오방 최흥종의 신앙노선과 선교활동

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation into Choi Heung-jong's faith routes and missionary activities. His faith routes were unusual. As it was represented in his “Obang,” “castration operation,” and “notice of death,” his life resembled that of an ascetic based on the practice of no avarice and honest poverty. He did not distance himself from the political and social reality, taking active part in it. He criticized sharply the old religious bodies and workers and yet opposed to their “separation,” thus being different from the so-called “Autonomy Church” or “Freedom Church.” Although he was influenced by the non-church movement, he did not left the church until the end of his life. Unlike Lee Se-jong and Lee Hyeon-pil that were committed only to Bible study and training of pupils, he did not suspend his social work. At some point, he started to exhibit the tendency of “religious pluralism.” His missionary activities encompassed all the areas evenly including the gospel, medicine, education, and social missionary works. He had a wish to do missionary works in North Gando, but his wish did not come true. He also left a huge mark in the missionary work of Siberia and Jeju Island. His devotion to the invalid, the poor, and beggars continued throughout his life. His position was especially unrivaled in the missionary work of leprosy relief. He was a leader that earned trust both from the “left and right wings” in the national movement and the national foundation movement after the liberation of Korea.