Recommended Book by Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency for Lunar New Year Holiday ③ ‘Religious Studies for Cheongsonyeon’

The Korea Publication Culture Industry Promotion Agency (Director Kim Jun-hee) Book Sharing Committee announced seven titles, including “Raiders of the Alley” (Smart Books), as “Recommended Books.”

The Book Sharing Committee is composed of experts from various fields and introduces books in seven categories?▲Literature ▲Humanities & Arts ▲Social Sciences ▲Natural Sciences ▲Practical & General ▲Picture Books & Fairy Tales ▲Youth?each month along with recommendation notes to expand publishing demand and promote reading culture.

The “Recommended Books for February” include seven titles: ▲“Raiders of the Alley” (Smart Books) ▲“The Wise Speaking Guide to Dealing with Rude Friends” (Sakyejul) ▲“Religious Studies for Youth” (Gino) ▲“The World Just Left” (Hankyoreh Publishing) ▲“About Believing Humans” (Heureum Publishing) ▲“What Is Prison?” (Wings of Knowledge) ▲“The World of Quantum” (Haenamu).

'Religious Studies for Youth' | Written by Park Jung-won | Gino | 344 pages | 17,000 KRW

Religion, one of humanity’s inventions, has its roots in human ignorance and fear. Even modern humans, armed with scientific technology and rational thinking, still find peace of mind and comfort through religion, attributing value and meaning to life. Socially, religion plays a positive role by caring for the poor and marginalized neighbors and conveying messages of peace. However, from the medieval Crusades to the Shincheonji COVID-19 cluster infections, social violence and conflicts caused by religion have never ceased. Could this be due to ignorance and prejudice about religion? Before examining the roles and functions of religion, proper knowledge and understanding of religion itself must come first.

Park Jung-won’s argument that we must study religion to live humanely in modern society is not advice for those entering a particular religion. Whether religious or non-religious, we are all religious beings. Within us lies an inherent nature that pursues truth and freedom and a desire to live as the masters of our own lives. Looking around at family, friends, and lovers, many have religion. Religious figures such as monks, pastors, and priests also live among us. Park advises abandoning the idea of “believing with the heart” rather than the “head” to understand them and overcome hatred and prejudice.

Stories about religion and money and political power, Western and Eastern religions, religion and culture in artworks, religious practice, and freedom are also stories about myself and my neighbors living everyday life. Regardless of what religion one believes in or whether one believes at all, if we properly know and understand religion, misunderstandings, prejudices, conflicts, and violence between religions and between religious and non-religious people might decrease somewhat. Perspectives on clergy and religious figures who accumulate wealth and pursue personal desires under the guise of religion should also change. The saying that unconditional belief is a “shackle” and criticism born of misunderstanding is “violence” is worth deeply remembering. For youth, religious studies that help them live throughout life seem more important than English or math grades.

- Ryu Dae-sung, author of The Future of Reading

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.