한국의 종교갈등 이해와 선교적 교회의 대응을 위한 고찰: 정체성의 신학을 중심으로

Abstract

Throughout Korean history, traditional religions have coexisted peacefully in general. However, since the influx of Christianity, the religious aspects of Korean Christianity have shown religious pluralism or conflict or indifference toward other religions. Religious pluralism argues against the truth of the Bible by claiming that it is just a compilation of metaphors, myths, and the confessions of its authors, and, consequently, it blurs the Gospel. Hostile attitude toward other religions, however, often lead to social discord and conflict.This treatise focuses on religious conflict in particular. One of the most serious problems that today’s world faces is the increasing incidence of conflicts among different races, ethnicities, religions, and nationalities. As the world sees more religious conflicts expressed as terrorisms, killings, and even wars, Korean society is also experiencing social conflicts caused by religious disputes though these have a different level of violence. Therefore, the Korean Church needs to take notice of the social disruptions caused by exclusive and antagonistic attitudes, and put more effort into resolving them.In this regard, this treatise analyzes the reasons for the problems related to religious relationships and discusses the roles of the Church in these, based on the nature of the missional church. In addition, it considers where the religious relationship is headed, based on the theology of identity from a perspective of the theology of religions. For this, it emphasizes not only the exclusivity but also the inclusivity of the cross, which expresses God’s salvific love for all humankind and pays attention to the fact that the Church has received an apostolic mission and been sent into the world. That is, this treatise stresses that the Church, or the community to be sent, should go into the world, communicate and develop relationships with other cultures and religions, and take on the roles of healing and mediating peace following the teaching of Christ as the body of Jesus Christ. This means that the Church should be a holistic disciple and witness, not only in the Church itself but also in the world, with communication and healing.This treatise demands that the Church work to develop meaningful relationships with other religions by clarifying its commitment through the theology of identity. The identity of being in the world but not of the world involves self-giving on the cross and exists for and with others, that we give ourselves to other people and accept them. It also urges the Church to participate in the work of God in the world through incarnational openness, social participation, and cooperation based on self-denial, weakness, humility, and love. Although the Church has several contact points, places of meeting, and commonalities with the world, it should avoid spiritual compromise and possibly point out the differences that cause conflict in religious ideals.