To Be a Hero // Moriah Nelson

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             I’ve really enjoyed reading Silence and examining the questions raised by the various characters, especially those asked by the priest. One of the key inner conflicts I’ve noticed in chapters 4-6 is found within the priest’s thoughts and actions: the desire to be fulfilled by his role as a priest and even to be a hero. Father Sebastian Rodrigues seems to wrestle with how he can live out his appointment as a priest without a parish. In the midst of running for safety and in search of a Christian community, Father Rodrigues is motivated completely, it seems, by his purpose as a priest (65). When he is in prison in Nagasaki, the priest is bolstered with pride and self-confidence as he sees himself as a great example for standing firm in the face of the prison officials’ questions (118). I think this mindset will prove to be dangerous for him as his story continues, as it places too much trust in himself and not in Christ. Contrary to what Rodrigues seems to believe, God can still be at work in Japan even if every priest were to die, leave, or apostatize. Of course, Rodrigues is also having his own crisis of belief which probably makes it extremely difficult to trust God at all. Still, when we think too highly of ourselves or place our hope in the jobs we are in, we can quickly lose our self-worth and purpose if we are suddenly unable to fulfill those roles. I hope Rodrigues is able to be at peace with placing his hope in God, even if He remains silent, and “allows” Christ to be the hero of the story of eternity.
Commented on Caroline and Hailey's posts.

Comments

Clabo said…
I was picking up on this too. He is very much reliant on himself and his abilities, and while he is representing the right thing, he is not living it out himself. For me I guess it is just hard for to understand why he would be like that when his goal is to try and convert others to trust God completely and live a very dangerous life when he is mainly trusting in himself.
January 20, 2020 at 12:48 PM
AnnaKate Burleson said…
I do find it interesting how there are points in this novel in which Rodrigues is motivated more by his priestly duty than by his own faith. His drive to survive at times is only coming from his desire to lead rather than his desire to live. I do think this mindset of his heavily contributes to his eventual burnout, but I think his intentions are largely good.
January 20, 2020 at 3:41 PM
Rachael Gregson said…
I can say as well that he does tend to focus on his ability- what he has done rather than what God has done-and I do wish he could get rid of this mindset by the end of the book. Doing everything on his own, carrying a weight on his shoulders that only God should carry, are all things that make his situation worse in Japan. The only way he's going to stay brave and faithful is to turn completely to God rather than himself. The battle in Japan isn't optional, but the battles inside his mind are. And they are making it hard for him to trust the One he needs to trust the most.
January 20, 2020 at 5:29 PM
Drew Hedden said…
I also really like how deeply Endo gets into Rodrigues' mental processes and his doubts and insecurities. It's fascinating to see Rodrigues struggle with identity and how desperately he needs assurance from God. I didn't expect Endo to do as good a job with those issues as he has, but I'm pleasantly surprised.
January 20, 2020 at 7:23 PM
Joshua Evers said…
This is a very great point!! Simply the idea of responsibility and duty can drive someone to ruin. It may push Rodrigues to act bravely and carry on through tough circumstances, but ultimately he needs Christ. The other Christians shouldn't depend upon a priest for survival either, but have direct access to God by the work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their heart. Great words.
January 20, 2020 at 8:21 PM
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