Korean Job Discussion Forums

[politica]

I don't know where this post should go, but it involves a co-teacher, so I figured here was as good a place as any . . .

I did not come to Korea to go to church. I came to Korea to teach. I happen to be Jewish (by choice). I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic school for 12 years, and have read the bible cover to cover.

My problem: I am being absolutely HARASSED at school by my Christian co-teacher, and to a lesser degree, my principal. Both of them are "hardcore" Christians (they make the 5 a.m. mass every morning), as are several of the other teachers . . .

I am constantly bombarded by offers to go to church on Sunday (and by "offers" I mean the teachers questioning me as to why I don't want to go . . . when I'm going to go . . . etc.) This happens on a near daily basis. I've explained my reasoning over and over again, but its just not sinking in. Now its going further . . . they are threatening to find me a nice Korean Christian boyfriend (did I mention that I'm gay?- not out at work though for obvious reasons), because that will surely perk my interest in going to church. Oh yes, and then there's the music. Christian music blasting in the room I share with my co-teacher everyday. Every-goddamn-day.

I don't know what to do. What would you do? I've already talked politely about it to the involved persons, to no avail. They think I'm being unreasonable. I feel like I'm being persecuted.

Help please
politica

[Otherside]

Maybe that nice christian korean guy might perk up your interest in men too?

Just a thought

[Adobe]

I don't know if you live in a big city or small town, but my town/village is small. The first two months were similiar to what you describe, apart from the christain music. I explained that i travel on the weekends and that was why i couldn't make the services(they then tried bible study...but that is another story...) after a while they abandoned all hope for this heathen. Just continue to excuse yourself, and if you are in a small town travel. If you are in the big smoke then it is unlikly they will be scouting you every move.

[Draz]

[merkurix]

If you are teaching at a Christian school, you might be out of luck. If it was me, I personally would like to engage them in theological debate to make them stop. But that is just me. Politeness is running thin, so firmly but kindly tell them you believe what you believe and they can believe what they believe. Since it is the principal who is one of the proselytizing maniacs this can be a bit tricky. Your location says you are in Suwon. Since you mention a co-teacher, I am going to assume that you work at a public school--A SECULAR public school. You should complain to the Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education and see how they can help you. I find this situation infuriating, even though I myself am of the Christ believing variety. I feel aggravated for you.

[Fresh Prince]

You might try talking to someone at the synagoge in Seoul, maybe they have experience dealing with that sort of thing.

[Fishead soup]

Tell them you're a Muslim. I can guarentee that will shut them up. Or do what I did. Sing Anarchy in the UK at your next school Karoke Party

I am an Anti-Christ
I am an Anarchist

[Draz]

[merkurix]

[Ukon]

Couldn't you lie and say your now attending an english language church somewhere else....they can't blame you for wanting the holy word in english.

[oskinny1]

You won't be the only Jew, I think one more might be hanging around there somewhere.

[pootle]

Just keep saying 'No' - politely, but firmly. There are so many instances within my four months of being here of kindly people trying to get me to go for lunch at their church, go to a picnic with their church, go to their church friends' noodle restaurant etc. and I just say 'No, thank you'.

Don't engage in theological debates, it's grist to the mill. You have your beliefs and unless you're feeling evangelical there is no reason for you to try to make anyone else understand.

I was told before coming to Korea to 'beware strange cults' and maybe I've been a little too aware. I'm sure that most people who ask me to attend their church are not mad cultists but if that's their only method of engagement then I get a little paranoid.

[Ya-ta Boy]

You wrote that you have told them your reasons for not wanting to go to church, but did you make it clear that you are Jewish?

Have you explained you have your religious views and it makes you uncomfortable for them to be constantly asking you to change? Have you mentioned that when they push you to attend their church you feel they are not showing respect to you and your religion?

You have a right to be firmer than you have been up to this point.

[rhinocharge64]

My GOD!! Conservative Christian Koreans, the DEVIL reincarnated!!!! Good look.

[bassexpander]

I see you have two choices:

1. Suck it up and deal with it.

2. Quit.

Or you could keep going on about it and people will start to call you a whiner.