Take Up The Cross Of The Nation And Humankind

Based on a comprehensive research on the literary images of Jesus created inModern Chinese Literature, this thesis attempts to explore the reasons of their greatconcern of such a theme, their feelings implied in their portrayal, the differentrepresentational manners and the social significance of creating a Christ differentfrom the one in the Bible.Deeply influenced by Christianity, these Modern Chinese writers were successfulin grasping the spirits of Jesus Christ: love, sacrifice, forgiveness. Etc. Theyincorporated all these into their respective representation of Jesus in their works andcreated a stereoscopic image of Jesus, Jesus as both the embodiment of tragicmartyrdom and that of humanity. Although they were based on theRedemption-Crucifixion theme in the Holy Bible, the portrayals were at subtlevariance with that in the Bible. The shift of perspectives in the portrayal of JesusChrist created a tragic atmosphere in their narrative. Therefore, these portrayals,compared with the biblical text, had a touch of humanity in it. Born in the turbulentages and full of sympathy for the sufferings of their fellow countrymen, ModernChinese Writers identified with the charity and the sacrifice of Jesus. TheirCrucifixion Complex found expression in their depiction of the image of Jesus. Theimage of Jesus they created served as a release of their inner repression and as aweapon to release others. Through the literary representation of Jesus, these writerstried to show their compassion for the tragic fate of the solitary saviors and theirindignation at the hideous reality. They were trying to awaken the indifferentconscience to see the spiritual sublimity and solemnity; to start people thinking aboutthe power of faith; to encourage them to endure the tribulations and persist in theirhopes of Love and Goodness; and to hold fast to their faith to receive an ultimatesalvation in spite of the conflicts and struggles.