Study Notes on Japanese Colonial Government's Attitude Towards Korean Religions (1910-1919)
Intro to Religious Control in East Asia
- Gov't & Religion: Gov'ts use religion for control (e.g., "spiritual policeman").
- Confucianism: Dominated East Asia, provided social structure, supported ruling class, enforced decrees. Other religions often adapted.
Colonial Gov'ts & Religion
- Colonial Powers: Western powers used Christianity. Japan used Buddhism in Korea.
Japanese Colonial Admin in Korea (1910-1919)
Overview of Korean Society & Religion
- Annexation (1910): Japan annexed Korea. Saw Western influence, Christian growth, and Japanese-backed Buddhist revival.
Japanese Strategies Toward Religion
- Japan used: encouragement, education, economic support, media, coercion, swindle, infiltration, violence against Buddhism, Christianity, indigenous religions.
Religious Changes & Developments
Buddhism
- Revival (post-1895): Anti-Buddhist laws relaxed, temples restored. Korean monks active but relied on Japanese support/structure.
- Factions: Pro-Japanese (Yi Hoegwang) vs. Anti-Japanese.
- Temple Ordinance (1911): Japan controlled temple abbots, causing divisions. Key publications emerged; married priests changed dynamics.
Christianity
- Background: Catholics persecuted. Protestants gained support (late 1880s). Korean gov't views mixed (threat vs. protection from Japan).
- Evolution: Anti-Japanese feelings grew (especially after March 1 Independence Movement), leading to increased persecution post-1919.
Confucianism
- Under Japanese Rule: Political influence waned. Japan promoted its values for social control, but revival attempts failed.
New Religious Movements
- Emergence: Grew post-annexation, stemming from Tonghak Movement (e.g., Ch'ondogyo nationalist sect). Japan persecuted these syncretic movements as subversive.
Significance of Adaptations
- Buddhism: Experienced vital revivals and adaptations despite oppression.
- Christianity: Faced scrutiny and persecution due to involvement in independence movements.