I found it interesting how the tactics of the Jesuit missionaries in China, at first, were different then other missionaries in the way that they developed more of a relationship with the Chinese, instead of just bulldozing them into Christianity. The Chinese were too established in their way of thinking and living for that to happen; they had a strong foundation for their identity and beliefs to root in and really felt they they did not need the Jesuits or Christianity. They took from them what they found useful and interesting, like map making. My favorite part of the reading, which came after the Pope had to act un-evolved, controlling and insecure, came when the Chinese were ending their relationship with the Jesuits and some of them viewed the Holy Communion as a form of cannibalism. I have always wondered about that act of eating the body of Christ and drinking his blood; I realize it is a symbolic act, but I too feel that it is cannibalistic and in a way harkens back to so called "barbarianistic" rituals of human sacrifice and blood worship. I enjoyed reading that other people felt that ritual was a bit disconcerting too. (wc 194)
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