A Journey Beyond the Stars: Compassion and Unity in Eden’s Zero

Eden’s Zero is a sci-fi manga and anime following Shiki, a young adventurer with the power to control gravity, who sets off with his friends Rebecca and Happy in search of a mythical figure known as Mother. Along the way, they encounter new allies, face enemies, and wrestle with their own hopes and fears. Shiki’s dream is to befriend everyone he meets, embracing both humans and robots with compassion and openness.

The Call to Mercy: Loving Those Who Hurt Us

Shiki’s journey is marked by a merciful love that echoes the teachings of Christ. He doesn’t just seek allies; he extends friendship to everyone he encounters, even to those who have done harm. Through showing mercy to villains such as Jinn, Kleene, Laguna , Madame Kurenai, and Drakken Joe, Shiki lives out Jesus’ call to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). His mercy reminds us that true strength lies in forgiveness rather than resentment.

Rebecca, too, embodies this merciful spirit when she risks herself to save Labilia, the very person who bullied her. Her choice mirrors Romans 12:20-21: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” By reaching out to someone who wronged her, Rebecca shows that forgiveness has the power to heal both the giver and receiver.

A Journey, Not a Destination

The crew’s quest to find Mother resonates with the idea of a pilgrimage, a journey taken not only to reach a goal but to grow along the way. While Shiki and his friends search for Mother, they are constantly shaped by their experiences, trials, and relationships. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are reminded to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Eden’s Zero shows us that our journey through life is not just about achieving a final goal but about drawing closer to God, learning, and transforming through each step.

Though the Mother character may hold ambiguity, the series subtly hints that the crew’s transformation and growth—their developing friendships, their acts of mercy, and their courage—are the real treasure. This idea mirrors the Christian journey, where the focus isn’t just the promise of Heaven but also the sanctification and growth we experience as we walk with Christ.

Finding the Spark of God in Others

In Eden’s Zero, humans and robots alike possess hearts, souls, individuality, and worth, urging us to see others beyond their labels or origins. Shiki’s love for robots like Pino and Rebecca’s affection for Happy remind us that each creation holds value. In the same way, Genesis 1:27 tells us that all are made in the image of God, deserving dignity and love. Even Hermit, a robot who has suffered deeply at the hands of humans, learns to open her heart and recognize that not all humans are harmful.

This theme in Eden’s Zero is a powerful reminder of Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” The crew’s willingness to find common ground with those who are different reminds me that, as Christians, we’re called to reach beyond boundaries, seeking unity and empathy. 

The Strength of Community and Shared Purpose

The crew’s journey isn’t one of individual achievement but of shared growth and unity. Each member has a unique role, and their strength lies in their unity and mutual support. Like the body of Christ described in 1 Corinthians 12:12—“just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body”—the Eden’s Zero crew’s bond enables them to accomplish far more than any one of them could alone. Their journey illustrates how, when we bring our unique gifts together, we not only achieve more but also grow in purpose, echoing the Christian call to community.

Conclusion

In Eden’s Zero, Shiki and his friends’ journey through space becomes a testament to the power of mercy, unity, and purpose. Their story reminds us that faith is not just about reaching a destination but growing closer to God and others along the way. Through compassion, shared strength, and seeing the divine spark in all, we too are called to live out Christ’s love in a world that needs it.