Reflections from Pastor John Cao is a series of poetry and writings from the recently released Chinese Christian prisoner of conscience exclusively published by ChinaAid. The piece below was written on March 29, 2024 and has been minimally edited for clarity. To read more of Pastor John Cao’s poetry, one can purchase the collection written while he was imprisoned, Living Lyrics: Poems from Prison.
Pastor Zhao Tian’en came up with the “Three-fold Visions”: Evangelization of the Chinese People, Strengthening of the Chinese Church, and Christianization of the Chinese Culture. Among these, the “Christianization of the Chinese Culture” is particularly thought-provoking. Throughout history, there have been continuous calls for the “Sinicization of Christianity,” and these voices remain loud and clear to this day. As I contemplated Pastor Zhao Tian’en’s idea of “Christianizing of the Chinese Culture,” I wrote the following poem:
Short-sighted Confucians and Christians
Short-sighted Confucians, holding candles, despise the Words of the Lord,
Insisting they don’t fit the Chinese culture.
Solely preaching loyalty to emperors’ and filial piety,
Falling into confusion for future generations.
Diligently studying old papers to seek high positions,
Striving for empty praise by worshipping ancestors.
Everything Confucius advocated is what Christians should abandon,
For Heaven’s revelation suffices all our needs.
Bureaucrats and Poor Kids
Do bureaucrats know the poor kids’ plight?
They nitpick, find fault, and set traps in spite.
Trampling on the destitute, shooting sparrows with pearls,
Future onlookers will sneer with contempt.
Ode to the Stream
Pure and clear, the stream flows from deep in the mountains,
Thousands and thousands converge, forming a surging river.
Thirsty creatures along the way are nourished and refreshed,
Coloring the earth with vibrant hues, a sight to be cherished.
