Cheondoism

Cheondoism
Family	Korean / New religious movement
Origin region	Korea
Founding period	19th century CE
Estimated adherents	Estimates vary; historically significant in Korea and present in Korean communities.

Cheondoism is a Korean religious movement that developed from Donghak and teaches the dignity of human beings, the presence of heaven within humanity, ethical reform, and spiritual cultivation.

Overview

Cheondoism emerged from the Donghak movement founded by Choe Je-u in 19th-century Korea. It combined Korean religious ideas with responses to social crisis, foreign influence, and moral reform. Cheondoist thought is often summarized through the teaching that humans bear or embody heaven, giving religious significance to human dignity, equality, sincerity, and social renewal.

Key beliefs

• The divine or heavenly principle is intimately connected with human life
• Human dignity, equality, and ethical self-cultivation
• Moral reform of society through spiritual renewal
• Respect for Korean religious heritage and modern social concerns
• Inner sincerity, reverence, and service

Practices

• Prayer, meditation, and recitation of sacred formulas
• Ethical discipline and community study
• Commemorations of founders and movement history
• Public service, education, and social reform in some communities
• Ritual observances connected to Cheondoist institutions

Places of worship

• Cheondoist churches, meeting halls, homes, and community centers

Sacred texts

• Cheondoist scriptures and writings from the Donghak and Cheondoist movements, including teachings attributed to Choe Je-u and later leaders

Holidays and observances

• Observances include founder commemorations, movement anniversaries, and Korean religious calendar events

Branches and related traditions

• New Religious Movements
• Confucianism
• Daoism
• Buddhism

See also

• Religion
• Theology
• Philosophy of religion
• New Religious Movements
• Indigenous and Traditional Religions