• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.37
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• pp.191-227
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• 2021

In this study, values of truth and good are expressed in the form of beauty, and truth and good are analyzed from an aesthetic point of view. This enables an assessment of how truth is expressed and presented as an "aesthetic" in Daesoon Thought. Therefore, an approach to faith in Daesoon Jinrihoe (大巡眞理會) can be presented via traditional aesthetics or theological aesthetics that reflect on sense experience, feelings, and beauty. The concept of beauty in Daesoon Thought which focuses on The Canonical Scripture appears in keywords used in Daesoon Thought such as divine nature (神性), the pattern of Dao (道理), the singularly-focused mind (一心), and relationships (關係). Therein, one can find sublimation, symmetry, moderation, and harmony. The aesthetic features of Daesoon Thought, when considered as an aesthetic system can formulate thinking regarding the aesthetics of 'Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth' (天地公事), the aesthetics of Mutual Beneficence (相生), and the aesthetics of healing. The Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth contain a record of the Supreme God visiting the world as a human being. The realization that the human figure, Kang Jeungsan (1871-1909), is the Supreme God, Sangje (上帝), is the shocking aesthetic motif and theological starting point of the Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth. Mutual Beneficence can be seen aesthetically as indicating the sociality of mutual relations, and there is an aesthetic structure of Mutual Beneficence in the harmony and unification of those relations. Healing can be said to contain the sacred sublimation of Sangje, and moderation is a form of beauty that makes humans move toward Quieting the mind and Quieting the body (安心·安身), the Dharma of Presiding over Cures (醫統), and the ultimate value of healing, which is the end point of the Cultivation (修道) wherein one realizes that the ideals of humankind and the aesthetics of healing bestow the spiritual pleasures of a beautiful and valuable life. The aesthetic characteristics of Daesoon Thought demonstrate an aesthetic attitude that leads to healing through Sangje's Holy Works and the practice of Mutual Beneficence (相生) which were performed when He stayed with us to vastly save all beings throughout the Three Realms that teetered on the brink of extinction. It is not uncommon to see a beautiful woman and remark she is like a goddess (女神) or female immortal (仙女). Likewise, beautiful music is often praised as "the sound of heaven." That which fills us with joy is spoken of as "divine beings (神明)" of God. God is a symbol of beauty, and the world of God can be said to be the archetype of beauty. Experience of beauty guides our souls to God. The aesthetic experience of Daesoon Thought is a religious experience that culminates in emotional, intellectual, and spiritual joy, and it is an aesthetic experience that recognizes transcendent beauty.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.29
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• pp.1-36
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• 2017

The purpose of this article is to investigate the future prospects for establishing the True Donghak phase of Daesoon Thought. The True Donghak refers to 'the future prospect of having a true life, true thinking, and true living' in which enjoying the world in a state of good fortune became a true reality after the death of Suwun, according to faith in Gucheon Sangje. The correlation between "Attending to the Lord of Heaven" in Donghak, and "The Reordering Works of Heaven and Earth" in Daesoon shows the prospect of achieving the Daesoonist transformation into energy to gain true life and re-creation. The correlation between "Nourishing the Lord of Heaven" in Donghak and "Attending to Study and Attending to Law" in Daesoon show the transformation of Daesoon-reason into true thinking and renewing. The correlation between "Humanity is Divine" in Donghak and "The Salvation of Humanity is the Will of Heaven" in Daesoon show transformation into the practice of Daesoon for the true living and renewing. This investigation utilizes the literature review and the generation theory of life-philosophy to examine revelations regarding the conversation between Spirit and Mind. This is the future prospect for the establishing the True Donghak phase of Daesoon thought. It consists of a threefold connection among life, thinking, and living. The "public-centered spirituality of Daesoon Truth" which connects and mediates among people appears in three aspects. Firstly, it is thought to be the vision of the true life through the 'renewal of active, energetic power' bestowed by Gucheon Sangje. Secondly, it is thought to be the vision of true thinking through the "renewal via freedom from delusion". Thirdly, it is thought to be the vision of true living through the "renewal of true mind". To bring about the creation of true Donghak, Gucheon Sangje incarnated to the Korean peninsula instead of Suwun and the salvation of the world salvation now centers on Korea with regards to the threefold connection future prospect. Gucheon Sangje's revelation addresses and solves the postscript problem of Chosun and further establishes a Utopia. Suwun established Donghak but failed later on due to his lankiness. At last the true Donghak has been opened for the future by Gucheon Sangje and Jeongsan's fifty years of religious accomplishments. In the long run, it has been developed further by Woodang's Daesoon Jinrihoe.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.27
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• pp.35-77
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• 2016

All humans are subject to death, and this creates a motivation to construct theories regarding divine immorality (神仙思想) in order to satisfy the human desire (慾望) for eternal life (長生) and the avoidance of death(不死). In the concept of Earthly immortality (地上神仙) from Daesoonjinrihoe (大巡眞理會), devotees do not carry out their work in a deep mountain ranges far removed from human society. Instead, they cultivate themselves in Dao from within the human society (自身修道), chant incantation to benefit others, aspire towards immortal status (神仙), and promote harmony between divine beings and humans (神人調和) all without ever leaving human society. In the Yeoju Headquarters of Daesoonjinrihoe, members created a new place called a "Dojang (道場 temple complex)" to live as immortal humans in the here and now while they chant incantations (呪文) as an act of participation in the Immortal Realm of the Later World (後天仙境). Some key religious and fengshui (geomancy) oriented symbols used within the Yeoju Headquarters of Daesoonjinrihoe appear as follows: first, Cheonggye Tower (靑溪塔) represents faith in traditional astrology (星宿神仰) and reverence for the God of the Nine Heavens (九天上帝). Second, Daesoonjinrihoe (大巡眞理會) emphasizes the Saturn associated earth element from five phases (五行土星) and this represent the Later World due to numerological associations. Third, the Fengshui of the Yeoju Headquarters of Daesoonjinrihoe is a highly propitious (吉地) and also accentuates the Saturn associated earth element from five phases. Fourth, Yeongdae (靈臺) in the Yeoju Headquarters of Daesoonjinrihoe faces west where Jeungsan will come accompanied by other gods (神命). Fifth, the Yeoju Headquarters of Daesoonjinrihoe is in charge of property and receives happiness and prosperity (福祿) through its Fengshui. The Yeoju Headquarters of Daesoonjinrihoe is an earthly paradise for immortals (地上天國) forged to achieve the ultimate purpose of transforming its members into the Dotong (道通, those enlightened in Dao and thereby successful in their every endeavor) of the Later World. In accordance with Daesoon thought, the Saturn associated earth element from five phases is positioned in the middle of incantations, and Yeongdae, other architecture, and landscaping has all been arranged to correspond with Daesoon geomancy and numerology (後天數理).

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.33
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• pp.91-145
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• 2019

This study aims to reveal that Daesoon Jinrihoe Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex is a sacred place of Gaebyeokgongsa (the Reordering Works of the Great Opening) through the logic of the energy of form in Feng-Shui studies. The Headquarters Temple Complex can illuminate the lamp of coexistence, emerge as a place for cultivation, and support the era of human nobility with Gucheonsangje (the Supreme God of the Ninth Heaven) as an object of faith. Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang, Harmonious Union between Divine Beings and Human Beings, the Resolution of Grievances for Mutual Beneficence, and Perfected Unification with Dao are the mission statements of this great site. For this purpose, it is necessary to investigate the headquarters according to integral Feng-Shui Theory. Doing so can provide proof that the geographic location, landscape, yin-yang harmonizing, and flowing veins of terrestrial energy at Headquarters Temple Complex are all profoundly auspicious. At the same time, this data also allows further study into the interactions of dragon-veins, energy hubs, surrounding mountains, and watercourses, which reveal how Daesoon Jinrihoe Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex promotes the basic works of propagation, edification, and cultivation and three societal works of charity aid, social welfare, and education for the purpose of global propagation, saving beings, and building an earthly paradise by reforming humanity and engaging in spiritual civilization. This must be done on site with proper Feng-Shui in order to open up the era of human nobility upon the Great Opening of the Later World. As the center of the religious order, Daesoon Jinrihoe, Yeoju Headquarter Temple Complex has the general Feng-Shui characteristic of Baesanimsu (a back supported by a mountain and a front facing water). Through discussing the Feng-Shui of Daesoon Jinrihoe's Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex as the center of humankind's resolution of grievances for mutual beneficence, this study would explore growth-supporting land that delivers future rewards through Feng-Shui symbolism and the ethical practice of grateful reciprocation of favors for mutual beneficence. This exploration will reveal how the geographical features and conditions of the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex make it a place fit for spiritual cultivation. It is a miraculous luminous court surrounded by mountains, where auspicious signs in eight directions gather. Its veins of terrestrial energy harmonize with clean water energy as it is affectionately situated within its natural environment. Its location corresponds with the Feng-Shui theory of dragon-veins, energy hubs, surrounding mountains, and watercourses. Thus, with regards to the Feng-Shui of Daesoon Jinrihoe's Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex, this study examines the flows of mountains and waters and focuses on how the site is based on the logic of Feng-Shui. More generally, the geographical features of the surrounding mountains are likewise examined. An analysis of the relationship between Poguk (布局) of Sasinsa (animal symbols of the four directions, four gods, including blue dragon of the east, red phoenix of the south, white tiger of the west, and black tortoise of the north) and the location will be provided while focusing on the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex. This study supports the feasibility of further Feng-Shui studies of the Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex based on traditional geomancy books that focusing on Hyeonggi (Energy of Form) Theory.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.73
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• pp.139-157
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• 2023

In Korean Protestantism, interest in Christian spirituality has grown significantly since the 1980s. Spirituality is now studied and used as a crucial term and topic in theology and ministry. As research on spirituality expanded to various areas of study and ministry and various topics related to spirituality were dealt with, research on spiritual direction also began. Oe-Shik Kim and Hae-Yong Yoo, who studied in North America, are the early scholars who began to study spiritual direction in Korean Protestantism in the 1990s. Their research has influenced Korean Protestant scholars and pastors to understand spiritual direction and apply it to seminary education and the Korean Protestant churches. Spiritual direction has been practiced in the Korean church in the form and content of faith education, spiritual training, devotional training, discipleship training, small groups, and pastoral counseling. The spiritual direction practiced by Eastern, Western, and monastic traditions throughout Christian history is not shared by Korean Protestants. Because Korean Protestantism has developed a unique spiritual tradition in the Korean context, its contents and forms of spiritual direction reflect the Korean context. Korean Protestants are more familiar with Tongsung Kido, early morning prayer, Bible study or Bible meditation, and small groups than contemplative traditions and individual spiritual direction. Thirty years have passed since research on spiritual direction began. The Korean Protestant academia needs to critically reflect on its research and practice. Spiritual direction is a term and tradition of different Christian cultures around the world and is part of Christian history and tradition. Korean Protestant scholars and church ministers need to accept the concept and application of spiritual direction considering the context and spiritual tradition of Korean Protestant churches, a flexible understanding, perspective, and attitude toward the concept and application of spiritual direction in Korean Protestant churches are needed.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.74
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• pp.107-134
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to provide a foundation for establishing the correct direction of education that utilizes artificial intelligence, a key technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in the context of Christian education. To achieve this, theoretical and literature research was conducted. First, the research analyzed the historical development of artificial intelligence to understand its characteristics. Second, the research analyzed the use of artificial intelligence in convergence education from an educational perspective and examined the current policy direction in South Korea. Through this analysis, the research examined the direction of Christian education in the era of artificial intelligence. In particular, the research critically examined the perspectives of continuity and change in the context of Christian education in the era of artificial intelligence. The research reflected upon the fundamental educational purposes of Christian education that should remain unchanged despite the changing times. Furthermore, the research deliberated on the educational curriculum and teaching methods that should adapt to the changing dynamics of the era. In conclusion, this research emphasizes that even in the era of artificial intelligence, the fundamental objectives of Christian education should not be compromised. The utilization of artificial intelligence in education should serve as a tool that fulfills the mission permitted by God. Therefore, Christian education should remain centered around God, rooted in the principles of the Bible. Moreover, Christian education should aim to foster creative and convergent Christian nurturing. To achieve this, it is crucial to provide learners with an educational environment that actively utilizes AI-based hybrid learning environments and metaverse educational platforms, combining online and offline learning spaces. Moreover, to enhance learners' engagement and effectiveness in education, it is essential to actively utilize AI-based edutech that reflects the aforementioned educational environments. Lastly, in order to cultivate Christian learners with dynamic knowledge, it is crucial to employ a variety of teaching and learning methods grounded in constructivist theories, which emphasize active learner participation, collaboration, inquiry, and reflection. These approaches seek to align knowledge with life experiences, promoting a holistic convergence of faith and learning.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.76
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• pp.27-49
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• 2023

Purpose of study: The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the alternative possibility of Christian children's education overcoming the current church school paradigm namely schooling system by examining the characteristics and the direction of children's spiritual education. Research content and method: This paper is a review of the characteristics of children's spiritual education and ways to embody those characteristics. Therefore, it consists of two parts: the characteristics of children's spiritual education and the search for ways to embody those characteristics. First, children's spiritual education is a "formative" model that aims to form children's spirituality based on children's spirituality research that views children as 'spiritual beings.' This model specifically has three core orientations: 'experience', 'meeting God', and 'immersion'. In other words, children's spiritual education pursues 'experience rather than knowledge', pursues the experience of meeting God in the second person rather than teaching third-person knowledge about God, and values the spiritual moment of immersion more than anything else. Second, it searches for specific ways and methods through which those three core goals could be implemented, and found that they were 'sense,' 'liturgy,' and 'story.' The sense becomes a path that evokes experience, the liturgy becomes a place for 'meeting God,' and 'story' becomes a key path to 'immersion.' And when the three are organically combined with each other, the goals pursued by children's spiritual education can be holistically converged. Conclusions and Suggestions: Through these considerations, it found that the core values and direction of education are consistently maintained in children's spiritual education, from children's understanding to education methods. It also figured out that the direction should be shared not only by children's spiritual education but also by all who pursue holistic faith education: 'what to experience' rather than 'what to teach', 'liturgy' rather than 'teaching', 'story' rather than 'explanation', and 'sensory' experiences rather than 'abstract' knowledge.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.78
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• pp.57-85
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• 2024

Purpose of the study: In order to utilize artificial intelligence-generated AI in educational ministry, this study analyzes the concept of artificial intelligence and generative AI and the educational theological aspects of educational ministry to find ways to efficiently utilize artificial intelligence ChatGPT in educational ministry. Contents and methods of the study: The contents of this study are. First, the contents of this study were analyzed by dividing the concepts of artificial intelligence and generative AI into the concept of artificial intelligence, types of artificial intelligence, and generative language model AI ChatGPT. Second, the educational theological analysis of educational ministry was divided into the concept of educational ministry, the goals of educational ministry, the content of educational ministry, and the direction of educational ministry in the era of artificial intelligence. Third, the plan to use artificial intelligence ChatGPT in educational ministry is to provide tools for writing sermon manuscripts, preparation tools for worship and prayer, and church education, focusing on the five functions of the early church community. It was analyzed by dividing it into tools for teaching, tools for teaching materials for believers, and tools for serving and volunteering. Conclusion and Recommendation: The conclusion of this study is that, first, when writing sermon manuscripts through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, high-quality sermon manuscripts can be written through the preacher's spirituality, faith, and insight. Second, through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, you can efficiently design and plan worship services and prepare services that serve the congregation objectively through various scenarios. Third, by using artificial intelligence ChatGPT in church education, it can be used while maintaining a complementary relationship with teachers through collaboration with human and artificial intelligence teachers. Fourth, through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, we provide a program that allows members of the church community to share spiritual fellowship, a plan to meet the needs of church members and strengthen interdependence, and an attitude of actively welcoming new people and respecting diversity. It provides useful materials that can play an important role in giving, loving, serving, and growing together in the love of Christ. Lastly, through artificial intelligence ChatGPT, we are seeking ways to provide various information about volunteer activities, learning support for children and youth in the community, mentoring-related programs, and playing a leading role in forming a village community in the local community.

• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.77
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• pp.203-223
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• 2024

This study aims to reflect on how the experiences in the interrelationship between parents and children affect the formation of God's image and how it affects the formation of healthy Christian identity. We will explore the implications of this research on education for the formation of healthy Christian identity for children. Based on the theories of God's image by Erickson, Freud, and Rizzuto, we examine in-depth how the parental image that children acquire in their relationship with their parents is related to the image of God, which is the basis of their lives. Parents are like caregivers, guardians, and absolute beings that enable their children's survival and safety from their birth. The parental image that a child has through interaction with their parents has a close relationship with the image of God. Amid the existential limitations and restrictions faced by children and parents, negative experiences such as oppression, punishment, and anger that children receive from their parents leave various psychological wounds inside the child. What is important here is that the summation of negative experiences inflicted on the child should not exceed the appropriate level that the child can endure. In addition, children should be guided to feel the following in their relationship with their parents. Children need to be nurtured to feel basic trust from their parents. If these important premise is not observed, the distorted parental image will lead to distorted God's image. Unreliable or violent images of parents will pose a serious threat to the formation of constructive faith or healthy Christian identity. Based on this premise, this study claims a substantial shift from oppressive, authoritarian, and one-directional ways of education to those of mutual, liberational, postconventional education. Finally, this study closes its inquiry by providing constructive direction and alternatives for the development of healthy Christian identity for Children.