Suggesting an option for DDC class religion (200) for nations in which religious diversity predominates

This study makes recommendations to adapt and expand the class Religion (20 0) of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) for libraries in nations, part icularly Korea, where religious diversity predominates. It contracts the cl asses on Christianity, 220-280, into one class, 220, and allows for local K orean emphasis so that religions of Asian, and especially East Asian, origi n are given preferred treatment. It relocates Buddhism and other religions of Asian origin into separate divisions, 230 and 240, respectively. The rec ommendations maintain the basic system and order of DDC. Whenever possible, they adhere to the Korean Decimal Classification in the arrangement of rel igions of Asian origin. Because the options for religions other than Christ ianity in DDC are to give preferred treatment to a specific religion, this article tries to generalize the idea to suggest an option in DDC as Option F for " > 292-299 Religions other than Christianity", for other nations in the world having similar situations. It says: "Contract the Bible and Chris tianity in 220-280 into 220, and then class other religions to give preferr ed treatment in 230-280, respectively, following the order in DDC. In that case, the number "2" should be inserted in the second digit of the Bible an d Christianity, e.g., the Bible 222, Jesus Christ & his family 223.2, and P uritanism 228.59."