All nations eventually decline, usually from moral failure. Such is the case in Silla on the Korean peninsula over 1000 years ago. As it loses its character, whole chunks of it are taken over by bandits, who increase as the main kingdom decreases. Two notable anti-heroes of the day are Kuyung-ye and Kyunwhun, rivals in opposite parts of the territory.
In the North a new kingdom forms from the old, Tabong. It is Buddhist-controlled, but actually the main power is the grossly immoral Kyung-ye, who calls himself a priest, but who is really a mad man. Eventually his chief general, Wang-gon, replaces him.
Tabong soon changes its name to Koryo as its people look back to the glory days of Korguryo with longing. In 920 old Silla recognizes new Koryo, and a new era has begun. Fifteen years later, after a 992-year stay on the peninsula, Silla breathes its last and is fully incorporated by Wang-gon into the burgeoning Koryo.
The South has been struggling along under Kyunwhun's rule. This attempt at a separate state soon fizzles, and the king is driven out. Needing a place of refuge, Kyunwhun finds it in Koryo. It is looking like the new nation will be the second power to gain the entire peninsula. Kyunwhun's sons surrender to the North in 936.
Buddhism has been making inroads in the new region, and now becomes the state religion. But during the reign of Koryo's third king, Confucianism gets a new impetus and curtails the strength of Buddhism.
Old ties with China re-surface, holding promise of alliance against the threatening Khitan tribe of the North. But when a formal request is made for help against the Khitans, China is too busy. For now, end of friendship. We will consider more of the Khitan-China-Koryo conflict next time.
I continue to share these thoughts about Korean history to demonstrate the hopelessness of nations without Christ, left only to their ingenuity and the hope of a good friend. Our prayer is that North Korea will learn to cling to Christ Jesus as Friend, knowing that the nation whose God is Jehovah is truly blessed.
Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos3@gmail.com
And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.
Hope In Religion
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