Missionary Helping N. Korean refugees faced 20 years in a Chinese Prison- Gets a slap on the wrist
Rev. Phillip Jun Buck was arrested by Chinese authorities in May 2005 for attempting to sneak North Korean refugees into South Korea. The Chinese accused him of providing work and shelter for North Korean Refugees in route to South Korea. The Chinese see the helping of North Korean refugees as human trafficking rather than lending a humanitarian helping hand. After being arresting in May of 2005, he went to court in December of the same year, where he faced a maximum of 20 years behind bars. Family and friends of the Reverend notified congressmen and publized the ordeal, putting the cause in the hands of various human rights groups. Pressure was put on the Chinese and the Reverend received 15 total months in jail.
In religious fashion, he returned home and immediately gave prayers for North Korean inmates he was incarcerated with. Family and friends don't think he is going to give up on helping those who stand in need of help.
My question is this: does the underground work of various churches in China help their cause? Do these churches think that this will help them become a recognized church in China? I know there are hundreds of underground churches, they give out bibles under the table and give releif to those in need, but is this only helping in the short run? I beleive it hurts them, they become an irritation to the government and only stifles their progress. Why aren't there any churches in China who follow the rules and do as they are told? Why is a church greater than a government? Shouldn't we all obey they laws of the land?
I am glad that the Reverend received a lighter punishment than what could have been given. I am also thankful for his willingness to help those in need. Though I don't personally know him, he is a good man. I just don't understand the reasoning and the risk that he puts himself and his faith in. Any comments you may have are more than welcome.
posted by D.A. @ 10:21 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
This is Oscar Schindler again. Why did he do it? Maybe we all would, if faced with the situation.
James-
Oscar Schindler does ring a bell. I had not thought of that. Thanks for opening my mind and seeing what others may see.
Your comments are much appreciated.
Think about those missionaries sent by churches all over the world, isn't it the same situation he faced that somehow they have to put their whole life in the mission and it definitely takes sacrifice. It's understandable in terms of religion.What do you think?
I think a religion that doesn't require sacrifice isn't worth very much. I admire the Reverend for his devotion and his willingness to use his life for the betterment of others. On the other hand, I personally beleive that one should obey the laws of the land. We are lucky to live in a country where we have freedoms that allow us to think and do and beleive as we wish. Sometimes these laws and our beleifs conflict, especially in China's case,but being a citizen of a country and of the world requires obedience as well. I am not trying to say that the good Reverend shouldn't try to help the N. Korean refugees, but I do think there are more ways than one. I am not perfect, and I don't have all the answers, but I enjoyed your comment, and thanks for sharing your thoughts with me.
so if the laws of some country state that everyone should all worship the devil, then we should put that above our religious beliefs? What about Daniel in the Bible, what about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? They certainly were not willing to follow the laws of the land when it stood in direct opposition to their religious beliefs.
Following the laws of the land means we should do our best to be good citizens and support governments as they seek to uphold things that are good (i.e. freedom, liberty, equality), and if we live in a society that does not permit religious freedom, we should not change our religious beliefs so that they conform to some sectarian system. In fact, I think it is the responsibility of those who HAVE freedoms to help in a peaceable, yet proactive manner, those peoples and nations who are unable to practice their belief system freely. If you believe that your freedoms are a God-given right, then you also naturally have accepted that governments that stifle such rights are acting against God's will.
Whether or not these churches/religions are hurting themselves or not is a different question. First of all, they are at least trying to do something to make the situation better. Secondly, what if there were to be a major regime change in China (look at the last 2000 years of Chinese History for examples)? What would the new government's reaction be to those churches who cozied up with the CCP? Again, history tells us that it may not be so rosy for those folks. So maybe these religions are hedging their bets, hoping that things will change for the better, and maybe their religious message can be a catalyst for such change.
So then, what is the best policy? I think a middle-road approach works quite well. Don't "pai ma pi" (kiss butt) with the CCP. Let them know that you actually stand for something, something called freedom of expression and freedom of worship (as long as those expressions don't impinge on others' freedoms), do it in a nice way, explain that you would like see ALL Chinese people have the same opportunity, and then do what you can spiritually (pray, fast, etc.) for the nation of China to be a bit more enlightened on this topic. In other words, don't support a regime that restricts religious freedom. That doesn't mean you should necessarily actively undermine it by putting people in harm's way. You should try and play the hand you are dealt, but if you want to break Chinese laws, realize what you are dealing with. But here comes the tricky part- what if your religious belief tells you that non-believers will be damned and will suffer eternally, and you can't stand to have that on your conscience while sitting in your little chapel somewhere worshipping yourself away to Heavenly bliss? See the conundrum?
In short, I applaud religionists who try to do things like pass out bibles and help refugees because they feel driven spiritually to make a change in people's lives for the better, and I am ashamed that other churches try to work with a government that has been responsible for the death and torture of millions of Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists.
A great American general once said "Our Country, right or wrong- when right to be kept right. When wrong to be put right."
So it is the duty of a patriot to dissent within reason against the actions or beliefs of their own country if they find them to be in err.
Setting aside the truely patriotic act of dissention, the bible does also state that Christians are to pray without ceasing and evangelize to the corners of the world. Being restricted by "laws of the land" doesnt synch up well with that core belief of Christianity.
So both from a patriotic and a religious point of view, the dissention of these underground churches is the right thing to do.
My Two Cents,
~MS
Anonymous and Mythological Stranger-
First of all, sorry that I have written back sooner. I have been away for a few days soaking up the last of the summer. Thanks for your comments, I have found them to be very enlightening. You both bring up a good point, that there does need to come a time when a person must draw the line with their beliefs and what the law says.
Maybe I should change my views. Thanks for your thoughts.
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