A Study on the Possibility of Religious Governance of New Religions in Korea: Focusing on the Ecological Worldview of Donghak and Won Buddhism

The most serious threats to humankind today are environmental and ecological problems. global warming in particular is generally perceived as a threat the survival of humanity this sense urgency has given us chance consider our place ecosystem question anthropocentrism. Various faiths acknowledge human obligations protect environment preserve biodiversity. In Korean context, while eco-friendly worldviews Buddhism well-known, very little known about other religions’ views on environment. This paper examines whether representative new religions Korea, namely Donghak Won Buddhism, can contribute “religious mechanisms” alleviating particularly focuses former’s doctrine samgyeong or “the Threefold Respect” latter’s philosophy saeun Fourfold Grace,” examining their relevance for religious governance. argues that these two doctrines permeated with an view implying need all living things, including humans, animals plants well natural environment, coexist. also religions, complete guidelines actions practices, provide path building possibility governance through awakening believers, mutual respect trust, communication reflective cooperation.