아브라함과 군자상(君子像)

Abstract

This article explores the similarity and dissimilarity between Abraham's figure and a master's. In Confucian traditions a master is regarded as an ideal and true man who takes the golden mean/mode- ration/equilibrium. For this reason in the Confucian cultural societies such as China, Korea and Japan noble scholars had endeavored to study and cultivate their mind so as to be a master. According to Confucian teachings, "the man of wisdom(知者) has no perplexities; the man of humanity(仁者) has no worry; the man of courage(勇者) has no fear" in the analects(論語)14: 30. These three com- ponents should be taken by the superior man. In other words, the superior regards them as the standards of life and behavior. He always regards the will of Heaven and loves a human being. Also he bears himself in modesty and moderation, and behaves himself gracefully. Even though the socio-cultural backgrounds of ancient Israel and China are quite different, we can find those similar elements in the Abraham cycle from the synchronic and cross-cultural perspective. In this paper the similar elements are suggested as follows: Abraham's filial piety and brotherly love(孝悌); understanding of others in a position of self (推己及人); a great morale(浩然之氣); quest of self and return to propriety(克己復禮); being obedient to heavenly will(順命); philantrophy and saving the distressed(博施濟衆). These are the elements of the superior man which can be found in the Abraham cycle.