At this point, everyone has actually reached a consensus.
"We also need to investigate carefully." Father Mikhail judged: "The poverty in our hometown is largely caused by chaos. If we can form slightly more effective management, it will be better than the current situation. .”
Everyone agreed, even the old aristocrat Pronsky felt the same way.
"I also agree." He said: "The current situation is not easy for even the boyars. In fact, everyone has been in a state of self-danger, and many bottomless behaviors have arisen from this. If we can do a good job in the investigation, By arranging the construction and sales of the plantation, I think I can help convince many people to join this organization."
"This is also an opportunity for cooperation." Father Andrei suggested: "I think the Church of Rome, the Church of Kiev and the Ryazan Church can all participate. Compared to debating doctrinal issues, I think tangible results are the most important thing. It can convince everyone.”
"That's right." Lama Wang agreed.
Although these priests claim to adhere to orthodox teachings, they are actually quite flexible - even flexible to the point of integrating with the traditional pagan beliefs of the Rus region. Their spiritual practice also places more emphasis on spiritual practice and enlightenment rather than pursuing the details of doctrines and rituals.
In fact, there is no way to do this, because the cultural level of the local priests is really not comparable to that in the south. They can't really focus on trivial matters and debate the Bible with the Greeks all day long...
Therefore, in this environment, they are actually relatively realistic.
"Then let's make sure first." Lama Wang finally made the decision: "Brothers still need to study the details. If there is a need to cooperate with the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Water, and the Army, we must also communicate in a timely manner. Especially The Ross area is not peaceful yet, so everyone should still pay attention to safety."
Everyone nodded, indicating that they understood.
"Hey, our side is not peaceful." Pronsky complained: "Some princes and boyars have always been hostile to us. I even think that if they get anxious, they will initiate war. "
"It doesn't matter." Father Marco said: "There are a lot of troubles over there, and that's all. Although there are dangers, they are all predictable. We have also encountered various troubles while preaching there. But so far, few priests have been killed. So, although everyone should be careful, they don’t need to be too afraid of the enemy."
"Okay...then I'm worrying too much." Pronsky admitted angrily.
"It's nothing." Lama Wang didn't care: "My master and ancestor are all from the Central Plains. If we have to talk about danger, I guess that side is the most dangerous. We have even seen it there, so we don't need to Care about somewhere else.”
"So, my wife's family is also a big family in the Central Plains. But do they reject our religion? Why can't I feel it?" Pronsky was really surprised: "I also think they are easy to talk to. .”
"It's not that preaching is dangerous." Lama Wang corrected him: "If you don't cause trouble over there, no one will care about you. During the Yuan Dynasty, Nestorianism spread widely, and nothing happened."
This matter may be relatively unpopular, but it is indeed true. Nestorianism was once quite popular during the Yuan Dynasty because of the large number of believers among the upper echelons of the Mongolian and Uighur tribes. The famous Jinshan Temple was once converted into a Nestorian temple.
However, when the literati of the Yuan Dynasty compiled relevant legends into literary works, they still used ancient settings and did not keep pace with the times. Otherwise, the plot of "The Legend of White Snake" would be the story of Bishop Fahai fighting against the witch "White Snake" and forbidding her from getting close to Xu Xian. Considering the plausibility of the plot, Xu Xian probably has to be a little boy...
"Then, why is it said to be unsafe?" Pronsky didn't understand for a moment.
"Our doctrine is a very complete monotheistic religion." Lama Wang told him: "In the Central Plains, because everyone pays more attention to reality, the construction of religious beliefs has always been very scientific. To put it simply, no one can A religious system that spreads widely and is quickly understood by both upper and lower classes.”
"According to the understanding of the Roman Church, the belief in heaven there is the same as our teachings. However, among the people, there is a lack of relevant construction, resulting in many ancient and backward beliefs still existing, leaving many hidden dangers."
"My ancestor, Patriarch Zhang, once said that folk beliefs are numerous and complex and require systematic sorting, screening, and control. However, in the Central Plains, Confucianism, which is the most mainstream, is not religious enough on the one hand, and too scattered on the other. There is no way to perform this task well.”
"That's right." Guo Kang nodded in agreement.
Although Confucianism is very similar to the church, in the final analysis they only have the same "ecological niche". The organizational capabilities of the two sides and the way they form the organization can be said to be completely different. Confucians will definitely not be able to learn from the church's practices, so unless they carry out "demonic reform", they have no hope.
"Taoism can indeed do these things, but its organizational ability and ability to incorporate folk beliefs were too strong, and it was defeated by the court." Lama Wang continued: "So, among the people, , many times, there is still a lack of a unified righteous faith that can override superstition. This is an unavoidable problem that has been formed over a long period of history."
"Although generally speaking, it is harmless, this demand still exists." He told the other party: "We believe that as the civilization of the Central Plains continues to develop, sooner or later there will be a monotheistic religion that can cover the upper and lower levels and have a rigorous and unified organization. , to improve the traditional civilization structure.”
"Isn't that a good thing?" Plonsky asked doubtfully: "They need part of the monotheistic religion to help them, and we just happen to preach to them..."
"Only stupid barbarians would do this." Wang Lama sarcastically said without mercy: "I heard that there are really Latin people who went to Seris and said that they want their country to join the Roman Catholic system. Give them to me. They were shocked—they didn’t even think about what they would do if they really believed it!”
"Ah? Isn't that a good thing?" Father Andre said in surprise.
"God Worship is a universal religion." Lama Wang reminded: "Think about it, if the Seris people regard our religion as the state religion, what will they do next?"
"..." Father Andrei probably understood.
"We are a country where politics and religion have been integrated for thousands of years. It is impossible for them to give up the court's control over religion. This is a rule engraved in the deepest part of civilization." Lama Wang pointed out: "Now they find that the religion they believe in Very good, the doctrine is correct, and the organization is very practical, but there is one small flaw - the highest authority for managing this religion is not in my hands, and there are a lot of believers who point fingers at their beliefs. What do you think they will do? "
"It is frivolous to establish another church." Father Marco complained: "There is a high probability that all of us will be declared heretics. From now on, everyone will probably have to suffer from the Eastern Crusaders."
"As far as I know, the Ming Dynasty is much more restrained than the Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty and so on before." Father Leo also agreed: "They finally settled down, and we must give them another motivation for expedition." . Now it’s better, I’ll be embarrassed if I don’t chat..."
"That's why we have always banned preaching to the East. If we catch any Latin priests who are going there, we will quickly persuade them to return." Lama Wang couldn't help but shook his head and said, "Everyone is..."
(End of chapter)
