在我生活的中华大地上，真正的顶级公仆不会超过三位数，剩下的几乎都是当家作主的人，我们的祖先以前为奴为婢，头脑中的人生哲学或沿袭祖辈的智慧，或遵循孔孟之道，或拜佛修道，或成为西方宗教的追随者......。翻身做主人后本以为会迎来自由快乐的人生，但现实却与理想大相径庭，于是人们借助这些智慧应付着工作、事业和生活中的一件件事情，这可以称作人们的信仰（哲学）。我作为其中的一员，似乎也和周围很多“主人”一样，也越来越找不到自由和快乐的体验，一开始我以为是我的问题特殊，但我沟通、了解了其他很多“主人”后发现，大多也和我一样。
据统计中国月薪1万元以上人口占比约为0.56%，可我的生活开支、房贷、健康医疗甚至是身份都被死死的攥在别人手里，仅有的所谓思想自由也被各种审查封住了嘴、按住了手、绊住了腿，就连所信的也是被阉割后再喂给的。人们追求自由快乐生活的路在哪呢？
众多的宗教、哲学甚至是无神论者，被无数只无形的大手死死的按在地上，靠着被一层一层的揭去身上靓丽的皮毛换来一点赖以糊口的奖励，所有马斯洛理论描述的人生顶层追求都被反客为主的公仆断章取义甚至是阉割掉可以让你生生不息的关键思想，你无法谈论你为这个社会繁荣或改良的建议，无法追求或谈论你那些圣经或佛经启示你的教导，没有体制权威的背书你甚至无法获取你本该按照宪法赋予你权利的解读权......没有了这一切的“主人们”便如同失去了天空的鸟，自由成了一个梦想。今天就来谈一下这方面的问题。
无论是基督徒还是佛教徒，许多信仰者将宗教实践停留在表面的仪式和行为上，却忽略了内心的真实转变。面对痛苦和压力，信仰似乎未能带来真正的力量，甚至让人陷入无力和迷茫。从另一个角度看，面对内外针对国人的欺压和暴力，信仰者的沉默令人遗憾。更令人忧虑的是，这样的信仰不仅未能形成有影响力的集体合力，反而强化了一种不敢发声、不敢行动的文化延续，而且有继续传承下去的势头。
信仰的意义究竟是什么？我们从西方基督徒的历史中看到，为了追求真理与自由，他们敢于挑战权威、反抗压迫获取自由。而在中国近70年的历史中，你却很难从绝大多数基督徒的身上看到这种勇气。有的只是对经文无休止的解读，即便有所谓勇敢者的发声也是按照“特色规则”的口头呐喊，看不到脚踏实地的行动。如此的信仰影响力不仅未能帮助个体实现内心的自由与成长，反而在这片土地上助长了原本平庸的文化。这种不温不火的信仰，与其说是博爱，不如说是西方基督教的阉割版对两千多年文化延续及其集权统治的自私帮凶。21世纪中国有哪个神学家将圣经与社会现实结合起来了？不敢？还是没有还是在沉默？还是不好意思说？
我们如何通过信仰活出真正的自由精神？我们又该如何教导下一代，在中华文化的延续中注入新鲜的思想源泉，而不是让他们重复房奴、快递员、人体零部件或机械劳动者的生活？无论你在哪里敬拜聚会，无论你在哪座寺庙烧香拜复，是不是都该深刻反思这个问题呢？
1. 信仰为何停留在表面？
（1）形式化的信仰
许多信徒将信仰的实践停留在表面的仪式和行为上，无论是基督徒的祷告、读经、聚会，还是佛教徒的念经、烧香、礼佛，大都流于形式化，很多信徒认为这些与实际生活有距离，岂不知圣经或佛经也都是来自于当时的社会现实又高于现实生活？如果你今天的读经祷告如果不与信徒自身的现实生活结合便永远会有一种“读古人历史”的感觉。所以这里说的行为即是信徒自身所有现实的总和，所学的真理应引导人深入内心、寻求出路，不能将其抽象为机械式的宗教任务。
对经文的机械式解读和缺乏实际行动的信仰实践，让很多人的信仰脱离了社会现实和自己生活的实际、甚至忽略了这些现实中的情绪映射所隐含的信仰问题；对佛教徒而已，把信仰当作祈福或逃避现实的工具，而不是用佛法智慧来面对现实的困境也是普遍存在的问题，要知道佛不是用来参拜的，佛法是教人成为佛，拥有无上智慧面对现世，而不是忽略自身业力和因果求泥胚拯救。
（2）社会压力与惰性的结合
现代社会的竞争压力，使许多人无法将信仰与实际生活融合。他们要么因为忙于生计忽视信仰，要么将信仰作为暂时的安慰剂，而没有真正将其转化为应对外界压力的力量。面对不公和压迫时，这种表面化的信仰显得尤其无力。许多信仰者选择沉默，甚至将这种沉默美化为“顺服”或“看破”。而实际上，这种态度助长了不公的延续，甚至将这样的无力感传递给下一代，并成为众多“无神论者”的笑柄。
2. 信仰的真正意义：自由与勇气
（1）信仰的核心是解放思想
信仰的核心在于释放内心的自由，翱翔于世间，而非束缚人于形式。信仰的力量，不仅在于个人的灵性成长，更在于解放思想，让人突破文化束缚，拥有独立思考和追求自由的能力。
耶稣的教导不仅仅是爱与怜悯，更是对不公的抗争和真理的追求。他呼召人们从内心获得自由，并勇敢面对世俗权力的压迫。历史上，许多西方基督徒因信仰而站出来争取自由、反对压迫，如马丁·路德的宗教改革或民权运动中的牧师马丁·路德·金。然而，在今天的某些信仰群体中，这种勇气似乎正在消失，取而代之的是对现状的屈从和无力感。顺便提一部电影《鲍勃.马利：一份爱》(Bob Marley: One Love)，主题曲也叫One Love。
佛教教导修行者要在内心找到解脱，但这并不等同于逃避现实，而是通过觉悟和正念来直面生命的痛苦，找到解脱的智慧和外界互动的力量。
（2）信仰必须转化为爱心行动
信仰不仅是一种个人选择，更是一种社会责任，没有行动的信仰是虚无的。信仰者需要从被动的接受转向主动的实践，用实际行动彰显信仰的力量。
信仰者不仅需要关注自身的灵性成长，还应团结起来，共同面对社会的不公与挑战；将信仰融入日常生活，推动社会变革和进步。这一点说起来简单，做到却难上加难，小到借助悔改调整自我情绪和秉性，大到为所在环境的积极改变而付出的努力，乃至为他人的疾苦呼吁发声并付诸行动，等等。做不到怎么办呢？我个人的经验是从三个方面做起：活在当下，做好眼前事：不纠结过去的错误，也不过分担忧未来的困难，而是专注于当下的每一个细节；鼓励集体行动：寻找志同道合的人，共同为改变不公的社会环境而努力。
3. 如何通过信仰活出自由精神？
（1）突破文化的束缚
中华文化中的等级观念和集体主义常常压抑个体的自由意志，下级服从上级让一层层的上级在下级的盲目服从中迷失了自我，少数服从多数让集体无意识的危害不断重复、不断扩大。二者集合后再辅以儒家思想便是主仆颠倒的结局，比如上世纪60年代的灾害、十年革命、两年前的三年疫情无不在一遍遍上演着这样的案例。
这样的模式与很多基督教国家里的民众思维方式是截然不同的，很多人以为信了基督教后也会得到那样的生活，错了，要知道那样的社会环境也是民众用自己的行动和鲜血换来的，靠隐忍是不会换来身份的改变的。这就是要突破文化束缚的根本原因，尤其是儒家思想的奴性思维模式。信仰者需要通过内心的觉醒，重新认识自己的价值，敢于质疑权威，追求个人与社会的公平正义。
（2）培养独立的思考能力
我们的信仰应当鼓励独立思考，而不是盲目跟随，独立思考的结果不见得都是正确的，而且可能仍然是‘少数’，但这不是需要服从大多数的理由。无论是基督徒还是佛教徒，都需要通过信仰培养对真理的渴望，以及面对复杂社会时的批判能力。
（3）在行动中彰显信仰
将信仰落实在生活中，做好眼前事，但不拘泥于眼前的得失。信仰不仅是精神的归宿，也是行动的指南，信什么很重要，懂得悔改、活好当下更重要；在面对不公和压迫时，信仰者需要站出来，用团结和行动去改变现状，而不仅仅是祈祷和忍耐。
4. 信仰如何给下一代以希望？
（1）从传承到创新
我们一代一代人信仰的传承不仅是延续传统和文化中的精华部分，更是要剔除糟粕并注入新的思想和独立思考习惯，让她们从“大多数人”这个群体里走出来。我们希望下一代从信仰中获得自由、勇敢和希望，而不是继续重复“主人们”的窝囊和上一代的无力和平庸，延续这一代人的胆怯和虚伪。当孩子们越来越大之后便也逐渐意识到自己是这个繁华世界的一分子了，更会意识到原来她的父母和亲朋都是些扶不起的阿斗和懦夫，她们不会指着鼻子骂出来，但在心里早已光速远离你了，原谅父母的唯一原因是她们认为你也是那些“大多数”里的一分子，是没有那个能力改变这个世界的，如果她们认可了你并学着你的样子了，恭喜你，中国又多了一个“主人”。反之，请放手让她们去追求人生该有的样子吧，尽一个父母该尽的义务就很好了，如果作为父母的你愿意给她们做个榜样并去改变自己的身心灵，那就再好不过了，这个世界又多了一个幸福的家庭，天堂在地上也多了一个安乐窝。
（2）为下一代开辟新路
通过我们对待信仰的理解和面对生活和社会的责任感传递，下一代会看到信仰不只是用来安抚心灵的工具，更是帮助他们面对现实、改变现实的力量。让他们成为中华文化中注入自由精神的先锋，而不是被传统束缚的延续者，既不是所谓的“主人”也不算是“仆人”，而是一个不折不扣的“人”，一个拥有独立思考能力、敢做敢当且充满博爱之心的人。
5. 结语：信仰是自由精神的源泉
信仰的深度不在于形式，而在于它是否能够带来内心的自由和行动的力量。在复杂的社会现实中，信仰者需要超越表面的仪式，突破糟粕文化的束缚，将思想解放、内心自由与社会行动结合起来。
真正的信仰是勇气的源泉。它让我们敢于面对自己的软弱与不公的现实，也让我们在行动中找到生命的意义。唯有如此，我们才能活出自由与希望，也才能为中华文化注入真正的自由精神，成为下一代的榜样和力量。
不知您看了后作何感想？无论你现居何地，中国也好、国外也好，也无论你是否落魄、是否富足，都不要放弃对自由的追求与热爱，平庸苟活不是中国人的代名词。
希望我有更多的朋友同行、希望更多的陌生人不再冷漠、希望当前的父母愿意为此而改变。
如有问题请联系[email protected]。
附歌词：
Bob Marley: One Love
One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One love)
Hear the children crying (One heart)
Sayin’, “Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right.”
Sayin’, “Let’s get together and feel all right.”
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One love)
There is one question I’d really love to ask (One heart)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?
Believe me
One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One love)
So shall it be in the end (One heart)
Alright, “Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right.”
“Let’s get together and feel all right.”
One more thing
Let’s get together to fight this Holy Armageddon (One love)
So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom (One song)
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
There ain’t no hiding place from the Father of Creation
Sayin’, “One love, one heart Let’s get together and feel all right.”
I’m pleading to mankind (One love)
Oh, Lord (One heart) Whoa.
“Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right.”
Let’s get together and feel all right.
(Repeat)
鲍勃.马利：《一份爱》
一份爱，一颗心
让我们相聚，一切都将美好
听孩子们在哭泣（一份爱）
听孩子们在哭泣（一颗心）
说着，“感谢并赞美上帝，我就会感觉良好。”
说着，“让我们相聚，一切都将美好。”
哇哦，哇哦，哇哦，哇哦
让他们都说出那些肮脏的话语吧（一份爱）
我真的想问一个问题（一颗心）
是否有一个地方，能让那绝望的罪人容身
他伤害了全人类，只为拯救自己？
相信我
一份爱，一颗心
让我们相聚，一切都将美好
就像最初那样（一份爱）
最终也会如此（一颗心）
好吧，“感谢并赞美上帝，我就会感觉良好。”
“让我们相聚，一切都将美好。”
还有一件事
让我们相聚，共同对抗这场神圣的大决战（一份爱）
所以当那个人来临时，将不会有，没有毁灭（一首歌）
同情那些机会越来越少的人
在造物主面前，无处可藏
说着，“一份爱，一颗心，让我们相聚，一切都将美好。”
我在向人类恳求（一份爱）
哦，上帝（一颗心）哇哦。
“感谢并赞美上帝，我就会感觉良好。”
让我们相聚，一切都将美好。
（重复）
The Castrated Faith and the Loss of the Pursuit of Freedom
On the land of China where I live, there are truly fewer than a hundred top-level public servants—almost everyone else is a “master” of their own domain. In the past, our ancestors were slaves or servants, and the life philosophies they held were either inherited from forefathers, drawn from the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, from Buddhism or Taoism, or they became followers of Western religions. After rising to be the masters of their own lives, many believed that freedom and joy would naturally follow. However, reality stands in stark contrast to this ideal. Instead, people have come to rely on these inherited “wisdoms” merely as a means to cope with work, career, and everyday life—a kind of personal “philosophy” that is taken for faith. I, too, as one of those “masters,” have found that I increasingly struggle to experience genuine freedom and happiness. At first, I thought it was something uniquely wrong with me, but after talking with many others who also call themselves “masters,” I discovered that most feel the same way.
Statistics show that in China, only about 0.56% of people earn a monthly salary of over 10,000 yuan. Yet my living expenses, mortgage payments, healthcare, and even my social status are all held tightly in someone else’s hand. Even the so-called freedom of thought is stifled—with mouths, hands, and legs all constrained by various forms of censorship. Even what we are taught to believe is given to us only after it has been castrated. So, where is the path for people to pursue a free and joyful life?
Countless religions, philosophies, and even atheistic doctrines have been forcefully pinned down by innumerable invisible hands. Layer by layer, that “shiny skin” on our bodies is stripped away, only to be traded for a meager reward that barely lets us survive. Every higher-level aspiration described by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is either taken out of context or, worse yet, castrated by bureaucrats— eliminating the key ideas that could sustain your life. You find yourself unable to propose suggestions for social prosperity or reform; you cannot pursue or even discuss the teachings revealed to you by the Bible or the Buddhist scriptures; without the backing of institutional authority, you cannot even obtain the interpretive rights to what you are constitutionally entitled to. Without all these “masters,” you are like a bird that has lost the sky—freedom becomes nothing more than a dream. Today, let us discuss these issues.
Whether Christians or Buddhists, many believers limit their religious practices to superficial rituals and behaviors while ignoring the real transformation of their hearts. In the face of pain and pressure, faith seems to fail to bring real strength, and even make people powerless and confused. From another perspective, the silence of believers is regrettable in the face of internal and external oppression and violence against the Chinese people. What is even more worrying is that such beliefs not only fail to form an influential collective force, but instead strengthen the continuation of a culture that does not dare to speak out and act, and has the momentum to continue to pass it on.
What exactly is the meaning of faith? We can see from the history of Western Christians that in their pursuit of truth and freedom, they dared to challenge authority and resist oppression to gain freedom. In China’s nearly 70-year history, you can hardly see this kind of courage in the vast majority of Christians. Some are just endless interpretations of the scriptures, and even the voices of the so-called brave are verbal cries according to the “characteristic rules”, and there is no down-to-earth action in sight. Such an influence of faith not only failed to help individuals achieve inner freedom and growth, but instead contributed to the culture of mediocrity in this land. This tepid belief is not so much fraternity as a selfish accomplice of the castrated version of Western Christianity to more than 2,000 years of cultural perpetuation and its totalitarian rule. Which theologian in China in the 21st century has integrated the Bible with social reality? Can’t? Or is there no or is it silent? Still embarrassed to say?
How do we live out a truly free spirit through faith? And how can we teach the next generation to inject fresh sources of ideas into the continuation of Chinese culture, rather than having them repeat the lives of house slaves, couriers, human parts, or mechanical laborers? No matter where you worship and gather, no matter which temple you burn incense and worship, shouldn’t you reflect on this question deeply?
I. Why Does Faith Remain Only Skin-Deep?
- Formalized Faith:
Many believers confine their religious practice to superficial rituals and behaviors. Whether it is Christians praying, reading scripture, and attending meetings, or Buddhists chanting, burning incense, and making offerings, these practices often become mere formalities. Many assume that such rites are disconnected from real life. But bear in mind that both the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures emerged from the realities of their time and yet are meant to transcend everyday life. If your daily prayer and reading of scripture are not coupled with your personal, real-life experience, you will always feel as though you are simply reciting ancient history. In short, our actions—the totality of our real-life engagement—should be guided by the truth we have learned and lead us inward to seek viable paths rather than a mechanical religious routine.
A mechanical reading of Scripture and the lack of effective, practical religious action cause many believers to become detached from both social reality and their own lives—neglecting the underlying emotional currents that signal deeper issues of faith. For many Buddhists, treating faith as merely a means of gaining blessings or as an escape from reality rather than using Buddhist wisdom to confront life’s problems is also a prevalent issue. Remember, the Buddha is not an object merely for veneration; Buddhist teachings are meant to help one become awakened—possessing unsurpassed wisdom to face the challenges of this world rather than ignoring one’s karma and cause-and-effect to seek salvation from a muddy existence.
- The Combination of Social Pressure and Inertia:
In today’s competitive society, many people are unable to integrate faith with their daily lives. They either neglect their faith because they are too busy making a living or treat it as a temporary salve without truly transforming it into a force to counter external pressures. When confronted with injustice and oppression, such a superficial faith proves especially impotent. Many choose silence, sometimes even glorifying that silence as “submission” or “seeing through life.” In truth, such an attitude only perpetuates injustice and transmits this sense of helplessness to the next generation—becoming the laughing stock of many atheists.
II. The True Meaning of Faith: Freedom and Courage
- The Core of Faith Is Liberating the Mind:
The essence of true faith lies in freeing one’s inner being—so that we might soar in the world rather than be bound by empty forms. The power of faith is not only seen in personal spiritual growth but also in liberating the mind from cultural constraints, empowering one to think independently and pursue true freedom.
Jesus’ teachings call not only for love and compassion but for the struggle against injustice and the pursuit of truth. He calls on us to attain inner freedom and to face the oppression of worldly power with courage. Historically, many Western Christians stood up for freedom and fought against oppression—such as during Martin Luther’s Reformation or the civil rights movement led by Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Yet in some faith communities today, that very courage seems to be fading, replaced by acquiescence to the status quo and a sense of powerlessness. (One might recall the film Bob Marley: One Love, whose title song likewise calls for unity.)
While Buddhism teaches that one should find liberation within, it does not mean one should retreat from reality; rather, through awakening and mindful awareness, one confronts life’s pain and finds wisdom to engage with the world.
- Faith Must Transform Into Acts of Love:
Faith is not solely a personal choice; it comes with a social responsibility. A faith that is not acted upon is essentially empty.
Believers need to transition from passive acceptance to active practice—demonstrating the power of their faith through tangible actions. Believers must not only focus on their spiritual growth but also unite to confront social injustice. They should integrate their faith into daily life to drive social change and progress. This is easier said than done, whether adjusting one’s emotions through repentance, taking personal responsibility, or speaking out for those in distress. In my own experience, I have found it helpful to focus on three things:
(a) living in the present and doing well in one’s immediate tasks—without getting overly entangled in past mistakes or future anxieties; (b) encouraging collective action by finding like-minded individuals to work together for social change; and (c) using one’s personal capacity to contribute to the transformation of society.
III. How Can We Live Out a Truly Free Spirit Through Faith?
- Breaking Free from Cultural Constraints:
Traditional Chinese culture, with its emphasis on hierarchy and collectivism, often suppresses individual freedom. The prevalent obedience to authority and the expectation that subordinates must follow their superiors have led to a loss of self. When those in lower positions blindly follow the majority, the harmful effects of such a system multiply. Over time, these patterns—once reinforced by Confucian ideals—result in a society where leaders become disconnected from the people. For instance, the disaster in the 60s of the last century, the ten-year revolution, and the three-year epidemic two years ago are all playing out such cases over and over again.
This mode of thought contrasts sharply with the mindset in many Christian countries, where people think that embracing the Christian faith will automatically result in such a life. However, one must realize that the social environment, too, is the product of relentless struggle and sacrifice—not by resignation but by actively changing the system. This is the fundamental reason why we must break free from cultural constraints, particularly the subservient mindset rooted in Confucian thought. Believers need an inner awakening to rediscover their true worth, to dare to question authority, and to pursue fairness and justice for both the individual and society.
- Cultivating Independent Thinking:
Our faith should encourage us to think independently, rather than follow the crowd blindly. The outcome of independent thought may not always be correct, and it may still be in the minority—but that is no reason for us to submit to the majority. Whether as Christians or Buddhists, we need to cultivate within our faith a longing for truth and the ability to critically analyze complex social issues.
- Demonstrating Faith Through Action:
Faith must be put into practice in everyday life—we must excel in what we do without being overly fixated on immediate gains or losses. Faith is not only the spiritual destination but also a guide for action. What you believe is important; yet, understanding repentance and living well in the present are even more so. When confronted with injustice and oppression, believers need to stand up, unite, and actively work to change the status quo—not just through prayer and patience.
IV. How Does Faith Give Hope to the Next Generation?
- From Inheritance to Innovation:
The transmission of faith from generation to generation is not only about preserving the best parts of tradition and culture; it is also about discarding what is harmful and infusing new ideas and habits of independent thought—enabling them to break away from the masses. We hope that the next generation will gain freedom, courage, and hope from their faith rather than perpetuating the weakness and mediocrity of their parents. As children grow up, they eventually realize they are part of this flourishing world and see that their parents and relatives may have succumbed to timidity and mediocrity. They might never express their disdain openly, yet deep down they have long distanced themselves. The only reason to forgive their parents is because they see them as one of the many in “the masses”—individuals who lack the capacity to change the world. If they come to recognize and model your example, congratulations—China has gained yet another “master.” Otherwise, please step aside and let them pursue the life they deserve. As a parent, fulfilling your duty is enough. But if you are willing to be an example, to transform your body, mind, and spirit, then it will lead to a happier family—bringing heaven’s peace to earth.
- Paving a New Path for the Next Generation:
Through the understanding of faith and the sense of responsibility we demonstrate in facing life and societal issues, the next generation will see that faith is not only a tool for comfort but also a power to confront and change reality. Let them become the pioneers who infuse the spirit of freedom into Chinese culture, not simply as continuators of outdated traditions—neither as “masters” nor as “servants” in the old sense, but as fully realized individuals with independent thought, responsible actions, and a heart full of universal love.
Conclusion: Faith Is the Source of a Free Spirit
The depth of faith is not measured by superficial forms but by whether it brings inner freedom and empowers us to act. In a complex social reality, believers must rise above mere ritual and break free from the shackles of a corrupted culture—liberate our minds, set our hearts free, and combine this inner liberation with practical social action.
True faith is the wellspring of courage. It allows us to face our weaknesses and the injustices of the world, and to find meaning in our actions. Only then can we live a life of freedom and hope and infuse authentic free spirit into Chinese culture—becoming role models and a source of strength for the next generation.
I wonder what your thoughts are after reading this. No matter where you live, whether in China or abroad, regardless of whether you are struggling or prospering, never give up the pursuit and love of freedom—mere mediocre existence is not the hallmark of the Chinese people. May I hope to have many friends walking together on this path, and may more strangers no longer be indifferent, and may present parents be willing to change for the better.
Please, dear brothers and sisters, let us join together in prayer for this cause!
发表回复