생태적 사고를 통한 복음 전도의 이해

Abstract

This paper is to explore the aspects of evangelism to the analysis defined by ecological worldview and its systemic paradigms. Ecological worldview does not only help us to realize the impending crisis caused by the destruction of environment, but to change the whole way of viewing things. We have long assumed that human beings are at the center of the universe at our disposal of the nature. But it is here argued that the ecological crisis provides not only an awakening to the Christian vision of creation, but also a renewed way of thinking that everything in creation is essentially connected to each other in the reign of the Creator God. This leads to a kind of new thinking, the so-called 'ecological epistemology, which views the human and social process in an interrelated way. Too often evangelistic communication is understood in terms of content of gospel presentation or well-crafted programs, which would guarantee the effective result of evangelism. This study postulates that such attitude may stem from mechanistic worldview that engenders a linear and simplistic transmission view of communication. Evangelism is in some sense a matter of communication between human beings. Ecological thinking is well applied to understanding of human interactions. Urie Bronfenbrenner coins the ecology of human development to explore the myriad ways children develop cognitively in a number of different settings. Then, in order for us to address evangelism within the purview of ecological thinking, conversion,which is the goal of evangelism, should be dealt first with regard to human development. Christian conversion, though it holds a distinctive character, can be understood as the multilayered and protracted core process of spiritual development. This, in turn, opens the way for dealing with evangelism in systems perspective, which was shown in approaching human development. How we view conversion and communication determines how we do evangelism. T conversion needs to be understood This view of human transformation and communication can be aided by the ecological paradigm of thinking. Having explored the concept of ecology and its models for human development with regard to conversion and evangelism, this study moves on to present the strategies for evangelism by mapping out the previous or existing evangelism ministries and literatures within the ecological systems model proposed by Bronfenbrenner: micro-, meso-,exo-, and macro-systems. The microsystem covers all activities and ministries that directly reach people outside the church. This is the most typical area we have been familiar with in our efforts of evangelistic communication. Different microsystem components need to be integrated so as to effectively help people through transformational development. This is the central factor within the mesosystem. Thus the mesosystem concerns relation between microsystem components. While microsystem is enveloped by mesosystem, the former is also open to the impacts of the more external structures, exosystems, as seen in the figure. Likewise, while the exosystem covers micro- and mesosystems, it also intersects with macrosystem. Evangelism is about the whole system of the church. The assertion that evangelism should be relational, however, becomes a cliché unless we realize that evangelistic communication needs to recognize the relational web of all life systems in the life of a Christian community including its relationship with the larger society. Evangelism is interwoven with the fabric of person, society, and culture. With the aid of insights into the concepts of ecology and its systems approach to human development, evangelism can recapitulate Christian life as well as the community of Christians. There is an African saying, “it takes a whole village to raise a child.” This ancient proverb conveys a central truth which accords with the gist of evangelism and is congruent with a Trinitarian ecology. “It takes a whole community to transform a person.” I would suggest that we focus here on the concept of “whole” in a larger sense, including the triune God who has worked, is working, and will work toward consummation of humanity and all creation. We join this ecological community when we engage in the practice of evangelism.