I just want to start out saying I love this book. Three reasons why? Okay then, here it goes. One, it has revealed to me how "religious denominations" mean nothing. Two, I totally was thinking I was reading book about persecutions much more recent; aI was surprised to see how I could relate to people who lived further in the past. I didn't even know there were missionaries to Japan in the 1600's. Three, I love the action and thrilling pace of the book (I also love that this is something based on reality).
Just within the reading the prologue my heart was already breaking. I felt as if I knew these people, we were close friends, and then I had to watch them die. Then as I read on I realized that these people are Catholics, Jesuits, denominations that I have never trusted( no offense to anyone). These people, these are the ones my heart is breaking for.
I really found myself relating to Sebastian Rodrigues. No, I'm not a monk, but I am do fill called to be a foreign missionary. At first I was judgmental of Sebastian, thinking he's prideful and rude (especially when he complains about the potatoes). Then he talks about how he feels compassion for the Japanese, and how he is embarrassed at his weakness compared to the Christian Japanese' courage. I can easily picture myself transitioning the same way Sebastian does. So I can relate to Jesuit monk? I guess Jesuits aren't just for eating. (Candide humor)
All and all I love this book and can't wait to finish it! I especially love that I keep turning a page, and reading something happening in the 1600's, I never knew such intense persecution of Christians existed in Japan at that time. This book keeps me reading, and I can't wait to hear discussion on it!
commented on Danielle's post
ReplyDelete>>One, it has revealed to me how "religious denominations" mean nothing.
ReplyDeleteBut I like denominations. I'm a Presbyterian going to a Baptist school, my favorite prof (Dr. Carey) is Methodist, and I follow Lutheran talk shows. Denominations represent different trains of thought in Church history, so they do mean something.
And though I have some historical issues
with the Catholics, that doesn't keep me from sympathizing with the book's characters. More than being a religious novel, Silence is a markedly human one, and that's what's most important here.