칼빈과 종교 개혁의 필요성 = Calvin and the Need for Reformation

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Protestants and Roman Catholics in the sixteenth century believed that the issues that divided them were so important that they could not be ignored or compromised away. In 2009, the five-hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Calvin, we should indeed reflect on the nature of the Reformation and ask about its continuing value to the life of the church. As we approach these questions, one way we can focus them is by looking at Calvin`s own summaries of his concerns as expressed in some of the dedicatory letters that he wrote to accompany the publication of various of his work. Many within the churches descended from the Reformation no longer share Calvin`s confidence in the truthfulness of the Bible. Similarly for many the Bible is no longer accepted as sufficient for the worship and government of the church. Worship and the leadership of the church had been supplemented with rites, activities, leaders, and offices that have no biblical warrant. In many churches the perspicuity of the Bible has been functionally rejected. Many seem to regard the Bible as a wax nose that cannot solve our theological differences. The interpretation of the Bible has fallen into all sorts of abuses today. Today as in the sixteenth century the Bible is formally honored, but increasingly not read with understanding. Today often human depravity, the work of Christ, and irresistible grace are replaced by a Gospel of health, wealth and happiness. The worship of the church has become a feel-good experience, rather than a meeting with the holy God. Is the Reformation over? I believe that we ought to recognize afresh that Calvin is still right about the functional authority of the Bible and about the Bible`s program of reform for the church.