동학농민전쟁과 종교

Abstract

This paper reviews the relationship between Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Religion by studying on how and when the idea of anti-Japanese, anti-feudalism Peasant Revolution changed within Donghak and the relationship of the Peasant War and Donghak and the Peasant War and the Catholicism. Donghak emerged as a new religion during the time of Choe Je-u, was transformed into more systematic form by Choe Shihyeong and became more practical by Jeon Bong-jun. During the time of Choe Je-u, the most important issue of Donghak as a new religion was to realize a new society through 'Sicheonju(worshipping God)' and 'Gaebyeok(the dawn of new civilization)'. Choe Shihyeong focused more on humanism than worship of Heaven, which was for organizing the Donghak association and missionary work. Donghak in the 1890s reflected the peasants' political and social needs which led to anti-feudalism reformation and anti-Japanese idea. The first Peasant War was interpreted and practiced Donghak's anti-Japanese, anti-feudalism idea by the demands of the time. Anti-feudalism movement was practiced by peasant government with local governments associated with Donghak organizations. The second Peasant War was started against anti-aggression and peasant armies had to carry out anti-feudalism movement as well. The second Peasant War was led by Donghak leaders in Jeonla area including Jeon Bong-jun. Leadership of Donghak association maintained the religious characters of Donghak and focused on expanding the association. Division into pure religious movement and social reformation within Donghak couldn't be a significant help to the Peasant Wars. The Catholicism, to peasant armies, was the object for destruction that was closely linked to Japanese forces. Even though it was excluded and had the similar form and size of the followers compared to those of the Catholicism, Donghak showed negative views on the Catholicism. The Catholic Church considered Donghak-related peasant wars as rebellion and defined peasant armies as rioters. Peasant armies considered the Catholic Church as the center of foreign forces and had anti-Japanese, anti-Western forces mentality.