Concerns are being raised among congregants regarding the actions of Yoido Full Gospel Church, one of South Korea’s leading churches, following the sitting president’s attendance at its Easter service. Some congregants who attended the service pointed out that the pastor’s sermon was overly political, criticizing the church for displaying a bias toward political power rather than upholding the intrinsic values of religion. Furthermore, it is deeply regrettable that church leaders—including the senior pastor, whose past actions have been subject to various interpretations—seem to be swept up by the political situation rather than maintaining their center based on religious conscience in the face of the demands of the times.
Observing these changes in such a large church, it seems that the Korean church is going through a “time of trial” to preserve the true essence of faith. Amid the turbulent political situation over the past year, the Korean church has experienced significant turmoil. While the majority of churches remained silent, the actions of individuals who serve as church leaders while also engaging in politics have become a source of controversy. In particular, an elder at Incheon Onnuri Church caused great distress among many congregants by actively participating in a political party whose policy platform could conflict with Christian values. The fact that he was previously implicated in allegations of election fraud, along with controversies surrounding his appointment process, has further divided opinions about him.
I had once placed my hopes in his professional background and fresh image, but upon closely examining his political activities, I cannot help but feel concern. While there is no inherent problem with a politician serving as a church elder, simultaneously holding a position responsible for upholding the church’s spiritual order while engaging in legislation or policies that may contradict biblical values inevitably leads to a conflict of values. In particular, raising one’s voice against bills that threaten universal values and religious freedom while simultaneously praying within the church to protect the community can appear as a logical and theological contradiction.
The actions of certain leaders who, while touting the principle of separation of church and state, actually use religion as a means to expand their political influence will remain a grave responsibility before God. It is true that many Christians failed to sense a sense of crisis when biased ideologies permeating every corner of our society sought to undermine the values of freedom and faith. However, prompted by recent events, many have begun to awaken to the realities of our times.
We must remember the warning of Nadab and Abihu in the Bible, who added “strange fire”—human political ambition—to the holy worship that should have been offered to God. Starting with myself, I resolve to examine my own heart and become a true believer who worships God in spirit and in truth, not power, in any situation.
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