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The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

SCMP
Asia

The Korea Times

Opinion

Columnists

19. Steven L. Shields

Religious freedom, free speech and hate

Not long ago, an ultra-right-wing, so-called “Christian” broadcaster in Korea won the right in the courts to continue to preach hatred and incite violence against the LGBT community. The courts sided with the broadcaster under its interpretation of the constitutional guarantee of “religious freedom.”

2023-01-26 16:10

Cheers to Seoul Metro

The rainy season in Korea in the summer of 2022 reminded me of the biblical story of the great flood and Noah's ark. So much rainfall came in mid-August of 2022 that reporters first said it was the most rainfall in 80 years, then 100 years and then more than 100 years. Korea had too much rain all at once.

2022-12-28 16:50

My favorite time of the year

When the sweltering heat, humidity and heavy rains give way to the crisp air of autumn, even though it comes with a few warm and cool days, I enjoy my daily walks more than ever. The brisk air makes me move quickly and get in my 10,000 daily steps with great joy. The change of color is also welcome. I love Korea's verdant hills and mountains, thickly forested (thanks to former President Park Chung-hee's aggressive tree-planting) with all kinds of trees.

2022-12-08 17:02

Proper response to Itaewon tragedy

The catastrophic deaths of so many in that narrow alley in October prompt profound grief and inexplicable horror. And anger. We are rightfully angry but have little or no outlet to express our feelings.

2022-11-22 14:16

Rainbow and values of diversity

According to the Bible, a great flood in ancient times inundated the earth, killing everything in its wake. That is all except for Noah, his family and an extensive collection of animals on a giant barge. We don't know how many creatures there were, for some Bible accounts say two of every kind; other accounts note there were seven. When the waters receded, the writers of the Bible stories tell us that a rainbow appeared in the sky as a sign from God that there would never again be a flood of such magnitude

2022-08-15 16:01

Moral obligation

My upbringing as a Christian in the United States has formed my understanding of my moral obligation since childhood. I don't always get it right, but I try. I hope my understanding as an adult is deeper, more well-founded, and more in keeping with a being member of not just a global community, but a community that embraces all religions or none, all nationalities, languages, and cultures.

2022-06-29 16:31

Power of gathered community

The adage, “there is strength in numbers,” is more than just old wisdom. It is a fact that has been proven time and again throughout history. I've had many experiences with this. Work goes faster when several people are involved. Tasks get completed by using everyone's strengths, be it physical or emotional.

2022-05-30 16:11

Where's 'jeong'?

“Jeong” is a Korean idea that defies a simple definition. When Koreans ask me what it is I like about Korea and why I've been engaged with the country and its people for so long, I can list a host of positives, but in the end, I can only explain to Koreans who ask, “I got 'jeong.'” Non-Koreas who have never been to Korea or only spent a quick trip here, or heard things in the news, still can't understand this crazy white guy who sees Korea as a second homeland - who lives here and loves the people and culture, but who will never fully fit in.

2022-04-13 16:17

A love affair with guilt

Christians, and perhaps other faith traditions, seem to have a love affair with guilt. Years ago, someone in my church posted a list of the members and how much each had donated. His rationale? People will see where they stand in the “ranking” and be persuaded to give more. Motivation by guilt is powerful. When guilt is weaponized, it can be lethal.

2022-03-23 16:30

Always an outsider

I love so much about Korea. I have so many wonderful Korean friends. I could say a lot about the variety and uniqueness of Korean cuisine. Most people are respectful, warm, and friendly. I enjoy the neighborhood where I live. I've found a warm, loving community atmosphere. I know many merchants, and I shop in their stores and eat in their restaurants. The quality of medical care and Korea's national medical insurance are tremendous.

2022-02-09 16:37

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