Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/god-korean-context
Coursera offers a fascinating deep dive into the intersection of theology and culture with its course, “Re-imagining God in Korean Context.” This course is an eye-opener, revealing how deeply cultural influences shape our understanding of the divine. It masterfully traces the dynamic development of Korean churches and indigenous theology by exploring various images of God within Korea’s unique cultural landscape.
What makes this course particularly compelling is its structured approach. The initial module, “Image Matters to Theology (and You),” sets the stage by highlighting a crucial shift in contemporary theology – moving from purely conceptual intellect to the power of human imagination. This foundational understanding is key to appreciating the subsequent modules.
The second module, “God as Father: Psychoanalytic Approaches to God-Image,” delves into the profound impact of our early relationships on our perception of God, drawing heavily on Freudian psychoanalysis. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how parental figures can unconsciously shape our divine imagery.
Module three, “God as Heaven: Korean Confucian Culture and God-Image,” offers a rich look at the concept of a heavenly God within the Korean Confucian framework, specifically examining the understanding of “Chon” (heaven). The interplay between transcendental and immanent images of God in the formation of Korean Protestant churches is particularly insightful here.
Next, “God as Rice: A Dialectical Imagination of Minjung Theologians” explores the concept of “Dialogical Imagination” as proposed by Kwok Pui-lan, showcasing how Korean Minjung theology amplifies theological imagination. The module brilliantly illustrates how the immanent image of God as ‘rice’ became a central theme for the Christian social movement in Korea.
Finally, the course concludes with “God as Spirit: Where Pentecostal Spirituality and Liberationist Spirituality Meet.” This module examines the influence of shamanistic beliefs on the healing ministry within the Korean Pentecostal movement and demonstrates how both Pentecostal and liberationist groups find common ground in interpreting God as Spirit, a fundamental basis for their theological imagination.
Completing “Re-imagining God in Korean Context” provides learners with a robust understanding of how cultural contexts mold theological development. More importantly, it encourages a personal reflection on one’s own image of God and theological imagination within their own cultural milieu. This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in comparative theology, cultural studies, or simply gaining a deeper, more nuanced understanding of faith.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/god-korean-context