Chapter 2 Yonggi Cho’s Influence on Pentecostal Theology in Korea
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The Pentecostal theology of Dr David (Paul) Yonggi Cho of Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea, has greatly influenced not only Korean but also global Christianity. As Cho’s focus lies in the work of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, it is necessary to reflect on Cho’s theology for a promising future for Korean Pentecostalism. After a brief overview of the formation and growth of the Assemblies of God in Korea, this chapter explores how theologians and ministers of other denominations challenged the theological stance and pastoral-missional practice of Cho. This includes the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap) denomination, the second largest Presbyterian denomination in the world. Some other responses to Cho’s pneumatology do recognise the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a distinctive experience from that of regeneration. However, further contrasting controversies include: complete salvation in spirit, soul and body (Threefold Blessing) versus prosperity theology; vision in faith versus mind-control or positive thinking; personal salvation and evangelism versus socio-ethical responsibilities; and dispensational premillennialism versus amillennialism or historic premillennialism. By reviewing Cho’s teachings, other theologians’ responses to Cho’s teachings, and his reactions, this chapter seeks to provide some suggestions. More recent theological agendas still await a further Korean Pentecostal response, such as: the new perspective on Paul; religious plurality in salvation; and the issue of homosexuality.