Spirit Power: Politics and Religion in Korea's American Century

Spirit Power explores how Korean shamanism has assimilated symbolic properties of American power into its realm of ritual efficacy, in dialogue with the work of Yim Suk-jay.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 17 July 2022
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Spirit Power delves into the profound manifestation of the American Century in Korean history, particularly focusing on the intricate tapestry of religious culture. It takes a retrospective journey, examining the historical encounter with American missionary power that began in the late nineteenth century and the enduring political battles waged against the country's indigenous, popular religious heritage during the colonial and postcolonial eras. This captivating book not only sheds light on the historical dynamics but also introduces an anthropology of religion into the realm of Cold War history. Through its insightful exploration, it delves into the fascinating process by which Koreas shamanism has seamlessly assimilated symbolic properties of American power into its realm of ritual efficacy. This assimilation takes shape in the form of the spirit of General Douglas MacArthur, a prominent figure in Korean history. The book engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with the pioneering work of Yim Suk-jay, a renowned Korean anthropologist, who recognized the deep-rooted cosmopolitan and democratic world vision embedded within Koreas enduring shamanism tradition. By intertwining these two perspectives, Spirit Power offers a unique and comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between religion, power, and cultural identity in the context of Korean history. This captivating work invites readers to explore the intricate nuances of religion's role in shaping societies, the dynamics of cultural exchange, and the enduring legacies of historical events.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823299911