A comparison of Wesley's eighteenth century revival and the Korean revival movement - in the view of the revival and social reform

Abstract

This dissertation offers a comparison of Wesley's eighteenth century Revival and the Korean revival movement in the view of the revival and social reform. Wesley's revival movement is evaluated as not only the restoration of religious circles but pan-national revival movement based on Bible. He favoured the total reformation of society, which was against of the spirit of the Bible at that time. One of the most representative things was the antislavery movement. Also, what made him outstanding in the history of church was his organization ability for the converted. The so-called meeting of united religious society, class, selected society and band made by him become one of the things most representative of contemporary Methodism. In the case of the Korean Church, The Great Revival of 1907 was the landmark of Christian history in Korea. With this epoch-making event in the lead, the continuous waves of revival have been produced in Korea until now. However, the Korean revival movement began in various cultural areas of Buddhism, Confucianism and shamanism. It was also accomplished in, a short time. Therefore, it was faced diverse problems. In comparison with Wesley's revival, the Korean Church lacked a consistent concern for the larger community in which they live. She must be concerned about the deeper needs of society. For the sake of this concern, she must succeed in beating the following two things: the 'Individual church First' and 'Dualism.' The former is the worst enemy not to display to her ability in the Korean society to the full. The latter separating the spiritual from the secular, also played an important role in not taking her prophetic responsibility to warn the state of its injustice. However, the positive utilization of the laity as ministerial partners is a key factor in terms of renewals of the Korean Church in the second century of mission.