The Authority of the Bible in the Multiscriptural Context of Korean Christianity

Abstract

The most distinctive feature of Korean Christianity is the absolute authority that is given to the Bible. Yet Korean Christianity confers such power and authority to the Bible in the multiscriptural context of Korea. Traditionally, Koreans believe firmly in the inherent authority of the sacred scriptures of Buddhism and Confucianism. Throughout history, Koreans experienced the mystic-redemptive power of the Buddhist scriptures and the ethical-redemptive power of the Confucian canonical texts. Korean Christians, in turn, have similarly accepted the Bible with the highest regard. Ironically, this renders a cultural supremacy that depoliticizes the Bible, thereby diminishing its effect on Korean society.