[People Met Through Books] "The Pandemic is a Good Opportunity to Restore True Faith"

Senior Pastor Lee Jae-hoon of Onnuri Church. [Photo by Onnuri Church]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] It is the postmodern era. The claim that "there is no absolute truth that everyone must accept" is gaining strength. Previously marginalized relative values are now receiving attention, and many people are accepting this trend as mainstream. Homosexuality, once considered abnormal, is now gaining attention as part of the mainstream wave, and voices advocating for the "right to choose" abortion, once condemned as sinful, are gaining strength. The movement of those who reject established customs and social demands and live according to their feelings and thoughts is intensifying. For them, truth is closer to a social construct formed by customs or the consensus of people of the time. It is a variable value and a promise, not an immutable truth.

However, there are many who are concerned about such phenomena. The Christian community, which recognizes "absolute truth," is a representative example. They argue that the high-intensity religious ethics they have long upheld have laid the foundation for a healthy society, and that this remains true today. Regarding the absolute declaration of postmodernism that "there is no absolute truth that everyone must accept," they emphasize that this claim itself is a self-contradiction, arguing that there is an absolute truth that must be upheld beyond personal tastes or feelings. For this reason, mainstream Christianity does not recognize sexual minorities and considers abortion as murder. Their opposition to the enactment of the Private School Act is for the same reason. The Christian community argues that according to the revised Private School Act, even Christian schools’ educational ideals and talent cultivation are seriously infringed upon. We heard related stories from Pastor Jaehoon Lee, senior pastor of Onnuri Church, chairman of Handong Global University, and author of the book "The Age of Wandering, Becoming a Direction (Duranno)."

- You are actively opposing the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act. Why do you oppose a law that prohibits discrimination?

▲ Although it is named anti-discrimination, it is actually a law that creates many reverse discriminations. Currently, there are already about 20 individual anti-discrimination laws in Korea. These can prohibit discrimination, so the attempt to enact an "Equality Act" or "Anti-Discrimination Act" is to legalize "social gender." It aims to classify those who feel and follow gender identity or orientation differently from biological sex as sexual minorities and include them in socially disadvantaged groups.

- Can protective measures not be considered necessarily bad?

▲ I do not oppose the intention of protection, but it is deeply concerning that the legislation includes provisions where the majority suffers reverse discrimination. The trend of "social gender," which distinguishes gender not as a biological and scientific domain but as a matter of personal feeling and choice, overturns the fundamental order of society. Although it is said to be a global trend, many countries have not yet accepted it. In countries that have legalized this concept, serious problems have arisen and it has become a major cause of social confusion. For these reasons, many legal experts have pointed out that the Anti-Discrimination Act is excessive legislation and unconstitutional.

- You are also voicing opposition to the revision of the Private School Act. Is the infringement of Christian ideals the biggest concern?

▲ Currently, Korea’s Private School Act contains a trend to excessively restrict the autonomy of private schools and move toward publicization. The restriction of private school autonomy, which began with the Equalization Policy, has been implemented in various forms, including uniformity of curriculum and restrictions on teacher appointment and disciplinary authority. Under the current private school legal system, it is difficult for private schools to attempt creative education. Moreover, religious schools face many restrictions in educating according to their founding ideals. In a changing global environment, national competitiveness comes from creative education, and creativity cannot come from a uniform education system. Granting more autonomy to private schools is the way to strengthen national competitiveness.

- There is also an argument that since government financial support is provided, control should be exercised.

▲ The government argues that since it provides financial support, it should control schools. However, government financial support comes from taxes paid by the people. Just as people receive welfare benefits from taxes they pay, education support should be provided without discrimination to all taxpayers. Personally, I think a voucher system, where education support funds per student are sent to the school chosen by the student and parents, is desirable. The government should limit its interference to legal sanctions when fraudulent acts occur in schools.

- Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned abortion precedents, and abortion controversies are heating up worldwide. You are also voicing opposition to abortion.

▲ South Korea is the country with the lowest birthrate in the world. If this situation continues, an Oxford University professor in the UK analyzed that South Korea will become the fastest disappearing country in the world. In fact, just stopping clandestine abortions could solve the domestic low birthrate problem. The number of deaths from abortion far exceeds those from the COVID-19 pandemic. The most vulnerable fetuses in society are being killed without resistance.

- There may be exceptional cases. What role does the church play in preventing abortion?

▲ Of course, there may be truly unavoidable cases. Except for such cases, a system must be established so that born lives can grow under the protection of the state. Without legal and institutional measures to protect life, the stigma of a low birthrate country cannot be removed. Currently, Onnuri Church is conducting its own adoption ministry and is actively involved in caring for single mothers.

- The "premarital chastity" once emphasized by the church is now rarely mentioned. Why is that?

▲ That is not true. Premarital chastity remains an essential element for believers pursuing a holy life. It is also very important for life happiness. When purity becomes the foundation of the family, the family can be the happiest.

- The trend of secularization is accelerating. Do you accept it as an inevitable trend of the times? What are your concerns within it?

▲ Secularization has existed in every era. People dislike being constrained. However, in the face of the hardships of the times, people seek something to hold onto. Paradoxically, in the most difficult times, people become more religious. I believe the COVID-19 pandemic is a good opportunity for more people to move beyond mere religious affiliation to true faith.