| This dissertation deals with the issue of contextualization from the point of view of the Korean Church. Until now no evangelical Korean scholar has ever systematically or academically studied contextualization.;This study is divided into four sections and seven chapters. The first chapter of section I deals with biblical principles of contextualization in terms of biblical theology and hermeneutics. Further, in Chapter 2 common grace is shown to be an essential factor in contextualization as informed by the viewpoint in Reformed Theology, together with various theological models of contextualization. Here the author deals with the hermeneutics of contextualization and introduces his model which is identified as synthetic contextualization.;Chapters 3 and 4 of section II present evidences of contextualization factors in the Korean Church history, as divided into periods as follows; 1866-1910, 1910-1945 and 1945-1981. Among these are thought-patterns; socio-political, religious and economic contexts; Bible translation, Sa-Rang room, Nevius policies, the revivals, visitation committees and the Kwon-Chal system of the Korean Presbyterian Church, theological thoughts of three Key Korean leaders, the Chaplain system and the evangelical movement. Further, Chapter 5 also shows current evidence of contextualized factors in five individual local churches.;Section III is an evaluation of Korean theologies beginning with First Stream Korean theology during the 1960's. This is studied through Chapter 6, and the Min-Jung theology (theology of the people) as the second stream is surveyed through Chapter 7. The outward theological influences upon these two streams will be noted and conclude that they are not pure Korean contextual theology.;Throughout Chapters 8 and 9 of section IV, shamanism is investigated as the main worldview of Korea, and are analyzed shamanic elements in Korean Buddhism, Confucianism and in the Korean Church. A warning gives out to the Korean Church to keep watch on syncretistic influences caused by Korean shamanism.;In conclusion, the thesis reflects on the entire study of contextualization, and draws conclusions as to what model best fits the Korean Church. This recommended model relies very heavily on common grace. The thesis ends with seven implications for the work of contextualization in the Korean Church. |
