Reformation of Christianity: Restoring a Global Outlook

Image from Joeson Dynasty in Korea: Wikipedia. Christianity was introduced into Korea in the early 1600s. South Korea’s population now includes nearly 30% Christians. One example of the growth of Christianity outside the Western World.

Nearly concluding the long series on the Reformation of Christianity, this is the first of four major changes Christianity is experiencing and needs to experience for the faith to continue change people’s lives.

The Old Testament or Hebrew Bible is misunderstood as teaching that God’s interest was limited to his chosen people. That is wrong because in numerous cases God through the prophets made it clear that he saw the special relationship he attempted to have with the Israelites as a means to reach out to all the nations. By seeing their blessing, all would come to know him. David understood this better than most and saw the development of the nation under his leadership as a fulfillment of God’s intention that the nations of the world would also make Yahweh their God.

Jesus made it clear that, while Jewish and part of the Jewish tradition and community, his vision was broader than the chosen people alone. He often noted how this special community had broken God’s heart with repeated rejection. In one of the most poignant comments he made he sighed how he longed to gather his people under him like a hen gathers her chicks under her wing, “but you would not.” Over and over he made it clear that the invitation to the banquet was not just for the children of Abraham. When the invited guests failed to attend, the banquet host…