Re-envisioning the Reformer’s Spirituality, Provisioning the Reformed Spiritual Reality : Toward a Reforming of the Misunderstanding of Martin Luther’s View on the Epistle of James

Abstract

This article deals with Martin Luther’s understanding of the epistle of James. It is argued that the Reformed Church has understood the reformer’s “justification by faith” only partially. It is to clarify that since Korean Society and Church resemble those of the era of the Reformation, a second great awakening or spiritual reformation is needed in Korea. First, Luther’s spirituality is being dealt with comprehensively within this context. Secondly, it is clarified that Luther’s quote of James as the “epistle of straw” in his first edition of the German New Testament is not his final position. By doing so, it is examining that Luther’s doctrine of justification cannot be understood apart from good works. In addition to a general inclusive understanding of the spirituality of Martin Luther, a genuine and conclusive diagnosticating of the corruption of the society and churches of Korea can give us a solution to the problem that we have. Luther’s spirituality explains that a Christian is being saved by faith by hearing the word of God, transcending the internal holiness and prayer, and linking to a life of helping neighbors as to the word. This spirituality embraces but also goes beyond the bounds of the contemplative vision of spirituality. It goes to the social participation of loving neighbors. Luther’s understanding of James is not to abandon “justification by faith” and adopt “justification by works” but to assert that a Christian claiming “justification by faith” ought to be “a man of his/her faith.” In his youth, it is true that Luther had doubts regarding the epistle of James. However, in his latter years, he never doubted on the apostleship and canonicity of James. John Calvin agrees with the latter Luther’s position and asserts the epistle of James is last but not least, straw, a constructional part, for the palace of the word and faith.