I've had Silence by Shusaku Endo on my bookshelf for over a year now. If you are like me you have the pile or shelf where you keep the books that you have picked up along the way, wanted to read, had recommended to you, yet never read. My relationship with the book Silence began about 5 years ago. Before going to Japan as a Church Planting Associate with Asian Access a close friend recommended this book about priests in Japan facing 
persecution and martyrdom in Japan in the early 1600's. I made a mental note about the book but didn't take any active step towards obtaining and reading it.
After continuing to hear about the book over my time as a CPA the final straw in purchasing the book was when my dean here at Wheaton highly recommended the book. So I went home, hopped on amazon, and made the few clicks necessary to set the novel on route to my apartment. A few days later when the book arrived I did the obvious thing, set it on the shelf and didn't touch it for a year.
This summer I had some time on my hands between summer sessions and saw the book on the shelf. I decided to pick it up and see what all the talk was about.
The book is amazing. It tackles issues such as suffering, the role of clergy, and why God appears silent in the midst of intense persecution. As a historical fiction certain details should be read with a grain of salt. That said, both my faith, and my understanding of the socio-political climate when Japan closed it's borders in the 1600's were enriched. If you are interested in Japan you should read this book. If you are interested in the subject of the silence of God you should read this book.
In my faith journey God has used books such as Silence, Shiokari Pass, and Confucius Lives Next Door. Are there any books that have significantly shaped your heart for Japan, or your thinking about the need for the Gospel in Japan? If so please go to the forum and join the conversation.
