Chapter Four. Endo’s Image Of Christ

Abstract

This chapter presents the main material on the image of Christ in the early development of Endo shusaku's literature. It focuses on issues which the author consider important for a further analysis of his understanding of Christ. The chapter briefly wants to comment on three dimensions of the image of Christ developed through the novels Silence, Mother, and the Samurai. First of all, Christ is to be understood through his weakness and solidarity with the poor. Secondly, Christ is to be understood as possessing maternal characteristics; namely, a self-sacrificial love that is strong and embracing. Thirdly, Christ is to be understood in relationship to each individual as an ever-present companion. In clarifying these images of Christ, the chapter relates them to the Japanese religio-cultural heritage. The chapter summarizes Endo's early image of Christ in the Japanese context: Christ in solidarity with the poor, as maternal and as ever-present companion.Keywords: Christ; Endo Shusaku; Japanese religio-cultural heritage; Samurai