Evil: A North Korean Christian Refugee Perspective
Ebook
The purpose of this study was to describe how the North Korean refugee understanding of evil can shape missionary practice in the Korean Peninsula. The central research question guiding this study was, How do North Korean Christian refugees describe evil based on their lived experiences? Twelve North Korean Christian refugees were interviewed. The findings indicated that North Korean Christian refugees understand evil as the oppression of the vulnerable, primarily due to human activities, and as exemplified through governmental actions, human trafficking, and sexual violence. This study also discussed how North Korean refugees understand evil in light of theology, specifically teleology and theodicy, and explores how their understanding resonates with historic Christian beliefs in Korea. Analysis of the interviews provided practical implications for Christian ministry and theodicy as well as the sensitization of practitioners who work with North Korean refugees, specifically, to encourage practitioners to subvert the oppressive narratives that North Koreans are responsible for the evil that befalls them, and to be aware that refugees may have been traumatized by their own compatriots.
“In Evil, Ryan Klejment-Lavin gives voice to brave North Korean Christian refugees who have endured the unimaginable in their journeys to safety. Evil is a balance of rigorous academic research with accessible stories that will stretch readers to consider what they know about refugees and reflect on the resilience of the human spirit. Evil is a much-needed addition to the academy and is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding more about global refugees.”
—Jamie N. Sanchez, associate professor of intercultural studies, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
“The severity of suffering experienced by people in North Korea compels us to reject trite explanations of evil. Here, Ryan Klejment-Lavin has taught us how to listen to the theodicies of those who experienced the evils of the North Korea regime. This study also serves as a call to action: Rather than explain away evil as part of ‘God’s ultimate plan,’ we must root out unjust power structures and defend the cause of the vulnerable.”
—Kenneth Nehrbass, assistant professor of social work, California Baptist University
- Title: Evil: A North Korean Christian Refugee Perspective
- Authors: Ryan Klejment-Lavin, Jamie Sanchez
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666769081, 9781666769074, 166676907X, 9781666769067, 1666769061, 1666769088
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666769081
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-27T20:40:46Z
Ryan Klejment-Lavin is associate professor of intercultural studies at Columbia International University. He is the author of numerous journal articles and book chapters on ministry to North Koreans. Previously he served as a field missionary in Asia for thirteen years.