The Shifting Theological Paradigm of Missionary George H. Jones : Through the SinHak-WolPo -
This thesis analyzes the shifting theological paradigm of George Heber Jones (August 14, 1867 ~ May 11, 1919), whose Sinhak-Wolbo was used as the curricul...
The Shifting Theological Paradigm of Missionary George H. Jones : Through the SinHak-WolPo -
This thesis analyzes the shifting theological paradigm of George Heber Jones (August 14, 1867 ~ May 11, 1919), whose Sinhak-Wolbo was used as the curriculum for Methodist theological education in Early Korea. In order to research Jones’ theological paradigm, this thesis focuses its attention on the articles that Jones authored in the Sinhak Wolbo. Jones, unlike all the other Northern Methodist Episcopal missionaries sent to Korea, came without having completed his university and formal theological education. He arrived in Korea on May 11, 1888 at the age of 21.
At a time when the other Northern Methodist missionaries showed little interest in theological education in Korea, Jones began publication of the Sinhak-Wolbo, a monthly theological bulletin, in December 1900. Until his departure to the U.S. in June of 1903, Jones acted as editor for the periodical and regularly gathered contributions of theological articles from his missionary colleagues. The periodical ceased publication between year 1905 to 1906 in his absence. However, upon his return to Korea after three years in the U.S. and the subsequent restart of the Sinhak Wolbo in 1907, the theme and contents of the periodical noticeably shifted. Jones began writing more of his own articles dealing directly with theology, and the theological views he presented in the later period in fact differed from those represented in the periodical in the earlier period. It is the purpose of this thesis to delve into the reasons for this change.
In accordance with the Wesleyan Theological understanding of the importance of education in the continued reform of a people, fellow Methodist missionary Henry G. Appenzeller followed a missions philosophy that emphasized the educational enterprise, as is evident in how he operated the Paichai School. Jones, however, in his placement in Chemulpo, focused his attention more on the church and the cultivation of leaders trained in their faith. Rather than general education, Jones’ focus could be termed “Evangelism Education.” While there were differences in the educational philosophies of Appenzeller and Jones, it is also true that Jones’ theological paradigm in fact developed out of Appenzeller's. This thesis examines the influence of Appenzeller as well as other environmental factors on the development of Jones’ own theological paradigm using an analytical approach.