Christianity in Korea

[Patrick Hayes]

I was just curious about the growth of Christianity in Korea. It doesn't seem like Korea has been exposed to Christianity to any greater degree than any other country in east Asia, but it seems to have so much more of a presence there and among Korean-Americans. Does anyone know why? The best article I've found so far is here , but it doesn't really answer my question.

[D Dempsey]

For one thing they have a whole lot of exposure to western culture. The US was pivitol is the creation and maintaining of their society. Plus with the 60K or so americans, canadians, and austrailians living there it's not really suprising. I believe that christianity is the prominant religious faith in the ROK. All of my family members that live there are catholic. I think that they still celebrate buddist holidays, and vist the temples though.

[Patrick Hayes]

For one thing they have a whole lot of exposure to western culture. The US was pivitol is the creation and maintaining of their society. Plus with the 60K or so americans, canadians, and austrailians living there it's not really suprising. I believe that christianity is the prominant religious faith in the ROK. All of my family members that live there are catholic. I think that they still celebrate buddist holidays, and vist the temples though.

I had thought this too, but if this is the case, then why isn't Christianity more widespread in Vietnam and Thailand, which have just as much exposure to western culture, and have large numbers of American, Australian, British, and French residents?

[D Dempsey]

I have no idea, but that's a really good question. As far as I knew christianity was pretty popular in both Thailand and Vietnam. I thought the big three there were buddism, islam, and christianity.

[maxwell]

I had thought this too, but if this is the case, then why isn't Christianity more widespread in Vietnam and Thailand, which have just as much exposure to western culture, and have large numbers of American, Australian, British, and French residents?

Well, I heard from a friend that South Korea has a rapid development in christian religion. The biggest amount of bible group in Asia.And China is also developing in this religion.
And from my opinion, a large number of western people in Asia, dont give a big influence.Because nowaday most of western people don't have religion.
I come from a christian comunity , i went to christian school .I know a lot of priests here, but they don't have any relationship with western priests.In fact some of them complain about the quality of western priests , because they do it just jor job and to earn money.They study theology , get a titel , be priesters and get some money.

I dont have any idea ,for what reason Christian grow so rapid in Korea.May be it just a trend in korean society , just like yoga and meditation are a trend in Western society. As my priest said a few months ago , western people go to Asia to learn asian religion (Zen,Meditation,etc......) and asian people eager to learn christian religion and a lot of them go to west country to take Theology course in University (like my priest).

Maxwell Lee

[maxwell]

I have no idea, but that's a really good question. As far as I knew christianity was pretty popular in both Thailand and Vietnam. I thought the big three there were buddism, islam, and christianity.

So far i know, in thailand is buddishm , and in Vietnam is Confusiusm (like in Hong Kong).They both are 2 different religion. Correct me,if i am wrong.



Maxwell Lee

[D Dempsey]

I guessing that you have never been to asia before? There are incredibly large numbers of muslims and christian as well as buddists. I doubt that its a fad or a trend. Christianity and Islam are hardly new religions in asia.

[rupertmja]

Christianity offered hope when the Confucian order demanded subservience and so it began to grow amongst those seeking to 'rise up' in the greater scheme of things. Ironically, the Confucian desire to learn meant that when what was 'foreign' offered new knowledge, Christianity was included therein, although it was officially persecuted for a hundred years or more. Also, Christianity does not accept other religions and so those cultures whose people are unwilling to drop Buddhist or other (Shinto) ideas are less likely to see growth in Christianity. For example, a family in Japan might claim to be Christian but will likely - secretly - visit their Shinto shrine on occasion or offer a prayer while passing a temple on a mountain hike. In Japan, mixing is the norm but that is generally unacceptable to Christianity. In Korea, people convert completely and so it flourishes. Also, Buddhism was alienated by Confucianism for 500 years leaving a gaping religious hole - the shaman could not satisfy everyone I guess.

[D Dempsey]

That's very interesting. Thanks for the reply. By the what area of the ROK do you live in? I used to live in Pyongtaek and my wife is currently living in Busan.

[rupertmja]

I'm in Seongnam, just southeast of Seoul.

[Patrick Hayes]

In Japan, mixing is the norm but that is generally unacceptable to Christianity. In Korea, people convert completely and so it flourishes.

But why do they convert completely, when in Japan (and in China too, from what I understand), most Christian converts also hold on to some of their native beliefs?

[Sgathak]

The main religions in Vietnam are Buddhism (which is very close to Zen in practice, rather than Thervada, which would be expected), Christianity, and CaoDai, which blends Buddhism with Christianity (even has a Pope) and tribal faiths.

I think the reason you see so much christianity in SKorea has more to do with the fact that at least in modern times, Western representation is NOT being forced. We arnt there (usually) as tourists welcomed only for our money, nor are we there trying to run the place like a colony.

[rupertmja]

But why do they convert completely, when in Japan (and in China too, from what I understand), most Christian converts also hold on to some of their native beliefs?

As I said, it is not a case of abandoning beliefs since Buddhism was sidelined by Confucianism for 500 years thus there are far fewer 'committed' buddhist followers. Also, while most Koreans are still confucian, confucianism is not really a religion (it is more a political philosophy) and so Christianity has no beef with it. Also, Christianity offers a kind of 'equality' in a society that is not so equal ... there are probably many factors.

Note: Before Confucianism took prominence in the Yi Dynasty, the major temples were often found in the cities and towns, later, they were ostracised somewhat, which is why today you find them in the deepest mountains.

[Hapkiyoosool]

Percentage per capita, Koreans have the largest Christian following of any country in the world. Dr. Cho has a million member church. The largest in the world. Most of the christians in Korea are born again believers according to Billy Grahams website.
I converted from Buddhism to Christianity in Korea.

Rupert, how's training going? Have you visited Grandmaster Chang in Pyongtaek lately? How do I get a copy of your book? Looks great!

[rupertmja]

How do I get a copy of your book? Looks great!

Try Amazon thru this link: http://discovering-aikido.com/orders.html

Hope you like it

[rupertmja]

Rupert, how's training going? Have you visited Grandmaster Chang in Pyongtaek?

No, but I intend to visit quite a few places to gather information on Korean arts once I get over my current workload.

[klaasb]

In that case, give me a call 010 31007479

[One Spirit]

Percentage per capita, Koreans have the largest Christian following of any country in the world. Dr. Cho has a million member church. The largest in the world. Most of the christians in Korea are born again believers according to Billy Grahams website.
I converted from Buddhism to Christianity in Korea.

Rupert, how's training going? Have you visited Grandmaster Chang in Pyongtaek lately? How do I get a copy of your book? Looks great!

One other part about the fact, in my opinion from other countries I have been in, is the fact that in America, we take such a easy, laid back approach to rules and traditions. Most Americans don't seem to have a "face" or true sense of purpose in their lifes. I am a Believer in Christ and most of my friends are as well. We talk about this sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I love America. It is a great place to live. But, I am sadden by the changes and decisions we make here that put more into money and not into Christ and life. In other countries around the world, people are looking for something that offers hope and meaning in life. The true sense of a Christian. Not the "Benny Hin" television preacher...

I hope I did't carry off too far from the post. Sorry if I did.

[ChristianTSD]

This is late in the discussion, but I think I can shed some light on this - Korea is the home of the cell group church movement. For anyone who may not know what that is, it's a slightly different approach to doing church, where you have a normal service on Sunday (called a celebration service), but most of your involvment centers around relationship-oriented small groups (usually of 6-12 people) that meet in a home, at work, or really anywhere during the week (usually once a week). These cell groups are the main focus of the church, and Bible study, evanglism, disciplship as a Christian and fellowship all take place in the small group context. Korea is also the home of the g12 movement - a church were the pastor decided to focus on 12 people, who each in turn focus on 12 people, and so on (after the model of Jesus - 12 disciples). The g12 church's college group is so large, they meet at a football field, as there is not a building that can contain them all - and college age is a small segment of the population!
I am a student at a theological college, so I'm kind of in the loop on this sort of thing.
Anything else I can help with?

In Christ,
Phil Stewart

[Margaret Lo]

This is late in the discussion, but I think I can shed some light on this - Korea is the home of the cell group church movement. For anyone who may not know what that is, it's a slightly different approach to doing church, where you have a normal service on Sunday (called a celebration service), but most of your involvment centers around relationship-oriented small groups (usually of 6-12 people) that meet in a home, at work, or really anywhere during the week (usually once a week). These cell groups are the main focus of the church, and Bible study, evanglism, disciplship as a Christian and fellowship all take place in the small group context.
In Christ,
Phil Stewart

[/QUOTE]But why do they convert completely, when in Japan (and in China too, from what I understand), most Christian converts also hold on to some of their native beliefs?[/QUOTE]

The juxtaposition of these two things is very telling. My understanding is that during the occupation of Korea by Japan, the church became associated with the Resistance. It may be that the cell groups referenced by Phil are the remnant of what was probably a widespread underground movement. With active suppression and oppression from the Japanese, the church could only exist as a movement of secret cells composed of people who knew and trusted each other. The efforts of the cells gained christiantiy tremendous and well deserved legitimacy. In contrast, the traditional faiths were probably considered collaborators since the main temples were certainly under Japanese control.



M