충남지역 천도교인의 3․1만세운동 전개

Abstract

Right after its foundation in December 1st, 1905, Cheondo-kyo Order started the organizational adjustment. To keep up with the systematic progress of the headquarters, there had been various attempts to establish the local diocese in Chung-nam. Cheondoism rapidly gained broad acceptance and expanded the congregation. Starting with the Seosan and Hongju dioceses in 1906, a total of 25 dioceses had been established in 14 counties, organizing the archdiocese in Seosan and Dangjin respectively. This rapid expansion was all due to diverse mission activities. Cheondo-kyo successfully utilized the youth organizations for missionary work. They supervised bishops and local dioceses by themselves. Consequently, the number of local dioceses in Chung-nam had reached 11, with 16,219 followers. More dioceses were organized and more temples were built nationwide. These led to rapid growth in congregation in the area. Cheondo-kyo, originated from Donghak("Eastern Learning") in 1905 had evolved and came to be widespread in the country. And its outcome was labed the Cheondoist March First Movement. The March First Movement, which first started in Seoul, was spread by distributing the Declaration of Independence. It was Nonsan where the Declaration of Independence was handed out in Chungnam area. The Nonsan diocese received the Declaration of Independence through the Hamyeol diocese of Iksan, Jeonbuk which is geographically adjacent to Nonsan. Kim Taeho and Lee Baeksoon, Cheondoists in Nonsan, received and distributed the Declaration in the area of Buyeo and Nonsan. And , as a result, the March First Movement in the Chungnam area could develop. Cheondo-kyo followers took part in the March First Movement, and often very actively. It was their way of expressing their greatest wish for the Independence. Cheondo-kyo believers in the Gongju area were severely persecuted, implication being they actively participated in the 3.1 Movement. It is extremely significant that the Cheondo-kyo followers took the lead from the beginning to the end of the Movement. It is also considered very meaningful that Cheondoists in Buyeo joined the 3.1 Movement inspired by the Declaration of Independence from Nonsan whereas Christians and Cheondoists joined forces in Seosan. Kweon Byung-deok led the Movement in A-san. Cheondo-kyo was so influential in Dangjin that it could even open the archdiocese, It is noticeable that a large number of Cheondoists gathered for the March First Movement in the area. It was recorded that Cheondoists in Yesan, Hongseong, Tae-an, and many more areas volunteered to joine the Movement.