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Book Review of Silence

Silence
reviewed on


A somewhat disturbing view of the attempts of Roman Catholic missionaries to convert Japan to Catholic Christianity. I read this on recommendation of Philip Yancy in "Soul Survivor". The moral dilemma presented as the theme of the novel is harrowing. I was somewhat taken back by the "Catholic" references especially about priesthood, confession and the church hierarchy. My own past familiarity with these doctrinal differences to my current Christian beliefs detracted from fully being able to empathize with the characters being tormented by their persecutors. Japan, to this day, is but one percent (1%) Christian. This was a haunting portrayal of the possibility of persecution and death that any Christian might face at any time. Well worth reading.