The First Lesson of Japan /// Emma Landry

Wow. I am only 47 pages in, and this reading is probably my favorite so far from this whole semester. It is well-written and engaging, and reading the story makes me feel like I am in Japan with these missionaries, anxious to know what the next step of their journey will be and whether danger may or may not befall them. The tense nature of their circumstances that could be changed at any moment by the arrival of the local authorities makes for a thrilling account. Also, I truly believe that the story could not have been told in a better manner than by the missionaries themselves. The journal entry format allows for an introspective look at the doubts that Rodrigues and Garrpa will experience through the trials of persecution at the hands of the Japanese, a style that will no doubt serve to connect us as readers to the material and to call to mind moments in our lives in which we have perhaps had doubts about Christianity. Such an approach will make the questioning of faith and inevitable apostasy of the priests indicated by the preface feel less foreign and unthinkable as it humanizes Rodrigues. The thoughts that he will convey will no doubt remind of us of our own failings and slips in faith as we also have to grapple with the effects of human sin nature.

I would argue that Rodrigues is already beginning to be transformed by his time in Japan. This is indicated through the character of Kichijiro and the way Rodrigues treats and considers him. He makes assumptions about him from the time he first encounters Kichijiro, and he makes generalizations about how Kichijiro is stunted by a "weakness of character," condemning "the weakly cowardice" (pgs. 18-19). His treatment of Kichijiro can be summarized as an attitude of contempt. He does not expect much of the man, and he is judgmental toward his drinking habits. Knowing very little about the man and his life story, he underestimates him greatly and clearly considers him as a bumbling hindrance to the journey. He is frustrated that he must entrust himself to one whom he considers not to be a very impressive man. Even though he acknowledges that God uses all kinds of people to fulfill His purposes, he still carries great suspicion for the man's intentions upon the group's arrival in Japan. Unfortunately, the pretentious attitude is even manifested in feelings of disgust that Rodrigues and his companions feel toward Kichijiro when he is lying in his own vomit on the ship (p. 24). There is not an ounce of compassion that he feels, nor is there even an air of pity. After arriving on the island, mistrust toward Kichijiro extends even to the point that Rodrigues fears that the man would bring back guards to capture the priests like Judas had done with Jesus (p. 25). However, Kichijiro comes through for those to whom he promised his help. On page 26, Rodrigues communicates his unease and embarrassment. "I bit my lip with shame. Our Lord had entrusted himself to anybody--because he loved all men. And here I was with such a feeling of distrust toward this one man Kichijiro." The later discovery that Kichijiro is in fact a Christian aside, this feeling of conviction about one whom Rodrigues had assumed the worst of is a great moment of development for his character. Though he had previously reminded himself that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, it seems that this is the moment in which he comes to a full understanding of this truth. He feels ashamed of his unsavory thoughts about the man who has been their helper. I think that this moment is significant because it will likely herald the beginning of Rodrigues truly viewing all people through the eyes of Jesus. His self-righteousness is being challenged. Even though he seems to have pure intentions for serving the people of Japan, this revelation about Kichijiro will probably help him minister to other people in a more meaningful way. I believe that this development is important because it is a good reminder to all of us as Christians to remember that we are still sinners, though redeemed by Christ. We are no better than any other people, and we should seek to have faith in how God can work through all humanity. It is crucial that we do not have faith only in God and in no one else; we must allow our hearts to be open to trusting the people He has placed in our lives.

I commented on Bug Olsen and Josh Naqvi's posts.