Constituting an efficient conceptual model for teaching the doctrine of the Trinity in Korean churches

Abstract

Even though the doctrine of the Trinity is one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith, it has not always been well understood. The misunderstanding of the doctrine has been one of the major causes of conflicts in the church and has resulted in splits into sects and cults. Many scholars have tried to expand human comprehension on the Trinity with diversified symbols, signs, illustrations and analogies, but human understanding of the doctrine is still not enough. Under the situation, one of the key questions is why the doctrine of the Trinity has not been well taught in Korean churches. To answer this question, there is a need to research the reasons for the insufficient understanding of the Trinity and an adequate model of the doctrine for teaching it in Korean churches. This study is conducted from the perspective of the Reformed theology by means of a literature study in order to make a recommendation for an efficient model of teaching the doctrine of the Trinity in Korean churches. The first chapter is the overall introduction of the study. The second chapter indicates the fundamental problems as to why the doctrine of the Trinity has not been well understood and taught in Korean churches. The third chapter deals with the parts in the doctrine of the Trinity that is difficult to understand. The fourth chapter shows how the doctrine has previously been understood by scholars and what would be an adequate formula for the teaching of the doctrine in Korean churches. The reasons why many Korean Church members do not understand the doctrine of the Trinity: The Trinity itself is not dealt with in the church. Church leaders have had little opportunity to learn the doctrine of the Trinity in their theological study and thus failed to explain it clearly and confidently to their members. Liberalism, the faith that pursues earthly blessings, and previous misunderstandings, such as Arianism and Modalism, are influencing the church. The religious tendency of the Korean people, which is more emotional than logical, could also be a cause. Korean church members experience a difficulty to comprehend key terms used in the description of the Trinity. One of the key questions regarding the relationship among the three Persons is how the three Persons can be one God. The word "Trinity" is not in the Bible and is difficult to church members to explain it to others. The Trinity is a mystery but the doctrine of the Trinity can be understood as God has revealed Himself in His Word and history as the Triune God. A suggestion for a more comprehensible definition of the Trinity in the Korean translation can be "세 신격 동일 본질의 한 하나님" which means "One being of God in three Persons of Godhead with one Essence." The love of God is the foundation of the unity of the three Persons. Each of the Persons possesses the same divine essence, and is equal in glory, honour and power. There are not three Gods, but one God, three Persons in the Godhead.