Superstition in Korean Society

  

 

Shamanism and Superstition are two words with many subdivisions. Before the entrance of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity into Korea, Shamanism was present. Korean shamanism seeks to explain both natural and supernatural influences on human life and a way of contacting the spirit world.

Fortune tellers have a similar goal but different approaches. Shamans are often called 'mudangs' and fortune tellers often consider their workplaces the philosopher's room. Their identity is not limited to any special name or location; they are doing very well in Korean society. For the most part, they work to make people happy for that means they will have a bright future.

This way of life doesn't require any license or certification. Open to all who are interested and with the employment opportunities in society being what they are we see an increase of Shamans and fortune tellers.
 

In the Catholic Times, Honorary Journalist Column the writer recounts going to a restaurant with a friend she hadn't seen for some time. On the TV that was turned on in the dining room a celebrity who visited a shaman was talking about fortune-telling and emphasizing that he was a 'Catholic believer'.

At a table behind the writer, she heard the mocking remarks about Catholics who have no trouble visiting 'mudangs' to learn about their future. The writer was not happy to hear what the celebrity was saying but she felt she was sitting on a cushion of thorns.

Shamans and superstition-related content are increasing through broadcasting and YouTube. No matter how much the content is used for fun she is worried that believers will get soaked into shamanism like what happens when out in a drizzle. In particular, in the last election, news reports on shamanistic doings in society, Shincheonji Church (a newly Christian Church Movement) were often in the news.

These days, it feels that various strange teachings, shamanism, and superstitions that were hiding in the dark are coming out to the sun and walking around with boldness. It was for her a time to go a little more deeply into the different areas of this life style.

Western divination methods are mixed up with our own physiognomy, fortune-telling, zodiac signs, tarot cards, lucky days, the four pillars, (year, month, day, and hour of birth) things to do when moving or celebrating, spraying salt to chase ghosts that followed after going to a house, marriage beliefs, and many folk beliefs and superstitions that permeate our lives.

These folk beliefs and superstitions are not what a Christian should be concerned with and she concludes her article by telling the readers that she was proud that she didn't believe in these superstitious ways of so many but after thought, surprised that she unknowingly was involved with some of these beliefs and superstitions. She prays that we will be awake to the shamanism and superstitions that penetrate society.
 

Hellenism And Hebraism

The Catholic Times  On Reconciliation and Unification of the Peninsula column  gives us an Asian understanding of the place of Hellenism and Hebraism in the world society.

 

Today's Western civilization is said to have originated from the fusion of Hellenism and Hebraism. Hellenism refers to the Greek way of thinking, and culture. 

 

Alexander the Great of Macedonia advances to India in the East through an expedition to Persia, an enemy of Greece. As a result, the kingdom of Macedonia became a great empire that stretched from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean coast. The culture that merged the  worlds of the Orient and Greece were merged into one called Hellenism, one of the pillars of Western culture, spreading to the entire territories of the Roman Empire.

 

On the other hand, Hebraism refers to the Jewish way of thinking, and culture. Hebraism originated in Judaism, but later blossomed in Christianity. Christianity spread to the Roman Empire through the Apostle Paul,  officially recognition in 313 and state religion in 392, forming another central pillar of Western culture. 

 

If the characteristics of Hellenism emphasize human reason earthly oriented, polytheistically oriented, objective and logical, Hebraism emphasizes the divine realm the  afterlife, monotheistic, intuitive, and emotional. If Hellenism based on reason developed European scientific civilization and humanism and resulted in the expansion of Europe externally, it is said that Hebraism sublimated the relationship between humans in society, religiously and morally. In this way, in the Renaissance era, Hellenism and Hebraism harmonized together and blossomed in Europe. 

 

In a way, the blending of two opposing flows during the Renaissance advanced Western civilization. 

 

This is a part that is difficult to understand at first glance for those of us who live in the era of extremes today. But this is the point where we learn that rapprochement rather than rejection can have bigger and better results [But this as with all things requires discretion and discernment].

 

We turn to look at our geopolitical position. The Korean Peninsula is said to be the intersection of continental and maritime powers, and I wonder if we can play a role in fusing the two currents that look like extremes— North and South—Hoping to say: "Violence will no longer  be heard of in your  county, nor devastation and ruin within your frontiers. You will call your walls  'Salvation' and your gates 'Praise'" (Isaiah 60:18).

 

Prayer Is Not Doing Nothing!

 

A director of the Catholic Spiritual Counseling Center gives his advice to the readers of a diocesan bulletin on how to resolve the conflict and hostility we find in society.

The new ordinary of the Archdiocese of Seoul was installed at a time we had one of the hottest elections for the president of the country. There were a lot of concerns around the New Ordinary among the Catholics. What kind of action would he take in the ongoing crisis? It seems certain—a strong will to keep the place of prayer before the Christians.

Holy hours of prayer with believers. Many believers joined the new ordinary in prayer.

Looking at the archbishop the writer thinks we may have forgotten we are to be a praying people. Some people criticized the behavior seeing it as avoidance of needed action.

The writer who is working in the field of psychology believes the archbishop has chosen wisely. Prayer is not of the right or left, liberal or conservative, south or north.

This is because there is a fierce division between the left and the right, not only in the media but also in the personal communication network. Naturally, there are differences of opinion and there are standards for judging, this difference of opinion is a desirable phenomenon in creating a democratic society. However, when one sees the opinions of others not only as different but considers the other as an enemy we are dealing with an unhealthy society. This is because hostility inflicts fatal blows on both sides.

That is why some journalists lament that our country is already in a state of civil war even if the citizens don't have guns in their hands. This division among the citizens of this small country is not something we are experiencing for the first time. For in the past, we have had regional rivalry, class conflict, and other divisions that eat away at society like a malignant tumor.

As a result, incidents like the Jeju 4,3 massacre of good people have occurred. In this kind of atmosphere, people who do not know each other often fight and even friends over a drink. The fundamental problems are divisions and hostility. And it is not the politicians who want to profit by instigating divisions who will solve this problem, but the selfless people and their greatest weapon is prayer.

Prayer is the best way to cool down the burning hostility and cool down the spiraling emotions, and this is not doing anything. As we pray, talk, pray, and talk, we hope that the land we live in will not be a hell burning with hostility, but a peaceful meadow where the whole nation can rest together.

Facing disagreement, resentment, and hostility makes many angry and upset, this is not the attitude of those  looking for wisdom. Many things need to be resolved before the talking that will produce results, not always what we desire but to search for truth in humility and love.
 

Europe's Heat Wave And Korea

 

In the Eyes of the Believer Column of the Catholic Times Weekly, the writer alerts the readers to the seriousness of World Climate Change. 

A man washing his head at a fountain in the square with his shirt off in the midday heat, a wildfire spewing black smoke on a dry yellow field, a forest fire turns forests into ashes and threatens private homes, a twisted railroad track, a red heatwave warning and declaring a national emergency situation... Europe in July because of climate change is experiencing the heat of hell.

 

This month, Europe is in a state of emergency due to extremely high temperatures in midsummer. The heatwave is setting new records every day, and it is now common to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Britain crossed 40 degrees for the first time ever, and so did France. In Spain and Portugal, the situation is even worse, reaching 47 degrees. We have terrible prospects for the Iberian Peninsula, with temperatures over 50 degrees. The United States is no exception, and the entire global village is suffering from unprecedented severe body fatigue. "Climate change is killing people, killing ecosystems and biodiversity." it is affecting all of us deeply.

 

High temperatures exceeding 40 degrees are difficult to tolerate compared to the normal human body temperature of around 37 degrees. It's literally suffocating. If the situation does not improve, in a few years there will likely be a saying, "But then, compared to now, this will be considered mild". Bad times are waiting for the global village. 

 

Why is the heat wave particularly hitting Europe this year? First, the 'blocking phenomenon' is considered to be the cause of the heat wave. This is because the huge high pressure stays for a long time and stagnates the airflow. It got its name because it completely blocked the airflow. In addition, the weakening of the jet stream force pushing the heated high-pressure layer also played a role. It is a warning to the planet about greenhouse gases and climate change. 

 

Unlike Europe, we wonder if the heat wave and tropical nights are over. It is quite cool at night when you open the window without turning on the air conditioner. Are we better off than Europe? There is a slight difference in temperatures, but we don't know the future. We must not forget that today in Europe can be our tomorrow. 

 

"The climate crisis is at a crossroads between collective action and collective suicide." A warning from UN Secretary-General at the recent climate talks in Germany is terrifying. 

 

This means that the global village must take action on climate action together right now. In the face of the climate crisis, scientists have come up with a countermeasure called the global temperature change within 1.5℃” scenario. The goal is to limit the increase in global average temperature to 1.5°C by 2100. The standard is the pre-industrial comparison. Since it has already risen by 1℃, there is only a 0.5℃ margin. By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by at least 45% compared to 2010, and net emissions must be zero by 2050. It is considered the only desperate solution to slow global warming. Other alternatives include preserving biodiversity, reducing internal combustion locomotives, and using fewer fossil fuels such as coal. 

 

The solution to the climate crisis is ultimately protecting the planet. Isn't the earth "the heavens and the earth that God created in the beginning" (Genesis 1:1)? It is also, as Pope Francis said: "the house of all of us." "The natural environment is the heritage of all mankind and a public good that everyone should be responsible for. We are facing a complex social and environmental crisis. We must unite in caring for this house entrusted to us." (From the Encyclical 「Laudato Si) Let’s get rid of the thought: I am only one person— what can I do to protect the earth? Even if it's not right now, we just can't ignore the problems of life and death of future generations? Let's be willing to start with small actions that we can do in our respective places.

Is The Korean Catholic Church Ready to Listen?

 

In his homily on 13 December 2016, Pope Francis said: "Clericalism is a really awful thing; it is a new edition of this ancient evil of the religious 'authorities' lording it over others. But the victim is the same: the poor and humble people, who await the Lord" (Casa Santa Marta).

In the Catholic Peace Weekly in its column the Readers Platform we have a Catholic expressing his views on an issue that we hear a lot about these days: listening in the preparation for a Synodal Church—Communion, Participation, Mission. 

The writer a layman used to work in a church institution. He worked for about 14 years, from the age of 28 to 42, now, he works for a general media company and only attends Masses. 

 

When he heard that the theme of the Synod of Bishops was to listen to what the Holy Spirit was saying to the Church as a whole, his first thought was whether the Korean Church was ready for this.

 

Experience is very subjective, but it becomes true when several experiences are repeated over a long period. The truth he learned from interviewing hundreds of lay people at the church was that the limitations of lay people within the church were clear. Laymen, especially those working in church institutions, complained and sometimes got angry talking to him. There really was no exception. They sometimes say, "I just do what I'm told. In particular, if you speak directly to your superiors, priests, and religious, for the development of the church, you will not last long. "I have a family to protect. I just keep my mouth shut."

 

It's a miserable reality. The fact that these words are often pouring out of the mouths of God's people is harsh enough. Do priests and religious really know this? Or is it that even if they know, they just ignore it, dismissing it as a lack of a sense of mission or faith? 

 

One of his ancestors is a Blessed Martyr in the Korean Church. But last year, he left his job. It was for the same reason as the lay people who complained to him.

 

But he doesn't believe he ever lost affection for the church. When you look at the word "listening" you'll expect to see if it will change now. 

 

If the religious and priests read this article, what do you think will be their response? Will it not be that he is making generalizations by magnifying what only a few are saying.

 

He responds with what a friend said: "it serves you right. Did I not say it in the first place? The Korean church does not seem to be able to realize the theme of listening..."

 

He is reminded of an old man's words. The senior said to him, who had confided his worries: "The time has not come yet for the Korean church to change; it will be possible when the believers disappear like in the European church. I think it will be difficult before then." 

 

He hopes it will not end like that.

Imitating the Owner of the Vineyard (Matt. 20)

In the Catholic Peace Weekly Diagnosis of the Times, the writer wants us to imitate the owner of the vineyard in Matthews Gospel (chapter 20).

Jesus often said that the existing values ​​and order would change to "first last, last first". The parable of the good vineyard owner gives us an example of this teaching. The owner of the vineyard left the house early in the morning to buy workers. The vineyard did not wait for the workers to come. Going to the market to find workers started early in the morning and continued from 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.
 
The owner went out until 5 pm to call workers, not only because they were needed but to take care of people whose livelihoods were being threatened because they couldn't find work. The workers were promised a denarius each. It was a day's wage. They all received one denarius.
 
They were all in desperate need of a day's wages. It's probably normal for people who come early in the morning to grumble. However, the owner of the vineyard said that paying the same wages was not 'committing injustice'. According to the world, the attitude of the owner of the vineyard is unfair. They say it is fair to pay them as much as they work, and unfair to pay them a day's wages if they worked only an hour or so. However, the calculation method in the kingdom of heaven was different. It was not labor productivity, but the livelihood of workers and their families; it is not unrighteous to pay a person who arrives late a day's wages.
 
The church is like a vineyard where the sacraments, catechesis, and meetings are held. In the parable, the owner of the field needed workers so from early morning to evening, he went to the market to find workers. For the owner of the field, the marketplace was his work site. The church does not mean just a building, the church must constantly go out. You have to go into the world. As Pope Francis said, if you don't go out, the church will get sick.
 
When you go out in this situation, the church must have the ability to pay the workers. In this case, it's not just financial means. There is little the church can do only with trust in money. The church must face the infallible reality that workers can only earn a living by receiving their daily wages. It is also necessary to have a firm resolve to make this our reality. The church has a duty to show the kingdom of heaven here and now. So, the need to be diligent and show goodness like the owner of the vineyard.
 

Like the owner of a vineyard, there are things the church must do before going to the market for workers. It's necessary to check to see if the church is operating on good principles. The parishes, institutions, and companies run by the church must show the goodness of the owner of the vineyard. The working conditions and treatment of workers should be unique. It is difficult to use a method that considers only obedience and sacrifice. Wages should be sufficient to allow workers to dream of the future as well as the immediate needs of support for family and make sure no one gets their wages cut just because they are women, lack education, or are old.
 
 Only by asking the people who work in the church how much the church resembles the owner of the vineyard can you get the right answer. It is important to know if they are proud of their work and feel the goodness of the vineyard owner?
 

Leading the way, the church should set an example for others. It won't be easy, but it is the way we Christians should go. The proud history of martyrdom is encouraging the churches of this land to do what is not easy.

"Dialogue the Soul of the World"

An article on the opinion page of the Catholic Times by a university professor dreams of a world where dialogue was its soul.

Dialogue, is probably a key word to express the lives and activities of local churches in Korea and around the world. And at the end of next year's synod of local churches and the World Bishops Synod, we may be asking—feeling "the silence after the feast"— 'Is this the end of the conversation?' 'Now we just have to wait for the result to come down from the top?'

Is that really the situation? The conversation the professor experienced was actually not just a process of gathering opinions, but a  church beginning to live the life of Sinodalitas. Isn't dialogue a way of life that we should continue into the future in each local church and church community to which we belong?

In his opening speech of the second session of the Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI called the council's goal "the self-awareness of the church, the reform of the church, the unity of all Christians, and dialogue with the church and the modern world." The conversation was the basis of the topics covered by the Council and their activities. In dealing with the relationship of church members, the relationship with non-Catholic Christians, and the relationship with the church and the world, the teachings of the Council were established within a two-way perspective, not one-way.

 

While declaring the unique roles of priests, laymen, and religious, it was understood in their relationships with others and the world. In addition, the Council literature was formed in the process of free, intense, and orderly dialogue. Dialogue of the church is a way of life and its activities that the Second Vatican Council has vigorously proposed.
 

What is important to us living in the post-Vatican II era is the  spirit of Sinodalitas— how to talk 'well'. It is not easy to talk 'well' to people  familiar with traditional Korean culture. This is not about the 'skills' of conversation. Of course, technology is helpful, but more fundamental changes in outlook are needed to become a 'true' dialogue (conversation). Perhaps Pope Francis' suggestion in Joy of Love will help.
 

"Develop the habit of giving real importance to the other person. This means appreciating them and recognizing their right to exist, to think as they do and to be happy. Never downplay what they say or think, even if you need to express your own point of view. Everyone has something to contribute, because they have their life experiences, they look at things from a different standpoint and they have their own concerns, abilities and insights." (#138)
 

Keep an open mind. Don’t get bogged down in your own limited ideas and opinions, but be prepared to change or expand them. The combination of two different ways of thinking can lead to a synthesis that enriches both.(#139)

 

No one has a 'perfect' grasp of the world's affairs, or a 'perfect' solution. The word 'absolute' is reserved for  God. We talk and move forward together with our strengths and weaknesses, and when we do this, we can do things together that we cannot do alone. Don't people in the world  use the word 'synergy effect' derived from the Greek word "working-together"? Wouldn't our synergy as Christians be greater and more noble than that? The Holy Spirit is always leading us to a new future.