Reconciliation

Definition and Meaning

Reconciliation (Korean hwahae, 和解) is the resolution of a relationship broken by conflict or hostility, so that the parties once again live at peace. In the New Testament, the concept is expressed by the Greek noun katallagē and its corresponding verb katallassō. The term originally denotes a change in the relationship between two parties who had been hostile to each other.

The New Korean Revised Version generally renders this word as hwamok ("harmony" or "being at peace"). Accordingly, the phrase in 2 Corinthians 5:18–20 appears as "the ministry of making peace" (KJV: "the ministry of reconciliation"). The New Korean Standard Version renders the same passage with hwahae. In Korean churches, the two terms are used interchangeably with nearly the same meaning.

The similar-sounding Korean term hwamok jemul ("propitiation," Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2) translates a different word in the original language. Because it refers to an offering that covers sin and turns away wrath, it is more closely related to the concept of atonement.

Biblical and Historical Background

Old Testament

Among the Old Testament sacrifices, the peace offering is understood as a sacrifice expressing fellowship between God and the worshiper.

New Testament

Paul speaks of reconciliation in two directions.

• Reconciliation with God: Paul states that when human beings were enemies of God, reconciliation was accomplished through the death of Christ (Romans 5:6–10). Reconciliation is presented as a work initiated by God.
• Reconciliation among people: Paul states that Christ has broken down "the middle wall of partition" between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14–17).

Jesus taught that one should first be reconciled to one's brother before offering a gift (Matthew 5:23–24). This teaching is frequently cited as a basis for linking one's relationship with God to one's relationship with one's neighbor.

History of Theology

Reconciliation has been discussed in connection with the doctrine of atonement. The Reformed tradition emphasizes that Christ bore the punishment of sinners in their place and thereby objectively restored their relationship with God. In the twentieth century, Karl Barth devoted a large portion of his Church Dogmatics to the "Doctrine of Reconciliation," treating reconciliation as a central theme of theology.

Practice in the Korean Church

Christian Life and Relationships Within the Church

In Korean churches, the term reconciliation belongs first of all to the vocabulary of repentance and salvation. In evangelism and preaching, the invitation "be ye reconciled to God" is commonly heard.

The term is also applied to conflicts among church members. Many churches follow the practice of urging members to be reconciled with their neighbors before receiving Holy Communion. In church discipline procedures that address church disputes, reconciliation is likewise presented as the goal.

Emphases by Denomination and Theological Orientation

• Many denominations in the evangelical tradition: These tend to give priority to the reconciliation of the individual with God and to regard social reconciliation as its fruit.
• Denominations that have participated in the National Council of Churches in Korea: These have broadened the concept of reconciliation to address national division and social conflict. The council's 1988 "Declaration of the Churches of Korea on National Reunification and Peace" is known as a document that treats overcoming division as a task of reconciliation.
• This difference frequently surfaces in discussions of reunification and the church.

A Representative Example

Pastor Son Yang-won forgave the young man responsible for the deaths of his two sons during the Yeosu–Suncheon Incident and adopted him as his son. This act is widely cited in the Korean church as a representative example of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Catholic Usage

In the Catholic Church, the sacrament of penance (confession) is also called the "Sacrament of Reconciliation."