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An Exploration of ‘Reformative’ Sexual Ethics of the Reformation: Focusing on Luther’s and Calvin’s Understanding of Gender Relations, Marriage and Sexual Intercourse

Lee, Chang-Ho 1

1장로회신학대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

It is widely acknowledged that there has been continuous interaction between Christian faith and Confucianism in the Korean church. This is true to the church’s sexual ethical discourse and its ethical formation. How did and should Christian sexual ethics respond to the Confucian conviction, customs and practices of marriage and sexuality that have been existed in Korean society? Can Christian sexual ethics operate as an ethical alternative that effectively opposes sexual discrimination and promotes gender equality? The aim of this paper is to explicate the First Reformers’ sexual ethics – Luther’s and Calvin’s – focusing on their understanding of gender relations, marriage and sexual intercourse. In particular, I hope to explore in the sexual ethics of the Reformation a theoretical and practical alternative that is conducive to reviewing critically the formation and reinforcement of patriarchal and hierarchical thought and practices in the Korean church and society. I will conclude with some suggestions which could help the Korean church and society correct its ethical thought and practices that endorse and support women’s inferiority to men and gender discrimination.

Citation status

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