Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
author In Hwan Kim
title An Understanding of the Soteriology in the Korean Protestant Churches in Relation to Faith and Works
abstract Even as Korean Protestant churches commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and claimed to be successors of the Reformation movement, the Korean Protestant Churches today face serious ethical and moral failures by both their pastors and church members. The recent Sewol Ferry disaster in 2014 highlighted this problem. Though the Sewol Ferry was owned and operated by a cult group named the Salvation Sect, a close examination reveals that the Salvation Sect's soteriology is not much different from the soteriology of the Korean Protestant Churches. Just as many ethical problems and abuses of the 16th Century Church could be traced back to its soteriology, much of the moral failures of today's Korean Protestant Churches also stem from the soteriology they hold. The failure to teach the inseparable and responsible relationship between faith and works, in particular, has resulted in today's predicament that calls for another reformation, another renewal.

The purpose of this dissertation is to examine John Wesley's soteriology, his teachings on the relationship between faith and works, and his "both and" theological methodology as providing possible directions in which the Korean Protestant Churches might move forward in remedying the situation.

To understand the Korean context, the Salvation Sect and its soteriology are examined. To accomplish this task, a historical-theological exploration of two of the Reformers, Martin Luther and John Calvin, are employed to understand the Reformation teachings on Justification and Sanctification as well as the relationship between faith and works. Relevant Biblical texts as well as the work of Professor Yon-Gyong Kwon, in particular, are examined, followed by an examination of the Wesleyan doctrine of salvation. By rediscovering Wesley and his theological methodology, the Korean Protestant Churches can realize a much needed correction by emphasizing the ethical dimension of faith and the necessity of sanctification without deemphasizing the need of God's justifying grace.

school The Theological School, Drew University
degree Ph.D. (2019)
advisor Wesley Ariarajah
committee Wesley Ariarajah
Healther Murray Elkins
Daniel Shin
full textIHKim.pdf