Cheondoism facts for kids

Cheondoism (pronounced Cheon-do-gyo) is a traditional religion from Korea. Its name means "Religion of the Heavenly Way." It started in 1860, during the final years of the Joseon Dynasty. The religion was founded by Choe Je-U, who was its first leader.

Choe Je-U first called this new religion Donghak, which means "Eastern Learning." He chose this name to show it was different from "Western Learning," which was becoming popular then. Later, in 1905, the third leader, Son Byeong-Hui, changed the name to Cheondogyo. During the time Japan ruled Korea, Cheondoism played a role in the Korean Independence Movement. Today, Cheondoism is not as widely practiced as it once was.

What Cheondoism Believes

Cheondoism is a religion that believes in one God. Members call this God 'Hanul'. They believe Hanul is everywhere: in Heaven, on Earth, and inside every person.

Cheondoism has special ideas about God, people, morals, and history. When someone dies, they do not go to a different heaven. Instead, they return to the One Being, or Hanul. A main teaching of Cheondoism is that all people are equal. This is because everyone is born with Hanul inside them. Because of this belief, followers strongly oppose any kind of social hierarchy. They also believe that children should be treated with great respect.

A Brief History

The government tried to stop Cheondoism from growing. But the second leader, Si Hyung Choi, worked hard to help it recover. By 1870, thousands of people had joined the religion.

In the 1880s, Cheondoism spread across the entire Korean peninsula. By the 1890s, the religion led a big social movement. This movement was against the old feudal system and foreign influence. It became known as the Donghak Movement. In the 1910s, Cheondoism also helped to inspire a movement for Korea's freedom from Japanese rule.

Images for kids

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  Cheondogyo Central Temple in Seoul

See also

In Spanish: Cheondogyo para niños