Rev. Dr. Sung Rual Choi

Rev. Dr. Sung Rual Choi

Korean Higher Degree Research Director

Sung Rual is a Korean Higher Degree Research Director and Lecturer in Theology and Church History of the Alphacrucis Korean Language Program. He is a member of the Research Committee, and a member of the Korean HDR Confirmation Committee of Korean Language Program. He served as a lecturer and member of the Research Committee at the Korean Department of Sydney College of Divinity and Wesley Institute. He is a member of the Korean Society of Systematic Theology and Korea Association of Christian Studies in Korea. He has written theological articles has been published in Korean Journal of Systematic Theology and Korea Association of Christian Studies.

Sung Rual attained his Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology from Stellenbosch University, South Africa (“Union with Christ? Re-reading Calvin as Constructive Proposal for Korean Calvin Reception”). He received Full Scholarships (Merit Bursary) during his PhD research. He received the Theological Contribution Scholarships (Postgraduate Scholarship, the Hope Project, Promotion of Human Dignity) from Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University. He received a Masters Achievement Award (MTh) from the Wesley Institute.

Sung Rual is a supervisor in doctoral research programs such as PhD and DMin and is an external examiner of research thesis. He is an External Moderator at Theological Colleges. He published books called “A New and Effective Manual for Academic Writing and Research Method” and "Union with Christ: Re-reading Calvin in Korean-American Reformed Theology." He plans to publish books from a new perspective on “Christian Ethics” He loves lecturing and teaching in the areas of systematic theology, historical theology (ecclesiology), Christian ethics, research methodology, and Christian worldview.

Qualifications

Ph.D. (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)
Dissertation Title Union with Christ? Re-reading Calvin as Constructive Proposal for Korean Calvin Reception 2015

MTh (Wesley Institute) 2010

BTh (Sydney College of Divinity) 2005

BTh (Wesley Institute) 2005

Cert IV TAE (Inspire Education) 2019

Cert IV TAE (Morley Training Centre) 2016

Current Research

John Calvin's Theology

"Únĭo cum Christo"

Christology

Reformed Theology 

Christian Ethics

Cross-Cultural Theology

"Union with the Triune God"

Books

  • 2023
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2023). Union with Christ: Re-reading Calvin in Korean-American Reformed Theology. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publisher. | External link | AC Link
  • 2020
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2020). A New and Effective Manual for Academic Writing and Research Method. Seoul: Holy Books. | AC Link

Book Chapters

  • 2023
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2023). Life and Science In Choi, Sung Rual, Providence and Christology at the Center of Migration Theology (pp. 126-144). Seoul: Korean Society of Systematic Theology. | External link | AC Link
  • 2022
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2022). Church and Theology in the New Normal Era In Korean Society of Systematic Theology, The Essence of the Church from the Perspective of “Union with Christ” (Únĭo cum Christo): Focusing on the Analysis of John Calvin’s Institutes of Christianity” (pp. 111-132). Korean Society of Systematic Theology. | External link
  • 2021
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2021). Theology and the Church in the Post-COVID-19 Era In Korean Society of Systematic Theology, Theology Christology from the perspective of Calvin's Únĭo cum Christo Thought: Focusing on Interpretation of Incarnātio (pp. 43-58). Korean Society of Systematic Theology. | External link | AC Link
  • 2016
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2016). 57th Academic Conference of Korean Society of Systematic Theology In Choi, Sung Rual, Union with the Triune God Thought? Re-reading Calvin (pp. 1-15). Korean Society of Systematic Theology. | External link

Journal Articles

  • 2024
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2024). A Study on the Theological Connection between Christology and Calvin’s Union with Christ (Únio cum Christo): Focusing on Incarnation (Incarnātio) and Hypostatic Union (Únio Hypostática). Korea Association of Christian Studies, Vol. 131 133-166. | External link | AC Link
  • 2023
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2023). Christology at the Centre of Migration Theology: Focusing on the Doctrine of Incarnation and the Threefold Offices of Christ from the Perspective of John Calvin's Union with Christ Thought. Korean Journal of Systematic Theology, No. 71 181-217. | External link
  • 2022
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2022). A Study of Ecclesiology Interpretation from the Viewpoint of Calvin’s Union with Christ and Union with the Triune God: Focusing on the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Text and Context, Vol. 6 202-232. | AC Link
  • 2021
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2021). A Critical Study of Christ's Personality from the Perspective of Calvin’s Union with Christ and Union with the Triune God. Text and Context, Vol. 5 228-260. | AC Link
  • 2016
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2016). Re-reading Calvin's Theology: Through the Viewpoint of 'Union with Christ' Thought. Korean Journal of Systematic Theology, 45. | External link

Internal and External Grants

  • 2023
    • Korean Systematic Theologian Conference (Research Grant), $600, Korean Society of Systematic Theology
  • 2022
    • Korean Systematic Theologian Conference (Research Grant), $600, Korean Society of Systematic Theology
  • 2021
    • Korean Systematic Theologian Conference (Research Grant), $500, Korean Society of Systematic Theology
    • PhD Write Up Grant, $1500, AC Research Incentives Program
  • 2016
    • Korean Systematic Theologian Workshop (Research Grant), $500, Korean Society of Systematic Theology
  • 2015
    • Full Scholarships (Merit Bursary) of PhD Research, $10000, Stellenbosch University
    • The Hope Project Scholarships (Postgraduate Scholarship, Promotion of Human Dignity), $1000, Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University

Presentations

Academic Conference

  • 2023
    • (with Prof. Barobon Kim) Providence and Christology at the Center of Migration Theology (2023), 18th Korean Society of Systematic Theologians Conference, Seoul, Korea, 22 Apr 2023
  • 2022
    • (with Prof. Sun-Kwon Kim) The Essence of the Church from the Perspective of “Union with Christ” (Únĭo cum Christo) (2022), 17th Korean Society of Systematic Theologians Conference, Seoul, Korea, 24 Sep 2022
  • 2021
    • (with Prof. Oh-Gab Lee) Christology from the Perspective of Calvin's Únĭo cum Christo Thought (2021), 16th Korean Society of Systematic Theologians Conference, Seoul, Korea, 11 Sep 2021
  • 2019
    • (with Prof. Hyung Yong Park) The Era of Changing and the Role of Theology - Interdisciplinary Convergence, Its Necessities and Directions (2019), Sydney, Autralia, 21 Feb 2019
  • 2016
    • A Research Presenter (2016), Korean Society of Systematic Theology’s Academic Seminar, Seoul, Korea, 01 Jan 2016
  • 2015
    • A Research Presenter (2015), PhD Candidates’ Academic Seminar, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 24 Apr 2015

Other presentation

  • 2021
    • Research Methodology Seminar (2021), Research Methodology (Zoom Seminar), Auckland/New Zeland, 20 Apr 2021
    • Introduction of Systematic Theology (2021), Introduction of Systematic Theology (Intensive Course, Zoom Lecture), Auckland, New Zeland, 19 Apr 2021
  • 2020
    • Research Methodology Seminar (2020), Research Methodology (Zoom Seminar), Auckland/New Zeland, 15 Apr 2020
    • Introduction of Systematic Theology (2020), Introduction of Systematic Theology (Intensive Course, Zoom Lecture), Auckland, New Zeland, 14 Apr 2020
  • 2016
    • Preaching (2016), Church preaching, Seoul, South Korea, 03 Jan 2016

Engagement Publications

Popular Articles

  • 2019
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through "The Four Loves of C. S. Lewis" and "Institutio Christianae Religionis of John Calvin". The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1598Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). “The Lord of the Rings” and Biblical Values. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1564Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through the Perspective of Biblical Economic Ethics and the Love of Christ. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1590Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through Phil Pringle of C3 Church and the Perspective of Possession. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1600Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through the Perspective "Christ and Culture of H. Richard Niebuhr". The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1589Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through “Touch” Perspective of Tiffany Field. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1565Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Patricia's Birthday and Biblical Values. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1567Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Values Seen through the Perspective of the Camel Story and the “Man the Dwelling Place of God”. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1585Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through the Perspective of the "Stockdale Paradox". The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1583Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). "SKY Castle" and Prosperity Gospel. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1563Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Values Seen through a Doping Scandal Case and "That Incredible Christian". The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1584Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through "Tears of Africa". Page 96., Vol.33, No.1566Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through the Perspectives of "the Philosophy of Mathematics of Ludwig Josef Johan Wittgenstein" and "Rethinking Christ and Culture: A Post-Christendom Perspective". The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1588Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Education Values Seen through the Perspective of “Augustinus” and “Thomas Aquinas”. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1587Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Christian Worldview Seen through the Perspective of “Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham for Graduates” and “Imitatio Christi of Thomas a Kempis”. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1586Page, 83.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). The Motivity Power of Love That Is Very Noble and Pure. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1562Page, 244.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). A Christian Education Worldview Seen through the Oral-B Case. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1582Page, 96.. | External link | AC Link
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2019). Blessed That Disguised and Came. The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.33, No.1561Page, 96.. | External link
  • 2018
    • Choi, Sung Rual (2018). Rereading leadership seen through the glasses of "N Leadership". The Weekly Korean Life Magazine, Vol.32, No.1560Page, 96.. | External link

Professional Memberships

Korea Calvin Society (since 2015)

Korean Association of Christian Studies (since 2021)

Korean Society of Systematic Theology (since 2015)

Korea Reformed Theology Society (since 2022)

The Australia Presbytery of Korean Presbyterian Church of Abroad (since 2008)

The Society of Reformed Theology (since 2015)

Current Supervision

  • Current
    • Ho Saeng Kang, A Study of Calvin’s Christology from the Viewpoint of "Unio cum Christo" for Establishing Korean Diaspora Theology in Australia: Focused on Triplex Munus Christi and Incarnatio (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Ji Mi Han, A Study on the Critique of Jonathan Edwards’ Pneumatology: Focusing on the Trinitarian Theology (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Ho Yoon Ra, Enhanced Future Mission in Korea through a Study of the Australian Presbyterian Church’s Mission Policy and Its Implementation in Seoul and the Kyungnam Area (1940s-1990s) (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Hong Suk Lee, A Study on Healing and Restoration for Multicultural Individuals with Disabilities in Australia through the Disability Theology Approach: Focusing on the ‘NDIS’ and ‘SILOAM Model’ of John 9 (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Seong Min An, A Study on the Grounds and Practices of Diaspora Theology for the transformation of Korean Church in Australia in post -Christendom: Focus on Missional Hermeneutic A Historical Theological Critical Study on Post-Christendom Ideologies of the Korean Church (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Sun-Ja Kim JO, A Study on the Relationship between Calvin’s Double Grace and Covenant Thought: Focusing on “The Theological Dual Structure of the Triune God and Us” (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Hye Young Chung, Parental Education Plan for the Development of Youth Children’s Intimacy with God: Focusing on the Korean Church in Australia (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Yihwa Kim, A Study on Christian Identity Theology for the Australian Ethnic Koreans Diaspora: Focusing on “A Thought of Union with the Triune God” and “Creative Identity” (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Kang, H, A Study of Calvin’s Christology from the Viewpoint of “Únĭo cum Christo” Thought for Establishing Korean Diaspora Theology in Australia: Focused on TrĭplexMunus Christiand Incarnátĭo (PhD thesis)
    • Kim, Y, A Study on Christian Identity Theology for the Australian Ethnic Koreans Diaspora: Focusing on “A Thought of Union with the Triune God” and “Creative Identity” (PhD thesis)
    • Han, J, A Study on the Critique of Jonathan Edwards’ Pneumatology: Focusing on the Trinitarian Theology (PhD thesis)
    • Jo, S, A Study on the Relationship between Double Grace and Covenant of John Calvin: Focus on the Predestination and Work of the Triune God (PhD thesis)
    • Han, D, Examination of the Possibility of Development of Ancient and Future Worship as an Alternative to the Worship Crisis of Immigrant Churches due to Postmodernism (PhD thesis)
    • Jeon, J, (MPhil thesis)
    • Chang, H, A Study of the Re-establishment toward a Discipleship Theology for the Korean Diaspora in Australia: Focused on the Meaning Analysis of “ἀνάθεμα” (PhD thesis)
    • Han, D, A Critical Study of the Hereafter-worldview between Christianity and Islam, Focused on Orientalism, for Inter-religious Dialogue within the Context of a Multicultural City in Melbourne, Australia (PhD thesis)
    • Lim, Y, Study of Christian Education Paradigm for the Development of the Identity of the 2nd Generation Korean Young Adults in Australia: Focus on the Ricoeur’s Narrative Identity Theory (PhD thesis)
    • Yoo, S, Research on Cosmopolitanism in the 21st Century and Empathic Mission theology (PhD thesis)
    • Chin, Y, Luke 4:16-19: A Theological and Socio-scientific Interpretation of Korean Diaspora in Australia for the Search of their Political and Social Identity (Re-interpreting the Holy Spirit and Gospel Accounts in the Gospel of Luke from the Perspective of Minjun (PhD thesis)
    • Park, Y, A Forensic-Rhetorical and Geographical-Spatial Interpretation of the Pauline Expression τὸ πλήρωμα τῶν ἐθνῶν in Romans 11:25 (PhD thesis)
    • Chung, H, Parental Education Plan for the Development of Youth Children’s Intimacy with God: Focusing on the Korean Church in Australia (PhD thesis)
    • Sung, S, (MPhil thesis)
    • Lee, H, A Study on Healing and Restoration for Multicultural Individuals with Disabilities in Australia through the Disability Theology Approach: Focusing on the ‘NDIS’ and ‘SILOAM Model’ of John 9 (MPhil thesis)
    • Yi, S, Mission of the Gospel of the Trinity of God in the Australian Korean Diaspora Church: Focusing on Christopher Wright's Missionary Hermeneutics (PhD thesis)
    • An, S, Toward a model for the development of a missional church congregations in /GAPCK' of Korean Presbyterian Church. (PhD thesis)
    • Shon, G, (MPhil thesis)
    • Park, Y, A Critique of the Eschatology of the Korean Heresies and a Study on the Pastoral Strategies to Cope with Them for the Korean Diaspora in Australia: Focusing on the Groups, 'Goowonpa' and 'Shincheonji' (DMin thesis)
    • Shin, H, A Study on Pastoral Application of Justification for Restoration of Korean Church & Korean Churches in Australia: Focused on the Righteousness of Matthew and John (DMin thesis)
    • Cho, R, A Contextual Reshaping of the Theology of the Cross: Moving Beyond Prosperity Theology in the Korean-Australian Diaspora (PhD thesis)

Completed Supervision

  • 2023
    • Bum Soo Kang, A Comparative Study on the Justification of John Calvin and Tom Wright from the Perspective of Twofold Grace (Duplex Gratia) and Union with Christ (Unio cum Christo) (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Soo Ock Song, Analysis of Imago Relationship Therapy Research Trends: Focusing on Theories Integrated with Counselling Situations (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Hyunsook Bae, A Study on the Crisis and Overcoming of the Korean Church Community as Seen through Intergenerational Conflict: Focusing on Ethical Approach (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Daniel Hwang, A Study of Stackhouse’s Public Theology Criticism from the Perspective of the Reformation and the Theology of Martin Lloyd Jones (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Eungyu Kim, A Study on Practical Approaches to Hybrid Worship in the new Era, Centred on Calvin’s Trinitarian Theology as Union with the Triune God (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Ji-Yeun Park, A Study on the Necessity of Changing the Perception of Ecclesiology and Accordingly Missional Church Practice through Missional Church Theory in the New Normal Era (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Younghee Lim, A Hermeneutical Paradigm for Christian Education and Identity Development among Second-Generation Korean Christian Young Adults in Australia (Doctoral Thesis)
    • David Han, A Critical Study of the Hereafter-worldview between Christianity and Islam, Focused on Orientalism, for Inter-religious Dialogue within the Context of a Multicultural City in Melbourne, Australia (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Seungdo Yoo, Research on Cosmopolitanism in the 21st Century and Empathic Mission theology (Doctoral Thesis)
  • 2022
    • Rog Hyeong Cho, Contextual Reshaping Theology of the Cross: Moving Beyond Prosperity Theology in Korean Australian Diaspora Context (Doctoral Thesis)
    • Hak Baek, A Strategy and Case Study of Senior Mission: Focusing on Hebron Hospital in Cambodia (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Young Guen Song, Reflection and Suggestion on Mission of TNF (The Next Frontiers) through the Study of the Mission of Zinzendorf and Herrnhut Community (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Dahan Han, The Proposal on the Challenges of Postmodern Worship that Is Failing to Display the Historical Christian Worship Structure, Based on Robert Webber’s “Ancient-Future” Worship (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Donghoon Jung, Withdrawing Life Sustaining Treatment and The Direction of Christian Counselling (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Seong Ho YI, Mission of the Gospel of the Trinity of God in the Australian Korean Diaspora Church: Focusing on Christopher Wright's Missionary Hermeneutics (Doctoral Thesis)
  • 2021
    • Ji-Yeun Park, A Study on a New Direction of the Church in the Post-COVID-19 Era and Online Worship from a Critical Point of View (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Seok Young Yoon, A Comparative study of Ecclesiology between John Calvin and Hans Küng: Focusing on the Únĭo cum Christo Thought (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Yong Y Kim, A Study of Christian Ethics with a Focus on Christian Identity: from the Perspective of the "Union with Christ" Thought and the "Trĭplex Munus Christi" (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Dong Min Shin, A Comparative Study of Sanctification between John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards: Focusing on the Únĭo cum Christo Thought (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Ji Mi Han, A Critical Study of Jonathan Edwards' Pneumatology from the Viewpoint of Trinitarian Theology (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Hae Young Shin, A Study on Pastoral Application of Justification for Restoration of Korean Church & Korean Churches in Australia: Focused on the Righteousness of Matthew and John (Doctoral Thesis)
  • 2020
    • Yukyung Kim, A Criticism Study of Calvin and Hookma's Sanctification for Reestablishing Christian Identity: Focused on Duplex Gratia and Unio cum Christo (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Eun Young Hwang, A Criticism Study of Calvin's Educational Thought Principles in Institutes of the Christian Religion (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Changju Lee, A Criticism Study of John Calvin and Karl Bart's Christology: Focused on Unio cum Christo and Munus Triplex Christi (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Myungjoon Joo, A Criticism Study of Calvin's Sanctification Thought: Focusing on Institutes and “Unio cum Christo (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Young Sun Park, A Critique of the Eschatology of the Korean Heresies and a Study on the Pastoral Strategies to Cope with Them for the Korean Diaspora in Australia: Focusing on the Groups, “Goowonpa” and “Shincheonji” (Doctoral Thesis)
  • 2019
    • Dong Min Shin, Calvin's theory of Sanctification, Centered on the Idea of “Union with Christ (Unio cum Christo)” (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Mee Hyun Gah, Calvin and Smedes’ “The Union with Christ” Idea Comparison Studies Focused on the Doctrine of Christ and Soteriology (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Yukyung Kim, Study of the Threefold Office of Christ from Calvin's Union with Christ (Unio cum Christo) Viewpoint (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Ho Sook Lee, Research and Application of Greimasian Semiotics in Sermons for Korean Australian diaspora (Masters Project/Thesis)
  • 2018
    • Myung Hee Kim, A Study of Calvin's Soteriology Centred on the Idea of Union with Christ (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Hyun Sil Choi, Re-reading Theodicy: Focusing on C. S. Lewis's Theodicy (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Ji Hoon Lee, Re-reading the Doctrine of Justification: A Comparative Study of the Doctrine of Justification between Tom Wright and Calvin (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Won Il Jung, Re-reading Calvin's Pneumatology: Focusing on Trinitarian Theology and the Idea of “union with Christ” (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Eun Kyu Kim, Re-reading Calvin's Eucharist Theology: Centered around the Idea of “Union with the Triune God” (Masters Project/Thesis)
  • 2017
    • Andrew Lee, Overcoming the Crisis of Korean Churches in the 21st Century by Recognizing the Importance of 'Relationship' through the Study of the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and Restoring the Relationship through the Practice of Cross Theology (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Kwang Jin Choi, Rereading Calvin's Eucharist: From the Viewpoint of Union with Christ (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Jong Pil Woo, A Study of Calvin's Sanctification: From the Perspective of Union with Christ (Masters Project/Thesis)
  • 2016
    • Grace Choi, A Study of Understanding Calvin's Trinitarian Theology from a Synthetic Viewpoint (Masters Project/Thesis)
    • Haing-seop Kim, Research on Calvin’s Understanding about Eucharist, Based on Trinitarian Theology – Centering on the Idea "Union with Christ" (Bachelors Honours Thesis)

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