| In this dissertation, I describe the roles and contributions of the Korean church in the development of Korean nationalism from the Protestant church missions begun in 1884 to independence from the Japanese colonial rule in 1945 from a missiological perspective. From 1884-1945, the early Korean church had played major spiritual and social justice roles in leading the Korean people. Modern Korean nationalism started when the concept of the Western-citizen-national-idea was introduced to Korea, and thus, Korean Christianity played a competent leading role.;In early Korean church history, the Korean church acted as the "light" and "salt" of the nation. The Korean Christian leaders during the Japanese occupation not only encouraged the nation and the people to have "hope" during the turmoil period, but also contributed to the nationalist movement through the "Kingdom of God" concept for Christians today.;The Korean church in the development of Korean nationalism before and after the Japanese annexation suggested "why" and "how" the Korean church today could experience renewal and restoration as a spiritual leader for the nation. The contemporary Korean church must question what attitude it should have to Korean nationalism. Thus, to answer this issue I did my research and wrote from a mission historical perspective hoping to contribute to the renewal and world evangelism of the church for the society today.;To encourage a return to the wholistic mission of the church for the society, I analyze the roles and contributions of the early Korean church in the development of Korean nationalism. This restoration is crucial, not only for the renewal of the Korean church, but also for world mission today. Historical insights, especially for the gospel and world evangelism, can provide insights today for practical and needed methods to the witness of the "Kingdom of God.". |
