Yang, Ou-Sork, “Whitehead's and Hegel's Epistemology." The Journal of Whitehead Studies 7 (2003): 69-106. 

Abstract

Korea’s national religion, Daesoonjinrihoe (大巡眞理會), was found by the Gucheon Sangje (九天上帝, the Almighty) Kang, Jeung San (姜甑 山), who was succeeded by Doju (道主) Cho, Jeong San, and Dojeon (都典) Park, Han Kyeong. The central thought of Daesoon, the religions tenet and philosophy of Daesoonjinrihoe, is that the world in which humans live is facing the crisis of destruction, and that humans themselves face the prospect of annihilation. As such, Daesoonjinrihoe holds, a new world must be born.

The crisis of the annihilation of humans, the central thought of Daesoon, is also suggested by modern science, and the solution to the crisis that is presented by Daesoon is significant not only in the realm  of religion but also in term of the advancement of civilization. The problems in today’s society, such as the destruction of environments and human lives resulting from industrialization, urbanism, and the rapid development of scientific technology, and those that are yet to emerge, could not be addressed by Western religions or systems of thought as these originated from the materialism and liberal capitalism of the West. It is thus reasonable to look for a solution to these problems in Daesoon.

Daesson argues that to overcome the crisis that humans are facing, the elements comprising the universal human society must not compete or conflict with one another but must undergo changes so that mutual respect and collaboration would reign among men. In other words, Daesoon holds that the conflict that exists among the elements comprising the universal human society must be transformed into a relationship aimed at promoting mutual life. Only then can grudges be eradicated and can the ideal society of Dotongjinkyeong, where stability and peace eternally reign, be established.

The significance of Daesoon is manifold. This paper’s discussion of this system of thought, however, was limited to the notion of human salvation, the realization of an ideal world, the formation of character, respect for other human  beings, the ideal religion, and the attainment of harmony. These are part of the value system of a harmonious universe, and can be applied every aspect of a nations’ life—its politics, economics, society, and culture.

Daesoon is not only a unique system of religious thought in Korea; it is also the most appropriate system of thought for addressing the problems afflicting today’s society and for realizing an ideal society.