1906년 『천도교대헌』 연구

Abstract

This study examines the background of the creation, structural contents, and examples of the practical application of the Constitutional Law in Cheondogyo promulgated in 1906. Following the failure of the Donghak Peasant Movement in 1894 and severe government oppression, the internal state of the Donghak Church deteriorated significantly. In response to this crisis, Donghak transitioned into Cheondogyo, a modernized religion, in 1905. Within this context, the Constitutional Law in Cheondogyo was issued in 1906. Far from being a mere compilation of internal organizational regulations, the Constitutional Law in Cheondogyo served as a pivotal document that systematized Cheondogyo as a modern religion and embodied its commitment to the practical implementation of civilization reform. However, existing studies have primarily referenced the Constitutional Law in Cheondogyo briefly in the context of organizational restructuring, with few works focusing specifically on the text itself. This study aims to reveal that the Constitutional Law in Cheondogyo illustrates how Cheondogyo actively adapted to new elements and maintained its role as a religion amidst the rapidly changing tides of the era.