The challenge that Confucian filial piety poses for Korean churches

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Authors

Park, David Moonseok
Muller, Julian C.

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Publisher

AOSIS Open Journals

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.

Description

This article is based on a dissertation completed for a PhD degree in the Department of Practical Theology under the supervision of Prof. Dr J.C. Müller. (http://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/23902)

Keywords

Ancestor worship, Korean churches, Confucianism, Confucian ancestor worship, Confucian filial piety, Biblical filial piety

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Citation

Park, D.M. & Muller, J.C., 2014, 'The challenge that Confucian filial piety poses for Korean churches', HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 70(2), Art. #1959, 8 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v70i2.1959.