최용신의 농촌 계몽운동에 대한 기독교교육적 고찰

Abstract

For Choe Yongshin, the title “The Great Woman Pioneer who Led the EnlighteningMovement in the Rural Area in Korea” always follows. She gave her life for themovement during the time under the rule of Japanese imperialism. She inflamedthe fire of hope in the hearts of Korean people who lived a hopeless life byestablishing an institution called Chungok Hakwon (Institution). She was born in apoor home and adopted Christian faith in her youth age. She learned not only tobe a strong believer but to have a sound identity as Korean woman at the LucyWoman School and Hyupsung Woman Seminary as well. She put her heartfelteffort in promoting literacy for children and women at the Chungok Hokwonduring night times since 1931. Besides, in order to help them earn more income,she bought and distributed various plants such as white mulberry, persimmon andothers trees for the village farmers. She hold athletic meetings and talent showsfor parents in order to build trust in the minds of the whole village people. She worked for them sacrificially. Unfortunately she became ill while shestudied in Japan for further study and her enlightening movement was endedabruptly after three years. Though her movement was short in time, her enlighteningmovement left a big mark on the hearts of the next generation. It is not an overstatement that we learn much Christian education insights fromher life and thoughts as follows. First, in order to form a wholistic Christian faith,educational praxis and apporaches in arousing the awareness of social responsibilityneed to be taught. Second, subjective consciousness of identity education whichwill help understand national circumstances and life problems as Christians inKorea is definitely necessary. Third, woman leadership needs to be acknowledgedin society and Chrtian education fields with much emphasis. We need to correctthe wrong understanding on the role of women in society and provide theopportunity for female leaders to demonstrate their capability through theirsubjective and creative reflection. Furthermore we need to acknowledge theleadership of “empathy” and “being together.”