeathNote''. He wears a rosary necklace [[note]] Even though wearing one as a necklace is not technically correct. But, then again, Mello never was one for playing by the rules! [[/note]], as well as a matching bracelet, and crosses and even a Virgin Mary graphic appear on his clothes [[UnlimitedWardrobe occasionally]]. He also has a crucifix on the wall, a little cross charm on his gun, and a small Marian shrine on the mantle in his personal living space. This, and a real name [[spoiler: Mihael Keehl]] that marks Mello as being possibly from a predominantly Catholic country or ethnic background, leads many fans to believe that he is a practicing Catholic. It would also be a plausible reason to fight against Kira besides besting Near, [[spoiler: whom he technically ''gave'' the role of L's successor to in a fit of sour grapes.]] However, it is never actually confirmed InUniverse if Mello actually ''is'' a Catholic, or if he ''was'' one but [[RaisedCatholic is not anymore]], or is one InNameOnly, or if he just thinks the [[CreepyCoolCrosses crosses]] and such look [[RuleOfCool cool]].

* Possibly Mello from ''Manga/DeathNote''. He wears a rosary necklace [[note]] Even though wearing one as a necklace is not technically correct. But, then again, Mello never was one for playing by the rules! [[/note]], as well as a matching bracelet, and crosses and even a Virgin Mary graphic appear on his clothes [[UnlimitedWardrobe occasionally]]. He also has a crucifix on the wall, a little cross charm on his gun, and a small Marian shrine on the mantle in his personal living space. This, and a real name [[spoiler: Mihael Keehl]] that marks Mello as being possibly from a predominantly Catholic country or ethnic background, leads many fans to believe that he is a practicing Catholic. It would also be a plausible reason to fight against Kira besides besting Near, [[spoiler: whom he technically ''gave'' the role of L's successor to in a fit of sour grapes.]] However, it is never actually confirmed InUniverse if Mello actually ''is'' a Catholic, or if he just thinks the [[CreepyCoolCrosses crosses]] and such look [[RuleOfCool cool]].

* Possibly Mello from ''Manga/DeathNote''. He wears a rosary necklace [[note]] Even though wearing one as a necklace is not technically correct. [[/note]], as well as a matching bracelet, and crosses and even a Virgin Mary graphic appear on his clothes [[UnlimitedWardrobe occasionally]]. He also has a crucifix on the wall, a little cross charm on his gun, and a small Marian shrine on the mantle in his personal living space. This, and a real name [[spoiler: Mihael Keehl]] that marks Mello as being possibly from a predominantly Catholic country or ethnic background, leads many fans to believe that he is a practicing Catholic. It would also be a plausible reason to fight against Kira besides besting Near, [[spoiler: whom he technically ''gave'' the role of L's successor to in a fit of sour grapes.]] However, it is never actually confirmed InUniverse if Mello actually ''is'' a Catholic, or if he just thinks the [[CreepyCoolCrosses crosses]] and such look [[RuleOfCool cool]].

* The Kadam family in TheHundredFootJourney come across as this, surprising considering how much their Indian heritage is used to emphasize their FishOutOfWater cultural situation. The religion they practice is never described, but they are shown cooking/eating beef and drinking alcohol (which makes the prospect of them being Hindu or Muslim very unlikely) In one scene the father (whose intended to be the traditionalist in the family) says he feels as if he's "died and gone to heaven," as well as repeatedly mentioning getting messages from his dead wife, which would make little sense in Hinduism's belief in reincarnation.

Due to prevalence of the WhiteMaleLead trope in popular media, a majority of main characters are at least 'Christian acting' if not explicitly Christian. Ambiuously Christian characters may mention celebrating Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter (especially if they happen to be SantaClausmas or Easter Bunny Easter) reference to a FluffyCloudHeaven or FireAndBrimstoneHell, make some non-specific prayers to a 'higher power' or give some indication of believing or even mentioning a monotheistic (nearly [[AlwaysMale always male]]) God, especially if he is of the GrandpaGod interpretation. (variations on phrases such "The Big Guy" or "The Man Upstairs" are sometimes used) but explicit mentions of JesusChrist (or other religious figures such as the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, saints, etc.) [[JesusTaboo are not used.]]

* Franchise/{{Superman}} is often portrayed as being a Christian--which would make since, considering that he was raised in a traditional American home in rural Kansas. However, in recent years, most writers tend to only imply this and leave it as ambiguous as possible.

* ComicBook/CaptainAmerica has been a devout, albeit secular, Christian in the comics from day one. But this isn't the case in the movies. However, he does state in the Avengers "there is only one God ma'am" very possibly meaning the Christian God.

* In ''Film/TheAvengers'', when Comicbook/BlackWidow refers to Film/{{Thor}} as a god, [[Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger Captain America]], tells her, "There's only one god ma'am, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that''. Given the time period he was raised, it's heavily implied he's referring to the Christian God.

This is often used in media where religion is not a major focus (and could distract from the plot) or in media intended for children, as religion could be a bit too complicated for younger kids to understand and even controversial.

* In ''Film/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'', holidays such as Christmas and Easter are mentioned, but they are portrayed in a SantaClausmas fashion. Particularly notable considering a overwhelming majority of the 'holiday trees' Jack finds in the woods are Christian holidays, the two exceptions being Thanksgiving and Independence day. Jack mentions God once or twice during the song 'Poor Jack' but it's done in a way that is exclamatory rather than overtly religious.

* ''Disney/{{Frozen}}'' features Elsa's coronation being performed by a man who is [[ChurchOfSaintGenericus dressed very much like a Christian bishop.]] Another scene features a portrait of the saint Joan of Arc and is outright described as such, but any details about her are not elaborated upon. Despite this, the closest the movie gets to mentioning religion is Elsa exclaiming "Heaven knows I've tried..." during the song "Let it Go."

Compare/Contrast CrystalDragonJesus, where the religion is explicitly not Christianity, yet still holds elements commonly associated with it. Compare JesusTaboo. Also related to ChurchOfSaintGenericus, where it's a church/religion that's left ambiguous.
AmbiguouslyJewish is the Jewish version of this.

!Examples

* ComicBook/CaptainAmerica has been a devout, albeit secular, Christian in the comics from day one. But this isn't the case in the movies.
** However as stated below he does state in the Avengers "there is only one God ma'am" very possibly meaning the Christian God.

[[AC: {{Film}}]]

* ''{{Disney/Frozen}}'' features Elsa's coronation being performed by a man who is [[ChurchOfSaintGenericus dressed very much like a Christian bishop.]] Another scene features a portrait of the saint Joan of Arc and is outright described as such, but any details about her are not elaborated upon. Despite this, the closest the movie gets to mentioning religion is Elsa exclaiming "Heaven knows I've tried..." during the song "Let it Go."
** The opening song "Vuelie" is [[XMeetsY a cross between]] Saami chanting and a Christian hymn.

* In ThisIsTheEnd, Jay is non-ambiguously Christian, but when [[ReligionIsRight supernatural things are confirmed to exist,]] they are ones that are very Christianity influenced. The movie includes HornyDevils, an TheExorcist style exorcism and a FluffyCloudHeaven.

* The woodland creatures from {{Redwall}} live as a religious-type order (an abbey with an abbot/abbess, various characters referred to as brother/sister, a church named after a saint, etc). However, a supreme being is never even mentioned, let alone any sort of denomination.

* JoanOfArcadia features the main character repeatedly communicating with a monotheistic God (that takes many forms) There isn't much description of Joan's faith or the details of God beyond that. One recurring character has InformedJudaism however.
* WizardsOfWaverlyPlace features mythical creatures such as 'angels' (which aren't exclusive to Christianity) but they are portrayed as secular. There is a bit of a subversion, however, as a viewer may see the St. Gabriel candles in the lair, and Max mentions that they go to church in one episode. Considering that they are explicitly an Italian-Hispanic family, they are almost certainly Catholic.

[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* As with a majority of other animated shows for children, ''WesternAnimation/FairlyOddParents'' plays this straight, SantaClausmas is celebrated along with Easter Bunny Easter. Cosmo and Wanda are explicitly referred to his 'Fairy Godparents' though, but without any religious connotation.

* TruthInTelevision. Celebrating Christian holidays is pretty common in RealLife even if one is not religious/non-theistic but lives in an area where the population is mostly Christian and/or the person was raised in a Christian sect.

** However as stated below he does state "there is only one God" very possibly meaning the Christian God.

* In ''Film/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'', holidays such as Christmas and Easter are mentioned, but they are portrayed in a SantaClausmas fashion. Particularly notable considering a overwhelming majority of the 'holiday trees' Jack finds in the woods are Christian holidays, the two exceptions being Thanksgiving and Independence day. Jack mentions God once or twice during the song 'Poor Jack' but it's done in a way that is exclamatory rather than overtly religious.

* The woodland creatures from Redwall live as a religious-type order (an abbey with an abbot/abbess, various characters referred to as brother/sister, a church named after a saint, etc). However, a supreme being is never even mentioned, let alone any sort of denomination.

* JoanOfArcadia features the main character repeatedly communicating with a montheistic God (that takes many forms) There isn't much description of Joan's faith or the details of God beyond that. One recurring character has InformedJudaism however.

* In ThisIsTheEnd, Jay is non-ambiguously Christian, but when [[ReligionIsReal supernatural things are confirmed to exist,]] they are ones that are very Christianity influenced. The movie includes HornyDevils, an TheExorcist style exorcism and a FluffyCloudHeaven.

Compare/Contrast CrystalDragonJesus, where the religion is explicitly not Christianity, yet still holds elements commonly associated with it. Compare JesusTaboo.

* Disney/Frozen features Elsa's coronation being performed by a man who is [[CrystalDragonJesus dressed very much like a Christian bishop.]] Another scene features a portrait of the saint Joan of Arc and is outright described as such, but any details about her are not elaborated upon. Despite this, the closest the movie gets to mentioning religion is Elsa exclaiming "Heaven knows I've tried..." during the song "Let it Go."

[[AC: Film]]

** However, in <i>Literature/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows</i>, Harry carves a cross into a tree in memorial of Mad-Eye Moody.

Due to prevalence of the WhiteMaleLead trope in popular media, a majority of main characters are at least 'Christian acting' if not explicitly Christian. Ambiuously Christian characters may mention celebrating Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter (especially if they happen to be SantaClausmas or Easter Bunny Easter) reference to a FluffyCloudHeaven or FireAndBrimstoneHell, make some non-specific prayers to a 'higher power' or give some indication of believing or even mentioning a monotheistic (nearly [[AlwaysMale always male]]) God, especially if he is of the GrandpaGod interpretation. (variations on phrases such "The Big Guy" or "The Man Upstairs" are sometimes used) but explicit mentions of JesusChrist (or other religious figures such as the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, saints, etc.) are not used.

** However, in Literature/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows, Harry carves a cross into a tree in memorial of Mad-Eye Moody.
** James and Lily's grave has a [[AsTheGoodBookSays Bible quotation on it. ("The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" from 1 Corinthians 15:26) But it's never identified as such in-universe and still isn't a huge indication of their religion.

* As with a majority of other animated shows for children, ''WesternAnimation/FairlyOddParents'' plays this straight, SantaClausmas is celebrated along with Easter Bunny Easter. Cosmo and Wanda are explicitly referred to his 'Fairy God parents' though, but without any religious connotation.

* ''Film/BruceAlmighty''. Grace is a variation of this. She clearly believes in God, and the power of prayer, as she carries around a strand of prayer beads, and prays to God every night (mostly for Bruce), which Bruce ends up listening to while he still has God's powers; however, any indication of her actually being a Christian are never really brought to life

** Harry also has a god father, but his role is intended to be [[ParentalSubstitute "raising Harry after his parents die"]] and is not described as 'raising Harry in the Christian faith"

* WizardsOfWaverlyPlace features mythical creatures such as 'angels' (which aren't exclusive to Christianity) but they are portrayed as secular. There is a bit of a subversion, however, as a viewer may see the St. Gabriel candles in the lair, and Max mentions that they go to church in one episode. Considering that they are explicitly an Italian-Hispanic family, they are most likely Christian if not Catholic.

Due to prevalence of the WhiteMaleLead trope in popular media, a majority of main characters are at least 'Christian acting' if not explicitly Christian. Ambiuously Christian characters may mention celebrating Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter (especially if they happen to be SantaClausmas or Easter Bunny Easter) reference to a FluffyCloudHeaven or FireAndBrimstoneHell, make some non-specific prayers to a 'higher power' or give some indication of believing or even mentioning a monotheistic (nearly [[AlwaysMale always male]]) God, especially if he is of the GrandpaGod interpretation. (variations on phrases such "The Big Guy" or "The Man Upstairs" are sometimes used) but explicit mentions of JesusChrist (or other religious figures such as the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, saints, etc.) are not used.

This is often used in media where religion is not a major focus (and could distract from the plot) or in media intended for children, as religion could be a bit too complicated for younger kids to understand and even controversial.

Compare/Contrast CrystalDragonJesus, where the religion is explicitly not Christianity, yet still holds elements commonly associated with it. Compare JesusTaboo.
AmbiguouslyJewish is the Jewish version of this.
----

!Examples
[[AC: ComicBooks]]
* Franchise/{{Superman}} is often portrayed as being a Christian--which would make since, considering that he was raised in a traditional American home in rural Kansas. However, in recent years, most writers tend to only imply this and leave it as ambiguous as possible.
* ComicBook/CaptainAmerica has been a devout, albeit secular, Christian in the comics from day one. But this isn't the case in the movies.

[[AC: {{Film}}]]
* In ''Film/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'', holidays such as Christmas and Easter are mentioned, but they are portrayed in a SantaClausmas fashion. Particularly notable considering a overwhelming majority of the 'holiday trees' Jack finds in the woods are Christian holidays, the two exceptions being Thanksgiving and Independence day. Jack mentions God once or twice during the song 'Poor Jack' but it's done in a way that is exclamatory rather than overtly religious.
* In ''Film/ManOfSteel'', Clark explicitly asks his father at one point "Did God do this to me?", referring to his unique powers and abilities. Later on, he chooses to visit a priest for advice on how to handle General Zod. According to WordOfGod, it's heavily implied that Clark was raised Lutheran.
* In ''Film/TheAvengers'', when Comicbook/BlackWidow refers to Film/{{Thor}} as a god, [[Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger Captain America]], tells her, "There's only one god ma'am, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that''. Given the time period he was raised, it's heavily implied he's referring to the Christian God.
* Disney/Frozen features Elsa's coronation being performed by a man who is [[CrystalDragonJesus dressed very much like a Christian bishop.]] Another scene features a portrait of the saint Joan of Arc and is outright described as such, but any details about her are not elaborated upon. Despite this, the closest the movie gets to mentioning religion is Elsa exclaiming "Heaven knows I've tried..." during the song "Let it Go."
[[AC: Film]]

* ''Film/BruceAlmighty''. Grace is a variation of this. She clearly believes in God, and the power of prayer, as she carries around a strand of prayer beads, and prays to God every night (mostly for Bruce), which Bruce ends up listening to while he still has God's powers; however, any indication of her actually being a Christian are never really brought to life

* In ThisIsTheEnd, Jay is non-ambiguously Christian, but when [[ReligionIsReal supernatural things are confirmed to exist,]] they are ones that are very Christianity influenced. The movie includes HornyDevils, an TheExorcist style exorcism and a FluffyCloudHeaven.

[[AC: Literature]]
* ''Literature/HarryPotter''.
** The wizarding world celebrates Christianity-influenced holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's (but in a secular way) and their big hospital (St. Mungo's) is named after a saint, but no one ever mentions/goes to church or mentions what religion they are.
** James and Lily's grave has a [[AsTheGoodBookSays Bible quotation on it. ("The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" from 1 Corinthians 15:26) But it's never identified as such in-universe and still isn't a huge indication of their religion.
** Harry also has a god father, but his role is intended to be [[ParentalSubstitute "raising Harry after his parents die"]] and is not described as 'raising Harry in the Christian faith"
* The woodland creatures from Redwall live as a religious-type order (an abbey with an abbot/abbess, various characters referred to as brother/sister, a church named after a saint, etc). However, a supreme being is never even mentioned, let alone any sort of denomination.

[[AC: Live Action TV]]
* ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries''. Captain Kirk's famous line to [[spoiler:the alien impersonating]] the Greek god Apollo in [[Recap/StarTrekS2E2WhoMournsForAdonais "Who Mourns for Adonais?"]]:
--> "Mankind has no need for gods. We find the one quite adequate."
* Marshall from ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'' seems to be Christian. He celebrates Christmas, says Grace at family dinners, and an argument with his wife about whether they should teach their children about Santa was used as a [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything stand-in]] for whether they should teach religion. However, he's never shown attending church and when he's referring to a higher power it's always [[LowestCosmicDenominator "The Universe"]] not God.
* ''Series/DropDeadDiva'' features the protagonist going to FluffyCloudHeaven and meeting angels (a concept not exclusive to Christianity) However, any concept of God other than a 'higher power' kind of thing is never mentioned.
* JoanOfArcadia features the main character repeatedly communicating with a montheistic God (that takes many forms) There isn't much description of Joan's faith or the details of God beyond that. One recurring character has InformedJudaism however.
* WizardsOfWaverlyPlace features mythical creatures such as 'angels' (which aren't exclusive to Christianity) but they are portrayed as secular. There is a bit of a subversion, however, as a viewer may see the St. Gabriel candles in the lair, and Max mentions that they go to church in one episode. Considering that they are explicitly an Italian-Hispanic family, they are most likely Christian if not Catholic.

[[AC: WesternAnimation]]
* As with a majority of other animated shows for children, ''WesternAnimation/FairlyOddParents'' plays this straight, SantaClausmas is celebrated along with Easter Bunny Easter. Cosmo and Wanda are explicitly referred to his 'Fairy God parents' though, but without any religious connotation.

[[AC:Music]]
* NotChristianRock that doesn't explicitly mention JesusChrist, etc. but has elements of Christian spirituality (such as biblical references) often falls into this trope.

[[AC: RealLife]]
* TruthInTelevision. Celebrating Christian holidays is pretty common in RealLife even if one is not religious/non-theistic but lives in an area where the population is mostly Christian and/or the person was raised in a Christian sect.

[[AC: General]]
* Played straight with nearly every work that has a Christmas special, unless it is intended for a religious audience. However This was notably averted in ''ACharlieBrownChristmas'' where JesusChrist is explicitly mentioned when Linus [[AsTheGoodBookSays quotes from]] TheBible.
* [[FairyGodmother Fairy Godmothers]](and other mentions of godparents) often give hints of this, as 'godparents' were originally exclusive to the Christian faith and were intended to raise the child in Christianity if their parents died. Some other faiths have roles similar to godparents (and are often translated as such) As of now, godparents often take a more secular role in the child's life and may have more of a focus on their general upbringing than religious education.
* Another is grave marking in visual media (especially in post-apocalyptic stories) Marking a grave with a makeshift cross made out of sticks is very common, which makes sense whether or not the character is actually Christian as 1. Just putting a single stake in the ground could mean anything, and there usually isn't any other materials on hand that could be used to mark a grave 2. Even non-Christians can recognize the cross as a holy symbol and understand the area is a burial place

* TruthInTelevision. Celebrating Christian holidays is pretty common in RealLife even if one is not religious/non-theistic but lives in an area where the population is mostly Christian and/or the person was raised in a Christian sect.