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Martin Luther’s Reformation and Diakonia

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2018, (41), pp.41-68
  • DOI : 10.21050/CSE.2018.41.02
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : June 26, 2018
  • Accepted : August 11, 2018

Lee Dong Ho 1

1배재대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The Reformation was also a social reform movement that deeply affected the fields of service and social work. Martin Luther’s theology on “Diakonia” did not only establish the fundamentals of good works and acts of charity in the church, but it also presented itself as a completely new theology, especially in the forming of social reform movements. This research first addresses Luther’s theology on “Diakonia” according to one of his core subjects in his theory of justification. Secondly, this paper delves into how Luther relates to his understanding of social-economical ethics in terms of labor, vocation, worship, and service to his theology of “Diakonia.” Lastly, This study discusses how the theology of “Diakonia” and its ideologies have been practically applied to today’s welfare state. There are many Korean Christians who are still unaware of the relationship between “Diakonia” and the theory of justification. “Diakonia” is not just the means to the survival of the church. Yet, “Diakonia” is the essence and the purpose of the church. Luther did not believe that justification by faith had not relationship with service and charity. He believed that faith itself should be the act of doing good works. Hence, Christians who consider themselves righteous by faith should take responsibility in helping their neighbors.

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