(Photo ICE Video Capture)
(Source: JoongAng Ilbo] https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25365032)
"Uncomfortable Truths Revealed by the Georgia Detention"
Although over 300 Koreans detained in the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint venture factory in Georgia, USA, have returned safely, the wounds remain deep. An employee of LG Energy Solution who went to the United States to handle the situation said, "The atmosphere at the site was devastating," (Source: https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25367472, JoongAng Ilbo, September 17, 2025)
Biblical Perspective on the Decline of Imperialism
Although the Bible does not directly advocate for imperialism, there are cases where the description of territorial expansion, such as the conquest of Canaan in the Old Testament, has been misinterpreted from an imperialistic perspective, or where the Great Commission 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel' has been misconstrued as territorial expansion, and used to justify imperialism. On the other hand, the fundamental message of the Bible emphasizes peace, love, and coexistence for all peoples, and clearly states that imperialistic domination and invasion are not the will of God.
Biblical Perspective on Capitalism and Democracy
From a biblical perspective, capitalism is an economic system characterized by the pursuit of profit and competition, which, when not harmonized with biblical ethical principles, can lead to materialism, poverty, and inequality.
Democracy is a political system that emphasizes individual freedom and political participation, and from a biblical perspective, it can be used as a means to realize God's created order and love for one's neighbor, but attention to the power struggles within the political structure is also needed.
Christians should critically recognize the problems that arise within the capitalist and democratic systems, and strive to promote social justice and the good of the community based on biblical values.
The Attitude and Role of the Awakened Intellectual
In the 21st century, we are experiencing the side effects of capitalism and democracy, as well as the true face of imperialism, which attempted to implement them.
- Let's learn and practice through history and the words of truth
Looking closely at the words of Hebrews in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:3), it can be seen that for the past 2,000 years, they have been words of caution and warning against imperialism, capitalism, and democracy, that is, the nation of power and material things manifested in the flesh.
This, if you look closely, is the word of God the Creator, spoken through the words of truth, for the restoration of human nature and true life.
If you carefully see, know, and understand the words of truth through the Bible, you can move forward toward a desirable future.
We can learn through history that there is a limit to the establishment of imperialism by humans and its continuation by power and capital. However, humans are still walking the path of idol worship, with power and material things as the highest values, through repeated greed.
As side effects of capitalism and democracy, inequality and the breakdown of community are appearing, and the respect for and the value of humanity are being lost. This is also a repeated mistake, just like Hebrews 11:3, of pursuing only what is seen.
Hebrews Chapter 11
3. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Winston Churchill (Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, 1874~1965, 61st Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) said, 'A nation that forgets its past has no future'. Like his aphorism, humans should understand God's plan and purpose for creating humans through the history of the Bible.
- Let's become people who can have hope for the future
The desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life may be instincts of man, but they constantly take root in the human heart. Such greed causes jealousy and envy in those who compare themselves to each other.
Therefore, there are constant conflicts between families and communities, and it can also occur between society and countries, causing division between social classes and causing wars between countries.
The expression, 'the heart of man is exceedingly corrupt,' emphasizes that the human heart is very deceitful and sinful and corrupt before God. (Jeremiah 17:9) This indicates a theological concept that human nature is fallen and is not morally or ethically right, and that it cannot restore justice or love on its own.
God said, 'Be holy, for I am holy.' (Leviticus 11:44, 19:2). God must have intended for the humans He created to return to God and restore their nature.
Heaven (The kingdom of God), by restoring the right relationship with God, that is, righteousness, can naturally enjoy peace and joy, and it is said that this heaven is in our hearts. (Romans 14:17-19)
Romans 14
17. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
18. Because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19. So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
A wise person will strive to embrace the kingdom of God in his heart, promote peace with the members of the community, and take the lead in building each other up. If national leaders govern the country with the same attitude and countries engage in diplomacy with this mindset, the whole world will be able to enjoy fundamental peace.
The ideology of Dangun, Hongik Ingan (弘益人間), which means 'to widely benefit mankind', is an ideology that appears in the founding myth of Gojoseon, and is also used as an educational ideology in the Republic of Korea today. This ideology goes beyond simply benefiting individuals, and pursues the integration and prosperity of the entire society, aiming for the realization of universal values of humanity.
It is time for awakened intellectuals to step up in order to practice the realization of these universal values of humanity. Only then will the Republic of Korea and the Korean people be able to exert a positive influence on the whole world. In addition, this practice and direction should become the desired reality. (Hebrews 11:1, 6)
Hebrews 11
1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
6. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
September 21, 2025 Chamgil
The wave of praise that covered Brazil, the moving confession of hundreds of thousands of saintsㅣWay MakerㅣThe One Who Makes the Wayㅣjeremy riddle(feat. Priscilla Alcantara)
Comments0