Interview with Christianity Priest :)

What was the process that leads the priest from a follower to a leader?

-If you are a truly believer, then we must struggle and learn a lot about god and the bible. Usually, if you want to be a priest, the followers will have to study hard and study forever about Christianity, and then we can become priests. Churches often have festivals to celebrate the anniversary of 35 years being a priest. Often the memories that the church have will recruit new priests.

Have there been any situations when you are not sure about your belief?

-With me, never. According to my life, if I want to be a part of Catholicism, we must have faith in our religion. If you do not have faith your religion, then you are not a 100% follower. If you are true followers, you will believe in Jesus and believe in Catholicism.

Why did you choose to believe in Christianity over the others?

-When I was a little boy, my parents are Catholic and my parents brought me to the church so that I can be baptized. And so I was taught to believe in Christianity. Almost every kid will follow their parents’ religion because as soon as they were born, their parent will decide their child’s religion.

What does it take to be a good priest and a good leader?

- If he has become a priest then he must enforce the laws of God. In the Bible there are many rules and so the priests must follow so that will be able to become a good leader. Is not easy to become a good priest, you must learn and communicate with gods every day. 

Can other change their religion and be part of Christianity?

-Of course. Jesus created everything, he create human, environment, animals…. Jesus will always welcome everybody to be part of Christianity.

How do the priests convert someone to be a part of the religion?

-The priest usually encouraged people to be part of Christianity by teaching them about it. He would read the bible, explain to people about how Jesus created everything.

How do the priests communicate with Jesus?

-The monks and priests normally contact with Jesus through prayer. Many times Jesus appears right in front of our eyes. God can appear in many possible formats. Like in dream, into a man, into the trees, an animal, a picture ... For example: If we see a cross between the sun, we can see it as a sign of God. Not everyone can meet the Jesus.

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What do you think about the situation in Middle East when Christianity and other religion fight for the holy land?

-I don’t really know what happen but I think that Judaism, Islamic and Christianity should not fight for the holy land. If you really believe in your religion, really believe in your gods and goddess, then everywhere in the world will be the holy land.

Do you have a solution to the problem in the Middle East?

-In my opinion, I think that we should not fight and kill each other like that. I think that we should share the land because if we fight like this, soon the 3 religions will have serious problem with each other. We need to respect each other and each other religion.

If we’re a follower, then will we go to the church several times?

-Well, if you are a follower, you must come to the church once a week. Or maybe you can come to the church to pray or to communicate with gods. You can come to the church on holy days like: Christmas, Baptism, Easter…

Christianity Presentation

Cha Tam Church

May 2, 2011

Cha Tam Church

Front of Cha Tam Church

On May 2^nd, Johnny and I went to a Cha Tam Church in District 5 along with two of our friends. The first thing we saw was a statue of Mother Mary. On the wall, there were two images of Chinese and Vietnamese Martyrs (People who were killed that refused to give up their religion). When we were about to enter the church, we saw multiple Chinese words and near the entrance, there was memorial grave for Franciscus Xaverius Assou who was the priest that created Cha Tam Church. Right when you step into the church, it feels quiet and peaceful and didn’t smell like anything. However, we didn’t see anyone in the church except two foreigners visiting the church too. We don’t know what they wear in Cha Tam Church but being in other churches in other countries, I’ve seen the priest wear a long robe. Although, each church may be different therefore we are not sure. Inside the church you can see multiple images of Jesus hung on the sides of the church. In the front, there you will see a statue of Mother Mary, a statue of Jesus, and one thing very common in Christian churches is Jesus on the cross.  One main symbol in the church is the cross which symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and also symbolizes the religion, Christianity. The two stained glass windows represent events throughout Jesus Christ’s life; however to us it is indefinite which events they were. Lastly, the picture we saw under the cross is the last supper of Jesus Christ which shows his followers and himself together. Before leaving Cha Tam Church, Georgina and I took the time to pray since it has been long since we’ve gone to church. Cha Tam Church has been here for more than 100 years and it’s good to see how the church is different from other churches we have all seen before.