Multi-Faith and the Possibility of Multi-Religious Education in Korea

ABSTRACT

This study explored the possibility of multi-religious education considering the situation of Koreans who have multi-faith in a multi-religious society. This study also focuses on the situation of religious groups that emphasize one religion and faith, and the condition of believers affected by more than one religion. Korea is a multi-religious society and Koreans are influenced by multiple religions. If you look at the religious culture of Korea, you can find the characteristics of pluralism, multi-religious layers and diversity. In addition, you can find syncretism by religious encounters. Koreans have multiple religious experiences in religiously pluralistic culture. The multi-faith of Koreans is represented by the spiritual abundance and creative application of this pluralistic culture. However, the multi-faith of Koreans is floating between pluralism and exclusivity. We need a religious education that approves and accepts a pluralistic culture to solve this problem. I consider this religious education as multi- religious education. It should guide religious people to overcome religious exclusivity and selfishness and to be open to other religions. According to J. W. Fowler and G. Moran, true multi-religious education is possible at the level of adulthood where learners are interested in other religions.