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Is Dirt Sin? Or Is Sin Dirt? The Germ Theory of Disease and the Early Formation of Concept of Sin in Korea

  • Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Abbr :
  • 2020, 63(2), pp.25-41
  • DOI : 10.17939/hushss.2020.63.2.002
  • Publisher : Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Research Area : Interdisciplinary Studies > Interdisciplinary Research
  • Received : April 14, 2020
  • Accepted : May 25, 2020
  • Published : May 31, 2020

Shin Kwon Kim 1

1아주대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The germ theory of disease that had been developed in Europe was not only a theory for clinical treatment including antiseptic surgery but also an etiology for public health including vaccination and public hygiene. Furthermore, it was not confined to a medical setting, and expanded to cultural realms in many ways for the benefit of both. In particular, it began to collaborate with Christian concepts in America to promote a new idea for public health. As a result, it has influenced some religious concepts such as filth, sin, and repentance. This paper illustrates the way in which the collaboration between medical and religious concepts in America impacted the Protestant mission field in 19th century Korea. I will argue that in the process of introducing new Christian ideas to Korean people, the ontological aspect of sin was emphasized and simultaneously the sin became to be conceptualized as a material being that could be washed away by some rituals.

Citation status

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