놀이와 기독교 영성형성교육

Abstract

This article explores the role of play and its implications within spiritual formation and education. The value of play and its significance have historically been underestimated in traditional Christian culture, which tends to emphasize diligent labor and persistent work as key virtues. However, play is an essential aspect of the human being. Dutch historian Johan Huizinga insists that play is the primary formative element in human culture and defines humanity as “Homo Ludens.” In the modern era, theologians such as Hugo Rahner and Jürgen Moltmann have reevaluated the role of play, and formulated a theology of play therein based on the term Deus Ludens who, in turn, justifies the existence of a Homo Ludens. Homo Ludens is existentially analogous to Deus Ludens, as beings whose spirit is truly free and radically detachable from Worldly values. Homo Ludens are capable of self-restrainment, complete self-surrender, and the transformation of disappointment into hope and joy. Play can help develop holistic, insightful, and creative knowledge beyond the lens of scientific and analytical rationale, and thereby contribute to comprehending the true, the beautiful, and the good lying beyond superficially visible phenomena. In the current study, we will examine the philosophical and theological nature of play and how it can contribute towards developing spirituality. Play is based on the ability to grasp symbolism and allegorical reasoning, which are prerequisites to understanding spiritual truth. This study also attempts to contrive ways of collaborating and integrating play within the educational process for spiritual growth, which can be an alternative to overly abstract and intellectual approaches to Christian Education.