Blog Post 4: Apostate
Using material from pages 154 to 178, answer the following 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. Also use at least 300 words in your answer.
Why does Rodrigues trample the fumie, and how does that change his faith? What are the similarities and differences between Rodrigues and Kichijiro, and what does it tell us about how cultural differences affect how foreign ideas and beliefs are received?
Neal Vogel
ReplyDeletePage number from 2016 edition
The silence of God finally seems to wear on Rodrigues' faith in chapter 8. Until now he has been concerned about the silence and it has led him to question God, but he has usually been able to overcome such doubts. However, after hearing the tortured cries of fellow Christians, he breaks, and recounts to himself in detail all the death and suffering he has witnessed with no answer from God (180). With such doubt finally weighing on him, Ferreira has a perfect opportunity to compel him to apostatize which is exactly what he does (181). Rodrigues has been faithfully holding on despite all he has been through, but in the end, it is the suffering of others with no answer from God that compels him to trample on the fumie (183). Afterward Rodrigues is changed dramatically. He still professes internally that he is a Christian (186), but he is no longer part of the church (186) and in fact bears much hostility toward the institution which condemns apostates without understanding the nature of the torment they undergo (186).
Like Kichijiro, Rodrigues tramples on the fumie not out of a genuine wish to apostatize but because of the repercussions that await if he doesn't (183). Like Kichijiro, he still tells himself that he is a Christian (186) and believes that if he had not been placed in a situation of persecution he could have lived out his life as a dedicated Christian and died without the sin of apostasy (175). But unlike Kichijiro, Rodrigues does not apostatize because he fears for himself, but because he fears for others. Kichijiro apostatizes multiple times whenever trouble arises but Rodrigues braves his persecution and is even willing to brave the pit but no longer believes that Christ would rather he refuse to renounce his faith than save those who are in misery (184-186). This difference shows that even though Christian belief is able to reach Kichijiro, the willingness to endure suffering in the name of those beliefs is not so easily transferable. And though many Japanese have braved the tortures that they face, the collapse of the once successful Christian ministry in Japan which the interpreter claims was once 200,000 strong (169) seems to suggest that Rodrigues' steadfast commitment to Christianity does not transfer to the Japanese society as easily as the belief in Christianity once did.
ReplyDeleteThroughout this book, Rodrigues was strong and did most of everything he could do to try to not apostatize. But, I guess there comes a point, if you’re not Jesus, that a person will end up giving in due to more torture a person can physically handle. In the beginning of the chapter, Rodrigues almost foreshadows his apostatize when he says, “it would be better for death to come as soon as possible…” (166). When Rodrigues was brought to the prison, I believe guilt and shame was brought over him. After hearing what he thought was just snoring, but what turned out to be helpless Christians groaning in the pit to their death (177), he became filled with guilt. These men were suffering much more than him, and he thinks he is selfish in a way because he has not apostatized yet. In the midst of his guilt, Ferreira further guilted him by explaining that the reason he apostatized was because God was silent in the torture of these helpless Christians. Basically, since God wasn’t helping them out, Ferreira took it upon himself to help them out by apostatizing (179). God continued to be silent in this moment when Rodrigues begged Him to show Himself (180). When Rodrigues tramples the fumie, he is no longer a Christian from the outside.
A glaring similarity between Rodrigues and Kichijiro is that they both give in and trample the fumie (183). Both of them want to be Christians deep down, but the overwhelming torture led them to apostatize, one sooner than the other (183). Neither of them want to trample the fumie out of genuine change of faith. Lastly, they both agree that if the situations were different, they could be fervent Christians (175). In contrast, Kichijiro is a coward (167), whereas I wouldn’t consider Rodrigues as one. For some time, Rodrigues is willing to take on the pit and die; however, Kichijiro wouldn’t do such a thing because of fear. These differences show us that while it was perceived that Christianity could take root in Japan, the translation does not happen in a society like Japan like one might hope.
The interpreter visits Rodrigues and once again pleads with him to trample the fumie. They do not even care that he is sincere about apostatizing, they just want him to go through with it. “The magistrate says it’s better to make you see reason and accept our teaching.” He still refuses to renounce his faith (155).
ReplyDeleteWhat the father seems to be struggling with at this time is the fact that his inability to love these people (Japanese) as Christ had loved him (158). Kichijiro believes that he was born weak. One that is born weak cannot die a martyr. He fights with the question of what do I do, and why was I born at all? (163) The father believed that if it were not for the persecution of Christians, Kichijiro would undoubtedly have lived out his life as a happy, good-humored Christian man (164). Even though Rodrigues no longer entertained emotions of hatred and anger, he could not erase from his memory the feeling of contempt for Kichijiro (164). Rodrigues sees Kichijiro as Judas.
Father Ferreira tells Rodrigues why he finally apostatized. He apostatized to save the people who were being tortured, for whom God did nothing. You need to prove that you are justice, that you are goodness, that you are love (167-168). You must show the world that you are the august one. You should not make yourself more important than the Japanese people. That you should not be preoccupied with only your salvation. A priest should live in imitation as Christ. That he feels like Christ would apostatize for the Japanese people who are suffering (168-169) Ultimately Rodrigues while dealing with his doubts and being dead set on not apostatizing, will change his mind after the conversation with Father Rodrigues. You are now going to perform the most painful act of love that has ever been performed, and now with his foot he tramples the fumie (170-171). As Rodrigues thinks about his actions, wonders if his reasons for apostatizing is just an excuse to justify his own weakness. If there is a difference between Kichijiro and himself. Yet he knows that his Lord is different from the God that is preached about in churches (174-175).
Rodrigues finally decides to step on the fumie and put aside everything that he has been fighting so hard for. He is tempted by Ferreira’s words and comments and is being tormented by the absence, or silence of God. Ferreira’s words cut deep into Rodrigues’ soul with sayings such as, “certainly Christ would have apostatized for them” (169). He preys on the kindness in Rodrigues’ heart by bringing it back to the people that are suffering right outside of his window. Ferreira claims that Rodrigues is making himself “more important” than those suffering outside of his door by having the audacity to not apostatize (169). Even though Rodrigues did perform the act of stepping on the fumie, he did not do it happily. He stomps on the “most beautiful thing in his life” with a “dull, heavy pain” that he will always remember (169). Rodrigues and Kichijiro are both similar in the way that they both apostatized and made a mistake in their faith. They also both claim that they are Christian because the priest obviously is, beause the whole reason that he went to Japan was to spread the word of God. Kichijiro is too because when he is trying to get ahold of Rodrigues’ attention, he yells out, “I am a Christian” (163). On page 175, it explains how the priest thinks about how if this whole event of Christianity being banned in Japan did not happen, Kichijiro and himself would not be in the mess that they are now. They are essentially both in the same boat but they handled it different ways. Rodrigues also has a hard time understanding Kichijiro at the same time though. He often relates him to Judas from the Bible and on page 164, he talks about how he never fully understood the “role of Judas” or what he was trying to accomplish in Jesus’ life. The movement of trying to re-establish Christianity in Japan ultimately failed for Rodrigues which is something that he reflects on while living his new apostatized life.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, Rodrigues trampled the fumie because he was convinced that Christ would have done the same thing to save the people who were being tortured. On page 169, Ferreira convinces Rodrigues of this; "'Certainly Christ would have apostatized for them'" (169). Throughout the whole book, Rodrigues compared himself to Christ and this time was no different. Another reason why Rodrigues trampled the fumie is because he saw the bronze Christ tell him to do it. "And then the Christ in bronze speaks to the priest: 'Trample! Trample! I more than anyone know of the pain in your foot. Trample!'" (171). To Rodrigues, I don't think this changed his faith much. He could say that he was told to do it by Christ and he did it because he loved Him so much, possibly resulting in Rodrigues thinking he loves Jesus more. Another way this changed his faith is that he knows that he isn't deserving of having that faith anymore. He called Ferreira a hypocrite but now he is in the same boat even though before him and faith were inseparable. "His feelings for Ferreira were not only of contempt and hatred; there was also a sense of pity…they despised one another; but that's what they were-two inseparable twins" (177).
ReplyDeleteRodrigues displayed similarities to Kichijiro when he first kissed the fumie and then trampled it. "The priest grasps the fumie with both hands bringing it close to his eyes…The priest placed his food on the fumie" (171). They are similar because Kichijiro "convinced" Rodrigues he was a Christian and then did a complete turn around and turned him in to the authorities. They both claimed to have love for Christ and then turned against Him right away. Another way they are similar is that they ask another person for forgiveness. "'Then suddenly the voice of Kichijiro echoed out loudly: Father, forgive me!'" (163). Rodrigues, although implicitly, asked for forgiveness from Christ. "With saddened glance he stares intently at the man in the center of the fumie, worn down and hollow with the constant trampling. A tear is about to fall from his eye" (171). The difference between Kichijiro and Rodrigues is that Kichijiro contains to openly act upon his faith and Rodrigues has to keep his mouth closed. What the similarities and differences between Kichijiro and Rodrigues tell us about how the cultural differences affect how foreign ideas and beliefs are received is that where Rodrigues came from, torture (most likely) was not the "recommended" way to deal with religion. In Kichijiro's case, he grew up in country where this torture was the result of bad behavior, making it difficult for him to receive new beliefs. Because Rodrigues was in Kichijiro's shoes at least for a moment, I am sure he would think twice about how he approached Christianity in Japan.
Ireland Buckley
ReplyDeleteRodrigues and Kichijiro both apostatize at some point in this novel. Kichijiro and Rodrigues are similar in a few ways regarding their feelings after they apostatized. They both internally stated they are still Christian but both feel a sense of embarrassment in regards to what others think of them and emphasize the true weaknesses. (175) They also both state that even though they are no longer a part of the church anymore or have the duties of a priest, they remain faithful and hope for forgiveness from those on the mission and those people back home. (174) The third important similarity between the two is the belief that if there were no persecution, they both would have lived out their lives as “happy, good-humored Christian men.” (164) Although there are similarities, one main difference between these two men is their strength and perseverance in faith. Kichijiro apostatized shortly after they threatened or scared him, Rodrigues was tempted to apostatize countless amount of times but did not buckle under pressure until the pressure became too much at the end of the book. Rodrigues continued to pray and stay faithful after people were martyred and times got tough. He then began to reflect on God’s silence and his lack of a role in each of these tragedies and began to question him. (168) Kichijiro and Rodrigues’s reasoning for apostatizes was also very different. Kichijiro apostatized time and time again due to his fear of the consequences overwhelming him. Rodrigues apostatized not for fear of his own consequences but to save the suffering of other Christians by “performing the most painful act of love.” (170) Kichijiro kept returning to the priest after he apostatized for forgiveness because he did not want to suffer the consequences in the afterlife rather than truly being sorry for his actions. (164) Rodrigues was sorry for apostatizing even before he stepped on fumie because he knew that this action would alter his integrity but understood what consequences he could endure and accepted them unlike Kichijiro. (163)
Haley Melita
ReplyDeleteI believe that Rodrigues tramples the fumie because he feels a duty to as a priest. Throughout the course of the book, Rodrigues has served as a source of hope for Japanese Christians. By trampling the fumie, this action also emphasizes his similarity to Jesus. Again, this idea of Rodrigues being there for the people of Japan like Jesus is for those who are suffering is illustrated in the following quote, “When you suffer, I suffer with you. To the end I am close to you” (172). By doing so, Rodrigues's faith strengths because he is reminded that along with faith comes suffering. The strengthening of Rodrigues’s faith can be seen when he states, “While in this place, this missionary had not apostatized; he had been burning with faith” (171). When comparing Rodrigues to Kichijiro, they have several similarities and differences. Similarly, both apostatize as a result from Japanese pressures. However, the two differ because Rodrigues is a courageous and determined priest whereas Kichijiro is a coward. For example, when being cross examined, Rodrigues says, “It is not that it does not take root, cried Rodrigues in a loud voice, shaking his head. It’s that the roots are torn up” (157). Here it is evident that Rodrigues has been dedicated to spreading Christianity despite facing opposition from Japanese authorities. Kichijiro however, has always been a coward which can be seen when he admits his faults to Rodrigues, “I was born weak. One who is weak at heart cannot die a martyr. What am I to do? Ah, why was I born into the world at all?” (174). Here Kichijiro is acknowledging his flaws and again illustrating that he is a coward. Overall, these traits help reveal how Japan reacts to and feels about Christianity. Japan does not accept Christianity and views it as a threat to their current beliefs. Because Japan values a different religion and has a very different culture compared to Portugal, Japan is not accepting to these changes. Additionally, the authorities have worked very hard to ensure that this belief does not spread, “He is helping us Japanese. He even has a Japanese name: Sawano Chuan...And he’s writing another book. It’s a book to refute the teaching of Deus and to show the errors of Christianity” (155). Additionally, this distaste towards Christianity is seen again, “The Japanese to till this day have never had the concept of God; and they never will” (160).
Throughout the book Rodrigues tells himself that he will never apostatize and he cannot comprehend why the priests before him ever did. Up until this point Rodrigues has stayed strong and even though he has had some doubts about his faith he still stuck to it and believed that God had a plan for him. After talking to Ferreira and hearing his reasoning as to why he apostatized Rodrigues finally gave in and trampled the fumie (171). I think in the beginning of chapter 8, Rodrigues knew that his time was coming to apostatize. In a way, he compares himself to Judas. On page 164, Rodrigues is thinking about Judas and why he would betray Jesus and the interpreter tells him that “tonight he will apostatize.” On 165, he says “the dawn was still far away; it was not time for the cock to crow.” But at the end of the chapter Rodrigues apostatizes and says “dawn broke. And far in the distance the cock crew.” (171) Rodrigues could not stand the torture anymore and the moans of the other Christians that he was hearing. He also thought that it was alright for him to apostatize because the “Christ in bronze speaks to the priest ‘Trample! Trample! I more than anyone know of the pain in your foot. Trample! It was meant to be trampled on by men that I was born to this world. It was to share men’s pain that I carried my cross.” (171) This changes his faith because Rodrigues didn’t renounce his faith internally (175).
ReplyDeleteKichijiro and Rodrigues are similar in the fact that they both still practice their faith internally (175). Even though they are not a part of the church and Rodrigues doesn’t have the duties of a priest anymore they still practice their faith and believe in the same God even though the both apostatized. The difference between the renouncing of Kichijiro and Rodrigues’ faith is that Kichijiro constantly kept apostatizing because he was afraid to getting tortured and was selfish. Rodrigues apostatized because he couldn’t stand the suffering of other Christians (170).
Hannah Fluegel
ReplyDeleteRodrigues compares his situation constantly with Christ’s sacrifice and how the story compares to his. From the reference to Peter rejecting the Lord to Judas’s betrayal, all of it was similar until the most important part. I think Rodrigues was very much tempted and then completely gave into it. He was convinced that trampling on the fumie was just completely a formality, “It is only a formality. What do formalities matter?” (171). This caused him to basically belittle his faith and think of apostatizing as not a big deal, even an act of love. I think this eventually causes an emptiness for Rodrigues. Just a little further back, he wanted to die as Garrpe did (161), but then eventually values his own life and the others before the Lord. He tries to justify it, but truly he knows what he did was very wrong; he just has trouble admitting it to himself. He writes, “..I thought that if I apostatized those miserable peasants would be saved. Yes, that as it. And yet, in the last analysis, I wonder if all this talk about love is not, after all, just an excuse to justify my own weakness” (175). There are also many similarities and differences between Kichijiro and Rodrigues. One being that if there were not persecution happening, they would both be happily Christians living life for God’s glory (164). I think there is a point to be made about the fact that Kichijiro and Rodrigues both apostatized: it really showed how all of humanity is in danger of temptation and weak as whole due to our flesh, despite the way anyone was brought up. The priest is no better than the struggling Christian, and Rodrigues realized that soon after; “I wonder if there is any difference between Kichijiro and myself” (175). What is interesting is how Rodrigues received foreign ideas and adapted to them, which is ironic considering he came to Japan to create a change. This can be seen even in a very slight detail, “Leaning against the window, he sang the song to himself. He did not understand the meaning of what the children were chanting, but it somehow held a sad and plaintive note” (173). Although this does not seem like a huge detail, I really feel like this instance is what happened in his time at Japan. I do not think he fully understand what he was doing to himself when he apostatized and how the temptation and culture of Japan swept him away. I think this instance shows how impressionable he was (including the doubting of God when he was in a silent atmosphere), and how it eventually caused him to fold under temptation.
In chapter 8, we see Rodrigues starting to struggle with his faith. He stops praying for the Christians that are being killed, and his faith is definitely faltering. At the end of the chapter, Rodrigues steps on the fumie. He does this for multiple reasons. Rodrigues tramples the fumie because he believes that God has abandoned him and the people of Japan (179). He hears the moaning of the Christians hanging in the pit and Ferreira pressures him to apostatize (182). After he apostatizes, Rodrigues still believes himself to be a Christian but he does not consider himself to be part of the Church (186). Rodrigues and Kichijiro are similar and different in multiple ways. They both eventually apostatize and step on the fumie. Kichijiro steps on the fumie multiple times without much hesitation while we see Rodrigues go through a heartbreaking internal struggle that eventually leads to the decision to step on the fumie (183). Both still consider themselves to be Christian even after they apostatize, and they both secretly practice Christianity after they publicly step on the fumie (186). The differences between Rodrigues and Kichijiro show that cultures receive information in different ways. Rodrigues is steadfast in his faith throughout his whole time in Japan and only really apostatizes in order to save the Christians that were hanging in the pit (183), but Kichijiro apostatizes every time his life becomes threatened. Based on Kichijiro, it seems that the majority of the Japanese people at this time in history are quick to accept an idea, but once that idea no longer is easy to follow, they discard that idea. The Japanese seem to be more interested in their own well-being rather than the well-being of others. Christianity is all about putting the needs of others over yourself and because of this Christianity is not compatible with Japanese culture.
ReplyDeleteFerreira explains to Rodrigues that Christianity cannot be grown in Japan because the Japanese cannot think of an existence that transcends the human (161). Those words shocked Rodrigues, and he began to say to himself "It cannot be sure. No, no. It is impossible" (163). So, he continues to struggle in accepting Ferreira's words because it was crush every reason he had come to Japan. As the book moves on to chapter eight, Ferreira again asks Rodrigues if he will trample the fumie for the formality of it all. Then, Rodrigues is tortured and amongst the crowd watching he notices Kichijiro whom cowardly hid himself to not be seen. Amongst the pain Rodrigues told him to smile, but later on he tried to force a smile; but now his face had hardened and it was no longer possible (168). Just as the Pharaoh's heart hardened as Christ communicated with him each time. In the end, Ferreira continues to persuade Rodrigues to apostatize, saying " Christ would have apostatized for the people if it meant giving everything he had (181). Rodrigues did his best to stay true to himself and in the end he raises his foot while feeling dull, heavy pain because he has crushed something he considered the most beautiful thing in his life (183). I believe he did it for the good of the people because had to hear the punishments of those around him, but I also believe he did it because he could no longer bear the silence of God when he was explicitly calling him to appear in his time of need.
ReplyDeleteRodrigues and Kichijiro are similar in the fact that they do apostatize, but the way they go about apostatizing is different. Kichijiro almost without a thought apostatized for fear of punishment. After he does, he cowardly goes away from everyone in hiding. Rodrigues on the other hand continuously struggled by himself with the continuous persuasive words from Ferreira and the interpreter. He also was put into a small room where he heard the punishing of his fellow Christians. Alas, he did it because he could no longer bear the pain as he proceeded to ask himself initially on how long he would be able to handle the torture. They are alike in the fact that he ask for forgiveness from God. As the priest was on the horse being punished he nodded toward Kichijiro as if he could give him consolation, what a penitent is given after confession (168). In a way, I believe they understand now what the other was going through internally. The pain and contradiction inside that they must have struggled with as they examined their faith.
Sahar Moahammad
ReplyDeleteRodrigues throughout the novel remains extremely sound in his faith. He has upheld his duties as a priest and has fought many trials and tribulations throughout his journey through Japan. Through his journey it is seen that Father Rodrigues is the father of the people. He is doing everything he can to spread the faith of Christianity as well as protect the believers of Christianity that are silenced. Father Rodrigues renounces the faith and tramples on the Fumie to help and protect those that are being tortured (pg. 172). There are some similarities between father Rodrigues and Kichijiro that are shown in the last chapters of the novel. For example throughout the novel Kichijiro exclaims that he is weak and that he is unlike the strong men that god has created. Toward the end of chapter eight Father Rodrigues expresses similar emotions “ I was born weak. One who is weak at heart cannot die a martyr. What am to do? Ah, why was I born into the world at all?” (Pg. 174) Father Rodrigues is showing similar emotions that Kichijiro once showed. An instance that shows the differences between Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro is the reasoning behind the renouncing of their faith. Father Rodrigues throughout the novel is seen as a character that is self-sacrificing and brave, while Kichijiro is described as a coward. Looking at the reasoning behind why Father Rodrigues renounces his faith is different from that of Kichijiro “ Yes, he had whispered the words of absolution for Kichijiro; but this prayer had not come from the depths of his heart.” (Pg. 175). This quote goes to show that Father Rodrigues didn’t renounce the faith because he truly had lost faith in Christianity, but he was doing it for the betterment of others. Kichijiro renounced his faith to protect himself and avoid being tortured and put into prison. “ Father, forgive me! I’ve come to make my confession and receive absolution. Forgive me!” (Pg. 174) This quote is showing that Kichijiro had renounced his faith once again but for selfish reasons and is now coming back to Father Rodrigues to ask for forgiveness. Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro are from different cultural backgrounds and this plays an important role in their interpretation of the faith. Also Father Rodrigues holds a leadership role within the faith of Christianity and so this adds onto his interpretation of the faith, in comparison to Kichijiro who is a Japanese Christian who has seen the harmful affects of owning up to being a Christian. “ Your and my way of thinking are different, said the priest quietly dropping his voice. If they were the same I would not have crossed the sea from far away to come to this country.” (Pg. 94) This quote just goes to show that Father Rodrigues does have a different understanding of Christianity because he is from a different part of the world, and has traveled to Japan to help educate and spread Christianity. When Father Rodrigues finally tramples on the Fumie this isn’t just another formality to him, this is a disgrace that has changed his faith drastically. “ The priest placed his foot on the fumie. Dawn broke. And far in the distance the cock crew.” (Pg. 183) This quote just dramatizes the event of Father Rodrigues trampling on the Fumie.
On page 155 it says, "Yet somehow it no longer held for his exhausted body the terror it had aroused when he wandered through the mountains. He was numbered with pain now. He felt that it would be better for death to come as soon as possible if it was the only way to escape from this painful day-after-day suspense" (157-158). This quote shows how Rodrigues is also begging for pity and grace from God to have his torture stop and go away. A very big difference that seems to be evident between Kichijiro and Father Rodrigues is there personality while in captivity and the volume level they show. On page 163 it says, "Father forgive me! I've come to make my confession and receive absolution. Forgive me!" (163). This shows how Kichijiro's personality has turned from being quiet and reserved to being bold and courageous. Conversely, Father Rodrigues in this situation is very quiet and reserved. The personalities of the two seem to have swapped from what they were earlier in the book. Evidence of Father Rodrigues's demeanor in this encounter on page 163 says, "The priest closed his eyes and silently uttered the words of absolution. A bitter taste lay on his tongue" (163). Rodrigues tramples the fumie that is placed in front of him because the Christ in bronze spoke to him and said, "Trample! Trample! I more than anyone know of the pain in your foot. Trample! It was to be trampled on by men that I was born into this world. It was to share men's pain that I carried my cross" (171). Christ basically told Father Rodrigues to trample on the bronze Christ. The last piece of evidence that I would like to use that talks about the differences or similarities between Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro is said by Father Rodrigues on page 175, "I acknowledge this. I am not concealing my weakness. I wonder if there is any difference between Kichijiro and myself. And yet, rather than this I know that my Lord is different from the God that is preached in the chirches" (175).
ReplyDeleteHeather Penna
ReplyDeleteIn a surprising turn of events, Father Rodrigues decides to trample the fumie (pg. 183). There are a few reasons why Rodrigues decided to apostatize. First of all, Rodrigues felt like God was being silent. On page 179, Rodrigues prays in desperation, "Lord, it is now that you should break the silence", but this cry was left unanswered. God's silence had Rodriguez doubting the truth he held so tightly to throughout the process. Secondly, Ferreira was brought in to convince Rodriguez to renounce his faith (pg.177). Ferreira shared his struggles during persecution and why no longer believed in the Catholic faith. These struggles rang true with Rodrigues. Every trial Ferreira faced, Rodrigues also faced. These truths slowly wore him down, until he decided to apostatize like Ferreira. Lastly, Rodrigues decided to trample the fumie, out of love. Ferreira argued that Christ would have apostatized to save the "Christians" who were suspended in the pit (pg.181). Rodriguez was told that if he apostatized, those being tortured would be freed. He was also told that those "Christians" being tortured had already apostatized themselves. Ferreira argued that best way for Rodrigues to show love would be to free those who were suffering (pg. 180).
Rodrigues and Kichijiro are more alike than Rodriguez originally believed they were, but they are also very different. They are similar because they both apostatized. Kichijiro claimed not be a Christain many times in the novel and trampled the fumie early into his persecution. Rodrigues apostatized, as well, but it was not until much later. Kichijiro apostatized to save himself, Rodrigues apostatized to save others. Kichijiro is different than Rodrigues in that he kept asking to for forgiveness after apostatizing. Soon before Rodrigues walks away from his faith, Kichijiro comes to him begging to be forgiven and claiming to be a Christain (pg.174). Rodrigues holds onto a belief that there is God, but he never returns to his previous faith (pg. 187).
ReplyDeleteRodrigues never wanted to trample the fumie. As the audience, we have seen all of the Priest’s thoughts as they come to life through the novel. It is apparent that the Priest’s faith is immensely strong, but the reason he crushed it was for other’s sake (183). He was perfectly content dying for his faith, but the problem was when other’s lives were at stake, he broke. Rodrigues sense of selflessness seems to be his fatal flaw in this book. There is a fine line between selflessness and the right thing to do. In his situation, it is extremely difficult to say which decision is right. On one hand, he could do what is right for the faith and die for the religion. On the other, other people would die if he did not give up his faith. After this act, his faith remained the same (184). He merely broke because of his selfless character. Seeing others suffer was something that he could simply not tolerate. A blatant similarity that Rodrigues has with Kichijiro is that both of these men apostatized (181-182). These two are also alike in the way that neither of them really wanted to apostatize, and even after they apostatized, they were both still men of faith (181-182). Both of them wanted to honor God, but they had their own reasons for apostatizing whether it being Kichikiro’s cowardness or Rodrigues’ selflessness. The factor of a major culture difference has an important part on the effectiveness of Christianity’s spread in Japan. In one setting, Christianity was compared to a foreign woman in a marriage. It was said that the Japanese need to stop thinking of foreign woman and stay with the one that they were born with (187). This means that they should stop trying to force another foreign religion in on it’s people and stick with what is familiar. Another problem with how foreign ideas and beliefs were received was the fact that the missionaries did not know Japan (189). This is an issue because without being informed on the people, they can’t help them effectively.
Kichijiro, and Rodrigues are all Christians throughout the novel. At the end of the novel I believe they are all still Christians at heart even though they all apostatized. At the end of chapter eight, Rodrigues tramples the Fumie, “The priest raised his foot. In it he feels a dull, heavy pain… The priest placed his foot on the Fumie”. (pg. 183). Kichijiro’s relation to Christ is not as strong as Ferriera or Rodrigues but he apostatized very early on in comparison to Rodrigues. He wishes for forgiveness from Rodrigues when they are near each other and although Rodrigues cannot see him, Kichijiro shouts out “Father forgive me! I’ve come to make my confession and receive absolution. Forgive me!” repeatedly he asks for the priests’ forgiveness (Pg. 174). The only reason they all apostatize is to receive freedom from Inoue and be save from torture or even death. We all knew there was going to be a downfall of Rodrigues in the end and being the reader, we feel disappointed by the Japanese “winning the battle” over religion. Rodrigues is also very disappointed as he feels he has let himself and his followers down, as well as failing his mission. In chapter ten, many difficulties were viewed as to how Rodrigues and the others all snuck into japan. “it had been decided that priests should enter the Dutch firm in Europe as workmen or sailors to sail over to Nagasaki, Japan” (Pg. 192). This shows the strict laws of Japan and how they don’t appreciate western religion by any means. On top of religion being an issue, the priests put the Dutch firm at risk as well. “One is a Portugese called Chuan who used to be the provincial of the Society of Jesus here and is blackhearted; the other priest called Rodrigues from Lisbon, Portugal” (Pg. 195”). Saying that they both live in Nagasaki, they must enjoy Japan.
ReplyDelete“Its not lawful for a Christian to put an end to that life given him by God” (Pg. 176). Although Ferriera says this to Rodrigues, he still apostatized because of the pain others are going through due to his presence. “It was the gasping and groaning of helpless men hanging in the pit” (Pg. 178). Rodrigues tramples the fumie in order to save others believing it was where his faith had taken him.
Nathalia Goncalves
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, the moment right before Father Rodrigues trample the fumie, Ferreira tells him that he is “now going to perform the most painful act of love that has ever been performed” (182). This and the actions that followed changed Father Rodrigues’ faith because rather than apostatizing to save himself from torture, he apostatized to save the Christians from any more suffering. He put the Christians before himself. Earlier in the book Ferreira mentions that “certainly Christ would have apostatized for them” referring to the Christians (181). Here, Father Rodrigues begins to understand that faith does not come from just believing in Christ or that to be a good Christian only means memorizing and following scripture word for word. He realizes that there is a whole other side of Christianity that he was blinded to until now. Kichijiro and Father Rodrigues are similar in that neither of them wants to apostatize. Like Ferreira states that Father Rodrigues is “preoccupied with [his] own salvation,” Kichijiro acts the same way (181). The difference is that Kichijiro feels like he can ask for forgiveness, whereas Father Rodrigues views apostatizing as the end of his faith. This shows a cultural difference because the Portuguese only learn that they can have a personal relationship with God through the Japanese. Father Rodrigues and Ferreira only learn this after apostatizing. When Ferreira explains to Father Rodrigues how the God that the Japanese Christians believed in was not the same God that they believed in, it makes the reader realize the difference in culture present in the book (158). Although Christianity seems to take root in Japan, Ferreira realizes that it is not European Christianity. Although Ferreira seems to hold some anger towards the Christian faith, Father Rodrigues seems to have doubts at times, but always remains faithful even though he apostatizes. Unlike both of them though, Kichijiro is the one who always hold true faith because he remains honest, even when he apostatizes several times. He is honest with himself and with his faith. When the interpreter says to Father Rodrigues that “to help others is the way of the Buddha and the teaching of Christianity—in this point the two religions are the same…what matters is whether or not you walk a path of truth” (156). The interpreter for one of the few times in the book is able to link both religions and cultures and also emphasizes the meaning of ones personal truth. When Father Rodrigues is thinking to himself about how Ferreira “had tried to avoid any thought of people who were stronger than himself, people who had heroically endured torture and the pit” (164). At this point the book highlights the fact that Japanese Christianity seemed to be imprinted in the Christians themselves. Their faith was stronger than the faith of the missionaries because European Christianity was so focused in spreading the faith and on the rules of Christianity that many of the missionaries were struggling to have a relationship with God themselves. This parallel of both places emphasizes how the cultural differences affected how foreign ideas and beliefs were received.
In my opinion, Rodrigues tramples the fumie because he is discouraged from the faith by someone who truly understands it: Farreira. It is not because of the pain he withstands from being tortured, because even while he is riding on the horse through town, being mocked by the townspeople, he receives a sudden empowering of faith and immense joy (170). It is when Farreira disheartens Rodrigues, however, that he begins to lose his mental tenacity as he cries, “Stop tormenting me! Go away!” (181). Rodrigues’ faith is changed by his peers: when he remembers the Japanese martyrs, he is filled with conviction, but when Farreira (a formerly prestigious priest) dissuades him, he steps on the fumie and thus apostatizes (170, 182-183).
ReplyDeleteRodrigues and Kichijiro are different in that Kichijiro always gives in immediately when presented with the chance for an out, but the priest has some semblance of strength while he attempts to mentally counter Farreira’s attacks (181). They are comparable because they both accept their weakness before they even apostatize—Kichijiro tells Rodrigues many times that he has been “born weak” and thus cannot uphold a martyr’s life, while the priest admits before his unfaithful act that “with this foot” he is “going to trample on it [the fumie]” (174, 183). Likewise, as Kichijiro is ashamed of his disloyalty in the recollection of the other Japanese martyrs, so Rodrigues is mortified to recall Garpe, who has drowned in the sea with some Japanese Christians; this is in contrast to himself, who is “intolerably ashamed to think about himself who had abandoned the Christians” (172). These comparisons show that Rodrigues knows much about Christianity and is able to mentally defend himself to an extent, while Kichijiro (a Japanese who has not been raised and taught in the faith) has no cerebral knowledge to repel heresy. Their similarities, however, display that intellect cannot bring someone to a stronger faith in God, regardless of the culture—for they both end up surrendering to their torturers.
In chapters 8 through 9, Rodrigues undergoes a fundamental change in faith by trampling on the fumie. While the analog character of Rodrigues (Kichijiro) apostatized in self preservation (“overcome by the threats, gasped out the required blasphemy against the Virgin” (56)), Rodrigues himself apostatized in hopes that “those miserable peasants would be saved” (175). Similarly, even though Kichijiro returns to Rodrigues many times asking for forgiveness (“Father, forgive me!” (163)) and remains in a constant state of self-loathing due to his situation (“Why was I born into the world! Why?... Why…?” (164)) with “that voice that was like the whining of a dog” (164). However, Rodrigues, after his apostatization, remained somewhat steadfast in his belief, and rather than whimpering, turned his emotions to anger “You Superiors in Macao, you in Europe !' He wanted to stand face to face with them in the darkness and speak in his own defence. 'You live a carefree life in tranquillity and security, in a place where there is no storm and no torture-” (175). This two very different (albeit, both out of negativity) reactions to their apostatization show the tendency for people to view culture, and most importantly actions, within a vacuum. Rodrigues, with his anger directed at the holier-than-thou priest, shows how it is easy to criticize one’s actions and beliefs when you are still in a place of safety and without persecution. The eco chambers of similarity in beliefs lead to the exclusionary nature of groups and their inability to fathom an outside perspective, let alone agree with it. This was something that Rodrigues himself struggled with in reference to Kichijiro and his comparison to that of the Judas character via his robotic forgiveness (“this prayer had not come from the depths of his heart” (164)) and how Jesus would accept a Judas (“Why had that man included among his disciples the man who would eventually betray him?” (164)). However, after his resignation of his pure hold on faith via trampling on the fumie, Rodrigues understands just how ridiculous it is to judge with contempt ideas not native to one’s own (for example, apostatizing for self-preservation) based on the idea of ‘I wouldn’t have done that’ (something of which Rodrigues actually believes in the beginning of the book when talking about the idea of the other priests undergoing the Japanese tortures), and that for one to truly understand the actions that people take, you must experience it firsthand. Kichijiro himself is within that culture and shows the resignation of one who fails to change. He almost seems desperate to remain Christian, a novel thing in this time period within Japan, but he himself understand too the consequences of novelty against a cultural norm. His pathetic remarks are of someone who has tried to passively change the status quo, but has failed to really stand up for their beliefs (such as Mokichi and Ichizo who actually defended their beliefs with their life through martyrdom). This, thus shows, that one cannot idly wait for society to accept new norms, but for one to take the initiative and demand change for anything to happen; passiveness and a lack of confidence only make others think of the faults of your views.
ReplyDeleteBen Aaron
ReplyDeleteAfter such a long time coming, the time for apostacy has finally arrived. I, personally, didn’t think that the time would come; but with Father Rodriguez (F.R.) going through so much, I’m surprised he lasted this long. Over time, F.R. had seen many of his fellow Christians be martyred for the cause and this had begun to wear on his resolve. This is proven when the narrator states, “Secretly, he prayed in his heart that his fatigue of mind and body would bring him death.” (156) He had begun to have a somewhat dour outlook and essentially just wanted it to be over. This was displayed on his face even when he was being shown to the citizens of Nagasaki. “…women who would at first laugh, stare at him like idiots then suddenly retreat when his eyes met theirs.” (156) This is his leading up to apostatizing. The weariness in his body and mind was visible and was probably a sight to behold. This also leads us to the difference between Kichijiro and F.R. The goal in mind for F.R. is for all of this suffering to end, preferably by becoming a martyr. Kichijiro on the other hand believes (and has proven himself to be) a week willed person. He even openly claims, “I was born weak. One who is weak at heart cannot die a martyr.” (163) The thing that unites both Kichijiro and F.R. is their outright refusal to quit. It is borderline comical how Kichijiro comes out of the absolute blue to find F.R. to absolve him of his sins. This same persistence is shown when F.R. is dragged out of his cell to be paraded around town and he is brought before the officials and the interpreter. He smiles a smile of pure contempt. “The priest looked at them, especially the interpreter; and a smile of triumph passed over his face.” (156) The fact of the matter is, the Japanese are incredibly smart and when that intelligence is used as a means to overcome another mentally, the results are down right diabolical. F.R. was at the pit; and while he was at the pit he heard what he believed to be snoring. This turned out to be other Christians groaning from being tortured down the hall. Ferreira came into F.R.s cell to further tempt him to apostatize and at that time revealed the truth of said snoring. “It was not snoring. It was the gasping and groaning of helpless men in the pit.” (167) The terrible truth that those men were suffering “because” F.R. wouldn’t submit and step on the fumie. Ferreira told F.R. that they were in this state because of him. “Why must they suffer like this? While this goes on, you do nothing for them. And God-he does nothing either.” (168) This was the death blow. This is the heart of the matter as to why F.R. apostasies; due to the inability to allow others to be tortured on his behalf.
This has been bouncing in my mind since first reading: Why not simply go through the motions of apostatizing if death or torture is threatened? Rodrigues reaches this point where he was “numbed with pain,” and felt he couldn’t carry the pressure any further. “Secretly he prayed in his heart that the fatigue of mind and body would quickly bring him death” (157). It’s another iteration of silence. He doesn’t have to outwardly portray his feelings and thoughts, he can still believe his beliefs in secret (the ethics of that are another issue, but the point remains) while he put on a smile as he rode through Nagasaki- “the face of a Christian among the infidel” (159).
ReplyDeleteAs Rodrigues rides through Nagasaki, he’s compared to Christ who also rode through on a donkey in Jerusalem among similar circumstances (160). Later on, Rodrigues recognizes that Christ would apostatize for those suffering as well, as Father Ferreira said (169). Ferreira’s apostatizing was meant to save those tortured.
Just as Rodrigues parallels and channels Jesus, Kichijiro is compared to Judas by Rodrigues. Since he says he has never understood Judas’ role if it was already known that he would betray Jesus (164), he holds contempt for Kichijiro. Still, the two hold similarities since they both stepped on the fumie, though Kichijiro did it out of fear while Rodrigues’ action was a struggle and out of anger that God had abandoned not only him but those he was sent to serve (179).
The very writing of this book is proof of the cultural differences. Without the State’s power of the shoguns’ authority, there may not be a struggle for Kichijiro. Rodrigues is free of that conflict. But both are challenged when physically threatened and ultimately, and moreover for the Fathers, when other lives are jeopardized.
Jill Speegle
ReplyDeleteI found myself very angry with Father Rodrigues while reading this passage. His doubt in God, how he sees God’s reasons for allowing pain and suffering and His silence all seem very self-serving to me. I believe he trampled the fumie because he was afraid and gave in to his innermost fear, all-the-while justifying his reasons for apostatizing. However, it seems he is left with more fear of what lies ahead of him on Judgment Day when he meets Jesus. “What do you understand? You Superiors in Macao, you in Europe!” (175). “You send out soldiers into the raging turmoil of the battlefield. But generals who warm themselves by the fire…should not reproach the soldiers that are taken prisoner… (But no, this is only my self-justification. I’m deceiving myself.) … (Why even now am I attempting this ugly self-defence?)” (175). His attitude comes across to me as him seeing himself as a “victim” of his circumstances; however, he and his travelling companions had to beg and convince his home church to let them go to Japan in the first place. “Christ would have certainly apostatized. Even if it meant giving up everything he had” (170). “And then the Christ in bronze speaks to the priest: Trample! Trample! I more than anyone know of the pain in your foot. Trample!” (171). This brings me to the similarities and differences between Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro, in my opinion, they are more alike than different. In the end, they both apostatized to save them selves and went on to work for the Japanese government; however, Kichijiro was more honest about his ever-wavering faith, while Father Rodrigues kept his hidden from everyone. “Then suddenly the voice of Kichijiro echoed out loudly: ‘Father, forgive me! I’ve come to make my confession and receive absolution. Forgive me!’” (163). Both of these characters mirror humanity to me. It seems we are all able to be led away from our faith but seek to come back into the “fold” once we realize what we’ve done. That is what I see Kichijiro do time after time and Father Rodrigues consoling himself that the Lord he knows in his heart is not the God they worship in churches back in Portugal. “And yet, rather than this I know that my Lord is different from the God that is preached in the churches” (175). Father Rodrigues held contempt for Kichijiro but also held contempt for his own weakness that was set before him at all times. What a terrible way to live out one’s life, no physical freedom and no spiritual freedom, death would have been the better alternative in my view. As for cultural differences and how they affect foreign ideas and beliefs, I can see how it would be exceedingly difficult to go against the culture in which you were brought up and have lived your whole life. I believe this is the true challenge of missionary work, in order to convince individuals to abandon a way of life they have know their whole life is difficult; however, very much worth the effort. It is this “pull” I believe Kichijiro faces every time he turns his back on his Christianity. Father Rodrigues did not have such an excuse.
In the book, Silence, Rodrigues had remained strong and faithful throughout, but slowly the constant “silence” and loneliness started to eat away at him and his faith. Originally, the silence bothered him and rose question and doubt with God as he felt neglected from God’s presence during Rodrigues’ most troubling times, but over time he had overcame those battles with his faith. However, when he was locked up in the cell, after being paraded and humiliated through the town of Nagasaki; the stillness and the silence began to rise terror in Rodrigues and this, I feel, is where Rodrigues began to slowly crack. (173) What mainly sped up his process of renouncement was the addition of Ferreira in his ear and the reasoning of why Ferreira broke his vow to Christianity (179) and especially the realization of the supposed “snoring” in actuality being the groaning of the tortured souls hanging in the pits suffering because Rodrigues had not yet apostatized. (177-180) In the moment that Rodrigues found out the voice that he was laughing at and insulting were actually the voices of three Christians hanging, being tortured and suffering, he became broken and it started to show on display for Ferreira. (179-180) In that moment, being in that deserted, urine-filled cell; Rodrigues felt a sense of darkness and lonesome that he never thought he could feel. (178) In this vulnerable state, Ferreira saw his way to get to Rodrigues’ heart and get him to renounce, so he took a shot. Ferreira began to come down on Rodrigues and brought up an interesting/controversial point, was Rodrigues being selfish in his persistence to not renounce and uphold his faith, even if that meant the bloodshed and loss of lives to be in “his fault” or would it be more of the Christian thing to do by renouncing his faith to save the life of others, even if that damned his own? (181)
ReplyDeleteThe similarities between Kichijiro and Rodrigues were that they both apostatized and trampled the fumie, both not wanting to actually renounce their faith and break their vow with Christianity. The main differences between Kichijiro and Rodrigues were that Kichijiro renounced his faith way before Rodrigues did, which plays into another difference between the to, the extent in cowardice. Kichijiro, throughout the book, kept rejecting the title of being a Christian and then randomly announcing his true religion. However, Rodrigues never disguised and hid his faith and continued to uphold this until his feet “trembled” over the fumie. (183) Kichijiro’s cowardice behavior was rooted from plain fear, which is why I believe that Christianity, at the time, couldn’t have been rooted in Japan. Fear of change, fear of ruthlessness and unacceptance, fear of co-existence is what played into the cultural differences and caused so much havoc and trauma in Japan in relevance to Christianity.
Carrolline Kickhoefer
ReplyDeleteBlog Post #4
I feel like Rodrigues faith has really been shaken through chapter 8 especially when even the interpreter tells him “Tonight you will certainly apostatize.”(176). Several times through out chapter 7 the interpreter predicts and tells Rodrigues that he will apostatize. (169). Another event that I really think caused him to lean towards apostatizing was when Ferreira tells Rodrigues that Christianity just doesn’t work well in Japan and with their culture.(162). Then finally Rodrigues learns that the snoring he can hear from his cell is actually “ the moaning of Christians hanging in the pit.”(177) After he hears this I think that he realizes that if he sacrifices himself over as in apostatizing that he can put these people out of their misery then later they can go on practicing the faith. Also along with this Ferreira comes into his cells and tells him that even though he his Christian that hearing other Christians suffer that way he felt like apostatizing was the best choice for the Christian Community.(178)
I think the biggest similarity between both Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro is that even though the both chose to apostatize they still claim that they are Christian (182). I think what really sets Father Rodrigues and Kichijiro apart is the reasons they chose to apostatize. Father Rodrigues chooses to apostatize because he wants to put the other Christians that are suffering in the pit out of the pain they are in. Kichijiro on the other hand chooses to apostatize out of fear for himself, Kichijiro even says “ Father, forgive me! I’ve come to make my confession and receive absolution. Forgive me!” (174). This comment from him shows that he knew he apostatized for the wrong reason. I believe that father Rodrigues won’t be seen as a coward as much as Kichijiro would be.
Ashton Peckinpah
ReplyDeleteThroughout the book, Rodrigues consistently compares himself to Christ and it seems to correlate to Kichijiro self-image of himself. Between the two, there are quite a few noticeable characteristics that are similar. Rodrigues and Kichijiro both apostatize at the same point in this novel. They both openly state that they are still Christians, however, they tend to show a great amount of weakness when faced with their faith (178). Earlier on in the book they mention how they are no longer deeply rooted within the church which proves that they have a lack in faith. Even though they continually "pray for forgiveness" from those on their mission to spread Christianity to Japan (170). They aren't able to consistently act as Jesus would. They both also thought that they would live out a life without persecution, or judgement of any of their wrongdoing. It was almost as if they felt their lives would remain perfectly seamless if they did the bare minimum. That being "listening to their Father" (168). The two seemed to be more similar than different, however, there were quite enough difference including their perseverance in their faith in God. Kichijiro continually lies and disobeys the Lord but does not do so publicly. However, when the time comes, and he has to choose his life over his faith, he is quick to make the distinction. Rodrigues continually prays and remains faithful even after facing persecution. He was convinced that trampling on the fumie was just completely a formality, “It is only a formality” (171). This caused him to basically belittle his faith and think of his apostatizing as not a big deal. However, to some others, this may have looked as an act of love that the Lord commanded for him to do. He felt as though it was a "painful act of love" (170). No matter the case of it, Rodrigues begins to experience an emptiness in his heart, largely because of his relationship with Christ(168). He continually reflected on God's silence even before crushing the fumie. Overall, it is obvious that Kichijiro is afraid of consequences he may have to face and Rodrigues wants to save the suffering but in a selfish manner. However, this selfish manner is also seen by Kichijiro since he goes to the priest repeatedly since he doesn't want to suffer in his afterlife. He consistently remembers his "deep memory of his betrayal" (164). Therefore, he apostatizes early on. It is obvious that there are major cultural differences between how the Japanese practice their faith and the Portugese practice their faith. However, each one develops their own way to worship and interpret the bible (living word) how they wish.