박윤선의 개혁주의적 종말론

Abstract

This articles deals with eschatology in general of Yoon Sun Park, one of Korea's well-known Reformed theologians. His eschatology can defined with a strong Reformed characteristics. His theology as a whole was especially critical toward modern theology and its tendency to deviate from the true witnesses of Scripture. This fact is evidently shown in his criticism against Paul Tillich and Karl Barth in some aspects of their eschatology. This article first paid attention to the structure of eschatology of Park and showed that it is overall reformational in its outlines. His complete confidence upon Reformed theology is fully shown in his treatment of such important subjects including death, life after death. Furthermore, he was firmly standing on the Reformed ground in rejecting the error of the Roman Catholic Church regarding her teaching on the intermediate state. His criticism on Barth's understanding of the second coming of Christ also fully reflects his Reformed background. The main focus of this article, however, is directed toward Park's view on premillennialism. His understanding of thousand year reign of Christ on earth can be clearly classified into historical premillennialism which is different from dispensationalism. Park seems to be heavily influenced by the theologies of Korean missionaries at the period of his learning. His millennialism can be seen in his critical judgment upon postmillennialism and amillennialsim. First, it seems proper to note that his judgment on postmillennialism leaves us much room for criticism. Even though he responds to the writings of Lorraine Boettner, his response does not seem to be touching the essential weaknesses of postmillennialism including apostacy and Satan's resistance to the rule of Christ. Second, Park's criticism on amillennialism cannot be considered in line with Reformed theologians' view toward amillennialism including Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper and B. B. Warfield.