ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author details an account of lectures he delivered to mainly Korean pastors and graduate students of theology at Seoul Christian University and at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. He addresses how one might use scripture as an aid to reflection about depression and despair. Recently, a famous and well-loved Korean movie celebrity, Choi jin-sil, committed suicide in Seoul. Choi jin-sil suffered a mountain of despair from depression. She was divorced and a single mother in a society that shuns such women, despite celebrity status. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) defines depression as a mood disorder and a general dissatisfaction with life. Cultural approaches to depression reflect cultural outlooks on individuals and personhood as well as relationships. The author thinks that three different approaches stand out: the individual approach, the relational approach, and the socio-centric approach. Faith is a confident way of knowing that cannot be justified by reason or proof.
