4차원 영성으로 본 조용기 목사의 설교신학

Abstract

This project is designed to gain clarity about Yonggi Cho’s fourth dimension spirituality as a theology of preaching. To the end, the project, with a homiletical lens, examines the historical context and the theological composition of Cho’s fourth dimension spirituality. As a direct result of his ministry, Cho’s fourth dimension spirituality which describes the paradigm of spirituality that juxtaposes the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God was developed as the foundation of his preaching. Today, Cho’s sermons have become extremely influential and renowned locally and internationally. Over the early years of ministry,however, he became dissatisfied with his own sermons that merely tried to offer hope to the congregation on worldly basis and without deep insights into their lives. As a response, he attempted to develop a homiletical paradigm that found its basis on integrated understanding of the daily lives of his congregation and God’s principle of spirituality that governs this world. Eventually, Cho referred to the practical application of such homiletical paradigm as the sermons of the fourth dimension spirituality. Essential goals of his spiritual sermons are to wake up the “sleeping spirits” of the congregation and help transform their daily lives. As far as the practical application of such sermons is concerned, it is safe to say that Cho has successfully exemplified his goals through his ministry at Yoido Full Gospel Church. When we observe the powerful impact that his sermons have had on unprecedented number of the listeners, Cho’s philosophy and method of preaching are worthy to be carefully examined. In efforts to further understand the fourth dimension spirituality,this paper particularly examines Cho’s sermons. Specifically, this paper first offers an overview of Cho’s sermons on the fourth dimension spirituality. Secondly, this paper examines the theological composition of his fourth dimension spirituality by means of his sermons. Cho’s sermons can not be evaluated without considering the content and the context of his ministry in which the sermons are prepared and preached. It is critical that his sermons on the fourth dimension spirituality are reflections on the church members’ lives and offer practical responses to their daily problems in light of the Gospel. It is such dedicated emphasis on practicality of the Scripture and the Spirit that makes actual changes in the lives of the congregation that makes Cho’s sermons on the fourth dimension spirituality extraordinary. It is Cho’s ability to empathize, enlighten, and speak to his congregants in a language that they understand that makes his sermons powerful and effective. Consequently, the key to his spiritual sermons on the fourth dimension is that the sermons are prepared and preached in a way his congregants can easily comprehend and apply the messages offered through the sermons. Hence, these sermons prove to have a clear vision and meaning that the congregants can competently apply in their lives.