April 11, 2010
Reported by Sam Lee
Written by Lydia Ma

Just before Easter, PCT pastor Rev. Lo Chun-gi and Catholic Archbishop John Hung were invited to appear on a Taiwanese radio talk show to share their views on life and death, ancestor worship, and religion.

Though Catholics and Protestants differ in worship styles and diverge on a few theological issues, both religions believe human life is eternal and don't treat death as a taboo subject. During the show, Rev. Lo and Archbishop Hung encouraged listeners to put their faith in Jesus.

In terms of how Christians view life and death, Archbishop Hung said all Christians believe that human life is eternal, which means that life as we know it in the here and now is merely the beginning of an eternal journey and this conviction is the reason why every person must live well and responsibly. Christians don't fear death because they know where they will go after they die. They view death as a process they must go through before they are taken to heaven – a place God has prepared for them.

Rev. Lo commented that Christianity teaches that life is eternal and everyone must face judgment after death. One day, Christians will meet again in heaven. Resurrection means that there will be no more sorrow or pain in the afterlife. The reason Christians do not fear death is because they have Christ and the hope of resurrection in them.

Asked whether Christians are the only ones who will go to heaven, Archbishop John Hung replied that God reveals himself to people inside and outside of church walls. Rev. Lo emphasized that God alone determines who is saved, and humans must not usurp God's rightful place as judge of the universe. Lo went on to say that Christians aren't judges, but repentant and confessing sinners.

This year's Easter fell on the day prior Tomb Sweeping Day. Addressing the issue of ancestor worship, both Hong and Lo agreed on the importance of honoring ancestors. Because missionaries in the past didn't understand the Taiwanese culture of filial piety and ancestor worship, it led to many misperceptions later on among Taiwanese people that Christians don't respect their forebears.

Both Lo and Hung clarified that, in reality, Christians attach great importance to honoring ancestors. For example, Taipei East Gate Presbyterian Church holds a memorial service every year in remembrance of its congregation's forebears.

After the talk show, Archbishop Hung left to preside over mass for a Philippine congregation consisting mainly of foreign workers.

Taiwan Church News