한미FTA협정과 기독교윤리의 과제

Abstract

First, we should look at this treaty and its related issues from a wider perspective. It is true that various theological and ethical analyses need to be attempted, and yet an economic analysis and evaluation should come first. In fact, the FTA itself can be considered value neutral. The issue is how we can accept and develop the treaty. We should avoid both an overly optimistic attitude and excessive criticism.Second, as far as the negative effect of the treaty is concerned, pastoral care and consideration of the minorities in Korean society are required. Korean churches should actively engage in pastoral care of those who would suffer from the negative effects of the treaty. Above all, farmers and fishermen are expected to be hit hardest by the treaty, and it will adversely affect many churches and ministries in rural areas and fishing villages.Third, the negative effect of the Korea-U.S. FTA should be taken to urge Korean churches to make more efforts at evangelism and the extension of the Kingdom of God. A continuous critical reflection on materialism and technology can be seen as an important task of Christian ethics. In face of the rapid change of human society (as in the FTA era), an appropriate Christian view of materialism and vocation should be redefined and reconfirmed. Since their old, invalid understanding cannot be valid any more, a new paradigm of redefined worldview is necessary for Korean churches to make a ultimate contribution to the development of all global Christian churches.