KoreaTimes - Columnists

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Opinion

Columnists

19. Steven L. Shields

A year of profound loss

As we reach the end of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, most are wondering, hoping, waiting for the time when we can begin to feel normal. Just as things started looking up, the Omicron variant appears. Before it we got the Delta variant, and who knows what is next. That is the nature of viruses.

2021-12-14 16:33

It's been almost two years. COVID-19 disrupted my travel plans for retirement. The pandemic caused me to break some promises to my grandchildren.

2021-11-10 17:29

Trees, stars, and crosses

Last year during the year-end holiday season, downtown Seoul was adorned with bright, colorful lights and holiday-spirited decor. Department stores, shopping areas, and City Hall Plaza all joined the celebrations - wishing all people in Korea happy holidays.

2021-09-12 15:01

'I want to be like Jesus'

A time-honored hymn sung around campfires at church retreats and in prayer meetings is a favorite of mine, as it reminds me of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The primary phrases declare, “Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart; Lord, I want to be more loving in my heart; Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.” Most of us Christians leave those good thoughts on the church's doorstep or at the gate of the retreat center when we return home.

2021-05-13 17:20

What's in a name?

In times like these, with all the concerns and sometimes anger expressed over cultural appropriation, I find it odd that more and more Koreans adopt “Western” or “English” names. While national borders and cultural boundaries have been fluid throughout human history, I think one's name is closely connected with personal identity.

2021-04-11 17:47

“Faith” can be tricky because faith is believing in something without evidence. Faith is not unique to Christians, or even any religious persuasion, for that matter. Children have faith that Santa Claus is real and will bring them toys if they behave correctly.

2021-03-18 16:40

Retrospection good for soul

Last year was unkind on all fronts: health, the economy, politics and climate change. Friends and families have suffered from COVID-19; many people have died. Our daily routines have been changed dramatically. Although I worship with my church family each week, we haven't been at the church for almost a year. Online services are better than nothing at all and at least we are with members we miss.

2021-01-17 16:41

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