ACTS의 ‘신본주의’ 입장에서 바라본 주기철 목사의 ‘일사각오 신앙’에 관한 연구

Abstract

Chu Ki-Cheol (1897-1944) is a pronoun for Korean martyrs. His faith has made a profound impact upon Korean churches and he is frequently cited as an exemplary figure of faith. Usually his faith is called as Ilsagago faith. Ilsagago or “a firm resolution to death” expresses his faithful dedication to Christian faith. It is a kind of faith absolutely depending upon God only. In this article I would like to investigate his Ilsagago faith from the theocentrism viewpoint of Asian Center for Theological Studies and Mission. His Ilsagago faith has been fully shown in his whole life. He was born in Changwon county, South Kyoungsang Province, South Korea. After his graduation from Ungcheon Middle School, he was admitted to Osan High School, North Pyoung Province. Yi Sung-hun, the founder of Osan High School, and elder Cho Mansik, the principal of the institute, had a significant influence on Chu Ki-Cheol’s deep love for his country. After graduating from Osan High School, he was accepted into Youhui College, majoring commerce. Ophthalmic ailment that he had been suffered from his childhood, however, prevented him continuing his study and made him return home. God led him through an entirely different path. While there, Chu Ki-Cheol attended a revival rally led by Kim Ik-tu and deeply felt that God was calling him to ministry. He entered and graduated from Pyongyang Theological Seminary in 1925. After ordained as a pastor, he served at Choryang Church, Pusan, Munchang Church, Masan, and Sanjonghyon Church, Pyongyang, where he emphasized ilsagago faith. The origin of his Ilsagago faith can be found in his childhood Sunday school training, his education at Osan High School and Yi Giseon and Kim Ik-tu’s influence. However, most influential was the Presbyterian confessions of faith, i.e. the Twelve Confession of Faith of the Korean Presbyterian Church. While he was in Pyongyang Theological Seminary, he was strictly trained as a Presbyterian pastor with reformed faith. Chu Ki-Cheol’s Iilsagago faith and his strong commitment rejecting Shinto worship burst into flames at the revival rally for Pyongyang Theological Seminary students in 1935, He preached them to be ready to die to follow Jesus, to be ready to die to lead others, and to be ready to die to witness the truth of the resurrection. The climax of his Ilsagago faith was expressed in his strong objection to the Shinto worship and his martyrdom. He objected Shinto worship, saying it was a violation of the first commandment and a sin against the holy name of the Lord, an act of betrayal against our Lord God. His sermon titled as ‘My Five Prayer’ clearly show what the Ilsagago faith is. Theocentrism is a God centered faith that can be expressed as Coram Deo (before God) and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Only). Chu Ki-Cheol’s Ilsagago faith was a theocentric faith, based on the word of God. The Presbyterian creed, the first and second commandments, and his pure faith toward God are the essence of his Ilsagago faith. Chu Ki-Chul was indeed an oriental Polycarp, who absolutely trusted in God with martyrdom spirit.