What is the legacy of the Reformation, which took place 497 years ago, for the Protestant church? On October 28 at Dongsung Church, located on Ihwajang-gil in Jongno-gu, Seoul, the Center for City & Community and the New Church Network of the Anglican Church of Korea jointly hosted a “Seminar on the Missionary Church in Commemoration of the Reformation” (photo), looking for answers to this question.
The view of keynote speaker Fr. Kim Han-seung (Director of Sungkonghoe Foodbank) was that Protestant Christianity gained the Bible, faith, and grace as the result of the Reformation. He explained, “The reformers’ slogan ‘Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia’ left our Protestant church a positive influence… In particular it is noticeable that Bible-centeredness has resulted in research, interpretation, and sharing of the Bible… Furthermore, individual churches are strengthened and various callings and orders are now available for priests as well as for lay believers.”
Fr. Kim also pointed to what the Protestant church lost with the Reformation. He said, “As individual churches have been overly emphasized, the church has split repeatedly into many denominations, and it has become easier for pseudo- and heretical groups to function… Some fundamental and authoritarian interpretations of the Bible have led to damage and negative side-effects. As the church’s centripetal force has weakened, responding to social issues is now quite challenging. In addition, abolishing pre-Reformation traditions has weakened the practice and meaning of the Eucharist.”
Dr. Kang Bo-yeong (New Testament, Bristol University of U.K.) said, “Constructing a simple and clear theology of ‘justification by faith in Christ’ is the inheritance of the Reformation, which is so easy that even believers with a low educational level can understand it… Another positive aspect of the Reformation is that it protected the sovereignty of God through the paradigm of ‘fallen human beings,’ and that it made us understand mission as God’s ministry.”
“However,” Dr. Kang said, “the focus of the Reformation on ‘fallen human beings’ has encouraged a pessimistic view of human beings… Therefore, the Gospel came to lack deep reflection about right relationship with God and just clings to salvation.”
The keynote speakers and 20 some participants in the seminar agreed that practical efforts are necessary to overcome problems derived from the Reformation. Fr. Kim said, “As individual churches become extremely self-centered, there are more problems with denominational divisions and mega-churches… The churches should thoroughly examine their own desires and greed, so as to be able to reflect on the life of Christ and seek the future of the church.” Rev. Kim Il-hyeon (Guksu Church) said, “Change should begin with the clear aim of seeking perfection in God.”
Article and photo by reporter Jin Samyeol (samuel@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Click here for the original article in Korean
“From the Reformation we have inherited the Bible, faith and grace.”
2014-10-31 16:37
