Chai Lin ，Xing Liju，A Re-examination of Cho Soang’s Thinking on Yuksŏnggyo, Journal of Korean Religions（SSCI/A&HCI）, Volume 15 Number 2, Nov.2024. pp.31-61.

Abstract

  This article re-evaluates Cho Soang’s perspectives on yuksŏnggyo (teachings of the Six Sages) in the context of Korea’s colonization by Japan. As a prominent Korean independence activist, Cho Soang initially formulated yuksŏnggyo to amalgamate politics and religion as a means to unify the Korean national spirit and strive for liberation. This study delves into Cho’s transition from religious ideologue to political activist, scrutinizing his writings and activities from 1910 to 1919. This study contends that Cho’s religious inclination was not indicative of mental confusion, but rather a strategic fusion of spiritual and political dimensions aimed at national restoration. The alterations in the character and positioning of the Six Sages can be viewed as a natural outcome of the practical process aimed at constructing the ideal society pursued by yuksŏnggyo. The political intent behind Cho Soang’s establishment of yuksŏnggyo was ‘‘to exalt the Sovereign from an individual psychological perspective and to build the nation from a social psychological perspective’’ through ‘‘illumination from the Kingdom of Heaven.’’ With its ‘‘twenty million brothers and sisters with one heart and one mind,’’ yuksŏnggyo became foundational in advocating for Korea’s independence. Therefore, determining God’s position was deemed essential as it represented an optimal solution for a conquered people seeking to reclaim their country.

Keywords: Cho Soang, yuksŏnggyo，六聖教, national independence, God’s Command