Cherry Blossoms: Inside The Spiritual Meaning Of Sakura

(EXPLAINER) Cherry blossoms hold a profound significance in various cultures around the world, often intertwined with religious and spiritual symbolism. Both their beauty and delicate nature have inspired poets, artists and thinkers. Here’s a look at how different cultures — from Japan to India to the United States — feel about at these dazzling flowers that bloom each April.

South Korean Horror Film Explores Religious And National Identity

(REVIEW) For the past five weekends, the horror movie “Exhuma” has topped box offices in South Korea, its country of origin. This movie, which recently opened in America, is a harrowing must-see. It brings to mind “The Wailing,” a South Korean horror movie from 2016. Both movies wrestle with identity and religion in a variety of ways that also includes a dislike of Japan, a former colonizer, and what it means to be pro-Korean.

IRFBA’s Bold Statement Addresses Rising Christian Persecution Worldwide

(ANALYSIS) The International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA) earlier this month released a significant statement on the current worldwide persecution of Christians. It’s essence: Religious freedom is still comparatively neglected as a human right, and the ongoing persecution of Christians is relatively unknown.

Analysis, Christianity, Europe, Human Rights, Opinion, Religion, Religious FreedomPaul MarshallJune 4, 2023Albania, Armenia, Austria, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, The Gambia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Togo, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There are also five IRFBA “friends”: Canada, Guyana, Japan, South Korea, and Sweden, and three IRFBA observers: the Sovereign Order of Malta, Taiwan, United Nations, Paul Marshall, Dr. Paul Marshall, Fiona Bruce, Robert Rehak, Rashad Hussain, Joao Lucas, Pew Forum, blasphemy laws, Christian persecution, religious persecution, International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, IRFBA, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Religious Freedom or Belief AllianceComment

Netflix Show ‘In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal’ Exposes Cults Thriving In South Korea

(REVIEW) The eight-episode series “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” covered Jesus Morning Star, Five Oceans, The Baby Garden, and the God of Manmim cults. Comedian Esther Ku spoke with ReligionUnplugged.com about how the series unearthed an ecosystem of cults in Korea.

How The Bloody Netflix Sensation ‘Squid Game’ Critiques Korean Christianity

(REVIEW) The horrifyingly addictive Netflix Korean thriller has become the number one television show in more than 90 countries. But beyond the surprising visuals and horrific violence that touch on an array of themes, the show also has something to say about religion — specifically Korean forms of Christianity.

Analysis, Asia, Christianity, Entertainment, Film & TVAbby MillerNovember 3, 2021Squid Game, Abigail Miller, Abby Miller, South Korea, Gi-hun, Player 244, Player 240 Comments

For many South Korean Christians, reunification with the North is a religious goal

(OPINION) When Communists in the North banned Christianity, the faith surged in popularity in the South. Many South Koreans see parallels with Confucianism’s strong gender roles, support for traditional families and respect for authority and want what America has: wealth, freedom and “divine blessings.”

Asia, Analysis, Opinion, Politics, ReligionDiane WinstonSeptember 12, 2019North Korea, South Korea, Korean Christian, Moon jae-in, Kim Jong-un, Seoul, Asia, Diane Winston, Christianity, reunification

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