Luther's Reformation and His Political and Social Ideas for Korean Church and Society

Abstract

Luther's beliefs provide three avenues of change for the Korean church and Korean society at large. First, Luther's argument about two different kingdoms can help the Korean church set itself free from the deeply rooted political attachment stemming from the ideological conflict with North Korea over the past six decades. Second, Luther's understanding of the individual's inner mind as the locus of revelation of the divine truth is expected to enhance an autonomous self-determination that is independent of the collective mindset of the multitude, which leads to the naissance of being truly individual. Lastly, Luther's ethics of love will hopefully improve the public awareness concerning human rights of criminals and, through his vocation theory, give the vision of a unified organic society that Rises above the possessive individualism that spread widely during Korea's rapid economic growth.