This paper is designed for examining the Christian religion and the Christian social thought of the early Rhee Syngman (1875-1920). Rhee Syngman is a leading figure on modern history in Korea. He is an activist for national independence; a fighter, a statesman, an educator, a diplomat, etc. In particular, as the first President (1948-1960) in the Republic of Korea (ROK), he made great contributions to the founding as well as to the developing of ROK. To our surprise, such activities were on the basis of the Christian religion of Rhee Syngman. Having converted to Christianity in a jail, he lived in a Christian for about seventy years. After his conversion, Rhee Syngman was sure that Christianity is the only way for a national salvation. This standpoint appears to his Christian social thought; a national salvation idea by Christianity, a western civilization theory, the conception of the people’s rights and the equality, a practical theology thought of participating realistic affairs. These thought were mostly formed about the same time of his prison life and had an influence on his life and multifarious activities after that time. Being considered his position as the pivotal leader and Governor of a nation, therefore, it is certain that his Christian ideas filtered into the various fields of social in Korea. For that reason, this paper is focused to above theme.

• 허명섭(서울신학대학교) | Huh, Myung Sup