Accusations. Over our 30-plus years in Japan, I’ve heard Christians and Christianity accused of many things. Years ago in Saga, in the late 1970s, an Irishman stormed out of an English speech contest in which we’d been invited to share because Bernie was telling of his faith in Jesus Christ. Never mind that he’d obtained permission beforehand from the contest organizers. Never mind that the Irishman was a judge and that his angry outburst and sudden departure left everyone shocked and embarrassed. His accusation was that Bernie didn’t respect Japanese culture because he was trying to import his own culture—Christianity—into this Buddhist and Shinto nation.It was a sentiment repeated by some Brits we met while on a day hike in the Swiss Alps a few years later. “Why don’t you just appreciate the Japanese for who they are?” they asked, a little more politely than the Irishman had spoken. “Why do you think you have the right to force change on them?” Needless to say, we were stunned by these encounters with fellow westerners.
But we’ve also heard Japanese accusations. “Katai, kusai, kurai.” Inflexible, smelly, dark—not a few Japanese have used these adjectives to describe Christians. In other words, Christians are too serious, no fun, and they make people around them feel uncomfortable. Often times, Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me,” are cited as exemplifying an attitude that goes against one of the most valued Japanese character traits—not making waves so that you fit in at all costs. When one believes and follows Jesus’ teachings anyway, however politely, Japanese (and perhaps others as well) often feel uncomfortable.
Not usually—being a very polite people—but sometimes they even lash out. This was evident in recent comments by Katsuya Okada, the number two man in command of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). I have no idea who’d stepped on his toes, but something must have happened for him to accuse Christians of being self-righteous. In his comments, reported in the news after Okada visited a Buddhist temple, he said Buddhism was infinitely better than Christianity, and even Islam was preferable. (Interestingly, no one accused him in return of showing a lack of wisdom in trumpeting his opinion when he is such a public figure, but that’s a tangent I won’t pursue for now.)
Another newspaper article I read recently also was full of accusations, although surprisingly, they brought a smile to my face. Coming out of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the article accused women who’ve become involved in pink ribbon campaigns of being too cheerful! The writer groused that Christians wearing pink ribbons, pretending that they can overcome cancer with positive attitudes, are sickening and do a disservice to people who are suffering from the disease. I don’t know the history of the pink ribbon campaign—was it launched by a Christian, thereby inviting this attack? But in a world of grumpy, stressed people (especially with global economics being what they are), I for one appreciate those who are cheerful!
I can think of many accusations that have stung—like the words of India’s king of non-violent resistance, Mahatma Gandhi. A regular Bible reader, the diminutive Hindu once said that while he respected Jesus Christ and his teachings, he could never become a Christian. Why? Because so many Christians do not live by the teachings of the one they claim to follow, he explained. Ouch! We Christians ought to consider his accusation very carefully and personally.
But to be accused of being too cheerful? If that is the worst this particular journalist can sling at Christians . . . . Well, I hope one day I’ll face this accusation. I’ll respond without hesitation from the witness chair, “Guilty as charged.” And I trust that the broad smile on my face will be all the evidence required to convict me.
