다문화 상황에서의 선민의식과 운동론 -SGI의 사례를 중심으로-

Abstract

This study focused on the SGI case to look into the perception of being chosen through an examination of religious identity and exclusivity, and the movement theory applied to overseas missionary work. To this end, we reviewed the case of SGI-USA’s missions and the situation of similar organizations in other countries. First, we examined h ow t he S GI order d efined t heir m embers i n relation to their idea of being chosen. They define themselves as the ‘Bodhisattvas of the Earth’ as presented in Lotus Sutra, and not as a nation or ethnic group, revealing that they are free from ethnocentrism to a certain degree. It can also be assumed that the personal experience of the founder who died in prison under state oppression could have played a role in distancing the order from being overly preoccupied with ideas of country and nation. Next, in terms of exclusivity, the SGI distinguishes between religious and social dimensions. While maintaining intransigence on the religious level, its attitude is that of active interaction with outside organizations and figures in the social sphere, including other religions. Such external cooperation and exchanges are based on the SGI’s movement theory that emphasizes ‘peace, culture and education’. Under this policy, they have established various institutions through which to carry out their activities, and it is analyzed that such activities and their role as a ‘meeting ground’ have contributed to the acquisition of social legitimacy, and the establishment of human networks even within communist nations. On the other hand, we were able to observe through the cases of SGI-USA and BSGI (Brazil) that the same type of activities based on the movement theory and devoid of any ethnocentrism can produce different results because of varying political, economic, social and human factors in each country.