From: "J. Colaco < jc>" <[email protected]>
<<Francis Xavier found the Indians, particularly the "Brahmans",
cunning, exploiting the poor people,
whereas the Japanese were simple and more responsive.
shrikant barve <[email protected]> asked: Has History proved Francis
Xavier wrong?
There are two SFX opinions about two different peoples.
1: Of the "Brahmins" with whom SFX had some personal experience,
albeit limited, his opinion was that "They were cunning exploiters of
poor people"
> 2: Of the Japanese, with whom SFX, at the time, had YET to have
personal experience, his opinion was that " They were simple and more
responsive"
> Based on his own personal judgment, does Srikant (personally) believe
that SFX was proven wrong by history on Opinion 1, 2,r both or none?
> And IF SFX's opinions were proven wrong ..... by history - So What?
***I do agree with Dr.Jose Colaço. St.Francis Xavier had his opinions about
the Indians, whom he came to know in India and for whose conversion to
Christianity he worked, and the Japanese, about whom he heard from the few
he came to know. Was he wrong? How does history prove it? We can have today
our own opinion. Today Christian vision of life has already influenced the
whole world and shown its impact. Yet, there are variations among different
peoples. Could we say the same about the "Brahmins" of India and the
Japanese today? I do not have a direct contact with them. I have only jotted
down the history of St.Francis Xavier, whose statement I would respect. I
would differ from him on the topic of salvation of non-Christians, as I
mentioned in my article written several years ago. Theology is a deeper
reflection on the Word of God in the light of today's philosophy and
sciences.
Regards.
Fr.Ivo
