Overcoming Nationalism in the Korean Methodist Theology of Inculturation: Toward a Fourth-Generation Theology

Abstract

Korean Methodist theologies of inculturation have focused on examining the relationship between the gospel and Korean traditional religious cultures. This article shows how Korean Methodist theology is rooted in nationalism through the works of the first Korean Methodist pastor, Ch’oe Pyŏnghŏn. Then it demonstrates how the nationalism of Korean Methodism continued in first-generation Korean theologians such as Yun Sŏngbŏm, Pyŏn Sŏnhwan, and Yu Tongsik. Lastly, it demonstrates the criticism of nationalism by third-generation (postcolonial) Korean Methodist theologians. In conclusion, the article suggests a new way to overcome nationalism with a Trinitarian theology of inculturation.