대순진리회의 사회사업 실천 방향성에 관한 연구 - 대만 자제공덕회와의 비교를 중심으로 -

Abstract

This research focuses on the practical way for the three major social services carried out by Daesoonjinrihoi, considering the social role and meaning of religion in the contemporary world. To perform this task, borrowing Max Muller’s famous claim of “He who knows one (religion), knows none”, comparative research is taken as a methodology. Hereupon, a comparative analysis was conducted on Daesoonjinrihoe established by Wudang in Korea, 1969 and Tzu Chi Foundation founded by master Zhengyan in Taiwan, 1966. Since it’s initial stage of establishment, Daesoonjinrihoe put emphasis on the religious activity aiming for the redemption of the soul in mind, while treating charity and aid, social welfare(medical) and educational work with utility value for social being, as having a secondary importance. Yet, Tzu Chi Foundation regarded charitable, medical, educational and human endeavors with utility value for social being, as having a primary significance. Hence, the activities of Four endeavors of Tzu Chi Foundation shows an aspect of contemporary transformation of religious life, while focusing on the social role of religion to which the demand on the value of contemporary society corresponds. The social role and significance of religion is to realize the mental or spiritual value for which a religion aims through its social work. A Religious Organization as itself is not a charitable body or a welfare group. Yet, if the significance of religion lies in its complete relief of human existence, it should not reside in relieving the spirit, but needs to secure a ground for the sound and safe survival through its relief of the standard of living. Thus, the social realization of value that religion pursues is the fulfillment of religious sense of responsibility, rather than a charitable work summed up as a relief and service toward the disadvantaged. This is different from the spread of religion. And now a new reflection and change in understanding are required for the religious world concerning the relationship between religion and society.