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Welfare Thoughts of Johann Hinrich Wichern from a Social-Ethical Perspective

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2007, 14(), pp.7-41
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology

Kang, Won Don 1

1한신대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

In this article I have analyzed and evaluated from a social-ethical perspective the welfare thought of Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808-1881), who has exercised a huge influence on the German Inner Mission in shaping its theological and practical foundation. Through such activities he could save his nation and people from the social problems of the 19th century, which came from the heart of the so-called Manchester capitalism.In the first and the second chapter I have looked into how he has accepted traditional heritages of the Reformation and the pietism, which helped him to articulate his specific diaconate theology and to contribute to organizing many diaconate associations for neighbor’s love. In the third chapter I have analyzed the purpose and tasks of the German Inner Mission, which were elaborated thoroughly in the program paper of Wichern in 1849. I have paid attention to the following: In struggle against the social problems and aggressive communism he has endeavored to keep the family as God’s basic order from destruction and deterioration. He has thought that church and state should play their own role in protecting the poor and the marginalized. He has acknowledged the necessity of the ambulant help, but put more emphasis on self-reliance and self-help of those who were at the edge of the society.For me it is interesting that Wichern has made efforts to articulate social policies from the Christian responsibility in the 1870’s, when Germany marched the way to the social state. In this respect, he has suggested a good model of social diaconate.In the last step I would say that Wichern’s model of associate diaconate, church and social diaconate are very suggestive for Korean churches, which would contribute in their own ways to shaping the welfare state. I appreciate the thought of Wichern that the underprivileged should stand on their own feet and show their ability for self-reliance and self-help.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.