Chapter 1990 - 1990: 1990

Bishop Keji is a devout Christian.

Due to the influence of the Wale Republic, he is also the bishop of the Southwest Asia district of Christianity!

Religion is inherently unrelated to politics, but politics sometimes influences religion, as is the case here.

Fortunately, the politics of the Wale Republic has been quite benign so far.

Thus, religion and politics can still cycle positively in the development history of human civilization.

Liu Zhizhong is a person without faith, but it does not affect his status as a political expert, ruling a nation and active on the world political stage.

He is also very respectful towards Bishop Keji.

Upon meeting Bishop Keji, Liu Zhizhong warmly stood up to greet him and personally poured him a cup of his favorite bitter coffee.

Keji came with documents, some necessary documents regarding the ethnic and religious bureau's expenditure declarations, which needed Liu Zhizhong's approval.

After the routine procedures, Keji specifically mentioned one matter.

"Honorable Mr. President, the Vice President of Great East Pot Religion and President of the Buddhist Council, Master Shi Yongxing, has sent a delegation to visit our country, hoping to meet you to discuss some business plans."

"Shi Yongxing?" Liu Zhizhong was slightly taken aback, "Is he still the abbot of the famous Shaodong Temple in Great East Pot, with many commercial enterprises under the name of Shaodong Temple?"

"Yes, Mr. President, it seems you are quite familiar?"

Liu Zhizhong smiled indifferently, full of disdain within.

While in the country, he had heard about him, and later, after his circle expanded, he often discussed Shi Yongxing with godfather Brother Xuan and Xiang Wenhua.

This old bald donkey started by selling fake rat poison and became the abbot of Shaodong Temple at a young age. Then he clung to powerful figures and gradually began commercial expansions for the temple.

Practicing Buddhism?

He knows nothing!

He's proficient in blessing fallen women.

Keeping mistresses, illegitimate children, buying overseas assets, he's skilled in all of these.

However, the backing is strong, and no matter how people reported him, he hasn't fallen yet.

Anyway, the way Shaodong Temple operates is extremely unseemly to Liu Zhizhong.

Many people's vows at the Buddha have been fulfilled only by these bald donkeys, haha…

The incense money donated by many people only fattens these plump bald donkeys.

Many historical anti-Buddhist movements demonstrate that the ruling class truly sees through this farce, heh heh…

At this point, Liu Zhizhong said: "What business plans does Master Shi Yongxing's delegation want to discuss? Bishop Keji and your team, what are your thoughts?"

Bishop Keji smiled kindly, handed over another document in his hand, and said: "Mr. President, their intentions are all in here. You can understand by looking through it yourself. As for my own view, I don't like it much; my team's opinion is basically the same. Of course, being a major project involving religion and politics, it naturally requires your approval, Mr. President; we're clear on that."

Liu Zhizhong nodded, took the document, and started reviewing it.

Simultaneously, he realized inwardly that Bishop Keji indeed had a strong mind and insight.

While flipping, he said: "What is the root of your dislike, Bishop?"

"In my opinion, religion is both philosophy and theology. Buddhism is similar. But whatever the religion, it must align with universal human values. Whether one has a god or a Buddha in their heart, kindness, love, equality, and freedom are crucial. However, the continuous commercialization of Shaodong Temple shows me only its business value, driven by greed without exemplifying benevolence or charity, which starkly contrasts with the practice of Christianity and Catholicism. The donations from the faithful, aside from necessary church expenses, should be used for saving the suffering populace—for example, establishing charitable halls, funding hospitals, schools, etc. Shaodong Temple clearly hasn't done this; they are just getting fatter while the believers are not nourished and enlightened by the Buddha."

Liu Zhizhong nodded repeatedly, occasionally raising his thumbs.

Finally, he set down the document in his hand, greatly sighing: "Considering the spread of human civilization, or rather the spread of universal values and technological culture, missionaries have done numerous meaningful things in the name of God. Unfortunately, some countries' history books never record that. History, lacking justice, is hypocritical history. In reality, it's hard for both of us to imagine what epoch-making contributions Buddhism has made in the transmission and development of human civilization. Instead, it's the believers, generation after generation, ignorantly supporting it. In fact, it's not far fetched to say the Buddhist teachings have been turned into tools for making money and satisfying private desires by Buddhist groups and ruling classes."

Bishop Keji nodded, "Mr. President is absolutely right; indeed. Before God, this world still contains countless injustices and suffering; the current Islam and Great East Pot's Buddhism are manifest examples. Mr. President, after reviewing these documents, what are your thoughts? Clearly, you probably won't agree?"

Liu Zhizhong chuckled, took a sip of tea, and looked at the closed file before him, nodding, "Yes, I won't agree. The Wale Republic is a nation of the people, and it's also a nation of religious freedom. However, what we need from religions is genuine religion, filled with love and salvation, not East Buddhism as represented by Shaodong Temple, laden with deception, selfish desires, and corruption."

"They have never been kind, nor will they ever be. The requests within, haha, establishing Wafu and Eastern Buddhism Exchange Associations, setting up Wale Religious and Eastern Buddhism Liaison Committees truly pollute our religious objectives."

"Also, trying to purchase real estate here, building Shaodong Temple's Wale branch temple, constructing Shaodong Temple's Wale tourism hotels, establishing Shaodong Temple Martial Arts Academy's branch—ha ha... The key point is, they even want the branch temple to be included under Shaodong Temple Wale's commercial company, requesting tax cuts, and registering in the Cayman Islands. What is their real intention?"

Bishop Keji shook his head, "I'm not entirely sure about their real intentions, but their ambition to make money under the guise of religion in Wale is apparent. Making lots and lots of money yet not giving back to society is something I can't comprehend."

Liu Zhizhong said: "Making money is just one aspect! Of course, the money they earn might not be fully consumed by them. Buddhism is boundless, but the abbot has limited capacity! Most importantly, the export of these enterprises is quite favorable for helping others launder money, transferring illegal assets overseas. Wale Republic's good and relaxed financial environment is precisely what they need, haha..."