맥스 L. 스택하우스(Max L. Stackhouse)의 공공신학에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study aims to introduce and critically reflect on Max L. Stackhouse's public theology. Stackhouse identifies four authorities (Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience) and four principles (creation, covenant, natural law, and ecclesiology) as the theological foundations of public theology, revealing the theological resources with which the church should approach the analysis of public issues. He also proposes vocation and stewardship as public practice, suggesting that Christ's threefold office of king, priest, and prophet calls Christians to stewardship in public life. Drawing on these theological positions, Stackhouse argues for the church's role in reshaping business ethics, renewing the public ethos of civil society, and stewardship through science and technology in contemporary capitalist society. Stackhouse suggests that Christianity can engage in God's creative purpose and redemptive work in globalised societies by reclaiming a sphere of value and meaning and reaffirming the elements of religion that can operate in each public sphere. However, Stackhouse's work has also been criticised for its pro-business, pro-capitalist stance rather than its critical voice on the economic poverty and disparities between rich and poor that capitalist realities impose. Most of the studies of Stackhouse in Korea have been comparative studies with other scholars, rather than in-depth explorations of Stackhouse's public theology, so it is difficult to fully understand his public theology. Therefore, this study aims to introduce Stackhouse's public theology in general and then reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of Stackhouse's theology by reflecting on his attitudes towards business ethics, social ethics, and science and technology. In doing so, it aims to consider whether Christian resources can be used to analyse and engage with public issues while considering a practical methodology for public theology. Furthermore, it will propose how the church can develop a responsible response to the formation of social ethos, encouraging each Christian to handle public engagement with stewardship and vocation in the political and economic reality. In doing so, this paper will contribute to the formation of a methodology for public theology in the Korean church.