Harm done by Religious Cults

A Catholic University philosophy professor offers St. Thomas Aquinas's answer to "The Way to Happiness" and to the harm done by cults in the Korean Catholic Times. A religious group that has usurped God's place is a sin committed by 'pride' and is a serious problem in society.

Concerns regarding cults and heresies are constantly being raised. One of the most powerful tools they use to control people is "guilt." When messages such as "You are a sinner" and "If you leave the leader, you will perish" are repeated, followers doubt their own judgment and eventually come to cling to the leader's words. On the surface, they use traditional religious language regarding "sin, repentance, punishment, and atonement", but in reality, their structure is completely distorted. Thomas Aquinas's reflections on sin, which he discusses in detail in the 'Summa Theologica', reveal their fictitious nature.

Cults divert people's gaze from God and fix it on leaders and the community, causing them to drift away from God and reason. Pieter Bruegel's *The Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind*, depicting a blind guide leading a blind man into a pit.  A victim who has been reduced from a free personality to a manipulated object

For Thomas, sin is not merely a violation of social norms but signifies a rejection of reason and the eternal law, which are the supreme rules that should govern humanity, and a departure from the 'order of reason'.

However, in cults, the standard of sin changes insidiously. Outwardly, they speak of the will of God, the will of the Virgin Mary, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, but in reality, the leader's commands and the group's rules become the absolute standard. Cults brand everything that violates these rules as disobedience, apostasy, and unbelief, defining it as sin. Victims suffer from unnecessary guilt for violating arbitrary rules set by the manipulator and come to trust the manipulator's voice more than their own rational judgment.

Thomas views sin as stemming from 'disordered self-love', placing its root in human free will. Sin is not a coerced act but the result of the misuse of free will; therefore, it is possible to hold individuals morally responsible. Sin is established only when a free person deliberately defies the order of reason.

However, cults condemn even unconscious fears or instinctive emotional fluctuations that a believer cannot control as mortal sins. The leader instills shame by continuously criticizing the victim, saying, “You are inherently wretched,” and darkens the victim’s reason by projecting images of hell and destruction onto their imagination. At some point, the victim is pushed into a psychological state where they feel they have no choice but to act in the way directed.

However, defining the natural emotional turmoil of followers as an act of atonement and turning them into 'emotional slaves' is a grave insult to human free will. This is because if the will did not consent to a 'chosen act' derived by reason, a sin cannot be established. Rather, the act of a leader who systematically destroys the freedom of others to bind them under their own power is, in itself, a grave sin that most clearly reveals rebellion against God's order.

Cults that impose distorted guilt… Destroying human reason while creating 'emotional slaves'.

Only discerning faith is the path to true happiness… We must reclaim grace and freedom through reflection and repentance. The Dual Structure of Sin: Departure from God and Conversion to Creature

Thomas understands sin in the tension between “separation from God” and “disordered conversion to the creature. Sin is not merely the act of committing a bad deed, but an internal diversion of direction in which one turns one’s back on God, the ultimate goal, and replaces that place with limited good (pleasure, wealth, honor, power, etc.).

Insomnia and Depression

In the Catholic Times, a pastor emeritus and Scripture scholar introduces us to King Antiochus IV, who suffered from insomnia and depression. 

Insomnia can begin at a very young age. It is not uncommon for newborn babies to toss and turn or be unable to sleep due to prolonged illness or their surrounding environment.  The child may become withdrawn, and eventually they may speak less and even their smiles may disappear entirely. 

Subsequently, depression naturally weighs down the inner self, causing thoughts, judgments, and internal and external growth and development to slow down or fail to occur properly.

The writer mentions suffering from insomnia for a very long time. As a result, he felt symptoms of depression arising. 

The Latin word 'insomnia' (not able to sleep originates from the Latin word 'somnus,' meaning sleep. Adding the prefix 'in' gives the opposite. 

When one suffers from sleeplessness for a long time, it is common for anyone to eventually become trapped in a depressed state of mind and struggle in life. In the Bible as well, we frequently encounter cases where people suffer from insomnia and depression.

The insomnia and depression suffered by Antiochus IV Epiphanes are considered a representative example found in the Bible. Sensing that death was approaching, Antiochus summoned his subjects and close associates and said, “Sleep is far from my eyes (insomnia), and my heart is broken with sorrow (depression).” (1 Maccabees 6:10) The English word 'depression' also originates from the Latin word 'deprimere,' which means 'to weigh down.'

Antiochus IV was the king who ruled the Seleucid Kingdom for 12 years, from 175 to 164 BC. He deified himself and gave himself the nickname "Epiphanes" (one who appeared as a god). It is said that, at the time, people, seeing his immorality and arrogance, mocked him behind his back, calling him "Epimanes" (one who went mad) rather than "Epiphanes."

He, who knew no bounds and sought to destroy the people of Judah, did not stop at deifying himself. “Great sorrow arose throughout Israel; the leaders and elders lamented, the young men and women lost their strength, and the beauty of the women faded away. … The earth trembled because of its inhabitants, and the whole house of Jacob was covered in shame.” (1 Maccabees 1:25-28)

Antiochus suffered from insomnia and depression as a result of occupying and plundering Israel, forcing them to pay tribute, and persecuting the Jews in various ways (see 1 Maccabees 1:36), and eventually met his death.

It is said that music and art, which purify and bless the mind and spirit, can be of considerable help in alleviating the gloom that keeps one awake at night. “Whenever the spirit sent by God came upon Saul, David took his harp and played it. Then the evil spirit would leave him, and Saul would be restored and at ease.” (1 Samuel 16:23)

Among those who read these words, there are likely some who are suffering from insomnia and depression. The writer prays that you may take a moment to catch your breath as you remember God, who does not turn away from your pain, is always within you.

Barbed Wire Cross

 

Seoul WYD Organizing Committee Launches ‘Barbed Wire Cross Project’… Creating a Giant ‘Cross of Peace’ from Scrap Barbed Wire from the DMZ was recently reported in the Catholic Times. 

The Seoul WYD Organizing Committee held the opening ceremony for the ‘Barbed Wire Cross Project’ in the courtyard of Myeong-dong Cathedral on April 12, marking the start of the journey to create a large barbed wire cross standing approximately 5 meters tall. The production of the barbed-wire cross is a spiritual project involving the faithful, jointly prepared by the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee and the foundation “Walking Together.”

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of Seoul, chairman of the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee. He blessed the tools—hammers, anvils, and pliers—and prayed that the hands of all participants in the project would become instruments of peace.

In his homily, Archbishop Jung reflected on the significance of the barbed wire, explaining, “This barbed wire embodies the pain of confrontation, conflict, and violence that arose when the South and North—having endured the tragedy of fratricidal war during the Korean War—erected it to guard against one another and prevent the other’s approach or intrusion.”

He continued, “Just as the cross, which was an instrument of execution in Israel, became a symbol of peace, reconciliation, sacrifice, and love through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” adding, “I pray that this barbed-wire cross will take root in our hearts as we prepare for the Seoul WYD as a symbol of unity, peace, and love between North and South.”

World Youth Day Preparations 2027

The 2027 World Youth Day will be in Seoul, South Korea, as announced by Pope Francis during the concluding Mass in Lisbon.^] It will take place from August 3–8, 2027. 

National Assembly Approves International Cultural Event Support Act, WYD Preparations Proceeding Smoothly.

With the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day just over a year away, bills containing the basis for supporting the event are being proposed and passed one after another. The International Cultural Events Support Act was passed at the National Assembly plenary session on March 31. The bill was introduced by the Democratic Party of Korea, with 14 other lawmakers participating in its proposal. Explaining the rationale behind the bill, the lawmakers stated, "Since there is no law specifically tailored to international cultural events, there have been limitations in implementing related policies, which have relied on individual ministry projects or local government ordinances." They further explained, "Therefore, there is a need to clarify the responsibilities of the state and local governments to provide institutional support for the smooth attraction and hosting of international cultural events and cultural exchange activities." The bill stipulates the responsibilities of the state and local governments to provide institutional support for the smooth attraction and hosting of international cultural events and cultural exchange activities. Article 3 of the bill includes provisions stating that “the state and local governments shall establish and implement necessary policies and devise support measures,” and that “the state and local governments shall cooperate with each other and strengthen cooperation with the private sector to support the hosting of international cultural events.” The Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is responsible for overseeing and coordinating policies on event hosting support.

A Representative from the Democratic Party, who participated in the bill's proposal, stated, "While it is regrettable that the bill was not processed as a special act supporting Seoul WYD, it is significant that the National Assembly cooperated across party lines to pass a general act." He added, "Although it is a general act, we will carefully examine every detail to ensure nothing is missing and continue to ensure that it achieves an effect comparable to a special act." He further noted, "As this event brings together a large number of people from around the world and transcends religious sects to address matters related to the status of the Republic of Korea, I expect broad understanding and cooperation from other religions as well."

  In addition, two related ordinance bills have been proposed in the Seoul Metropolitan Council.

The ordinance bill includes provisions defining the scope of support plans and implementation by the Mayor of Seoul and the Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. It also includes matters related to preparing for smooth operations, such as securing facilities, ensuring safety and maintenance, establishing cooperative programs, consulting with relevant ministries, and pre-recruiting volunteers. 

Director of Planning at the Seoul WYD Organizing Committee stated, "I am very pleased that the General Act on International Cultural Events has finally passed the plenary session." He added, "I hope the General Act is transferred to the government as soon as possible and publicly announced quickly so that there are no setbacks in supporting Seoul WYD." He further requested, "Please pray that the government and local authorities recognize the importance of Seoul WYD and work together to make it a safe and wonderful event."

Lessons from the Book of Jonah

A meditation on the book of Jonah in the Catholic Times. 

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amithai: ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it, for their iniquity has risen up to me.’” (Jonah 1:1-2) However, Jonah silently turned his back on the word of the Lord, went to Joppa, and boarded a ship of Gentiles bound for Tarshish. “He intended to go to Tarshish with the men to escape the Lord.” 

Meanwhile, the sailors and the inhabitants of Nineveh are busy preparing and taking action. When a storm arises, and life and death are in danger, the captain cries out to Jonah, who is lying in the hold of the ship in a deep sleep: “How can you be so deeply asleep? Get up and cry out to your God. Perhaps He will have mercy on us, and we will not perish?”  In this way, they act much more actively and appear to be in submission to God’s will more than Jonah does. Swallowed whole by a great fish amidst a violent storm, Jonah begins to pray to the Lord God with all his might inside the fish's belly. He has finally met the God of mystery. “I called upon the Lord in my distress, and He answered me”. During his prayer, Jonah realizes, “Salvation belongs to the Lord”.  Jonah learns two things through his experiences. The first lesson is realizing that even if he is paralyzed with fear and unable to speak because the mission he must proclaim as a prophet is too overwhelming, the Lord's word takes effect simply by his presence. Through Jonah, who became "half-mute" unable to properly convey His word, the Lord causes the sea, the great fish, the wind, and the sailors to all tremble. “They lifted Jonah up and threw him into the sea, and the raging sea became calm.”  Seeing this, “the men feared the Lord even more, and they offered sacrifices to the Lord and made vows.” 

Another teaching of the Book of Jonah is the revelation of 'God's universal will for salvation,' which states that the Lord God cherishes and saves not only His chosen people Israel but also the people of Nineveh, that is, Gentiles. “It takes three days just to cross Nineveh…”  “And there are 120,000 people who do not know how to distinguish between right and left…”  In the above examples, 'three days' is a number of fullness, and '120,000' is a symbolic number of salvation that transcends mathematical or statistical figures and highlights the Lord's universal will for salvation. Whenever I read the Book of Jonah, I feel an immeasurably warm and deeply moving human love. How touching it is that these "Gentiles" did their utmost to the very end to save Jonah, even in the midst of extreme circumstances. “The men rowed with all their might to return to shore, but the sea grew rougher and rougher, and they could do nothing.”  And what about the sailors’ cry to the Lord at that time? To make the best possible choice in a life-or-death crisis— “Oh, Lord! Please do not destroy us at the cost of this man’s life.” 

Partners in Synodalitas

[Current Affairs Analysis] Beyond a 'Discarded Culture' to Become a Partner in Synodalitas. An article in the Korean Catholic Peace Weekly by a professor in Social Studies. 

Just as a child grows taller and develops deeper thoughts as they mature, society undergoes continuous political stability and economic development over time. In this process of societal development, as the quality of life for its members improves and they live longer and healthier lives, population aging progresses. In other words, population aging is a natural process of social development, and today we are experiencing global population aging. Furthermore, its impact extends beyond society as a whole to deeply permeate the church community as well. Reflecting this, the 'International Conference on Pastoral Care of the Elderly,' organized by the Pontifical Congregation for the Laity, Family and Life, was held in the Vatican last October with the participation of 65 countries. The conference primarily discussed the 'alienation,' 'abandonment,' 'poverty,' and 'abuse' of the elderly, revealing the stark reality of the 'throwaway culture' that alienates the elderly—a culture that Pope Francis has criticized. Driven by the economic logic of extreme capitalism and a perspective that worships only youth, the elderly are often dismissed as 'unproductive, worthless, and superfluous lives.' However, we must ask a fundamental question. If old age is such a worthless time, why did God grant it a much longer period than for the other creatures He loves most? The time of old age granted to us by God is not a surplus time disconnected from life. Old age is a time of completion that naturally follows the journey of life, and a time of new creation. The "discarded old age" rampant in our society today is not God's will, but merely a sorrowful result brought about by human greed and selfishness. As Simone de Beauvoir pointed out in her book *Old Age*, the status of the elderly has historically never been "won" by them but has been unilaterally "imposed" by society. In other words, the current culture of discarding is the result of all of us alienating the elderly and pushing them out of the community. As Pope Francis has said, old age is a time of contemplation, allowing us to step away from the busyness of youth, integrate our lives, and realize the value of "existence itself." Although physical strength may weaken due to aging, our spiritual vision broadens, and it is a time to enjoy spiritual richness that allows us to focus more on the essential meaning of life. Therefore, cultivating our final years with dignity requires the collective effort of all members of society. We must view the elderly not merely as "auxiliary beings in need of care," but as "the future we will soon face" and "companions to live alongside." Particularly in the era of centenarians, where four, five, and even more generations coexist, we must contemplate how each generation can respect and care for one another while moving forward together. This dilemma is also a task for the Korean Catholic Church and for all of us as we prepare for the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul. Beyond being a mere festival for young people, World Youth Day must become a venue for the practice of "synodalitas"—a "journey walked together by the people of God"—where generational divides are overcome and the grandparent and youth generations share the legacy of faith and stand in solidarity. This is because the essence of synodalitas lies not in an old age that steals the future of youth, but in an old age that transmits the legacy of faith cultivated over a lifetime and bears witness to unyielding hope.

Pachamama: Earth, Our Common Home

Earth, Our ‘Common Home’: The Legal Personality of Lakes and Animism was an article in the Catholic Times by a professor at the Kangwon National University Law School and the President of the Earth Law Association.

Image of Pachamama. In the indigenous cultures of the Andes, Pachamama means “Mother Earth” and symbolizes the source of the earth and life. Depicted as a woman composed of mountains, forests, and animals, this image symbolically shows that humans are not separate from nature but are part of it. 

In 2022, the Spanish Parliament passed a law granting legal personhood to the Mar Menor (meaning “Little Sea”), a lagoon. It is highly unusual for such a law to be enacted in a European country with a modern civil law system, unlike nations like Ecuador or New Zealand, where spiritual and relational worldviews regarding nature are reflected in their institutions. Lawmakers from Spain’s conservative parties filed a constitutional challenge, arguing that extending legal personhood to non-human natural entities distorts the concept of personhood and undermines the dignity inherent in humans.

The Spanish Constitutional Court was divided in its ruling. The majority of justices argued that “a dignified life is only possible in an appropriate natural environment,” asserting that recognizing the legal personality of the Mar Menor strengthens human dignity. They viewed human dignity not as a concept that places humans at the center of the natural world, but as one that calls for humans to coexist with the environment.

However, five justices expressed a dissenting opinion, stating that “an appropriate environment is merely a condition for human personal development and quality of life; environmental protection itself cannot be an end in itself,” and that “even if the necessity of nature conservation is acknowledged, humans and nature must not be placed on the same value-theoretical plane.” 

The dissenting opinion argued that the concept of legal personhood for nature (or “Mama Tierra”) is rooted in the cosmology or worldview of countries like Ecuador and Bolivia (particularly among indigenous peoples), whereas Europe has already moved beyond a pantheistic or animistic understanding of the world and developed into a rationalist and scientific culture.

Here, I wish to critique the dissenting opinion’s perspective, which seems to view Ecuador’s recognition of the rights of nature as stemming solely from the belief that “natural objects possess souls.” 

First, Ecuador’s legal framework on the rights of nature is not solely a product of the indigenous worldview. It combines not only the influence of Indigenous thought but also legal discussions on the rights of natural objects, the understanding of Earth system science that views the Earth as a single self-regulating system, and ethical and religious currents such as Earth ethics and the Earth Charter. 

Meanwhile, the opposing view seems to regard animism as an inferior, primitive form of thought. However, according to French anthropologist Philippe Desclos, who has reexamined the world’s diverse ontological modes beyond the Western nature-culture dichotomy, animism is an ontological framework that views humans and non-humans as sharing a certain inner essence (such as consciousness or a soul) even though they possess different bodies; it is not merely a belief but a mode of relationship that humans form with non-humans.

In today’s era of climate and ecological crises, rather than absolutizing the hierarchy between humans and non-humans, we need to reflect that humans, too, are part of nature and exist within an order of symbiosis. Even if we acknowledge human uniqueness, this should not serve as a basis for justifying human superiority or exceptionalism, but rather for demanding greater ethical and legal responsibility. 

In this regard, Ecuador’s worldview, which emphasizes coexistence with nature, is not a premodern belief system to be overcome, but rather a mode of thought that deserves serious respect today.