Revitalization of Korean New Religions in the 1970s

The concept of secularism underpinning modern Western society insists on weakening the influence of religion by viewing the world through the lens of science and reason rather than through religious beliefs, traditions, and political authority. However, Korea has adopted a different perspective on t...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Kim, Jin-Young (Author) ; Choi, Heejae (Author) ; Lee, Jongoh (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: [publisher not identified] [2020]
In: Journal for the study of religions and ideologies
Year: 2020, Volume: 19, Issue: 55, Pages: 85-104
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Korea / New religion / Revival / History 1970-1979 / Secularism / Post-secularism
IxTheo Classification:AZ New religious movements
KBM Asia
Further subjects:B The Modern Era
B Secularization
B The Rhee Syngman government
B Pseudo-religion
B Post-secularism
B Korean New Religion
B The Park Chung-hee government
B 1970s
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Description
Summary:The concept of secularism underpinning modern Western society insists on weakening the influence of religion by viewing the world through the lens of science and reason rather than through religious beliefs, traditions, and political authority. However, Korea has adopted a different perspective on this matter. A number of Korean new religions were in decline and they seemed to be facing imminent death during the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), the Korean War (1950-1953), the Rhee Syngman government (1948-1960), and the Park Chung-hee government (1961-1979), which were periods of peak political suppression and control. The 1970s saw a dramatic shift in religious circles, when new religions founded in the 19th century but oppressed until then revitalized and spread rapidly. Why could Korea in the 1970s not adopt the smooth relationship between religion and modernity prevalent in the West? Instead, why did new religions based on tradition develop and flourish? This study aims to answer these questions by comparing the theories on secularization and post-secularization of the West with the philosophy of Confucianism of the late Joseon Era and reveal the foundation of Korean new religions from a theoretical perspective.
ISSN:1583-0039
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of religions and ideologies