Doctoral Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology) by Author "Choi, Sung Rual"

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    Union with Christ? : re-reading Calvin as constructive proposal for Korean Calvin reception
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Choi, Sung Rual; Vosloo, Robert; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The starting point of this dissertation is the presence of a theological deficit regarding the reception of Calvin’s “union with Christ (unio cum Christo)” thought. It is argued that the notion of “union with Christ” should not be treated merely as a doctrinal theme within soteriology and the doctrine of the Sacraments but as having an interrelationship with various other important doctrines in Calvin’s theology, thus functioning as a core thought. Hence this dissertation re-interprets and re-evaluates the original scope, content and meaning of Calvin’s use of the notion of “union with Christ,” attending in the process to the various metaphorical expressions and theological meanings associated with this notion. This research dissertation attempted to recover the importance of what is described as Calvin’s “union with Christ” thought in the following manner. Firstly, it examines the main causes for the reduction of the scope and importance of “union with Christ” thought in Korean Reformed theology and the American Reformed theology (or Calvinistic theology) that influenced it. Secondly, it also examines more concretely the various metaphorical expressions and theological meanings associated with “union with Christ” thought. Lastly, the study strives to verify systematically that the “union with Christ” thought (or ‘union with the Triune God’ thought) functions as a core thought in Calvin’s theology. This is done through the explication of the close inter-relationship between the structure of the Institutes and “union with Christ” thought, as well as by indicating the way in which “union with Christ” thought is interrelated with other important doctrines in Calvin’s theology.