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Religion in North Korea, & more!

Good Afternoon - Recently, a trending video on X showed Russian president Vladmir Putin stopping by an Orthodox Christian church during his visit to North Korea. This came as a suprise to many people, as the narrative in the west is that religion in North Korea is not something that is allowed.

So, what is the truth of religion in North Korea?

Global Insights

Religion in North Korea

North Korea officially declares itself an atheist state, yet estimates indicate the presence of several religions, including Shamanism, Chondoism, Christianity, Buddhism, & even 3,000 Muslims as of 2010.

While the North Korean constitution guarantees freedom of religion, this does not reflect reality. The DPRK adheres to Marxist-Leninist principles which, like Marx himself, fundamentally oppose and deem incompatible any religious beliefs.

From a young age, North Koreans are educated about the perceived dangers and adverse effects of religion. Despite these risks, some individuals persist in practicing their faith clandestinely underground.

Officially, North Korean Christians are represented by the state-controlled Korean Christian Federation, which manages contacts with churches and governments abroad. Pyongyang hosts five church buildings: the Catholic Changchung Cathedral, three Protestant churches inaugurated in 1988 in the presence of South Korean officials, and a Russian Orthodox church consecrated in 2006.

Many Korean Communists, including Kim Il-sung whose mother was a Presbyterian deaconess (A woman who is a member of a religious order or sisterhood committed to caring for the sick or poor, or involved in social-service activities such as teaching or missionary work.) had Christian backgrounds. Kim himself attended a mission school and played the organ in church, expressing in his memoir "With the Century" that Christianity's ideals of peace and harmony did not contradict his vision for an independent life. However, after the communist regime was established in North Korea in 1945, many Christians fled south to escape persecution. The government in Pyongyang subsequently discouraged Christianity, associating it with Western influence, particularly America. Despite this, North Korea produced its own Bible translation in the 1980s, which Southern missionaries used in attempts to spread Christianity northward.

A century ago, before Korea was divided, Pyongyang was known as "the Jerusalem of the East," a vibrant center of Christianity and missions in Korea. Many Christian churches, schools, & institutions were established resulting in over 200,000 Christians in 1910. This revival eventually came to an end as a result of Japanese occupation in 1938. Many South Korean churches see themselves as an offspring of this movement.

Throughout the 1980s, there was a notable increase in church activities in Pyongyang, including the opening of new Protestant and Catholic churches. By the late 1980s and early 2000s, the number of churchgoing Christians in North Korea more than doubled, with a growing presence among the governmental elite. Despite official restrictions, international Christian organizations such as the American Friends Service Committee and World Vision operate in North Korea, focusing on humanitarian efforts rather than further spreading Christianity.

In recent years, North Korea has acknowledged Christmas in 2016 but with the religious themes downplayed. North Korea invited the Pope to visit in 1991 and extended another invitation to Pope Francis in 2018. Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox Church visited North Korea in late 2018, meeting officials and leading a service at the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Pyongyang. In 2018, the North Korean Council of Religionists conveyed a Christmas message to South Korea, expressing a desire for believers on both sides to move towards peace and reunification, "filled with blessings by Christ the Lord."

Bongsu Church, one of North Korea's few churches and one of only two Protestant ones alongside Chilgol Church, originally opened in 1988 during communist rule. It was initially constructed to emphasize religious freedom in North Korea amidst international scrutiny, funded by overseas Christians for half a million won. After being rebuilt and relocated in 2008 at a cost of four billion won covered by the South Korean Presbyterian Church Association, it now accommodates up to 1,200 people.

The church gained international attention with visits from prominent figures like Billy Graham and his son Franklin in the 1990s and 2000s. Despite its regular Sunday services at 10 am, there have been reports of political content in sermons and questions raised about the authenticity of its congregation's faith. Visitors have noted restrictions on interactions with North Korean attendees, highlighting ongoing debates about the church's role and its local believers. However if your a North Korean, the smartest option may be to fly under the radar to avoid any potential issues when these visitors come to Church.

North Korean defectors say that any religious practices not approved by the government can lead to harsh punishments, such as being sent to political prison camps. North Korea tops Open Doors’ 2023 World Watch List, which ranks 50 countries based on the severity of persecution faced by Christians. There are reportedly many underground churches in rural areas of North Korea.

North Korea has only 60 Buddhist temples, seen more as cultural remnants of Korea's past than active places of worship. There's also a three-year college for training Buddhist clergy, and a small revival of Buddhism seems to be occurring.

In 2010, there were 3,000 Muslims in North Korea, up from 1,000 in 1990. The country's only mosque, Ar-Rahman Mosque, is located in the Iranian embassy in Pyongyang. Originally constructed for embassy staff, it also allows visits by other foreigners.

Overall, religion in North Korea certainly exists, however it is completely controlled by the state. Any religious practices not approved by the state are deemed illegal. North Korea officially declares itself an atheist state, and the communist-marxist principles modern North Korea are founded upon do not coincide with complete and uncontrolled religious freedom.

The two simply cannot co-exist with that model of government.

Trending

Peace summit in Switzerland

Around 100 delegations from countries and international organizations convened at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine hosted in Switzerland last weekend. The summit aimed to chart a path forward that many believed could lead to an end to Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

While a significant majority of participants endorsed the brief communique issued at the summit's conclusion, several key nations did not. Held over two days at the Burgenstock resort in Stansstad, Switzerland, the diplomatic gathering was attended by Vice President Kamala Harris of the United States, alongside leaders from the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and diplomats from numerous other nations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia was in attendance and stated that “Any credible process will need Russia's participation."

Recap of recent Donald Trump interview on the “All-in” Podcast

1.) Trump does not want U.S troops in Ukraine

2.) Abortion is up to the states, he would not support a national ban on abortion

3.) War with China is not inevitable and unlikely. "With the right president we can live in peace with China"

4.) If an immigrant graduates from a college (2 or 4 year), they should be able to stay in the country and automatically get a green card.

5.) JFK files needed more time to be released, certain people told him not to release files. (Not CIA) This time, he is "Just going to do it"

6.) Trump will not underestimate Biden in the next debates, but does think he is incompetent.

Home prices in the United States hit all time high

In May, the number of homes for sale went up by 6.7% from the previous month and was 18.5% higher compared to May last year. The median price for existing homes sold in May hit a record high of $419,300, rising 5.8% from a year ago.

Sales of previously owned homes stayed near a 30-year low in May. Prices reached new highs while mortgage rates remained high. Cash purchases made up 28% of sales. First-time buyers accounted for 31% of sales, up from 28% the previous year, showing their increased presence in the market despite the challenges of higher prices

Prices are up, sales are down.

History & Culture - Petra, Jordan

Over 2,000 years ago, in Jordan's high desert, the city of Petra, known as the "Rose City," was carved from rosy sandstone. It's where the mysterious Nabateans thrived thanks to the incense trade. Petra, once Raqmu, became the heart of Nabatean civilization, connecting trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Seas, spanning from Egypt to Greece. They mastered water resources and blended with the rocky terrain, ensuring their civilization's survival.

In 63 B.C., the Romans arrived, expanding Petra with grand structures like the theater and the Treasury, showcasing Hellenistic elements carved from the top down.

Petra's engineering brilliance included a water system supporting 30,000 people. An irrigation channel in the Siq and underground cisterns ensured water supply.

Beyond its history, Petra's beauty captivates millions. The Silk Tomb's vivid hues and Byzantine-era church mosaics add to its allure.

Christianity thrived in Petra but waned after an A.D. 336 earthquake and the rise of early Islamic dynasties in the seventh century.

Petra remained hidden until Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Petra is a cherished World Heritage site and Jordan's top tourist attraction.

Visiting Petra takes more than a day, with options like donkeys, camels, and horse-drawn carriages for shorter travel. Guides and the "Petra by night" show enhance the experience.

Petra is open year-round, with spring and fall offering ideal weather. Summers can be hot, and winters cooler with occasional rain. Sunrise and sunset reveal Petra's changing colors.

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The cure for a fallacious argument is a better argument, not the suppression of ideas. - Carl Sagan