Page 30 - A Dissertation for Doctor of Philosophy

Preaching of the First Korean Preachers

The sermons of the first Korean preachers reflected the society they were serving. The

contents and style of preaching showed similarities and differences with those of the

missionaries. Concerning style, Korean preachers utilized a topical format. Yet, they picked out

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topics from the biblical text rather than utilizing doctrinal themes. Conversely, the
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missionaries use the Scriptures as proof texts for what doctrine or topic they wanted to teach.

Concerning content, early Korean preachers emphasized both the Gospel and socio-

political concerns. As the leaders of people, they believed that they should preach both on

salvation through Jesus Christ and on topics that brought enlightenment to the people. They

preached in favor of the spirit of freedom, autonomy of the nation, and the task of accomplishing

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national emancipation from Japan. Since the old Confucianism society already experienced

decimation, and the people longed for a new religion with a new ethic, the first preachers

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preached Jesus a new model for ethics. Three of the influential preachers in this time were Sun

Ju Kil from the Presbyterians, Byung Hun Choi from the Methodists, and Myung Jik Lee from

24 Sung Kwang Kim, “A Handbook,” 46.

25
Ki Young Kim, “An Analysis of Problems,” 136. He criticizes that “Some of the
missionaries apparently decided what to say, constructed their outlines first, and then chose texts.
The outlines did not match the chosen texts.”

26 Chung, A History of Preaching, 71-76. For additional information on the characteristics
of the early Korean preachers, see Joseph Um, “Formal Study of the Korean Church Preaching
by Generations,” Kidokkyo Sasang (Christian Thoughts) 16 no. 4 (April 1972), 125.

27
Ibid., 84-92.