My father, Li Tong, used to say, 'Church leader who does not believe in God is like barefoot shoe salesman.' We call our bureau leader the Caiaphas of China. What does that mean? You remember Caiaphas from the Bible? No. Did someone take your Bible from you? No. It's on my shelf. Remember? I've got three of them. Perhaps Ben Fielding should give two away and then start reading the other one.
The author reflects on a saying from his father, Li Tong, which compares a church leader who lacks faith to a shoeless shoe salesman, emphasizing the dissonance in such a position. This statement serves as a critique of those in leadership who do not embody the very beliefs they are meant to represent, highlighting a fundamental disconnect that undermines their credibility.
The reference to Caiaphas, a high priest from the Bible, further deepens this critique, suggesting that the current leaders in China bear resemblance to this figure known for his hypocrisy. The author humorously mentions his own collection of Bibles, hinting that some individuals might benefit from engaging with their faith more meaningfully instead of merely holding religious texts. This dialogue underscores the tension between belief and leadership in a faith context.
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