공공신학적 관점에서 본 교회개혁과 고령화사회

Abstract

From a public theological perspective, the rallying cry of the ecumenical church leaders the ‘let the church be the church’ means the church should pursue social reality and praxis corresponding to all sorts of metaphysical compliments and the stirring motto Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda ― “The church reformed, always in need of being reformed” ― refers to church called to serve the world for realizing the abundant life God provides for all creatures. A public theological perspective that encourages to participate in public affairs in society tries to come up with alternatives embodying public good in the hope of the Reign of God. Churches can promote social reforms and changes by presenting alternatives and being an alternative community and this is the most persuasive way that they can serve the world. Importantly church and theology are not only responsible for serving the world, but also given theoretical and practical grounds and capacities to present alternatives. Christianity and church have sufficient doctrines and theoretical and practical resources which have been serving as a catalyst for cultural, systematic and institutional changes and development. This paper examines the understanding of church from a public theological perspective in connection with Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda ― “The church reformed, always in need of being reformed” ― the 16th-century Latin motto that captures the spirit and purpose of the Reformation, and a favorite motto of the ecumenical church leaders the ‘let the church be the church.’ The public nature and character of church and Christianity are properly dealt with and discussed in a public theological term. And a public theological perspective has a methodological relevance to discussion about letting the church be the church and church reform. The discussion made in such a way indicates churches need to go public in nature and character and christian communities should pursue public faith in common life. A public theological perspective that focuses on public faith and public church understands the church appears socially and/or publicly more persuasive when it tries to come up with alternatives and to become alternative communities. Further this paper argues that population aging and Homo hundred facing contemporary society is a public theological issue deserved to get attention in a common life. In this sense, this paper is an attempt to contribute to expanding the scope of public theological discussion and increasing its applicability in the social context.