Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
author Sungbong Jin
title A Study of The Bible Tongdok during Feast of Tabernacles
abstract This study began with the aim to find ways to revive the church in the midst the COVID19 Pandemic through the teachings within the Bible. The Korean church saw a remarkable growth since the gospel entered the Korean Peninsula until the 1980s. The following decade, however, recorded an unfortunate decline. This decline has continued. Recognizing this problem, there have been studies conducted to find ways to revive the Korean church. With the declaration of religious reformation leaders to focus on only the Bible as the foundation, the contemporary Korean church is going towards what has been coined the 'Tong Bible' movement. Just as the Israelites tried to restore their faith during the Festival of Tabernacle by reading through the Pentateuch after returning from Babylon captivity led by Nehemiah and Ezra, the Tong Bible seeks to revive the church through the Scriptures.

First, this study looked into the meanings behind the reading aloud of the scriptures in the Old and New Testaments. It then examined what this meaning has for the Korean church today for the individual, the church, and in terms of publication. Central to this study is a look into the works of Dr. Byoungho Zoh who created the Tong method of reading the Bible and then paved a new paradigm of reading the entire Bible over 5 to 6 days during the past 30 years. This study comprises interviews that were held with Korean pastors who participated in this movement and program. The interviews were conducted in a 'conversation-style' and then interpreted systematically.

The data collected from the interviews were overall positive and will likely be beneficial for many Pastors in their ministry. The majority of Pastors interviewed expressed that they are willing to dedicate themselves to the Tong reading of the Bible and to prepare sermons that cover the whole scope of the Bible. This thesis is confident that the implementation of the Tong method during the Pandemic situation and beyond will be of help to the Korean church that is facing difficulties.

Just as the Festival of Tabernacle intentionally looked back on the 40 years in the desert and read through the Pentateuch, this thesis stresses that the 5-6 day program of reading the whole Bible is the most effective way for Pastors and Christians to live with the understanding of the preciousness of the Bible.

school The Theological School, Drew University
degree D.Min. (2021)
advisor Younglae Kim
Byoungho Zoh
full textSJin.pdf