Hwang, Sun-myung, “The Historical Characteristics fo East Asian Religions and Their Change.” Jouranl of New Religions 15 (October 2006): 57-75.

Abstract

The subject which I have presented here is concerned about the historical aspects of East Asian religions. As we know, the East Asian traditional society has experienced a tumultuous passage during the modernization era.

So we have discussed first of all, what is the decisive factor for the setting out of so many new religious sects since late 19^th century till mid 20^th? And we have concluded that the most plausible explanation should be found in culture shock which was derived from invading western civilization toward the dormant far Eastern Asia. However, varieties of cultural differences along with respective regional area allowed it’s own way of response toward the western impact in late 19^th century in far eastern traditional society.

As a result, unlike the stagnant Korea and China, Japan has determined imperialistic militancy for facing against hazardous modernization problem. It’s influence should not be undermined for the folk’s religious life and emerging religious sects since 19^th century in Japan.

Finally, I have concluded that religious sects and number of various religious sects are on the way of dwindling situation as a revealing post industrial society symptom.