The Kyeongyang magazine had three articles about superstition in society by three priests well acquainted with the subject. Although in the 21st century— an ultra-modern society— we still have fortune-tellers doing very well in their trade.
One priest recalls on entering the military receiving a strange-looking picture in a vinyl bag. It was an amulet he was to carry with him to avert misfortune. His mother had received baptism some 8 years before and was a Legion of Mary member and a village leader. And yet with one hand, gave him a rosary and with the other a good luck charm.
Recently he asked his mother if she would be doing the same thing today? She answered that her faith at that time was weak and was serving two masters. She had changed. It is a fact that many Christians do go to fortune-tellers.
One article mentions religion in the eyes of many is only a place to receive blessings. This is only natural for we are all looking for a better life.
This mentality is expressed by the words often used: "I am unlucky," "That's my destiny". Words that give us an understanding of the shamanistic background. The future is unsure so not a small number of Koreans at important times of life go to fortune-tellers.
Most Christians after going to a fortune teller do have qualms of conscience. This results from the fight between one's natural feelings and what we consider to be sin.
We need to examine our plan for life. Without this diagnosis, we will not find the correct solution for our feelings of uneasiness. The more one feels uncomfortable the greater the need to find a real solution and not an emotional one.
If one indulges in divination, it will be difficult to adapt to real life and can lead to nihilism. Moreover, Christians must avoid the act of fortune-telling for it harms sound faith before deciding whether the act of fortune-telling is sinful or not.
Second, don't be in a hurry. Some Koreans on important days in life will go to fortune tellers to determine if what is planned is a day when the evil spirits are not wandering about. Also, the Korean cultural need of 'Ppali-Ppali' (hurry-hurry) is operative. In general, Koreans are impatient and cannot hold back their curiosity about their future.
In times like these, he wants to advise the readers to live a slow life. Speed is a sports term, not the language of faith. Thinking and acting slowly and fully is the secret to living wisely.
Lastly, we must focus on religious education. Proper religious education produces mature faith. To know God and the faith, we must invest generously of our time. God's gift is salvation but we need to cultivate the habit of learning and studying to grow in maturity.
It is impossible to feel God's mercy if we only recognize him as distant from us. We should not forget that we live breathe, and have our being in him. Even if the pain and anxiety of life are overwhelming, by remembering the compassionate and loving God, we will gain peace and courage.
