God Is Red by Liao Yiwu Page B

about how Western missionaries saved lives through their medical services. They played a big role in stopping the spread of epidemics in many parts of China.
    Jia: As a child, I remember seeing adults sitting around a bonfire at night. After downing shots of liquor, they would start telling such stories, but I was too young to remember them all. My parents had seven children; several of my siblings have much better memories than I.
    Liao: Seven children?
    Jia: I have three elder sisters and three younger brothers. I’m in the middle, but the eldest son. I’m very lucky they sent me to Chengdu to study theology. I’ve always been attracted to the church. Whatever the Lord wants me to do, I obey his plan.
    But sometimes I’m not as determined as I should be. Many of my elders, such as Sister Tao and Father Ding, are much more devoted. Many of my fellow seminarians renew their commitment vows every three years. Three times three is nine. After nine years, they will make a final vow to remain celibate and serve the Lord for the rest of their lives. I’m still hesitating and pondering my future. I’m not as devoted as my elders.
    Liao: You are only twenty-four. Are you still hesitant about your future with the church because you want to get married?
    Jia: No. I’m not thinking about the issue now.
    Liao: Are you planning to go back to Cizhong after seminary?
    Jia: No.
    Liao: Why not? Cizhong is your hometown and it’s a great place.
    Jia: I belong to the church. I will go wherever the church sends me. The Bible says that Jesus left his hometown and wandered around the world for many years. So since I’ve already left, I’m not going back. I’m ready to travel the country and serve God.
    Liao: The Catholic Church holds you to the rule of celibacy. The Protestant churches are different.
    Jia: Some people think the Catholics are more conservative. It might be true. That’s why the secular government feels more threatened by the Catholics.
    Liao: Really?
    Jia: Let me give you an example. There’s a poster at the entrance about a missing person who lived more than two thousand years ago. It says: “Jesus from Nazareth, 1.80 meters tall, with brown curly hair, bright piercing eyes brimming with vigor, his voice sonorous and forceful. He doesn’t bow to evil forces and he detests hypocrisies. God is the path. He represents truth and life. If you find Him, please follow Him.”
    Liao: Do you pledge loyalty to the Vatican?
    Jia: Not really. Bishops and priests who have relations with the Vatican are being monitored closely by the government. They try very hard to block any contacts with the Vatican. The Communist Party has planted many of its people inside the church. The government constantly reminds the clergy not to stray or do anything to violate the Party policy. Before any kind of large-scale Mass, the government has to approve the contents of the sermon.
    Liao: Do you bow to evil forces?
    Jia: I have not been tested yet.
    Liao: What about your parents?
    Jia: They went through the destructive Cultural Revolution. The only thing they mentioned was that they didn’t give up on God. They prayed secretly. They don’t want to dwell too much on the past. I think most Catholics in China feel the same way.

Chapter 4
The Elder (I)
    I n the course of my research I came across a copy of Wu Yongsheng’s The History of Christianity in Dali , which outlines the work of early missionaries in southwest China. I was determined to talk to the author about the past and present spread of the Christian religion.
    The Old City Protestant Church, or “Fuyintang,” was built in 1905. Occupying more than three hundred square meters, Fuyintang is architecturally mixed—Bai ethnic residential meets European gothic. Its facade is exposed stone, and a cross painted in red stands prominently atop a traditional Chinese roof tower that resembles an eagle flapping in flight. Old