Blog Post 2: "Sufferings of every kind," pp. 47-100
Between pages 47 and 100, what are at least three similarities between the the story of the narrator/protagonist (Father Sebastian Rodrigues) and the Passion of Jesus? What are at least three differences between the two, and what do these differences say about the cultural gap between the Portuguese priest and his mission field of Japan?
Answer each part of the prompt, using at least three specific pieces of information no one has yet used in their blog posts, and at least six specific pieces of information total, with a page citation for each.
Answer each part of the prompt, using at least three specific pieces of information no one has yet used in their blog posts, and at least six specific pieces of information total, with a page citation for each.
Christianity is outlawed and if you are found guilty you will be punished and ultimately put to death if you do not renounce your faith (55). As incentive if you turn over anyone known to be a Christian you will be compensated with one hundred pieces of silver. The magistrate says if you find a father and turn him in you will receive three hundred pieces of silver (73). Similar to Judas betraying Jesus for silver (51). The Father is betrayed and turned in by Kichijiro for pieces of silver. Kichijiro being the Judas in this story (77-78). Ichizo and Mokichi were prisoners with their arms bound fast and their heads hanging low, who were paraded through villages for spectators to view. Someone took pity on them and gave them a cup of sake to drink. Just like how one of the soldiers gave to the dying Christ some vinegar on a sponge (57). Two trees, made into the form of a cross where the prisoners were fastened to them. They were not made to carry their cross as Jesus had been made to do. They would not die at once, but after two or even three days of physical and mental exhaustion they would cease to breathe. Like when Jesus was crucified (57-58). Unlike the crucifixion we are familiar with, their bodies would be immersed in the sea up to the chin (58). Instead of Roman soldiers like in the time of Jesus, we are dealing with the Samurai (100). Men are born in two categories: the strong and the weak, the saints and the common place, the heroes and those who respect them. “Your way and my way of thinking are different, “said the priest. “If they were the same I would not have crossed the sea from far away to come to this country.” (88) It is written in the sutras that the buddha is everlasting and never changes. It is only a Christian who would regard the buddhas as mere human beings. The thought was then that the Christian God created evil men. If our God is really loving and merciful, how do you explain the fact that he gives so many trials and sufferings of all kinds to a man on his way to Heaven? (88-89).
ReplyDeleteMany similarities between Father Rodrigues and Christ become apparent starting with the former's capture and persecution. Just as Christ was betrayed by a friend for wealth, so too is Rodrigues when Kichijiro hands him over to the authorities to be arrested (83). Following the arrest, the similarities between Rodrigues and Christ are further demonstrated when the emotional turmoil overcomes Rodrigues. Just as Christ asked why God had forsaken him, Rodrigues prays "Lord, why are you silent? Why are you always silent...?" (98). Such a prayer gives credence to Rodrigues's earlier statement that "No matter how strong one's faith, physical fear can overwhelm one completely" (65). Finally, Rodrigues and Jesus both have the ability to stop the fate that awaits them. Rodrigues only has to apostatize and tell the Christians to do the same to avoid torture and death (90), just like Jesus could have stopped his own crucifixion. However, both Rodrigues and Jesus do what they know is God's will. Rodrigues, however, does show how he is different from Jesus in that at some points he finds himself wondering if God does not exist, calling it the "ugly thought [which] would come bubbling up into consciousness bringing an awful dread" (73). Further, Jesus faced persecution from many who believed in the same God, but who disliked his teachings. Rodrigues, however, faces persecution from a Buddhist (94). When Jesus was persecuted, the validity of his claims to be the Messiah were tested, but no one challenged the principles of Judaism or the belief in Yahweh. But Rodrigues faces attacks not only on his missionary work but also on Christian doctrine as seen in his back-and-forth with the interrogator (94). These latter two differences highlight the cultural difference that Rodrigues must overcome. Unlike Jesus, Rodrigues must preach to those who do not come from a similar religious or geographical background; he is a Westerner bringing Christianity to an Eastern civilization which practices Buddhism. Not only must Rodrigues overcome the cultural prejudice that is shown when the interrogator states “The [Portuguese] fathers always ridiculed us” (93), but also the reluctance of an Eastern civilization to convert to a foreign religion which has no common foundation with their own, unlike the ministry of Jesus who preached to Jews. The cultural difference might best be summed up by the interrogator when he tells Rodrigues, “We have our own religion; we don’t want a new, foreign one” (94). Father Rodrigues must break cultural and religious boundaries to reach the people of Japan.
ReplyDeleteThere are many similarities and differences between Father Rodrigues’ narrative and the Passion of Christ. Starting off, one similarity can be made on page 51, when Rodrigues is praying to God. He prays that this “awful noonday silence be taken away.” It parallels the agonizing prayer of Jesus in the garden when Jesus asks for his fate to be reversed. It seems to me that the Japanese officials are using this crucifixion of Ichizo and Mokichi as a political move, similarly to what the Roman’s motive was for crucifying Jesus (60). While in the Passion story and in this book, Silence, both stories have trials (57-58), Jesus was silent in His trial, whereas the two men in the Silence trial were not (58). Furthermore, both deaths (Jesus and in Silence) were painful and miserable (62). A few differences were apparent in the deaths of these two stories. In silence, when the men finally died, they were burnt and thrown into the sea (63). However, in the Jesus story, Jesus was buried in a tomb. Unlike Jesus crucifixion that lasted only several hours, these two men did not die until two or three days after the start of their crucifixion (62). This shows that the culture in Japan is unrelenting. The officials are strong in their stance against the Christian faith, and it is going to be hard (as we have already read) for Christian missionaries to try to spread Christianity in Japan. The Japanese have a certain perspective about Christians that is hard to break. Rodrigues tries to answer and convince the man on pages 92-95 that Christians are not all trying to bash on Buddhists; However, the man is not having it. Heis trying to ask any and all questions to try to throw Father Rodrigues off. Overall, these people are very stubborn, and it is hard to convince them.
ReplyDeleteThe narrator and protagonist of the story Father Sebastian Rodrigues has many aspects of his character that relate to Jesus. Father Sebastian Rodrigues shares a similar passion with Jesus in that he is extremely empathetic. “ Now let me tell you more about the life of the Japanese. Needless to say, I’m telling you about the presence of Tomogi whom I have seen… The first thing you must realize is that poverty and squalor in which these peasants live is beyond anything you have ever seen in Portugal. Even the more wealthy among them, the upper class, only get the taste of rice about twice a year.” (Pg. 49). From this quote you can see that Father Sebastian Rodrigues really internalizes the hardships that the Japanese are growing through and sees how much they are struggling in their daily lives. This is a point of similarity that I see between Father Rodrigues and Jesus. Another instants in the novel where a similarity is shown between Jesus and Father Rodrigues is when the guards invade their village and request for three men to travel to Nagasaki to meet the magistrate. “ Why has our lord imposed this torture and this persecution on poor Japanese peasants? No, Kichijiro was trying to explain something even more sickening. The Silence of God.” (pg.57) This quote shows that both Jesus and Father Rodrigues are asking and questioning god as to why he has let them down. Father Rodrigues mentions the silence of God in a couple of scenarios throughout the novel thus far, and this is similar to when Jesus claims that he has been forsaken by God. Another similarity between Father Rodrigues and Jesus is that they are both deceived by somebody that is close to them. Kichijiro surrenders Father Rodrigues to the authorities for silver, which is similar to that of Jesus’ situation. “ Still kneeling on the bare ground Kichijiro cried out in a voice chocked with tears. I am weak. I am not a strong person like Mokichi and Ichizo. Already the men were seizing me and dragging me to my feet.” (Pg. 83) This quote shows that when the guards take Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro is given compensation. Although, there are many similarities between Father Rodrigues and Jesus there a many differences between to the two as well. Jesus is worshipped and though of as the Son of God, whereas Father Rodrigues is a Priest. Although he is highly respected and has an immense amount of respect associated with his title he is not believed to be the Son of God. “No, father we didn’t say a word about you..., hands on knees, and if they come again, we’ll still say nothing. No matter what happens we will stand by you.” (Pg. 53) This quote shows that the priest was held in high regards to the Japanese. Another difference between Father Rodrigues and Jesus is the fact that Father Rodrigues is preaching Christianity to a society that has banned it and has adopted the faith if Buddhism. This cultural difference poses a problem and dangerous fate for Father Rodrigues. “Only a father who is ignorant of Buddhist teaching could say such a thing.” (pg.94) This quote showed that the thoughts of Christianity were questioned through the ideas of Buddhism, which posed a problem when preaching the faith of Christianity. Jesus was preaching to Jews, which still held a similar concept of religion, whereas Buddhism is extremely different from Christianity. Another aspect of the novel that marked a difference in the experiences of Father Rodrigues and Jesus was that when an individual was defiant and as being punished by the guards in Japan they were tortured in different manners such as being tied to stakes in the Ocean for multiple days until they died, or hung in pits upside down. When Jesus was preaching the faith he was crucified on a cross. “ In the evening officials arrived on horseback. At their command, the guards gathered damp pieces of wood and, removing the bodies of Mokichi and Ichizo from the stakes, began to burn them.” (pg.63).
ReplyDeleteHaley Melita
ReplyDeleteOver the course of the text, specifically from pages forty seven to one hundred, there are several similarities between Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. For starters, both Rodrigues and Jesus needed to keep both of their identities a secret to officials due to political unrest or conflicting ideologies. This is specifically seen when Japanese officials take Mokichi and Ichizo as hostages because they do reveal Rodrigues as a priest as well as when Christ keeps his identity a secret from the Romans (56). Another similarity between the two is that they are both traveling to villages in order to spread and grow their faith (47). Lastly, both Rodrigues and Christ are betrayed for money. This is shown when Kichijiro reveals Rodrigues as a Christian so that he is rewarded with silver, which also happened to Christ (83). Although there are similarities between the two, there are also differences. A more obvious contrast is the difference in title. Despite Rodrigues's efforts to spread Christianity, he is a priest whereas Christ is the son of God. Additionally, Jesus is the Messiah who targets his preaching towards the Jews and Rodrigues is a Christian preaching to Buddhists in Japan. Lastly, Jesus suffered, died, and was crucified where as Rodrigues is forced to see two fellow Christians die because of Japanese officials (61-62). These differences highlight the cultural gap between Rodrigues, a Portuguese priest, and his mission in the field of Japan. Furthermore, these cultural differences are reflected in the Japanese's efforts to preserve their current religion and culture. Japan is extremely resistant and works ruthlessly to destroy any sign of Christianity. Specifically, this is seen when the Japanese officials accuse the villagers of being Christians and then demand hostages from them (55). Also, this is seen again when the officials subject Mokichi and Ichizo to death by water torture and further exemplifies how far they are willing to go to maintain their faith (61).
In chapters four and five of Silence, Sebastian Rodrigues’ story had both similarities and differences with the Passion of Jesus. The first similarity is that Rodrigues’ story included men bounded to crosses in the sea, waiting for their death. Jesus was also put on a cross and both were offered “ransom” as they stayed on the crosses. “And then (as I have been told) with an unwonted sense of pity, someone gave them a cup of sake to drink. When I heard this I could not help thinking of how one of the soldiers gave to the dying Christ some vinegar on a sponge” (57). The second similarity was that Rodrigues and Jesus were both betrayed by one of their so called “followers”. Rodrigues was betrayed by Kichijiro and Jesus was betrayed by Judas. “Already the men were seizing me and dragging me to my feet. One of them, with a gesture of contempt, threw into the face of Kichijiro still kneeling a number of tiny silver coins” (78). The last similarity was found on page eighty-three. “He had thought to be overcome with fear and trembling but, strange to say, no terror rose up within his heart” (83). Rodrigues did not have a fear of dying and Jesus did not either as He accepted his death. Rodrigues could be seen as an image of Jesus as they both did not show their prosecutors fear when the subject of death came about.
ReplyDeleteThe differences came about when Rodrigues was captured. When he first entered the village, he was not welcomed by a crowd of people but rather he was welcome by blank stares and hesitation. Jesus was welcomed by crowds even when His darkest day was coming sooner than he believed. “The world outside was flooded with sunlight; but the interior of the village seemed strangely dark. While he was being dragged here children and adults alike…had kept staring at him with glimmering eyes” (79). Another difference was that when Jesus was pulling His cross up the hill to be nailed, He was not to be approached by the villagers. In Rodrigues’ case, the guards did not necessarily care who said what. “’Father, what happened?’ At this, all the others raised their heads and faces filled with curiosity waited for the priest’s answer…The guards only kept laughing at all this, making no attempt to scold the men and women nor to forbid them to speak” (80-81). The last difference was that Jesus was the one who was sacrificed and not His followers; as for Rodrigues, we wanted to be the one sacrificed instead of the ones praising Him. ’Punish me alone,’ said the priest, shrugging his shoulders and laughing. ‘It is because of you that they must suffer,’ concluded the old man” (85).
I think what the differences between the Passion of Jesus and the story of Sebastian Rodrigues say about the Portuguese and Japanese cultural gap is that tradition is not always “passed down” smoothly. People of different countries have their own modifications and way to do things.
There are many similarities between the narrative of Father Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. One similarity in the book “Silence”, is that Kichijiro had the option of turning in Rodrigues for 300 pieces of silver and decided to do it. In the Bible, Judas is given the option to turn Jesus in for 30 pieces of silver and does it as well (75). Once the Father is captured and turned in, the guard told him, “It is because of you that they must suffer” (85). The guard is placing all of the blame upon him, the priest, because he is the one that goes around and teaches the gospel. In the same way, Jesus is chosen to die on the cross and take the blame for everything for teaching people the Word of God. The last similarity is that in this story on page 90, it states that “a cock was crowing”. This bird is mentioned multiple times throughout these chapters just as a cock crowing signified Judas betraying Jesus in the Bible. There are also many differences between the narrative of Father Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. One difference is that when Kichijiro has betrayed Father Rodrigues, he yells out, “Father, forgive me!” He explains that he is weak and “not strong”. Now, Father Rodrigues was expecting this and saw it coming, just as Jesus did when Judas betrayed him, but differently, Judas did not ask Jesus for forgiveness when he betrayed him even though he had many opportunities to do so (78). On page 97 while the Father was being walked through crowds of people, they were silent and some were even turning away from him. In the Bible when Jesus is being walked through crowds on his way to his crucifixion, people are yelling at him and scorning him. Another difference is that Kichijiro is consistently following Father Rodrigues as he is getting closer to his destination of execution, but in the Bible, Judas does not follow Jesus along His journey (98).
ReplyDeleteThere are many similarities between the narrative of Father Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. One similarity in the book “Silence”, is that Kichijiro had the option of turning in Rodrigues for 300 pieces of silver and decided to do it. In the Bible, Judas is given the option to turn Jesus in for 30 pieces of silver and does it as well (75). Once the Father is captured and turned in, the guard told him, “It is because of you that they must suffer” (85). The guard is placing all of the blame upon him, the priest, because he is the one that goes around and teaches the gospel. In the same way, Jesus is chosen to die on the cross and take the blame for everything for teaching people the Word of God. The last similarity is that in this story on page 90, it states that “a cock was crowing”. This bird is mentioned multiple times throughout these chapters just as a cock crowing signified Judas betraying Jesus in the Bible. There are also many differences between the narrative of Father Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. One difference is that when Kichijiro has betrayed Father Rodrigues, he yells out, “Father, forgive me!” He explains that he is weak and “not strong”. Now, Father Rodrigues was expecting this and saw it coming, just as Jesus did when Judas betrayed him, but differently, Judas did not ask Jesus for forgiveness when he betrayed him even though he had many opportunities to do so (78). On page 97 while the Father was being walked through crowds of people, they were silent and some were even turning away from him. In the Bible when Jesus is being walked through crowds on his way to his crucifixion, people are yelling at him and scorning him. Another difference is that Kichijiro is consistently following Father Rodrigues as he is getting closer to his destination of execution, but in the Bible, Judas does not follow Jesus along His journey (98).
ReplyDeleteAustin Greene
ReplyDeleteThere are several similarities between the story of Father Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. The first that I found is when Father Sebastian Rodrigues says that he wants to let the people know that they are not alone in the faith, this is similar to Jesus’ ministry being that he was forming the faith of believers making them come together and destroying the feeling of ever being alone (48). Another similarity found between these two subjects is that they were both risked their own lives for the faith (56). Finally, the last similarity that I have found is when Father Sebastian Rodrigues states that he is servant to man, Jesus is also described as this (60). However, there are some differences between Father Sebastian and the Passion of Jesus that can be found throughout this novel. The first is when Father Sebastian Rodrigues is in hiding from the authorities (48-49). Jesus was not afraid of confrontation, as long as he could spread the message. Another difference is that Father Sebastian Rodrigues was a priest and Jesus was the Son of God (60). The final difference I am addressing is how Christians were tortured in Silence. In Father Sebastian Rodrigues situation, Christians are tied to a cross and placed in the tide where they slowly died (88). However, in Jesus’ situation, Christians were crucified on land. The differences show how cultures have evolved in their means of persecution. Father Sebastian Rodrigues was not prepared for the horrendous encounters he was met with in Japan. I think that as time progressed it became more and more difficult for Christians such as Father Sebastian Rodrigues to spread the message of Christ through areas such as Japan due to increased persecution.
There are many qualities that Father Rodrigues reflects of Christ in this story, but also some that reflect he is still just a human with sin. I am encouraged and inspired by how Father Rodrigues knows he will someday understand why he is being persecuted and that everything the Lord does is for our good, yet he says, “I still feel the oppressive weight in my heart of those last stammering words on the morning of his departure: “Why has Deus Sama imposed this suffering upon us? ” (55). This shows that Father Rodrigues was passionate for the Gospel, despite the persecution. This is similar to Jesus’s passion in the Garden of Gethsemane; He knew what God’s plan was and how it was for good, but he still felt heaviness of the suffering before he was crucified. The same way Jesus was rejected by the same people He was meant to lead, Father Rodrigues was also rejected. After he was lead off the boat, He realized that the young man completely rejected him: “Even though I could not see his face, the tone of his voice told me that he did not want to have anything more to do with me” (63). One of the biggest and most obvious similarities to Christ was the fact that Father Rodrigues was betrayed by Kichijiro for the silver, just as Judas betrayed Jesus (78). This shows their similar paths to death and the passion they both have for spreading the Gospel, in the fact that they both knew this would happen and accepted the will of God.
ReplyDeleteThere are differences between Father Rodrigues and Christ, mainly because the first is human and the later is God. One difference I noticed was when Father Rodrigues was walking through the village and writes, “From the deepest core of my being yet another voice made itself heard in a whisper. Supposing God does not exist..” (68). Although Jesus had many temptations, he never once doubted that God exists. Of course, Father Rodrigues is feeling this way due to the silence he felt from God. This is something he has not experienced before, but especially felt during his mission in Japan. This difference shows that the priest is used to being greeted with honor, yet here, no one in sight and even God is silent, and it shakes him to his core. Another difference was that while Father Rodrigues was being taken away, the people around him went completely silent: “Immediately, alarm and consternation showed itself on their faces and they lowered their eyes” (97). This means they did not hate him enough or in the way that Christ was rejected, because Christ was being yelled at as he walked to His death. This is a major cultural difference as well. My final difference was Father Rodrigues’ failed ability to love Kichijiro enough to want to save him over his own life. He writes, “Yet I could not say such words to Kichijiro, once reason being I wanted to protect my own life..” (76). Father Rodrigues wrote earlier even that he realized he could not understand how Christ could feel that way in the midst of betrayal. This shows how much the he cannot understand the culture and how Kichijiro must feel.
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ReplyDeleteHeather Penna
ReplyDeleteIn Silence by Endo, there are are many similarities between what Father Sebastian Rodrigues and Christ had to suffer. While there are many similarities, there are also many differences which help show the cultural differences between the Portuguese priest and Japan, where he is serving.
Like Christ, the portuguese priest is betrayed (pg. 83). The priest goes back and forth trying to figure out if Kichijiro is a christian and whether or not he should be trusted. Ultimately, we find out he should not have trusted him and Kichijiro hands the Priest over to the Japanese. Christ was betrayed by Judas, who gave him over to the Roman soldiers for thirty pieces of silver.
Another similarity between the death of Christ and the sufferings of Father Rodrigues is that they both faced intense interrogation before being sent to their deaths. Christ was sent to Pilate and Herod. Jesus was asked, “ Are you the Christ?”, repeatedly Jesus answered truthfully saying that he is. Whether or not Herod believed he needed to be crucified, Jesus was crucified for his statements. Similarly, the Japanese guards continually asked Father Rodrigues to apostatize, and everytime the priest refused (pg. 90). Both the priest and Jesus were given a chance to be freed and go about their lives, but they refused. Christ refused knowing that he must die and be resurrected, so we can live. Father Rodrigues refused knowing that the truth of Christ and glorifying God is far more important than living a life of luxury of earth.
Lastly, a similarity of between the Death of Christ and the story of Father Rodriguez is that they both occurred so people might be saved. Christ died to save all. Father Rodriguez suffered and did not apostatize to show the truth of the gospel to those he was ministering to. This can be seen on page 101 when the priest says, “Lord your will be done.” These words also echo those of christ when he prayed in Gethsemane before he was arrested.
There are also many differences between these two stories. Christ knew he was going to be betrayed after the passover feast. Father Rodrigues, although he was afraid Kichijiro would betray him, was not aware that he was going to be turned over to the Japanese (pg.78-83). Unlike Christ, the Japanese decide not to kill the priest, but rather to torture the villagers around him to get him to apostatize (pg. 90). Lastly, on page 106, Rodrigues quotes the words of Jesus, “... weep not for me but for yourselves and for your children….” Father Rodrigues is enduring suffering that only occurs because Christ first died and made a way for sinners to be redeemed. Christ death offered salvation, the priests sufferings are only able to show his belief in Christ.
Culturally, the portuguese priest is very different than the Japanese natives he is ministering to. Christians in Portugal were not persecuted or put to death, like those in Japan at the time (pg. 87) . In Portugal, it was counter-cultural not to be a christian; whereas in Japan, it is counter-cultural not to be buddhist (pg. 94-95). Lastly, the Japanese peasants have a very different view of Heaven than that of the Portuguese priest. (pg. 87)
Dalton Shettle
ReplyDeleteWhile reading "Silence" it doesn't take much for the reader to realize that many of the things that happen to and are said by Father Sabastian Rodrigues resemble the passion of Jesus, as well as differences between the two of them that may be due to Jesus' mission field being throughout the Middle East and Father Rodrigues's being in Japan. The first similarity between the two that I would like to point out can be found on page 59 when Father Rodrigues writes, "Whether to tell the people that his life had not yet ebbed away or to strengthen his own resolution, the young man gaspingly sang a Christian hymn: We're on our way, we're on our way; We're on our way to the temple of Paradise... All listened in silence to the voice of Mokichi; the guards also listened; and again and again, amid the sound of the rain and the waves; it broke upon their ears" (59). This directly resembles the scene when Jesus was on the cross with the two other man and began to say that they were on there way to "Paradise" and then it began to rain and even the guards were listening to what Jesus was saying on the cross. One of the differences that I see between Father Rodrigues's account and the Passion of Jesus is the way in which the bodies were treated after the crucification. In this instance the bodies were burned to ashes and then thrown into the sea where as in Jesus's case he was buried away in a tomb. On page 60 it says, "... removing the bodies of Mokichi and Ichizo from the stakes, began to burn them. This they did to prevent the Christians from bringing home the remains for veneration. When the bodies were reduced to ashes, they threw them into the sea" (60). Another similarity between the two can be found on page 60 as well where it says, "'There death was not meaningless. It was a stone which in time will be the foundation of the Church; and the Lord never gives us a trial which we cannot overcome'" (60). This quote is similar to the meaning of Jesus dying on the cross in the sense that it was a "stone" which the church would use as it foundation. Another difference that I have found between the two can be found on page 63 where it says, "The only thing is that it seems so ludicrous that this fellow, sitting in an insect-infested little ship, dressed in the peasant clothing of Mokichi from Tomogi -- that this fellow should be a priest just like them" (63). This is a different way of thinking than that of the Passion of Jesus because when Jesus was around; his disciples did not care what he was wearing, but in this case Father Rodrigues cares about what someone wears who is a priest. This way of thinking may come from the Portuguese culture and it being somewhat Catholic. The last similarity that I would like to point out between Father Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus is the way in which artists who had never seen either one of them, depicted their faces. On page 67 where it says, "This was the face of a crucified man, a face which for so many centuries had given inspiration to artists. This man none of these artists had seen with his own eyes, yet they portrayed his face -- the most pure, the most beautiful that has claimed the prayers of man and has corresponded with his highest aspirations" (67). The last difference that I would like to point out between Father Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus, is the personality and attitude of the two. In the Bible, Jesus is portrayed as being very calm, strong, and confident, and in "Silence" Father Rodrigues is portrayed as being scared, worried, and weak. Evidence of this is on page 72 where it says, "Within my heart a voice cried out: 'You are weak; you are a coward!' Only to be answered by another telling me not to be carried away by a moment of excitement and sentimentality..." (72).
After reading chapter 4, we know that Christianity is looked down on as a sin by the samurai and many people are tortured for it. On top of that, the people of Tomogi are faced with poverty and high taxes force them to stay that way. “The yearly tax is bitterly high, and those who fail to pay it are punished mercilessly”, as viewed on page (50). Father Rodrigues is obviously in Tomogi to spread the Christian faith but would be tortured and executed if turned in with the reward of one hundred silver pieces. With that being said, Garrpe and Rodrigues must hide their artifacts from any government officials. “Rushed back to our hut and, grabbing everything that might betray us, buried it in the whole dug by Ichizo” (51). This shows how they are willing to risk their lives for Christianity at such a high stake just like Jesus did by being crucified on the cross for his own for the people. The major similarity between the passion for Jesus and Father Rodrigues was how the people looked up to him as if he was their savior. “If you take such a firm stand, I suppose there is nothing for me to believe but believe you (54). This part of the text describes how the farmers were offered tax cuts for the following couple of years if they turned in the priests. This shows how loyal they are to their faith and how they overcame the temptation to receive the tax reduction which could possibly save them from facing poverty. “For everything that our lord does is for our good. And yet, even as I write these words I feel the oppressive weight in my heart of those last stammering words of Kichijiro” (57). Rodrigues doesn’t know what is going to happen on his departure and the people are scared for their own well-being. The difference in the faith of the Japanese Christians and the faith toward Rodrigues is how they look up to him knowing he is from Portugal, a land far away from them and trust his presence in helping them, whereas Jesus and his disciples were viewed as outcasts by the romans and had put all their faith towards Jesus. “I have a feeling that Judas was no more than the unfortunate puppet for the glory of that drama which was the life and death of Christ” (80). The difference in the faith shows that the priests are faced with unfortunate times to overcome and are doubting themselves whereas the faith in Jesus in a faith where doubt was never an option. Lastly Jesus never hated his enemies and always offers a redemption, but Rodrigues looks in the face of kochijiro with hate and disbelief of what he has done (83).
ReplyDelete-Landon Gloaguen
After reading chapter 4, we know that Christianity is looked down on as a sin by the samurai and many people are tortured for it. On top of that, the people of Tomogi are faced with poverty and high taxes force them to stay that way. “The yearly tax is bitterly high, and those who fail to pay it are punished mercilessly”, as viewed on page (50). Father Rodrigues is obviously in Tomogi to spread the Christian faith but would be tortured and executed if turned in with the reward of one hundred silver pieces. With that being said, Garrpe and Rodrigues must hide their artifacts from any government officials. “Rushed back to our hut and, grabbing everything that might betray us, buried it in the whole dug by Ichizo” (51). This shows how they are willing to risk their lives for Christianity at such a high stake just like Jesus did by being crucified on the cross for his own for the people. The major similarity between the passion for Jesus and Father Rodrigues was how the people looked up to him as if he was their savior. “If you take such a firm stand, I suppose there is nothing for me to believe but believe you (54). This part of the text describes how the farmers were offered tax cuts for the following couple of years if they turned in the priests. This shows how loyal they are to their faith and how they overcame the temptation to receive the tax reduction which could possibly save them from facing poverty. “For everything that our lord does is for our good. And yet, even as I write these words I feel the oppressive weight in my heart of those last stammering words of Kichijiro” (57). Rodrigues doesn’t know what is going to happen on his departure and the people are scared for their own well-being. The difference in the faith of the Japanese Christians and the faith toward Rodrigues is how they look up to him knowing he is from Portugal, a land far away from them and trust his presence in helping them, whereas Jesus and his disciples were viewed as outcasts by the romans and had put all their faith towards Jesus. “I have a feeling that Judas was no more than the unfortunate puppet for the glory of that drama which was the life and death of Christ” (80). The difference in the faith shows that the priests are faced with unfortunate times to overcome and are doubting themselves whereas the faith in Jesus in a faith where doubt was never an option. Lastly Jesus never hated his enemies and always offers a redemption, but Rodrigues looks in the face of kochijiro with hate and disbelief of what he has done (83).
ReplyDelete-Landon Gloaguen
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DeleteThere are many similarities and differences between Silence and Jesus. The book alludes to God in several situations, and it emphasizes the silence of God during this horrible time for the Christian Japanese people. In chapter four, it kicks of with Kichijiro claiming 'I am with you, you have nothing to fear' as he talks to Rodrigues and Garrpe (49). Kichijiro first portrays this godly-like man who cares for the people in the village as he welcomes the two missioners warmly. However, further down the road he is one of three men sent to the headquarters at Nagasaki. There, they are taken into custody by the Japanese. Kichijiro beforehand was nominated to go to the headquarters because he had no wife or children. The people savagely told him he did not belong to this village nor would the officials cross-examine him severely (55). Now, in that moment he paralleled to the character of Moses. Like Moses, he resisted and made excuses but in the end went on to Nagasaki. Later on, he and the two men he was accompanied by were captured by the Japanese. They were questioned about their religion, and they all denied it until they were asked to spit on the virgin Mary. The other two men held up their end except for Kichijiro. They were arrested and "he was set free, and with that, he disappeared from sight" (59). Kichijiro captures similarities in two ways, portraying Moses and Judas. Like Jesus, he followed the plan that was given to him, but differently he betrayed what he stood for. Another smilarity seen is the treatment of the people. They are continuously being degraded by the people above. It is repeatedly that the silence of God makes them question why He is letting this happen to the people. One asks the Lord to not increase their suffering because until now they were able bear it (90). Thirdly, it is seen at the beginning that the two priests are accepted as natives. However, since the martyrdom of Mokichi and Ichizo, the people of Tomogi regarded Garrpe and Rodrigues as foreigners (65). Like Jesus, these two were questioned even though they were trying to do good work for the Christians. Jesus was questioned even when he was preaching and helping the sick but yet he still helped. Now there are differences in the book, firstly, I would like to state the lack of power the priest hold among the people. Unlike Jesus, I do not see a moment in which the priest take a moment to put themselves in front of the people of Japan in order to keep them safe. Secondly, the priest is unable to provide information to the people in order to back up his thoughts. He states, 'God created everything for good...he bestowed on man the power of thought; but..it is sometimes used for discrimination in the wrong way' (95). Soon after he says this the interpreter just looks at him scarcely while the priest just expected him to be convinced by his explanation (95). Now, Jesus never directly explained why things were done a certain way, but it was seen indirectly. The priest expected his intense thought to sit well with the interpreter. Lastly, Jesus died on the cross for a reason. The reason being to wash away our very own sins. A thought is brought up, what if God does not exist (72)? One of the people stated that if that were true the Mokichi and Ichizo dying was just an absurd drama and the missionaries crossing over was just an illusion of theirs (72). In the community of Japan, the gap between the priest and the Japanese are straightforward. The Japanese refuse to let Christianity into their world, and to make sure of it they cause pain and impossibility to the lives of the people. Meanwhile, the priest sit there and observe all of this, but do not go through the pain.
ReplyDeleteTess Song
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 4-6 of Silence by Endo, Father Sebastian Rodrigues both experiences similarities and differences between Christ’s suffering and his own. Firstly, his pain mimics Christ’s Passion in three places. Rodrigues relates that “the guards had come to search the village. Garpe and I, falling over ourselves in haste, rushed back to our hut…” (51). Throughout the Gospel, there are several instances in which Christ, knowing that the Pharisees were pursuing him, had to hide to protect Himself—not out of selfish ambition, but so that His suffering would come to pass in the right time. Furthermore, as Peter called out to Christ to forgive his denial of him, so too did Kichijiro cry to Rodrigues to forgive his betrayal (83). Lastly, Rodrigues experiences deep emotional turmoil over his mission: “Violent emotion surged up within my breast, as supporting my body with my staff I slithered down the slope still wet from the rain and ran down toward my parish—yes, this was my parish, this was the charge Our Lord had entrusted to me” (75). Rodrigues, weary from a long, traumatic journey, looks out upon a new village. In spite of his distressing voyage after fleeing Tomogi, he realizes that his goal is still to serve the Japanese Christians. Regardless of his desire to quit, he continues his mission—and with an intense emotional reaction. So too did Christ continue his task to sacrifice himself on the cross—and in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was overcome with emotional distress because of his imminent death.
Even as Rodrigues experiences similarities in his trials to the sufferings of Christ, so too does his mission have differences. Unlike Christ, Rodrigues experiences some inner turmoil that Christ could not have undergone. For example, when Rodrigues ponders Kichijiro’s apostasy, he states, “Were I an ordinary Christian, not a priest, would I have fled in the same way? What kept me going now might be my self resect and my priestly sense of duty” (65). Christ never would have questioned his devotion to God, because He Himself is God. Here, Rodrigues recognizes the difference between his priestly self and the weak, unknowledgeable Christian, Kichijiro. Rodrigues has been educated in a hub of Catholicism (Portugal) while Kichijiro never has had a firm Christian foundation in Japan. Rodrigues also displays distrust towards his betrayer, Kichijiro, while Christ allowed Judas to be his close disciple (81). Lastly, dissimilarly to Christ, Rodrigues feels hatred. At the end of chapter 6, Rodrigues watches his betrayer, Kichijiro, and “a black and cruel emotion rose from the very depths of his being” (107). When Judas sold Jesus to the government, Jesus never seems to convey a feeling of resentment or hatred towards Judas. Rodrigues, however, clearly despises the traitor.
Nathalia Goncalves
ReplyDeleteIn “Silence” there are various occasions where there are similarities between Father Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus. There are also other scenarios that demonstrate an obvious difference between the two. This portion of the novel begins with Sebastian Rodrigues talking about how thankful he is for his and the village’s safety. He then goes on to describe how “the Tossama got everyone to hide away with all speed their holy pictures, crucifixes and any object that might arouse suspicion” when the guards showed up (48). Kichijiro’s struggle with his faith symbolizes many of the “broken” people that crossed paths with Jesus. No matter how many times they mess up or how deeply broken they are, there is always a part of them that “good” shines through. When Kichijiro was drunk and approached Father Rodrigues’ hut, “his face was flushed as he shouted: I am with you….If I am with you, you have nothing to fear” (49). Everyone replied with enthusiasm to Kichijiro’s remarks. No matter the struggle he goes through with his faith or how much he tries to hide from it, Kichihiro’s comes out, even when he is drunk or at his worse times. This represents what Jesus was for the broken, he was always there to help them be whole again no matter how many times they messed up. When Kichijiro’s words pierce through Father Rodrigues’ thoughts, in his head he asks: “Why has Our Lord imposed this torture and this persecution on poor Japanese peasants?” (57). This is similar to when Jesus lamented his agony to the Lord. Just like in the crucifixion of Christ and the authority’s plan at that time, in the book, “the plan of the authorities was to let the people of the village of Tomogi as well as other peasant get a good view of this prolonged suffering so that they would never again approach the Christian faith” (60). When father Rodrigues explains to his followers that they risk the chance of becoming hostages, they reply by saying: “Yes, father. It might turn out that way. But even so we’ll say nothing” (53). This reassures that they will not give up Father Rodrigues no matter what. There were similar scenarios with Jesus and his followers, but the difference is that Jesus was actually the Son of God, while Father Rodrigues was just preaching the word. Knowing this though, the followers still remained faithful. Although Christ was crucified and in the book Ichizo and Mokichi were tied to the cross, the main difference in the scenario is a geographical one. For Christ, the dessert’s temperature and weather was a major factor in the suffering. For Ichizo and Mokichi, it was “when it was night and the tide came in, their bodies would be immersed in the sea up to the chin” (60). Although a brutal way of thinking, this aspect of the book makes the reader more aware of how geographical factors influence history in various ways—unfortunately even torture. Another difference was that “Christ wanted to save even Judas. If not, he would never have made him one of his disciples” (79). Father Rodrigues at this point in the story is angry and wants nothing to do with Kichijiro—he has hates towards him instead. Although Jesus was disappointed in Judas, he still wanted him to be saved, always. This hate is again reaffirmed when he says: “I have a feeling that Judas was no more than the unfortunate puppet for the glory of that drama which was the life and death of Christ” (80). Not only is he demonstrating hate in this statement, but he is also showing his inability to forgive even someone he knows Christ has forgiven. This conflict carries on to question how he would be is it wasn’t for “the consciousness of his priesthood” (82). He wonders if it wasn’t for that, if he might have turned out like Kichijiro.
Benjamin AaronThis section of reading was a bit more difficult to read due to the more graphic nature, but it was interesting nonetheless. This was interesting to find the correlations between Sebastian Rodriguez and Jesus Christ. The first one that strikes a solid similarity is when the book is refereeing to the feudal leaders having a seemingly totalitarian style of leadership over the citizens of Japan. “The feudal lord has unlimited power over his people, much more than any king in a Christian country. The yearly tax is bitterly high, and those who fail to pay it are mercilessly punished.” (p.48) This suggests that the feudal lord taxed the people of japan similarly to the people to the Roman taxing of the Jews early in the 1st century. This correlation is special due to the fact that the Jews were waiting for the messiah; the Japanese expressed a hope for someone to deliver them from the high taxation. Both Jesus Christ and Father Rodriguez were there to offer a different type of salvation. While this subject deal with a more economical problem, they are nonetheless tied to each other.
ReplyDeleteI could go into the similarities about how there was a bounty of silver for information about the missionaries, I will gloss over them for a much deeper subject. When Mokichi is speaking with Father Rodriguez about the samurai that were coming through the village, he was curious as to if the local Christians spoke to them concerning their location. “No, father, we didn’t say a word about you,” said Mokichi, hands on knees, “and if they come again, we’ll still say nothing. No matter what happens, we’ll stand by you.” (p. 51) This of course is similar to when the disciples told Jesus that they would stand by him to the bitter end. The only difference with these two is that the Japanese ultimately didn’t betray or falter in their promise.
The final similarity is the situation when Ichizo and Mokichi were about to be crucified in the Japanese way. With the two about to be martyrs in the process of being placed onto the crosses on the beach, they were offered sake. “…and then (as I’ve been told) with an unwonted sense of pity, someone gave them a cup of sake. (p.57) This of course is a striking similarity to when Jesus was on the cross and was given wine and vinegar. This is a symbolic because they were willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. This is important in the grand scheme of things considering the fact that the religion of Christianity was still a relatively new idealism in Japan. These men were willing to sacrifice themselves so as to not commit apostacy.
Ryan McConnell
ReplyDeleteThe story of Sebastian Rodrigues and the Passion of Jesus are very similar in many ways, but the main aspect of their similarities is the path their stories go on. In the story of the Passion of Jesus, Jesus enters Jerusalem with a hope and the mission to spread his teachings to a land of people who believe him to be a false messiah. Rodrigues’ story is similar in the way that he also is entering a land where Christianity is forbidden and where people are “seized as hostages and put in the water prison” for being Christian (49). But the difference is that the Jews in Jerusalem rejected his teachings and wanted him to be gone, whereas the Japanese people needed them there as a Sheppard and “no matter what happens [they’ll] stand by [him]” (51). Another similarity is they both eventually betrayed. Of course Jesus was betrayed by Judas, and Rodrigues was eventually betrayed by Kichijiro. He would then would be “driven along the dry road” to where he would meet his fate (78). Another similarity is that both Jesus and Rodrigues were able to look into the eyes of their betrayer. Rodrigues did this after he was being dragged away and he looked back at “the tiny face of [his] betrayer” where his heart would then fill with sorrow (78). Then a difference in their story would be how they were tortured. Jesus would be eventually crucified for show, but Rodrigues was tortured to break down his will and “so that [he] must suffer” for being a Christian (85). The final difference between the two stories was that Jesus was trying to change the way people thought about God whereas Rodrigues was trying to teach these people through his “apostolic work” (63).
There are many similarities and differences between the Passion of Jesus and the story of Father Sebastian Rodrigues. Jesus and Father Sebastian Rodrigues were both betrayed by a close friend. Jesus was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver while Father Sebastian Rodrigues was betrayed by Kichijiro for a number of silver coins (83). Also, both Jesus and Father Sebastian Rodrigues doubt God. In Matthew 27:46 Jesus says “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani,” which translates to “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In Silent, Father Sebastian Rodrigues starts to question God when he is alone in the forest (72). Lastly, Jesus, Mokichi and Ichizo were all marched through the streets before they were killed. Mokichi and Ichizo were dragged through the village, fastened to a cross and were subjected to water punishment (60). Jesus was marched through the streets of Jerusalem and crucified on Calvary hill. There are also many differences between the Passion of Jesus and the story of Father Sebastian Rodrigues. Father Sebastian Rodrigues was in hiding when he was captured by the Japanese guards (83). Also, the way in which Mokichi and Ichizo die and the way in which Jesus dies are different. Jesus was crucified and nailed to a cross while Mokichi and Ichizo were killed by water torture (62). Lastly, during the Passion, Jesus does not try to convince the guards who are holding him of his status as the Son of God. Father Sebastian Rodrigues argues with the interpreter and attempts to defend his faith (95). These differences display that Japanese culture is very different than Portuguese culture. The Japanese guards in Silent are very ruthless, strict and stubborn. I believe that Father Sebastian Rodrigues was not prepared for that aspect of the Japanese culture.
ReplyDeleteKatie Lebo
ReplyDeleteThe similarities between the story of the narrator/protagonist and the Passion of Jesus is when the samurai take in three hostages (Kichijro, Mokichi, and Ichizo) and make them renounce their faith (55). During this time period Christianity is outlawed and is punishable by death if you are found practicing it. Likewise, in Ancient Rome, Christianity was outlawed and was punishable by death. These men were taken hostage and forced to renounce their faith and ended up being killed for believing in Christianity, just like many followers in Ancient Rome were killed. When Ichizo and Mokichi confessed that they were Christians they eventually were fastened to trees that were in the shape of a cross (57). The Japanese are copying the crucifixion of Jesus. Rodrigues is betrayed by Kichijiro, “once I looked back, but already the tiny face of my betrayer was far in the distance” (78). This is similar to that of Jesus and Judas. Judas betrays Jesus and Jesus ends up dying because of it.
The differences began when Rodrigues was being taken into the village and the “children and adults alike, dressed in rags, had kept staring at him with glimmering eyes like animals from between the thatch-roofed huts” (79). The villagers were looking at Rodrigues with amazement, as opposed to Jesus, when he was carrying his cross up the hill, the villagers did not approach him and stayed away from him. On page 90 the Japanese want Rodrigues to apostatize rather than killing him, but unlike Christ they killed him for practicing Christianity. Another difference is that Kichijiro is constantly following Rodrigues, “now on the road became white and winding and the priest noticed the figure of a man like a beggar leaning on his staff and following after them. It was Kichijiro” (98). Kichijiro is following Rodrigues because he feels guilty for turning in him into the samurai. As Jesus is being walked through the crowds of people, they were quiet and wanted nothing to do with him. Judas was Jesus’ betrayer and Judas did not follow Jesus on his journey, whereas Kichijiro follows Rodrigues every move.
Blog #2
ReplyDeleteIn the book Silence there are many similarities between the narrator, Father Rodrigues and Christ. There are also many differences. Three similarities between Father Rodrigues and Christ are that they both are that they both had extremely reliable followers. Rodrigues says that “ Mokichi, Ichizo, and Omatsu displayed unwavering faith.” (54). Another big similarity between Christ and Father Rodrigues are the people in the area in which they lived. Both places were very highly taxed and the consequences were severe. Father Rodrigues tells the readers ““The yearly tax is bitterly high, and those who fail to pay it are punished mercilessly”, as viewed on page (50).”Another similarity between the two is that they were both “sold” Christ was sold for 30 silver pieces and Father Rodrigues was to be sold “ worth ten times as much.”(77)
Also while reading this I found three differences that stuck out to me the most was that unlike Christ, Father Rodrigues’s people were tortured in front of them to get him to apostatize (90) while Christ was crucified. Another really big difference that I saw between Christ and Father Rodrigues was that Christ never had any doubt that God was real. He always knew he was there and trusted him. On page 68 Rodrigues says “Supposing God does not exist…”. And lastly, another large difference between Father Rodrigues and Christ is that the way that they are betrayed. While both of them were betrayed Christ had always known that he would be betrayed by one of his own. Father Rodrigues did not fully trust Kichijiro but he did not know that he would later be told for money by kichijiro (82-83). While we are only listing three of each I think that there are many more differences than there are similarities between Christ and Father Rodrigues.
One of the most obvious of the similarities between Jesus and Rodrigues is the method of which facilitates Rodrigues’ capture: that of a betrayer. The character Kichijiro is the book’s analog of Judas, even down to “a number of tiny silver coins” (78) of which Kichijiro was paid with as the price for Rodrigues’ capture. Moreso, when Rodrigues arrives in Omura, he sees “the figure of a man like a beggar leaning on his staff and following after them. It was Kichijiro” (98). Kichijiro even has the past payment regret that Judas had when Jesus was carried away to his eventual death. He watched, and returned, even though it was Kichijiro (Judas) who should be ashamed and hide away. In addition, the mysterious figure that confronts Rodrigues who admits “was baptized all right; but from the beginning I had no wish to be a Christian nor a brother. I’m only the son of a court samurai; nothing but learning could make me great in the world” (87). The nonchalant and almost intellectual but humorous air that this mysterious figure takes on is very reminiscent of Pontius Pilate in his tone towards a high value target (Jesus in the bible; Rodrigues in Silence), but also the Pharisees who interrogated Jesus and questioned him in an attempt to ‘disprove’ his belief via appeal to law, emotion, and authority (god, in this case). Finally, another similarity is the enemy of the protagonist: a central authority (government) in pursuit of an illicit religion that they feel destabilizes their country as “we [the Japanese] have our own religion; we [the Japanese] don’t want a new, foreign one” (88). The Japanese pursuit and attempted extermination of the Christians is very similar to the Roman persecution of the Christians (albeit, almost a bit methodical and cathartic than what the Romans did) in that not only did the government pursue them, but this mission of extermination also had support from the local populus (for example, the exile of Rodrigues after Mochiki and Ichizo are ritualistically executed).
ReplyDeleteHowever, which these similarities, there are also present many differences between the passion of Jesus and that of Rodrigues. For example, Jesus, in his faith, was wholly unwavering and accepted his fate when presented with the consequences (depending on which gospel, but he never question God, just mood). However, Rodrigues, while alone, thinks “From the deepest core of my [his] being yet another voice made itself heard in a whisper. Suppose God does not exist…” (68). Similarly, in Jesus’ side, it is Jesus who pays the ultimate price, not that of his disciples. With Rodrigues, the opposite is true as “the martyrdom of the Japanese Christians [specifically Mochiki and Ichizo] I now describe to you was no such glorious thing” (60). Two of his devout followers are the one who’s paid the ultimate price of death, not the teacher, not the leader. Finally, another distinct difference is Rodrigues’ attitude towards controntation of beliefs. When prompted with the ability to apostatize in exchange for one’s freedom, Jesus taught unwavering faith, while Rodrigues responded to Mochiki and Ichizo’s with “Trample! Trample!” (54) on an image of Jesus, ergo apostatizing. Rodrigues does not hold true, but follows a more conventional, wordly idea of egoism than of adherence to belief.
These differences represent something deep and unsavory about this Portuguese mission and its missionaries: he himself is hopeless. His faith alone was not able to save him from madness several times, and he’s not able to hold steadfast, but instead crumbles to an egoistic approach of preservation other than the idea of the betterment of society (or religion here). His is not able to remain impartial, and comes to hate some of his disciples. While in safety, the idea of martyrdom was appealing to him, in a hagiomanic way, but in the actual field of work, when there’s the threat of death and pain, but overall the idea of failure in maintaining Christianity, scares Rodrigues more than he can handle. He doesn’t have the iron skin of who he looked up to.
Ireland Buckley
ReplyDeleteThe stories of the Passion of Jesus and the narrator, Sebastian Rodrigues are similar in many ways. The narrator even uses stories and quotes from Jesus as he explains his journey and the events that take place while he is in Japan. One similarity both stories contain is prayer. Jesus and Rodrigues also both pray for the people who seized them and have been faithful to them after they are captured. Rodrigues states “do not increase their suffering. Already it is too heavy for them.” (84) Another similarity regards women. As Jesus carried his cross to Calvary, he passed a group of women that could not speak and just wept for him. Rodrigues passed a group of women on his walk to the boat; the women had no words for the situation and lowered their eyes in sadness. (93) One of the most prominent similarities between the two stories pertains to their feelings towards their betrayer. Judas betrayed Jesus and Kichijiro betrayed Rodrigues, but both Jesus and Rodrigues did not resent or hate their betrayers. “Yet he had no inclination of hate for the fellow or resentment.” (94)
Although there are many similarities, there are a few differences as well. Jesus and Rodrigues both were interrogated and cross examined but the attitude of the two men that did this were completely different. Pontius Pilate interrogated Jesus but in his heart of hearts knew Jesus did nothing wrong and wanted to set him free but was too afraid to do it in front of such an opposing crowd. The man that cross-examined Rodrigues argued with him and laughed as he mocked his beliefs. This man enjoyed interrogating Rodrigues and was happy to give him his punishment unlike Pontius Pilate. (90) Another difference has to do with the purpose of prayer before being captured. Jesus prayed to God asking for help and strength in the journey he was about to take because he understood the reasoning. Rodrigues prayed to God asking him why he was being silent and not intervening with all of the evil that has taken place with a lack of understanding. (92) The last major difference regards the decided punishment. Jesus’ punishment was to be tortured and crucified while Rodrigues’s punishment was to watch five peasants get suspended above a pit for several days because they decided that death was effective enough anymore. (90) These differences show that the cultural gap between the priest and his field in Japan is very large and his predictions and thoughts were incorrect due to lack of immersion into this culture and the hardships they receive firsthand.
Ashton Peckinpah
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few distinct similarities and differences between Father Sebastian Rodriguez and the Passion of Jesus. Even from the beginning of Chapter 4, Father Rodriguez acknowledges how the "government officials ransacked the village" but, "he was grateful to God for the safety of Garrpe and himself" (47). Similarly, Jesus gave thanks to God before distributing food to several of His followers who came to hear Him speak. Though they are different situations, Jesus continually thanked God for whatever He provided for Him, good or bad. When Father Rodriguez is writing the letter, he mentions Kichijiro, and His obedience towards God. "In the face of terrible and merciless sacrifice offered up to Him, God has remained silent. This was the problem that lay behind the plaintive question of Kichijiro" (55). Kichijiro was questioning everything the Lord was doing in His life. No matter how many Japanese Christians are executed or any punishment laid upon them, he never seemed to be satisfied. This is where Jesus and Father Rodriguez differ substantially, since Jesus is able to understand God's sovereignty and plan regardless of His currently reaction. Like Jesus, Father Rodriguez is glorified through the streets whenever arriving at a new place by "children and adults alike" (79). Jesus is celebrated by His followers, however, He is also mocked and betrayed by those closest to Him. There comes an instance where the Portuguese priest is betrayed. Father Rodrigues attempts to uncover whether or not his fellow companion, Kichijiro, should be trusted (85). However, just like the story between Jesus and Judahs, he 'stabs his back,' by giving the priest to the Japanese. In Jesus's case, Judas allows for Him to be put on the cross.
Half way through the book, it becomes quite obvious what Father Rodriguez is truly there for. After Kichijiro's betrayal, Rodrigues begins to doubt everything the Lord has planned. Especially when Father Rodriguez continually interacts with his fellow priests, it only amplify's his doubts. After Father Garrpe has been captured and dies when refusing to renounce Christianity, Rodrigues sinks into self-doubt. He feels as though he is undeserving "of the name 'father'"(123). This is not the case for Christ since Jesus continually looks to the Lord even when a humanly figure could easily do the opposite. Lastly, Father Rodrigues did not have the capacity to fully love Kichijiro's so much as to die for him. He clearly states that he would rather save himself than a follower of His own(78). This clearly speaks for itself, the Lord Jesus Christ died for all of humanly sin on Earth. There is no other selfless act as such seen before.
In terms of culture, the Portugese priest, Father Rodrigues, acts very different than the Japanese that he interacts with when arriving. The culture in Protugal was immensely more welcoming to Christian beliefs than in Japan. Most Japanese individuals that spoke out about their faith would be persecuted or immediately put to death. Puts into perspective the individuals living situations at the time (89).