Meet Robert T. Oliver, author of “A History of the Korean People in Modern Times. 1800 to the Present.” From this point in our story we will follow both Mr. Hulbert and Mr. Oliver. Unfortunately, Mr. Hulbert will leave us early in the next century, when he finishes his story (1905).
We join historians in what is now 19th century Korea.
In 1801 there is a determined and systematic opposition to Roman Catholicism. As you can imagine, Koreans fear foreigners more than they fear foreigners’ faith. Romanism has definite characteristics of a European political force. It should be avoided at all costs. It is at this time that the Chinese Catholic Tsiou dies for his faith.
By 1803 the persecution is over, but not before 300-400 have been killed. The Church of Rome seems crushed.
Oliver’s description of the various types of believers is very helpful here:
“As in all countries, at all times, among the parishioners there were many who were unquestioningly devoted and wholehearted. family members, friends and neighbors. Some church members were “rice Christians”, more interested in earthly benefits than eternal ones. Dedication variations were common in Korea among shamanists, Taoists, Buddhists, and Confucianists long before (and after) the advent of Christianity. Government officials were accused of being half believers and didn’t care about them…”
More tragedy on the peninsula. A fire raged in Pyongyang and in 1811 a rebellion broke out in the north. The miners rise up and take Chongjin and many other cities. But they are detained. In 1813, the same scenario rises and then falls.
The coming year brings floods and famines to the south. Then typhus. Then the cholera. In the cholera epidemic in Seoul, 10,000 die in 10 days. How easily I write and you read all of this, but consider the ongoing tragedy of this nation…
In royalty, 1827 sees the crown prince appointed as deputy king. Then in 1830 he dies. The king’s grandfather who reigns as Hulbert goes to press with this story not only becomes king, but he adds emperor to your title. But in 1898, emperor or not, he must face the death of his heir.
1831. The Roman Pope makes Korea a bishopric and sends a bishop, albeit in secret. By now, a revival of Romanism has brought the number of adherents to 9,000.
So here come the Protestants. It is 1832. An English ship comes to trade. The King says no thanks. Perhaps his gaze at the ship’s flag, which proclaims the religion of Jesus Christ, is what helps him decide so quickly. The believers Coutzlaff and Lindsay send books to the king. The king returns them. Not an auspicious start.
More fires and floods. A nine-year famine, another cholera outbreak. The bodies are stacked in piles. Is there a connection between Korea’s constant rejection of God’s will and these ongoing plagues?
That seems to be the case in North Korea today.
More on the persecution of Christ in Korea next time.