Kim, Hang-je. "Forming of Unification Church's 'Divine Principle,' its Structual Understanding and After."[in Korean]. Journal of New Religions 16 (April 2007): 126-160.

Abstract

Most of the existing world religions of today say they have their own unique spiritual depth and provide answers to ultimate questions regarding the existence of humanity and universe. Such spiritual depth and ultimate attention are transmitted in their scriptures.

This thesis will begin with its foundation upon the teachings of Rev. Moon Sun Myung the founder of Unification Church. Thus, we can understand in the scripture of unification church its ideological and dogmatic distinction, and furthermore its motivation of practice. Also, by directing our attention to the formation of its scripture, we may assume the church’s change and development. In here, “Divine Principle” is dealt as unification, the  church’s doctrine and deals with “Original Principle” which Rev. Moon himself wrote as “Interpretation of Principle,” which came after the first one.  We will talk about what comes after “Divine Principle.”

To talk about the after the Divine Principle means to admit that Divine Principle is not the sole doctrine of the church. In granting the authority to the doctrine, the founder’s teaching, or the “Word,” is exceeding Divine Principle and Hoon-Dok study is taking its place in the faith system of the church.

Observing the formation of “Divine Principle,” the doctrine of Unification Church, and talking about its after is one of the steps to verify the identity of the church. However, the truthfulness of the doctrine depends on how well its vision and virtue are put to practice. Only by doing so, religious transmitting their doctrines may be able to come to people as hope. Therefore, religious community’s willingness to achieve the virtue and vision of the scripture is requested. Unification Church is not an exception.