한국교회에 대한 칼빈 신학의 기여

Abstract

As we mark John Calvin's Quincentenary, it is meaningful to examine his influence on Korea. Even though Calvin is far away from Korea in terms of spatial and temporal dimensions his influence on Korea is significant in various aspects. First of all, Calvin's theology has contributed to spreading the gospel in Korea through Scottish Missionaries and American Missionaries. Calvin's theology which regards the Bible as a key subject, has helped to formulate a biblical centered theology in Korea and contributed to the revival of the Korean churches. And denn conservative professors from American Presbyterian Seminaries established such theology which was started by Calvin as they were teaching at Pyengyang Theological Seminary. A. Kuyper and Henry Meter who revitalized Calvin's understanding of common grace, introduced it to Korea in the 19th century. The introduction of the theological concept established a foundation for the Korean churches, which has fallen into the dualistic monastery Error, to change the culture by penetrating deeply into the world. Calvin's thought has had a great influence on the Korean political system as well. For instance, Dr. Syngman Rhee who studied politics and reformed theology at Princeton University established a Liberal Democratic Government in Korea. Also, a number of Christian politicians in Korea desire to actualize a political system based on Calvinism. Calvin's impact can be also perceived in the scientific area. A movement of Christians to pursue a God-centered scientific system has started in Korea, since the introduction of Dooyeweerd's Christian Philosophy. There are many English Literature professors who are carrying out a Christian literary movement by translating the puritanic literature into Korean. Nevertheless, we must not overlook the fact that many obstacles, such as Fatalism, Confucianistic Bossism and Confucianistic past-oriented way of thinking, still remain in concealment in the Korean society and has interrupted Calvin's theology to flourish in Korea. Therefore, it is essential to find a solution to such problems in order to develop Calvin's theology in Korea.