Christian Fundamentalism in Korea
Check out this story on The Buddhist Channel. I just can't wrap my head around what motivates arrogant fundamentalists.
On this same topic, do a search for Frank Tedesco's article on the Buddhist temple burnings that happened here in the 80's and 90's. Unfortunately, it looks like the fundamentalist brands of Christianity that were exported to Korea largely from the states have been taken to an extreme here. I've been told that the temple attacks ended after some major Christian groups in the U.S. expressed how disgusted they were with the attacks.
If anyone is interested in learning more about Christianity in Korea, check out Christianity in Korea edited by Buswell and Lee. I used this book for my master's thesis.
UPDATE:
It's Monday morning, July 7th. I have seen the news on TV the past couple of nights and the protests continue. From what I saw last night, huge numbers of people (a thousand or more perhaps in the shots that I saw, but I don't really know how many people) were in the streets in Seoul participating in a peaceful, candlelight protest over the fundamentalist Christian bias in the current administration. I think they center around Jogye-sa, the head temple in the heart of Seoul.
If you didn't read the article, someone in the president's administration or on his staff described the protestors as "Satanic." Aigo!
Hi,
Yes, I read the article, it seems that in Korea, some Buddhists are making banners, organising demonstrations, shouting slogans, and waving their fists around.
Why? Is it because the government has enlsaved whole villages, oppressed the people, tortured and killed, and brutally repressed dissent?
No, it's because the government has omitted the name of a temple or two on a transport map!
Come on, such a huge over-reaction from elements of the Sangha here (thankfully not all) brings shame on Buddhists, and makes them look like the fundamentalists.
Thankfully, it seems that 99% of the monks and nuns in Korea are staying away from these protests.
With palms together,
Marcus
Posted by: Marcus | July 26, 2008 at 08:55 AM