A Survey on the Perception of Catholicism by Korean Shamans

ABSTRACT

I carried a survey by questionnaire into effect in order to investigate the perception of catholicism by Korean shamans. This kind of survey is the first try in the Korean religious history. As the result of the survey we could find out that Korean shamans have tolerant and broad-minded perception about neighbour religions. Especially the attitude of shamans toward Buddhism and Catholicism was obviously positive. Korean shamans have showed a relatively clear perception of the social justice movement and/or social welfare work done by the Korean Catholic church. In addition I could confirm that representatives of Korean shamanism have exalted ideas about international affairs and refined vision on the inter-religious encounter. It is very stimulating that Korean representatives of shamanistic world show an ideal vision and cooperative attitude to Korean religions including Catholicism for the peace realization and inter-religious reconciliation in North-East Asia. People say that the 21st century is the era of spirituality. In such an era, Korean representatives of shamanistic world present an inner way of cultural mature and religious improve as the way that Korean religion, especially Catholic Church should follow. Therefore the result of this research shows clearly that the Korean Catholic Church is now facing a crossroad whether it can take flight qualitatively as a good integrated part of Korean religious tradition and culture or fall down after meeting its doom.