Reasons for Supporting the Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol from the Perspective of Seoul Theological University

Reasons for Supporting the Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol from the Perspective of Seoul Theological University

Christianity is not merely about personal faith but carries the responsibility of realizing social justice. The emblem of Seoul Theological University, where I studied and graduated, bears the motto: “Truth and Holiness.” Moreover, a line from our school anthem—“the cradle of mission, where prophets of the age dedicate their lives”—has recently become even more meaningful to me as a pastor of the Korea Evangelical Holiness Church and a graduate of Seoul Theological University. It reminds me of the Christian’s calling in this era. In what follows, I will explain why I support the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, focusing on the university’s emblem and anthem, and suggest the path Christians today ought to take.

 

The Spirit of Seoul Theological University: “Truth and Holiness”

The core values of Seoul Theological University are “Truth” and “Holiness.” These are central tenets of the Christian faith, demanding a just and moral stance even in public life.
“Truth” fundamentally refers to Jesus Christ and the Word of God. It also implies that Christians, following the example of Christ, must seek what is true and reject falsehood and injustice. This standard applies not only to personal life but also to public responsibilities.

“Holiness,” according to the church’s constitution, refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit and is rooted in Hebrews 12:14, which exhorts us to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” This implies that a born-again believer must maintain ethical purity and live untainted by the corrupt values of the world.

 

The Message of the School Anthem: “Prophets of the Age”

The anthem of Seoul Theological University includes the line, “the cradle of mission, where prophets of the age dedicate their lives.” This line carries deep significance:

• “Prophets of the age”: Prophets in the Bible spoke on behalf of God, condemning unjust politics and calling for justice. Christians today must embody this prophetic role.
• “Dedicate their lives”: Faith must not remain theoretical but must be lived out. It requires sacrifice and commitment for the sake of social justice.
• “Cradle of mission”: Evangelism is not limited to church walls but includes practicing God’s justice in the public sphere.

 

Theological Basis for Supporting the Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol

If President Yoon Suk-yeol has violated the values of truth and holiness in his governance, then calling for his impeachment is an act of Christian conscience. Supporting his impeachment can be viewed as an effort to uphold Christian values.

The prophet Micah declares: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). A nation must establish justice, and a leader must guide people righteously. If President Yoon has undermined justice and promoted injustice, then a call for his impeachment aligns with biblical values.

Isaiah proclaims the prophetic mission: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Christians must not remain silent in the face of injustice but must actively call for justice. If the president’s policies have failed to seek justice and have instead acted unlawfully, oppressing and harming opponents, then opposing such actions becomes a spiritual responsibility.

Proverbs warns against unrighteous rule: “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). If people are sleepless, suffering, and the nation is in turmoil due to the president’s unjust actions and threats of martial law, then the responsibility lies with the leader, and impeachment becomes a legitimate course of action.

 

The Path Forward for Christians Today

Christians must not confine their faith to the church but raise their voices for social justice. The prophets of Scripture courageously condemned corrupt power and political injustice. Christians today must adopt the same posture. Beyond supporting impeachment, they must actively work to build a just society. The church must fulfill its role in establishing justice and defending the poor and oppressed. Christians should evaluate all political powers based on biblical principles, not show blind allegiance to any one party.

The motto “Truth and Holiness” and the message of the school anthem remind us that Christians have a calling in this age. If President Yoon has violated justice and pursued unjust politics, then demanding his impeachment aligns with Christian values. As people of holiness, we must rise as prophets of our time—standing against corrupt power and building a society filled with justice and love.