Reviving a Culture of Life: Father Oh Seok-jun’s Proposal

Respecting and Protecting Life: Proposal by Father Oh Seok-jun

Source: Newsis

In an interview with a cultural magazine, Father Oh Seok-jun emphasizes the importance of spreading a culture that respects and protects life. He particularly highlights the need for mutual consideration and love towards the weak and vulnerable.

On the 11th, during a meeting with the Seoul Archdiocese Life Committee, Father Oh Seok-jun expressed his interpretation of the significance of a culture of life in a society dominated by individualism. He symbolized the value of life by using his hand to create the Chinese character ‘인(人)’, meaning ‘person’.

The Seoul Archdiocese Life Committee, led by Father Oh, was established in 2004 with the aim of promoting a culture of life, respecting life, and spreading the Gospel of life. It was founded against the backdrop of South Korea having the highest suicide rate among OECD countries, the ongoing low birth rate issue since 2001, and the announcement of successful human embryonic stem cell cultivation as a world-first.

The committee conducts research on bioethics-related laws and institutions, establishes proper values through life education, and engages in various campaigns to spread a culture of respect for life. It also presents a Catholic perspective and alternatives regarding controversial issues such as discontinuation of life-sustaining treatment, euthanasia, abortion, genetic testing, and embryo research.

Amidst the increasing social issues of single-person households and declining birth rates, the committee actively promotes natural cycle methods as a solution. The natural cycle method involves observing mucus and various physical and emotional changes, understanding one’s reproductive ability, and planning pregnancy and childbirth through couple’s relationship adjustment.

Through this approach, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the natural order within their bodies, develop a correct perspective on self and sexuality, and cultivate a sense of the meaning of childbirth and life.

In addition to various activities aimed at enhancing the awareness of the culture of life among young people, such as youth life education programs, retreats, and a 40-day prayer campaign, the committee plans to introduce customized educational programs for different generations this year, focusing on topics such as childbirth, sexuality, pregnancy, mourning, and death.

Father Oh expressed concern about the prevailing culture of neglecting life and the easy accessibility of assisted reproductive technology. He emphasized the contradiction between the concept of ‘planning’ and the belief that life is a precious gift, pointing out that many people who use such technology often overlook the fact that they are creating life through their own bodies.

While acknowledging the existence of couples who rely on assisted reproductive technology due to specific circumstances, Father Oh expressed regret that such procedures are easily considered. He believes that nowadays, couples who turn to assisted reproductive technology immediately after natural pregnancy fails often think that they can have a child without investing time and effort.

As a solution, Father Oh suggests the practice of natural cycle methods and emphasizes the importance of respecting and cherishing one’s body. He believes that through understanding one’s body deeply via natural cycle methods, individuals will come to view children as true gifts. This understanding also influences attitudes towards parenting.

“Assisted reproductive technology objectifies our bodies,” Father Oh pointed out. “If we respect and cherish our bodies, the approach to solving the low birth rate issue will change.”

As the new year begins, Father Oh urges couples who hesitate or are concerned about childbirth to have the courage to make choices without regrets. He also hopes for a society where childbirth is regarded as a valuable and respected choice, and concludes by wishing for a world where everyone, including himself, is dignified and respected.