Religious Pluralism 종교 다원주의

                                      

                             (written in 2003)

 Prof. Gil Hui-seong at Sogang University recently visited our congregation to give a special lecture on living the Christian life in the situation of religious pluralism. His talks helped me understand the general trends of religious movements. I'd like to share with you several insights on religious pluralism.

 Because of Buddhism, with its profound philosophy, and non-religious Japanese colonialism, Christianity in Korea has progressed among various religions. Christianity would not have survived in its current form if America or England colonized us. Many churches have become empty in European countries, but our country still has many believers.

 Our ancestors thought that society couldn't be organized without a religious base. Thus, various forms of religion have surely given some order or principle to the society. There is no such country as ours, where various religions co-exist with one another. Grandmother and her daughter-in-law, father and son can have different religions.

 However, modernism destroyed this moral system. Everybody can have different religions. What matters now is to live and accept religious pluralism, which believes that every religion is right and can coexist. Nothing is exclusive.

 We have three forms of influence or paradigms, leading to challenge and change. First, at the beginning of religious history, Christianity was influenced by Hellenism in a way that biblical faith made a compromise with Greek culture and philosophies. In this way, Christianity was clothed with Hellenism, and theology had begun. Thanks to the philosophical argument, Christianity could be systematized, and Greek philosophies became "Christianized" as well.

 Second, Christianity has been changed by modern science. Christian messages had to take a new step to adjust to modern science. Liberal theology is concerned with the relationships between science and Christianity. Religions and science are still in conflict. In fact, historical science is regarded as being important because somebody has made it in history, not only in a metaphysical way.

 The third challenge is the discovery of other religions. There has been much concern or interest in oriental religions. Among them, Buddhism has become widespread. With social consciousness, engaged Buddhism tries to enlighten ordinary people who are interested in meditation. Nowadays, we make an effort to be involved in such issues as feminism, ecology, the anti-war movement, and biology, among other things.

 These three challenges are still in the process. The point is how to face changes. The first attitude Christianity had was exclusivity. Personal religion was regarded as right and good. It was quite a Church-centered view of salvation. The second attitude was inclusiveness. Those with goodwill, without regard to religion, were recognized as anonymous Christians. It was a Christ-centric view of salvation. However, it didn't fully accept the difference.

 Thus, pluralism with a theocentric view of salvation has appeared. This religious philosophy has the power of spiritual and moral transformation. Those who believe in pluralism think that every religion has spiritual power. Christianity is neither inferior nor superior. What we need is an open heart, for we are only pilgrims on the way to the ultimate truth. People long for spiritual unity by means of pluralism.

 Every religion is met when each of us practices the truth in our daily life. We can meet together when we put the truth of love into practice. Religions just provide the motive and validity of activities. We can say that love is prior to the truth. No one can deny that we have fought against one another in the name of truth, justice, and freedom. Both sides at war claim they are fighting for the sake of freedom and peace. The United States against Iraq is no exception.

 How to live the Christian life in multi-religious situations? At present, the most appropriate theological stand would be religious pluralism. Every religion is regarded as equal because each leads us the way to the ultimate truth and universal love. The utmost goal or reality is love without selfishness. What is called the positive attitude of "You are O.K., I'm O.K., We're O.K" is necessary in the world of pluralism.

 How to live is more important than what to believe. What we need now is to love and respect others and their different religions. Not theory but the practice is more important. When we realize peace, justice, and solidarity on earth, our world will be the heavenly kingdom. The truth is not over there, but here and now. Why don't we live the present moment to the fullest?

 The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ April 9, 2003