Despite the significance of Korea in world Christianity and the crucial role Christianity plays in contemporary Korean religious life; the tradition has been little studied in the West. Christianity in Korea seeks to fill this lacuna by providing a wide-ranging overview of the growth and development of Korean Christianity and the implications that development has had for Korean politics; interreligious dialogue; and gender and social issues. The volume begins with an accessibly written overview that traces in broad outline the history and development of Christianity on the peninsula. This is followed by chapters on broad themes; such as the survival of early Korean Catholics in a Neo-Confucian society; relations between Christian churches and colonial authorities during the Japanese occupation; premillennialism; and the theological significance of the division and prospective reunification of Korea. Others look in more detail at individuals and movements; including the story of the female martyr Kollumba Kang Wansuk; the influence of Presbyterianism on the renowned nationalist Ahn Changho; the sociopolitical and theological background of the Minjung Protestant Movement; and the success and challenges of Evangelical Protestantism in Korea. The book concludes with a discussion of how best to encourage a rapprochement between Buddhism and Christianity in Korea.
#736103 in Books 2007-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .80 x 6.00l; 1.00 #File Name: 082452439X320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Breathtakingly Beautiful BiographiesBy J. NeillSister Wendy Beckett of the 1997 PBS series “Story of Painting;†called this book of Robert Ellsberg ‘Breathtakingly Beautiful.’ Another reviewer; Sister Joan Chittister says “the introduction alone…is worth the price of the book.†I couldn’t agree more.I read Ellsberg’s “All Saints†many years ago; a book that started me on a new stage of my life’s journey; Seven years ago I discovered this volume of his devoted exclusively to women ‘saints.’ I only read a few of them at the time. However having resumed reading them recently I believe I’m prepared even more now to appreciate their value; as I reflect on what models and heroes our young granddaughters have now for their unique journeys and will adopt as they mature in the coming years.Ellsberg has a knack of capturing singular qualities of the lives of these women that make them worthy examples of how in a variety of circumstances; by linking one’s strengths to society’s needs; an individual can make a difference; with courage; patience and perseverance. And variety is certainly characteristic of the selection of women that Ellsberg profiles. Initially I went to the biography of Dorothy Day; one of my favorite Americans; and one whom Pope Francis named in his recent American visit as an admirable American Catholic. Ellsberg knew Day; an American; journalist; social activist and co-founder of the Catholic Worker; when he served as a very young editor for the paper she started; “The Catholic Worker.â€These biographies are organized according to the Beatitudes of Jesus. Ellsberg points out how these women’s lives exemplified these unique qualities which Jesus holds up as the measuring rod for being one of his disciples. Mary; Mother of Jesus; is the first profiled. Among others are women who are vowed religious; well known by many Catholic Christians; such as Therese of Lisieux and Teresa of Avila;Clare of Assisi; and Hildegard of Bingen; as well as married women such as Catherine de Hueck Doherty and Evelyn Underhill; and single women such as Emily Dickenson; Edel Quinn; Caryll Houselander and Joan of Arc.The panoply of heroines portrayed is not limited to Catholics; as some of the above-mentioned illustrate. He also includes some who are not Christian; careful not to presume to name them with any particularly Christian vocabulary. Thus we read about the lives of Etty Hillesum; Anne Frank and Simone Weil.By reading about these outstanding women; you could really do yourself a favor and perhaps also may be inspired to explore how your unique gifts can be used to their fullest in your own life.I recommend this book highly.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By beachnikA really fun and informative book. I got one for myself and then one for my sister for her birthday. We both are totally enjoying this book. Highly recommend.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well writtenBy E. AdamsBought as a present for my granddaughter to show her the diverse ways women have chosen to live their lives.
