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Re-imaging God in Korean Context

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 110 ratings
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Soo-Young Kwon

This course will be an overview of a development of the theological methods in relation to Korea’s cultural context. Completing the course, the learners can understand cultural influences on the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology; they can also gain an insight into their own image of God and theological imagination in their own cultural context.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Image Matters to Theology (and You)
The chief goal of the course will be to understand a rapid growth and dynamic development of the Korean Protestant churches and indigenous theology by exploring various images of God in Korea. The first module will focus on an important methodological shift in contemporary theology from conceptual intellect to the human imagination.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the importance of the image of God for understanding Korean Christianity, which is significant for learners who want to understand the dynamics of Korean society and culture
Taught by Soo-Young Kwon, a well-respected scholar in the field of Korean theology, which provides assurance of the quality and depth of the course
Cover topics like the interplay of transcendental and immanent images of God, which are essential for learners who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of Korean theology
Examines the impact of shamanistic beliefs on Korean Christianity, which provides valuable insights for learners who want to explore the intersection of traditional and modern religious practices in Korea
Includes case studies of Korean Minjung theology, which helps learners understand the role of social and political movements in shaping theological thought
Requires background knowledge in Korean history and culture, which may be a barrier for learners who are completely new to the topic

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Reviews summary

Unique exploration of korean theology and culture

According to learners, this course offers a unique and fascinating exploration of theology within the Korean cultural context. Many appreciated the deep dive into specific topics like Minjung theology and the influence of shamanism, finding the content highly insightful and the interdisciplinary approach valuable. While the course is seen as academically rigorous and providing a solid foundation, some students found the delivery sometimes dry or wished for more practical application. Overall, it is recommended for those specifically interested in this niche area, though expectations regarding teaching style and practical relevance should be managed.
Explores complex theological ideas
"A solid academic course. It provides a good introduction to complex topics, but requires careful reading and thought."
"It's challenging at times and requires focused attention, but rewarding if you're seeking academic depth."
"Found this course challenging to engage with... Felt too theoretical and didn't connect well with contemporary issues."
Deep dive into Korean context
"Absolutely fascinating course! The module on Minjung theology and 'God as Rice' was particularly insightful."
"A unique perspective on theology. The historical and cultural context provided was invaluable."
"Highly recommended for anyone interested in Korean Christianity or the intersection of culture and theology. It really expanded my understanding of the subject matter."
Views on lecture clarity vary
"The professor's lectures were clear and thought-provoking, making complex ideas accessible."
"Interesting topics covered, but the delivery was sometimes dry, which made it hard to stay engaged."
"Lacked clarity in some explanations, especially in the earlier modules. I had to do extra research to fully grasp the concepts."
More theoretical than applied
"I appreciated the different approaches discussed, though I wished for more practical application or discussion prompts."
"Felt too theoretical and didn't connect well with contemporary issues or how these ideas are practiced today."
"While academically rich, I was hoping for more examples of how these concepts apply outside of academic theology."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Re-imaging God in Korean Context with these activities:
Review Korean Culture and History
Reviewing Korean culture and history will deepen your understanding of the religious landscape of Korea.
Browse courses on Korean History
Show steps
  • Read a book on Korean history.
  • Watch a documentary on Korean culture.
  • Visit a Korean museum or cultural center.
Review: Korean History
Review the history of Korea to enhance your understanding of the cultural context in which Korean theology developed.
Browse courses on Korean History
Show steps
  • Read historical books or articles on Korea's pre-colonial, colonial, and modern eras.
  • Watch documentaries or lectures about significant historical events and figures in Korean history.
Explore online resources on Korean theology
There are many helpful online resources that can supplement your learning in this course.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable website or blog on Korean theology.
  • Follow the author on social media.
  • Sign up for an email newsletter.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'Korean Minjung Theology' by Kwok Pui-lan
This book provides a comprehensive overview of Korean Minjung theology, which is a major topic in the course.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book.
  • Read the book carefully.
  • Take notes on the main points.
Join a study group
Discussing the course material with peers can help you solidify your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find a study group on campus or online.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Participate in group projects.
Practice identifying images of God in Korean culture
Practicing identifying images of God will help you develop a deeper understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find images of God in Korean culture.
  • Analyze the images and identify the different ways that God is represented.
  • Write a short paper on your findings.
Write a blog post on a topic related to the course
Writing about the course material will help you process and retain the information.
Show steps
  • Write a blog post that is clear and concise.
  • Share your blog post with others.
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in.
  • Research the topic.
Volunteer at a local Korean church
Volunteering at a Korean church will give you firsthand experience of Korean culture and theology.
Show steps
  • Find a local Korean church.
  • Contact the church and ask about volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer your time.

Career center

Learners who complete Re-imaging God in Korean Context will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Korean Studies Professor
Korean Studies Professors teach and research about Korea's history, culture, and society. This course would be very beneficial for Korean Studies Professors who want to learn more about Korean theology. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Korean Studies Professor
Professor of Theology
Professors of Theology teach and research in the field of theology. They may also write books and articles on theological topics. This course would be very beneficial for Professors of Theology who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of Theology
Minister
Ministers are religious leaders who provide spiritual guidance and support to their congregations. They may also perform other duties, such as preaching, teaching, and counseling. This course would provide Ministers with knowledge of the development of theological methods in relation to Korea's cultural context. This understanding would help them better understand the needs of their Korean congregation and minister to them more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Minister
Theological Researcher
Theological Researchers conduct research on theological topics. They may also write books and articles on their research findings. This course would be a good fit for Theological Researchers who want to learn about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theological Researcher
Missionary
Missionaries work to spread their religious beliefs to new areas. They may also provide social services, such as education and healthcare, to the people they serve. This course would be helpful for Missionaries who are working in Korea or who want to learn more about Korean theology. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Missionary
Religious Studies Teacher
Religious Studies Teachers teach about different religions and their beliefs. They may also teach about the history of religion and the role of religion in society. This course would be a good fit for Religious Studies Teachers who want to learn about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Studies Teacher
Chaplain
Chaplains provide spiritual guidance and support to people in various settings, such as hospitals, prisons, and the military. This course would be useful for Chaplains who work with Korean people or who want to learn more about Korean theology. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chaplain
Theology Librarian
Theology Librarians help people find and use resources on theological topics. They may also provide instruction on how to use library resources and how to conduct theological research. This course may be useful for Theology Librarians who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course will provide insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theology Librarian
Religious Counselor
Religious Counselors provide counseling services to people from a religious perspective. This course could be helpful for Religious Counselors who work with Korean people or who want to learn more about Korean theology. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Counselor
Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator
Interfaith Dialogue Facilitators help people of different faiths to understand each other and to work together. This course could be beneficial for Interfaith Dialogue Facilitators who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course would provide them with insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator
Theological Archivist
Theological Archivists manage and preserve historical documents and artifacts related to theology. This course may be useful for Theological Archivists who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course will provide insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theological Archivist
Theology Editor
Theology Editors edit and proofread theological works. They may also help authors to develop their ideas and to write clearly and effectively. This course may be useful for Theology Editors who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course will provide insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theology Editor
Theology Translator
Theology Translators translate theological works from one language to another. This course may be useful for Theology Translators who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course will provide insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theology Translator
Theological Writer
Theological Writers work with academics in writing up their findings. They help present the work in a way that is easy to understand. This course may be useful for Theological Writers who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course will provide insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theological Writer
Theological Consultant
Theological Consultants provide advice on theological matters to individuals, organizations, and businesses. This course may be useful for Theological Consultants who want to learn more about Korean theology and its cultural context. The course will provide insights into the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology, as well as the different images of God in Korea.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theological Consultant

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Re-imaging God in Korean Context.
Cover image
Provided
Save
Explores the development of Minjung theology in Korea, which emphasizes the liberation of the oppressed and marginalized.
Provided: The God Who Walks in the Middle of Your...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
The Mind of God
Save
Provides an ethnographic study of a Korean village, exploring the ways in which Christianity has shaped the lives and identities of its residents.
The Mind of God: Neuroscience, Faith, and a Search...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Literature
Save
Provides a thorough overview of the development of Christian theology in Korea, focusing on the unique cultural and historical context that has shaped Korean Christianity.
Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Literature:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
A History of Korean Christianity
Save
Provides a historical overview of the development of the Protestant church in Korea, focusing on its theological and social impact.
A History of Korean Christianity
Paperback
$$
A History of Korean Christianity
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Holy Spirit
Save
Examines the role of the Holy Spirit in the growth and development of the Korean Pentecostal movement.
The Holy Spirit (Theology for the People of God)
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Ethnic Nationalism in Korea
Save
Offers a collection of essays by Korean theologians, exploring the diverse range of theological perspectives that have emerged in Korea.
Ethnic Nationalism in Korea: Genealogy, Politics,...
Paperback
$$
Ethnic Nationalism in Korea: Genealogy, Politics,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Asian Millenarianism
Save
Examines the challenges and opportunities facing the Korean church in the 21st century.
Asian Millenarianism: An Interdisciplinary Study of...
Hardcover
$$$$
Asian Millenarianism: An Interdisciplinary Study of...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
7 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Yonsei University
Instructor
Soo-Young Kwon
Language
English
Transcripts
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the importance of the image of God for understanding Korean Christianity, which is significant for learners who want to understand the dynamics of Korean society and culture
Taught by Soo-Young Kwon, a well-respected scholar in the field of Korean theology, which provides assurance of the quality and depth of the course
Cover topics like the interplay of transcendental and immanent images of God, which are essential for learners who want to gain a comprehensive understanding of Korean theology
Examines the impact of shamanistic beliefs on Korean Christianity, which provides valuable insights for learners who want to explore the intersection of traditional and modern religious practices in Korea
Includes case studies of Korean Minjung theology, which helps learners understand the role of social and political movements in shaping theological thought
Requires background knowledge in Korean history and culture, which may be a barrier for learners who are completely new to the topic
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