Christianity

Question 1

Characteristics

Answer 1

Nationalistic
-Modernization and enlightenment (during the imperialism era : late 19C – early 20C)
-Patriotism (during the Japanese colonial rule : 1910 - 1945)
-Anti-communism (during the Korean War 1950 – 1953 and thereafter)
-Democratization (during the authoritarian rule : 1963 – 1987)

Charismatic leaderships

Mega-size church and systematic organization

Strong pride and identity, but now under challenge

Other religious influence:
-Confucian elements : paternal leadership, organizational hierarchy, family hood
-Shamanistic elements : ecstasy experience, minister as an intermediator
-Buddhism elements : promote merciful behaviours and good deeds

Question 2

Catholics

Answer 2

first Roman Catholics: Yi Sung-hun -Confucian scholar, Yun Chi-chung- first Korean christian martyr→ sentenced to death

-male members need to perform Confucian memorial services when their parents died → Confucians couldn’t participate

-During joseon: Christians persecution →103 executed were canonised // 93 koreans → Korea has the most recognised Catholic saints

-Catholic villages - tried to ignore the “outside world”

Question 3

Protestantism

Answer 3

-Horace Alen- American presbyterian - first hospital + two modern schools

-catholics: hiding in the countryside ↔ protestants in the cities
-Why?:
- government needed modernisation + new facilities → turned blind eye
- Presbyterians: more modernisers than missionaries

Question 4

Protestantism vs Catholicism

Answer 4

Catholics:
-In the countryside
-Inactive in public life/organization
(more focused on spiritual matters)
-Prayed to a God they called”chonju”
-Celibate
-SpokeFrench
-prayers in latin

Protestants:
-In the cities
-Highly visible inurban medical clinics or schools
-Prayed to a God they called either”hananim”
-Married
-Spoke English
-Prayers in Korean

Question 5

신민회

Answer 5

New people’s association

-strengthen Korean education and economy

-Planning an armed struggle against the Japanese takeover of Korea

-Japanese police charged the Shinminhoe → Arrested almost 700 Koreans

105 on trial → Accusation of conspiracy with Methodist bishop & Presbyterian missionaries → Result:stronger nationalist image of Protestant Christianist

Question 6

March 1st Independent Movement

Answer 6

-Public statement: denouncing Japanese colonial rule + desire for independence → 33 signatures: 16 Christians, 2 Buddhist, 15 Chondogyo

-Nationwide demonstration: Arrested people: 2,700 Protestants (20%), 54 Catholics → Protestants = 1% of overall population

Question 7

Shinto Rituals:

Answer 7

-Japan demands to participate in Shintō rituals

-Catholics: Shinto ceremonies=political → unable to show nationalistic resistance → lost to colonial oppression

-Protestants: resistance → Improve nationalistic passion → 1938: Presbyterian General Assembly declared rituals as non-religiou

Question 8

Korean Christian Theology:

Answer 8

Literal understanding of bible and sinfulness of human nature

-Emotional intensity in prayers, singing and praise for the Lord

-Expect concrete signs that they have been filled by the Lord

-Avid church-goers, even on weekdays

-Moon Sun-myung, birth of new messiah and Korea as next center for World Christianity?

-Now sending own missionaries overseas