최태용과 무교회주의: 김교신·우치무라와의 관계를 중심으로

Abstract

This article tries to understand Choe Tae-yong in light of his relationship with Kim Gyo-sin and Uchimura Kanzo. That will in turn shed light on Kim and Uchimura, as well as on the Non-church Movement in Korea. Choe and Kim met in the Uchimura circle when they were studying in Japan during the early 1920s. Choe Tae-yong came under the influence of Uchimura and learned from him prior to Kim Gyo-sin, and upon returning to Korea he applied and practiced his learning in various ways. Kim acknowledged and respected that fact. However, the two were very different in terms of their theology, temperament, ways of activity, and orientation. Kim saw the heart of biblical truth in Uchimura’s Non-churchism and made it his goal to investigate that truth further through Bible study and quietly apply it to his life. He thought Choe did not fully understand that truth. But Choe had a sense of urgent mission to reform the corrupt and lifeless church and spread the vital faith. He was dissatisfied that Non-church movement did not create a proper church while criticizing the problems of the existing church. He saw that Kim could not overcome such non-activism of Uchimura’s Non-churchism.