기독교계통 신종교에서 세계 신종교로의 연구 패러다임전환 ―전통별 사례연구

Abstract

This paper deals with new religions in South Korea from a perspective of phenomenology of religion. Recently, new religions are growing among the Korean groups of young adults and seniors,while existing religions are shrinking from the Korean society. I argue that Christian churches and their members should have proper knowledge about new religions as they do about world religions including Islam and Buddhism. Due to the shortage of scholarship and scholars, the study of new religions still remains one of undeveloped area. Though they have great influence on church life and society, Christian educators and leaders often overlook the importance of new religious movements in their works and ministries. Especially students in the university level are likely to expose themselves to the active transmission of new religions. Therefore, a typological interpretation of new religions on the basis of phenomenology of religion will help us to understand their value systems and missionary strategies. First, a Islamic new religion, Baha'i Faith proposes the doctrine of progressive revelation by pointing out the unity among the founders of world religions. Second, a selftraining new religion,Daesoonjinrihoe focuses on the transformation from the former heaven to the latter heaven by solving animosity among people and repaying the grace to one another. Third, a new age religion, a Course in Miracles, changes Christian terms into gnostic worldview to awaken the materialistic society. Fourth, an Easternthought new religion, Hare Krishna movements transmits Hindu cultures and values among Indian nationals and Korean seekers. Fifth, a UFO new religion, Raelian movement pays attention to the scientific explanation by explaining the teachings of Rael given by the aliens of highly developed planet. In conclusion, we need to understand new religions in the 21st century, for they give alternative values to young generation who are dissatisfied with Christian values and their huge gaps between ideas and realities. Therefore, the objective and empathetic knowledge of new religions will build the healthy environment for young people, expecially University students who face the suffering of the present and the uncertainty of the future due to the economic crisis and political turmoil.