The idolization of Kim Il-Sung and its missiological implications

Abstract

This dissertation's focus is three-fold: (1) exploring how Kim Il-Sung is perceived among North Koreans; (2) comparing between Kim Il-Sung-ism to concept of God; and (3) drawing some missiological implications from the findings of this research.

The second chapter through the fourth chapter accomplished the first objective. The second chapter presents Kim's biographical description and discusses his possession and consolidation of power in North Korea.

The third chapter researches Kim's images and the attributes attached to them throughout North Korean literature and textbooks. The literary analysis reveals that there are two outstanding images of Kim Il-Sung--Kim as state-father and savior. The two images stand upon many of his attributes, such as the omni-attributes and eternity.

The fourth chapter compares the images and attributes of Kim Il-Sung from the literary review with the concept of him that North Koreans actually perceive. For this study, field research such as interviews and survey were conducted.

The fifth chapter defines Kim's being in light of a historical perspective and his images and attributes in light of those of God. The study concludes that Kim is a human-god and belongs to a superior spirit in terms of spiritual identity.

The sixth chapter offers implications from the findings for North Korean missions and recommended further studies in this area.