This paper provides the religious education of Daesoonjinrihoe, the most representative of the new religions in Korea. There is no written material on the establishment of the Daesoonjinrihoe antecedent before 1969, so this research uses materials belonging to Mugeuk-do (無極道) and Taegeuk-do (太極道) by describing the history of Daesoonjinrihoe antecedent. This approach is basically similar to the one explained in the Catholic Materials in understanding the beginning of Protestantism.
Cho Jeongsan (鼎山, 1895-1958), established Mugeuk-do (無極道) with Kang Jeungsan as its forefather (甑山, 1871-1909) at the place of Jeongeup (井邑, this is the birthplace of Kang Jeungsan), Jeollabuk-do (全羅北道, southwest province of Korea). During the late period of the Japanese Empire, Mugeuk-do (無極道) had suspended its activities for a while. In 1948, it continued activities in Busan and Mugeuk-do changed its name to Taegeuk-do (太極道). After Cho Jeongsan died, Park Wudang (牛堂, 1917-1996) led the Taegeuk-do for over a decade. Then he came out of it and established his own religious order, Daesoonjinrihoe. The Daesoonjinrihoe devotees worship 15 deities at a sacred place, Yeongdae (靈臺), including Kang Jeungsan (甑山, 1871-1909), the Nine Celestial Bodies Emperor (九天上帝) and Cho Jeongsan (鼎山, 1895-1958), the Great Jade Emperor (玉皇上帝) and its members elaborate regular devotional events for celebrating them.
The main purposes of Daesoonjinrihoe are ‘realizing earthly immortality’ (地上神仙 實現) and ‘creating an earthly paradise’ (地上天國 建設) and the ultimate purpose of its members is Do Tong (道通). To achieve these, Daesoonjinrihoe has trained its members in many ways with Dojang (道場, it means temple complex) and Bangmyeon (方面, it means provincial branch) as its center.
Like the other new religions, Daesoonjinrihoe was often misunderstood because of its method of gathering members. by way of brainwashing or oppressive tactics. However, after the initiation rites, Daesoonjinrihoe attracts voluntary participation by members by providing proper education to them. In addition, the membership education combines religious doctrines with chant mantras centered prayer and participation in religious rites thus; it seems that religious experience is emphasized.
There needs to be more physical effort to chant mantras centered prayer and participation in religious rites, Daesoonjinrihoe might be considered an adult-centered religion.