Characteristics of the Korean Religious Organization Cheondogyo and the Reasons for its Cooperation with the Communists

Abstract

This article analyzes the characteristics and activities of the religious organization Chondogyo in the first half of the twentieth century, which ultimately led it to the cooperation with the communists. Particular attention is paid to the perception of the “revolution” within the framework of the Korean doctrine of Gaebyeok, which in many ways brought together two seemingly completely different ideologies. A study of archival materials showed that in the conditions of the nonmodern society and the absence of the sacred and profane dichotomy religion often becomes a basis for the formation of national identity. Besides, it also frequently served as a way of expressing desires for completely secular ideas of political and social transformations. This fact becomes especially noticeable with a shift of the religious focus from “another” world to this one, as well as with the advent of eschatological ideas that aquired, in contrast to the western analogues, some cyclical features.