著者

木原 活信 Katsunobu Kihara

出版者

同志社大学社会学会

雑誌

評論・社会科学 = Hyoron Shakaikagaku (Social Science Review) (ISSN:02862840)

巻号頁・発行日

no.138, pp.1-19, 2021-09-30

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本論文では,ジョージ・ミュラーの孤児院開設の草創期(1835-1842)に焦点をあて,特に開設直後のミュラーの精神的不調と孤児院の財政的危機について論じた。これまでのミュラーの伝記では,2000人規模の孤児院経営という「奇跡」的事業や諸困難を「祈りによって解決」したといったエピソードを軸に紹介されてきた。しかし本論では,それにはハイライトをかけず,これまでの伝記では触れられてこなかったミュラーの内面的葛藤と経営的問題に焦点をあてた。特に半年間にわたって精神的不調により休業せざるを得なかった経緯,そして逼迫した財政状況を分析した。神のみに頼る「実験」のため,その趣旨を理解した者以外からの献金を受けない,借金をしない,集金目当ての広告をしないといった方針により結果的に過酷なまでの財政危機となった。しかし逆説的にその危機的財政基盤ゆえに,世界のキリスト者たちが多額の献金で支えた。そしてまたミュラーは,「頭の病気」という精神・神経症状と格闘したが,逆にその「脆さ」と「弱さ」ゆえに,愚直なまでに神に頼り続けた点にこそ,「奇跡の人」「偉人」ではないミュラーを理解する本質と鍵がある。This paper focuses on George Müller's early days with the Bristol orphanage (1835-1842) and discusses Müller's mental crisis shortly after its opening and subsequent financial crisis. Biographies written about Müller thus far have centred on the episode showing his 'miracle' works and indicating that the difficulties of managing the orphanage with 2,000 orphans were 'solved by prayer'. However, in this paper, I focused on Müller's internal conflicts and management issues, which have not been touched upon in previous biographies. I analysed the circumstances in which he had to take a leave of absence due to mental problems for six months as well as the tight financial situation. Müller's policy was to 'experiment' with the faith that relies solely on God, so he would not receive donations from anyone other than those who understood his purpose, would not borrow any money from anyone, and would not advertise for collection. A severe financial crisis occurred due to his adherence to this policy. However, paradoxically, because of the orphanage's poor financial base, it was possible to collect large contributions from many Christian volunteers around the world. He also continued to rely on God while struggling with the 'weakness' of mental and neurological symptoms of a 'head illness'. His way of life, as somebody who was 'not a miracle person', is probably the most important point in understanding him.論文(Article)