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Lord of the Western Sea

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Christian daimyo, Yukinaga Konishi Born a merchant, became Commander of the Sea Granted favour by God and man Defended faith throughout the land The youth once granted his father's name Twin strokes that signal a life of pain Graven in paradoxical parts Warrior with a gentle heart In a world that met cruelty with acclaim Defeat in war cost him his head But faith he held unto his death: "The things on Earth are all in vain But when they pass, God shall remain."

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 6/23/2025 1:32:00 PM

gosh, I never heard of him. Sounds like an outstanding historical figure.

Vanya Evangeline
Date: 6/24/2025 12:53:00 AM

Yeah, he is my all-time favourite historical person. His biography is truly fascinating, and despite having gone through a lot of moral compromises, a lot of aspects of his life actually mirrors Christ Himself.

Tom Woody

Date: 6/20/2025 5:41:00 AM

Your poem spurred my curiosity so I looked him up. He persecuted non Christians destroying temples and forcing the Jesuits version on Christianity on people. Jesus never used the sword but appealed to honest hungry hearts. Anyway, thx for giving my mind a little exercise this morning. Great photo. Do you draw?

Vanya Evangeline
Date: 6/20/2025 6:01:00 PM

I think the "those who live by the sword..." statement is meant to warn against a heart orientation that relies on violence as the primary way to solve problems, or a lifestyle built on aggression, domination, or revenge. And people can have such wicked attitude even if they don't work in violent careers (e.g. Peter, whom Jesus spoke those words to).

Vanya Evangeline
Date: 6/20/2025 5:59:00 PM

Oh yeah, Omura was a questionable Christian to be honest, one of those whom you can't be sure whether they sincerely believe the faith or is only using them to gain trade access with the Portuguese. As for his career as a warrior, I don't think we should blanketly make moral judgment entirely based on that (even if he did make some moral compromises). Jesus spoke favourably of the Roman centurion's faith and Naaman without condemning their career, and I don't believe he ever advocated the abolishment of military or judicial forces.

Tom Woody
Date: 6/20/2025 12:22:00 PM

Ok got the right one this time. Still a warrior. I think of Jesus' words "Those who live by the sword..."

Tom Woody
Date: 6/20/2025 12:16:00 PM

Awesome artistry wow. I got it at Wikipedia under Christian Daimyo. I'm sorry it looks like your guy may be a different one. What pulled up was something like Omira Sumitada or something like that. Let me try again

Vanya Evangeline
Date: 6/20/2025 6:03:00 AM

Hmm, where did you find that part? because none of the sources I read about him mention that. In fact, one of the primary accounts I read about his naval exploits have him forbid his subordinates from plundering Buddhist temples when the monk begged them not to. And yes, I drew that pic.