[KS] re: Catholicism and Christianity

[Kirsten Bell]

To the Korean Studies List,

I have a quick query for the list I was hoping someone might shed some
light on.

During the course of fieldwork in Seoul, I was interested to discover that
amongst non-Christians (especially Ch'ondoists and Buddhists) I
interviewed, Catholicism was generally far more highly regarded than
Protestant Christianity.  I am, of course, aware of the
historical emnity between these two religions and its relevence 
within the Korean context, yet was surprised by this perception that
whilst Catholicism has assimilated well with traditional Korean culture
and consequently has an amicable relationship with indigenous Korean
religions, Protestant Christianity tends to "destroy" (in the words of one
informant) traditional Korean culture and values.  
I don't intend to bring up the issue of religious tolerance/intolerance in
Korea, which has already been covered intensively on the list.  Rather I
am interested in whether anyone has studied the interesting (and vastly
disparate) ways in which Protestant Christianity and Catholicism are
perceived amongst non-Christians (in my experience) in Korea.  Perhaps
there is a whole body of literature out there on the subject that I am
currently unaware of (?).  

If anyone has information regarding this topic please respond to my
personal email address: kirsten.bell at jcu.edu.au, unless you specifically
wish to address a comment to the list.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,

Kirsty Bell
School of Anthropology & Archaeology
James Cook University
Douglas, Townsville
Qld 4811
AUSTRALIA




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