Shamanism
Re: Shamanism Returns from Hiding in South Korea
Shamanism is Korea's only truly native religion: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity all being foreign imports. It has been looked down upon by Koreans themselves since at least the early days of the Choseon Dynasty (1395-1910), but seems to be enjoying a bit of a rennaissance.
The Insight Guides Korea (Korea, 7th Ed) explains Shamanism by way of the popularity of Christianity in Korea:
Today, the practice of Shamanism in Korea is much wider than one might think, and its belief system still influences Koreans, no matter what religion they formally profess.
Re: Shamanism Returns from Hiding in South Korea
Shamanism is Korea's only truly native religion: Confucianism, Buddhism, and Christianity all being foreign imports. It has been looked down upon by Koreans themselves since at least the early days of the Choseon Dynasty (1395-1910), but seems to be enjoying a bit of a rennaissance.
The Insight Guides Korea (Korea, 7th Ed) explains Shamanism by way of the popularity of Christianity in Korea:
- "If you have ever wondered why Christianity has flourished in Korea, the shaman may provide the answer.
"Consider the spiritual world of ancient Korea: a world inhabited by spirits who were malevolent, whimsical, and often unable to be appeased by ritual observances. The country's misfortunes over the years and the oppressive cast system which made life such a misery for much of the population only added to the pessimistic passivity of ancient Koreans. When Christianity came along, it offered a way out - the biggest, most powerful spirit of them all who could take away the fear of the other spirits." (page 71)
Today, the practice of Shamanism in Korea is much wider than one might think, and its belief system still influences Koreans, no matter what religion they formally profess.
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
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