1920-30년대 일본조합교회의 동향과 기독교 ‘내선일체’

Abstract

This study analyzes the missionary activities of the Japanese Union Church in Chosen during the 1920s and 1930s and the aspects of the Christian “Naeseon Ilche.” The study has led to the following conclusions: First, the influence of the Missionary Branch in Chosen of the Japanese Union Church was at its peak in 1919-1920, but it was confirmed that its decline actually began around 1918. Second, the process of abolishing the Missionary Branch in Chosen in 1921 was specifically identified. Third, by analyzing the personnel composition, operation of educational institutions, and decline of the Christian Church of Congregation in Chosen, the trends of the Christian Church of Congregation in Chosen in the 1920s were specifically clarified, and the correlation with the Japanese Union Church was identified. Fourth, after transferring the Missionary Branch in Chosen to the Christian Church of Congregation in Chosen in 1921, the Japanese Union Church stopped direct missionary work to Koreans but continued to support the Christian Church of Congregation in Chosen. The third Sunday of June each year was designated as ‘Chosen Mission Day,’ during which commemorative services and fundraising were conducted. This indirect missionary work changed with the nationwide believers’ conference held in 1939 in Gyeongseong, where it was resolved to resume direct missionary work to Koreans through ‘Pioneering Mission.’ This was also reflected in activities targeting Japanese residents in Korea. In conclusion, it was specifically identified that the missionary activities of the Japanese Union Church in Chosen were closely related to the colonial policies of the Japanese Empire, particularly the Japanization and spiritual indoctrination of Korean Christians to turn them into loyal subjects of the Japanese Empire.