The challenge that Confucian filial piety poses for Korean churches

David Moonseok Park ,Julian C Müller

doi:10.4102/hts.v70i2.1959

David Moonseok Park , Julian C Müller

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v70i2.1959

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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.

Highlights

Filial piety refers to young children serving or honouring their father and mother, based on the principles of both Confucianism and the Bible
The analects of Confucius (2:5) reports that Confucius said the following with regard to the propriety of ancestor worship when Lord Meng Yi inquired about filial piety: ‘When your parents are alive, serve them according to the ritual
People in Korea have historically practiced ancestor worship as the expression of filial piety ever since Confucianism was accepted as a national religion and as the centre of ethical standards for the Chosun dynasty

Summary

Introduction

Filial piety refers to young children serving or honouring their father and mother, based on the principles of both Confucianism and the Bible. People in Korea have historically practiced ancestor worship as the expression of filial piety ever since Confucianism was accepted as a national religion and as the centre of ethical standards for the Chosun dynasty.

Results

Conclusion