FORUM 2000: Members came on April 17 to hear Professor Kirsteen Kim from Leeds Trinity University talk about Religions in Korea. In the event they got a lecture on the history, politics and religions of the peninsula. Like the UK it is a small nation on the fringe of a large land mass and the picture which emerged was of an independent, clever and brave people with a respect for scholarship and strong sense of national identity whose religious observance grew out of a need for self preservation. Kirsteen described the development of religion from traces of early worship, with shamans as intermediaries, through Buddhism, Confucianism, Catholicism, Protestantism, and the Kimilsungism of modern North Korea. Korea, influenced by China and India and in turn influential in introducing Buddhism into Japan, managed to survive as a free state until 1910 when it was annexed by Japan and treated with great savagery. Today’s political situation must be seen with this history in mind. The economic situation likewise reflects the strong work ethic of Confucianism and the love of learning of Buddhism. Kirsteen showed a 13th century library containing the complete Buddhist texts which replaced one destroyed by fire. Hundreds of printed books well before Europe discovered printing! The Jesuits were welcome because they introduced science and technology. One of the amazing facts to emerge was the rise of the Protestantism with colossal buildings, membership and missionary zeal, but in fact all religions are active in South Korea. It was a most interesting morning. On Wednesday, May 1, Peter Smith, LCC Olympic Games Officer, will examine the Olympic Legacy. Forum 2000 meets on Wednesdays at 10am in The Grove Centre, New Street, Horsforth. Everyone welcome. Contact (0113) 2583521.