Inquiry of Pentecostalism Regarding Pneumatology: A Theological Suggestion of a Feminist Perspective

• Published in: International review of mission Vol. 107; no. 1; pp. 49 - 63
• Main Author: Chung, Meehyun
• Format: Journal Article Magazine Article
• Language: English
• Published: Geneva World Council of Churches 01.06.2018; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Christian theology; Christianity; Comparative analysis; Economics; Feminism; Gender; Holy Spirit; Ideology; justice; peace; Pentecostal churches; Pentecostalism; personal cult; reconciliation; Social justice; Theology; South Korea
• ISSN: 0020-8582; 1758-6631
• DOI: 10.1111/irom.12208

This article revisits the legacy of the Pentecostal movement in Korea based on pneumatology and reflects on the issues of Pentecostalism from a feminist perspective. It elaborates on (1) the patriarchal top‐down hierarchy by personal cult, (2) gender injustice, and (3) the dualistic conflict of ideology. Pentecostalism is an important trend in World Christianity and in the Korean landscape of Christianity in particular. In terms of impact on society, Pentecostalism is more influential compared to Minjung theology, and these two streams have common interest regarding marginalized people. Given global challenges and growing economic disparity, it is also relevant to promote cooperation between the evangelical and ecumenical movements. To promote a new paradigm of mission and evangelism in the 21st century in the Korean context, we need to improve several aspects thereof in terms of justice, peace, and integration of creation. In this era of liberal market capitalism, when human individualization and economic inequality are accelerating, what we need is a purpose for common goodness that is based on the incarnation of God's love and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our perception of pneumatology should be constructively oriented toward justice and life for conviviality instead of the divinization of human beings.