Korean Re-Unification: Promise and Perils
The Journal of Unification Studies is a forum for committed engagement with Unification theology and practice, published annually by the Unification Theological Seminary.
Its articles address concerns of the theological community and the professional ministry, as well as contemporary social, cultural, political, scientific and economic issues, from a Unificationist perspective.
In addition, the Journal promotes dialogue and understanding by presenting papers from diverse viewpoints that engage Unification theology and practice.
In his article, Korean Re-Unification: Promise and Perils published in the Journal of Unification Studies Vol. 19, 2018. Dr. Michael L. Mickler explores how Rev. Sun Myung Moon (True Father to Unificationists) emphasized the “providential significance” of Korean reunification. To him, unifying the Korean peninsula would be “the final act of bringing the global Cold War to a conclusion” and “the blueprint for the unification of the world.”
Journal of Unification Studies Vol. 19, 2018 – Pages 49-69
Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon stated their basic philosophy of how the Korean peninsula will be re-united and what that will mean for the world in a series of speeches delivered in 2000 titled, “North-South Unification and World Unification Will Be Accomplished through True Love.”[1] Rev. Moon delivered the speech on the occasion of his eightieth birthday and in “Rallies for the Unification of North and South Korea” held in twenty-one cities throughout the Republic of Korea. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon delivered the same message in Japan. They stated as a core principle, “The starting point on the path to heaven is within the enemy country.” Applying this principle to Korean re-unification, they declared,
South Koreans must emerge who love North Korea more than their country. Also, North Koreans must emerge who love South Korea more than their country… There has to be a heart of truly wanting to live together… The movement for the unification of North and South Korea begins when both sides have such a heart toward the other: “I truly want to live with them. I do not want to die unless with them. I do not want to live unless with them.”[2]
As they expressed it, “Those blessed with the ties of true love and true hearts are accorded the privilege of joining the realm of unification.” However, for them, the “realm of unification”[3] extended far beyond Korea. Unifying the Korean peninsula would be not only “the final act of bringing the global Cold War to a conclusion” but also “the blueprint for the unification of the world.”[4]
Dr. Michael L. Mickler (UTS’77) is Professor of Church History and Vice-President of the Unification Theological Seminary, and Director of the Sun Hak Institute of History USA. He is the author of Footprints of True Parents’ Providence: The United States of America (2013), 40 Years in America: An Intimate History of the Unification Movement, 1959-1999 (2000), A History of the Unification Church in America, 1959-74 (1993), and The Unification Church in America: A Bibliography and Research Guide (1987).