The purpose of this research is to investigate the transformation and character of Cheondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)s rituals. And through the process of this research, I tried to elucidate this place in history of new religions' ritual in Korea. In the history of Religion of the Heavenly Way’ rituals, first stage was before appearance of Religion of the Heavenly Way(founded in late 1905, Daegocheonhd), a continuation of Donghak (Eastern Learning) that was a religion and a social movement formed in Korea in the middle of the nineteenth century. Second stage was before 1945 (Independence Day of Korea), and third stage was after 1945.
To achieve these purposes, in chapter 2, in the title of ’the traditional formation of ritual' I reviewed what rituals were formed in the period of Choe Jeu (1824-64, Great Master; Daesinsa) and Choe Sihyeong (1827-98,Master; Sinsa).
In chapter 3, 4the modern reformation of ritual,, I reviewed how Son Byeonghi (1861-1922, Revered Teacher; Seongsa) carried out a radical reformation of rituals. Also, I examined contents of reformed rituals in the period of Pak Inho, who put various rituals together, and after the restoration of independence.
The chapter 4, in the title of 4the character of Religion of the Heavenly Way’, I elucidated Religion of the Heavenly Way' I place in history of new religions’ ritual in Korea. I examined the relationship between Religion of the Heavenly Way and other religious traditions; Buddhism, Taoism and Confbcianism as well as Christianity. And I examined the history of Sunday service {Siilsik) and the relationship between transformation of ritual and everyday life of believers after the restoration of independence.
Through this writing, I want many people to interest in Religion of the Heavenly Way' rituals including rituals of new religions in Korea.