DRAFT VERSION ONLY…
In Beijing before returning home, I met a friend from Regina, David FAN Guiliang. He was willing to help me locate the Beijing Theological Seminary. For those not familiar with Christian schools, a “seminary” is where the senior level of pastors and Christian leaders/workers are trained for employment in churches and related organizations. The words “theology/theological” refer to the study about God (in this case, the Christian faith, scriptures, traditions).
I have an interest in seeking out Christian sites. They often provide some interesting links with our own culture and history. This college site, however, is relatively new and I don’t know much about its history. After being closed down for some decades, the seminary has opened again (like about 20 others in China) as part of the “opening up” following 1979.
This Beijing site may train only about 100 students at one time, whereas Nanjing Seminary, now located in the University Town Area can train about 500 students at one time. The Beijing Seminary is the largest in the north of China.
After emerging from the closest subway station (////), we followed Heiquan Road. At the bridge crossing the Qinghe River we spotted the large cross in the distance. We had not consulted a map carefully prior to arriving so were not clear on how to find the main gate to the Seminary. We chose not to take the footpath at the end of the bridge that would have connected better to the entrance gate. Rather, we followed other streets and first arrived at the back of the property. We noticed here some student residences and a back gate that clearly was not for our use. We continued counter-clockwise around several properties until we eventually found the front gate (opening from the south).
We arrived without making prior arrangements. After some discussion in Chinese with the gatekeeper, we were invite to view the grounds, but told not to interfere with ongoing classes and the study halls. This was just fine with us.
We walked about and stepped through the door of the main church building where a student was receiving a voice/singing lesson. We also peeked into a study hall were a few students were busy working at their desks.
My second good reason to visit here was to locate a copy of a famous piece of art. I had learned some time ago that this statue would be found here in Beijing. I really did want to confirm that it was here.
The image of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples is a truly important image that depicts a core teachings of Jesus. Humanly speaking, people always look up to a strong leader. For a small tribal group in Western Asia, the “Promised Messiah” had always suggested this same idea of a powerful king who would come to rule, creating a time of peace and prosperity for the small nation of people, the Jews. As it turned out, some believed Jesus was the Promised One,but others did not. Those who accepted Jesus as the Messiah or Christ became known as Christians. The kind of “kingdom” he promoted, however, was radically different from anything the people imagined. It was a “spiritual kingdom” and the leader was God himself. Further, the life of the Kingdom of God was to be a life of humility, of love, and of service to others… all very different from most kings, emperors and rulers.
The famous foot washing occurred before the famous “Last Supper” (often known around the world because of the famous paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and many others). Jesus chose to make his teaching clear to his followers by washing their dusty feet as they came into the house that night. It was just one more example of the kind of attitude and service that he wanted his followers to always do for others.
I found it interesting that the seminary in Beijing, located as it is in such close proximity to the central leadership power of this great nation, chose to erect this particular statue on the grounds here. Unfortunately, Christians over the centuries, have not learned this lesson very well. Most of us prefer to be served by others rather than to follow this rule of giving humble service to others. Clearly, this teaching is important to the development of Christian leaders. The seminary in Beijing has installed this important reminder in their garden area as a reminder not only for its students but for all Christians. I was really interested to see this statue here at this location
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