Religion and Social Welfare
Korean Way of Accepting Christianity
Observing Korean culture here and there, one can find a unique culture only in Korea. The number of church in the city, people going to the church on weekends, Olympic sports players praying with a cross after the match, inviters for the Church on a street are just some examples how Christianity is widespread throughout the country in Korea. This is what makes Korea distinct from neighboring countries like Japan and China, where Buddhism is more popular for the major part of the people within. However, on the other hand, there is much deeply rooted Confucian influence when seeing the culture in Korea as well. It is so fundamental norms in Korean culture that people do not even recognize the fact that it is actually originated in Confucian teachings. Many “invisible rules” at the drinking table, using respecting way of talking to parents, the figure of ideal woman and such are expected to exist there as long as being part of the Korean society.
These phenomena are remarkable in a sense that long standing history of Confucianism and newly came yet strong power of Christianity are somewhat greatly mixed together. The reason behind this is because the purpose of religion after all is receiving “care” from them, especially for the country like Korea where it has traumatic memories deeply engraved in the heart of its people. Both religions have been playing significant role in not only giving care but also healing to the people; therefore, introducing Christianity to Koreans is historically and sociologically important. A Record of the Words of Ryu-Han-Dang provides us the first adapting process of Christianity coming into Korea where Confucian teachings and behaviors were strictly conducted. With an emphasize on “Word of the Lord of Heaven”, Ryu-Han-Dang introduces the instructions of life for women in Joseon society. It is a great story to learn how Christianity came into Korean society, because the role of woman was one
Observing Korean culture here and there, one can find a unique culture only in Korea. The number of church in the city, people going to the church on weekends, Olympic sports players praying with a cross after the match, inviters for the Church on a street are just some examples how Christianity is widespread throughout the country in Korea. This is what makes Korea distinct from neighboring countries like Japan and China, where Buddhism is more popular for the major part of the people within. However, on the other hand, there is much deeply rooted Confucian influence when seeing the culture in Korea as well. It is so fundamental norms in Korean culture that people do not even recognize the fact that it is actually originated in Confucian teachings. Many “invisible rules” at the drinking table, using respecting way of talking to parents, the figure of ideal woman and such are expected to exist there as long as being part of the Korean society.
These phenomena are remarkable in a sense that long standing history of Confucianism and newly came yet strong power of Christianity are somewhat greatly mixed together. The reason behind this is because the purpose of religion after all is receiving “care” from them, especially for the country like Korea where it has traumatic memories deeply engraved in the heart of its people. Both religions have been playing significant role in not only giving care but also healing to the people; therefore, introducing Christianity to Koreans is historically and sociologically important. A Record of the Words of Ryu-Han-Dang provides us the first adapting process of Christianity coming into Korea where Confucian teachings and behaviors were strictly conducted. With an emphasize on “Word of the Lord of Heaven”, Ryu-Han-Dang introduces the instructions of life for women in Joseon society. It is a great story to learn how Christianity came into Korean society, because the role of woman was one