Abstract:
Contemporary ancestor worship is currently practiced around the world in several different
forms. However, the essence and practice of ancestor worship varies throughout Asia, Africa,
Oceania and Latin America. The context of countries under the influence of Confucianism
is very different from that of other countries. Confucianism teaches that ancestor worship is
the most prized display of filial piety toward one’s dead ancestors. Amongst Asian countries
under the influence of Confucianism – specifically China, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam
and Korea – ancestor worship has not only been accepted and propagated as a culture, but it
is also considered to be filial piety. Especially the Korean people think that ancestor worship
is a very important expression of filial piety, and it is a ritual which they practice regularly
during their festive days. What does Confucianism teach about filial piety, and how is ancestor
worship practiced? What does the Bible teach about filial piety? Are practical applications
of biblical filial piety present in Korean society? Rather than allowing Confucian ancestor
worship to take root in Korean society as a traditional Korean heritage, the conclusion is that
Korean Christians must make an effort to teach and facilitate biblical filial piety.
