기독교 세계관과 개혁주의 학문활동

Christian World View and Reformed Scholarship: Focusing on the Theme of Creation and Recreation in the Book of Isaiah

Most academic scholars' theory and work are constructed upon the presupposition of their philosophical or religious world view. It works for them as a underlying paradigm in the academic activity whether they are conscious of it or not. The world view of the scholars makes all the difference to their motivation and purpose of the academic fulfillment. Thus, this paper explores the reformed world view from Isaiah 40-66 as the working principle of the Christian scholars' academic activity. First, the theology of Isaiah 40-55 demonstrates the absolute sovereign God who is ultimate supreme being and creator of the cosmos. There is no area that God does not control. The object of the scholars' work is God's created whole universe and the purpose of their scholarship is for the glory of God. God's creation, however, is severely destroyed and perverted on account of human sin. And God is the redeemer of his people and creation. Thus, in fulfilling scholars' academic activity the Christian scholars should be conscious of human sin and God's goal of redemption. Christian scholars are to learn biblical world view from the Scripture. On the basis of it they should study and teach their academic field for the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. Second, Isaiah 60:4-14 and 65:17-25 illustrate the world of new creation through the description of the eschatological new Jerusalem. The new heaven and earth is not completely different world which is discontinuous from the present creation; rather it is renewed and transformed one maintaining its continuity from this world. Thus, every academic work of God's created universe will be transferred to the new Jerusalem and the academic accomplishment will shine its beauty in the new creation. Christian scholars should be aware of the fact that the present heaven and earth will be transformed into the new heaven and earth. Knowing this theological principle, they should work diligently to make this society beautiful and glorious which God rules. Lastly, this paper examines God's salvation and the lifestyle of people with its relationship to intellectual virtues of the Christian scholars in Isaiah 56-66. God's faithful people who practice righteousness and justice will inherit the eschatological new heaven and earth. The Christian scholars should cultivate the character of humility and passion for the truth and holiness. They should bear fruit not only in the area of intellect but also in their character and life for the glory of God.