Beliefs
Cheondogyo translated literally means "religion of the Heavenly Way", where cheon means "Heaven", do means "Way" (written with the same character as Chinese Tao), and gyo means "religion", "teaching", "-ism".
In keeping with its roots in Confucian thought, Cheondoism venerates Heaven as the ultimate principle of good and justice, and is referred to by the honorific term Haneullim (하늘님) or "Master Heaven". This title implies the quality of Heaven as a revered teacher or instructor. Also in keeping with its Confucian background, Cheondoism places emphasis on personal cultivation in the belief that as one improves their innate nature, one comes closer to Heaven, and that all things are the same as Heaven in terms of their innate quality.
Thus, Cheondoism rejects the notion of an afterlife, and instead works to create a paradise on earth through peace, moral virtue and Confucian propriety, while reforming society and overcoming old, outdated customs in Korean society.
Overtime, Cheondoism has also adapted elements of other Korean religious traditions including Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity as well as drawing from various elements of Korean culture.
Read more about this topic: Cheondoism
Famous quotes containing the word beliefs:
“Other people’s beliefs may be myths, but not mine.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“We are born believing. A man bears beliefs as a tree bears apples.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“It’s an indulgence to sit in a room and discuss your beliefs as if they were a juicy piece of gossip.”
—Lillian Hellman (1907–1984)