로베스피에르의 종교와 도덕관 = Religion and Morality of Maximilien Robespierre

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

C. Dawson saw that the French Revolution was the realization of human religion in 18th century thought. Indeed, the fraternity, libertyand equality meant not only institutional progress but also carried a religious message which was oriented toward the making of a new humanity. M. Robespierre was unique in that he sanctified the revolutionary spirit. To the French people in the revolutionary period who committed the regicide and who began the new experiment of the republic, it was necessary to assure themselves that these actions were the providence of God. Therefore M. Robespierre found the divine authority that presided the new social contract in the Supreme being. It was courageous and extraordinary for Robespierre to have suggested this solution when the other revolutionaries were absorbed in the political maneuvers. It was his life-long belief that the revolution would be complete if it inculcated the French people with the principles of religion and morality. That`s why he, in spite of critics, borrowed the doctrines of immortality of soul and the existence of God from traditional religion. Moreover, it was unthinkable to refuse the principles of traditional religion while attempting to convert the people who had been indoctrinated in Catholicism for several centuries. However, this was a frontal opposition to the offensive of the radicals. Therefore, we can say that it was not for political benefits but in spite of political disadvantages that he opposed the dechristianizing movement and that he suggested the cult of Supreme Being. The slanders such as reactionary and Pope were attributed to him. Finally, it functioned as a cause which accelerated his collapse. The historical meanings of the Supreme Being did not disappear with him after Thermidor. For five years from Thermidor to Napoleon`s seizure of power, the dominant religion in France was deism; the doctrine was a variation of the Cult of Supreme Being. It was, therefore, a milestone in the tendency toward civic religion. (Jeonbuk National University / [e-mail])