Religions of Korea

Slide 2: Intro

* Of the most prominent religions in Korea are Buddhism and Christianity.

* Much of the Korean population identifies with either of these religions

* However, there are some lesser known religions that also play a large part in Korean culture and society

Slide 3: Eastern Learning (the Religion of the Heavenly Way)

* Korea’s first indigenous organized religion, Tonghak

* Founded in 1860 by Cho’e Cheu (최제우)

* Beliefs

* God lives in all people

* Gave hope to people of lower classes

* “Great Transformation” – new era is coming to improve average people’s lives

* Survives today as a modern religion despite the fact that Government condemned Tonghak (monotheism takes away their power)

Slide 4: The Chungsan (증산) Family of Religions

* Amongst largest new religions in Korea

* Neither Buddhist, Christian, nor Confucian

* Worship of Kang Chungsan as supreme deity, known as상제님 or “Honorable Lord on High”

* Kang is “supreme deity in human form here to teach humanity Rites of Cosmic Renewal that will hasten Great Transformation”

Slide 5: Continued

* Dozens of religions dedicated to Sangjenim (Kang)

* Jeungsando (증산도)

* Daesoonjinrihoe (founder: 박한경)

* Daesoonjinrihoe emphasizes ethical teachings of Kang as opposed to his cosmological predictions

* Follows traditional Confucian values like humility, filial piety, cooperation, and trust instead of rules about what to eat and whether or not you can smoke or drink

* Told to act in best interest of others, be truthful, etc…

* these religions have Followers all over the world

* Claim over 6 million members, but census says less than 35,000

Slide 6: Won Buddhism

* 130,000+ members in Korea as of 2005

* More Buddhist than Confucian

* Teaches “new approach to Buddhism”, therefore a new religion

* Worship halls on urban streets instead of mountains, no statues of buddhas or...