기독교의 정치참여 방법론과 라인홀드 니버의 기독교현실주의

Abstract

It is not difficult to find that those who took power supportive of certain religious beliefs or ideologies come to an undesirable end. In particular, those politicians who claim to be religious conservatives or evangelicals often make more political mistakes than others. What are the backgrounds and reasons for these phenomena? It seems that Ronald J. Sider's theories on evangelical political participation can provide helpful insights for Korean society amid increasing controversy surrounding political participation and responsibility. It is now more and more emphasized that religious expression should not remain within the private realm, but make its way into the public realm including politics to influence every sectors of society and expand the Kingdom of God. Under these circumstances, what factors and methods could be considered to pursue more effective and systematic political participation? First, this requires establishing a Christian political philosophy. In his methodology, Sider talks about systematizing norm as the first stage. Here norm can refer to the criteria for making moral decisions. As far as the question of the good and right is concerned, every political decision should be made necessarily based on religious or philosophical systematization of norm. Second, comprehensive understanding and analysis of society are needed. A biblical knowledge alone is not enough for a sufficient understanding of society. A better understanding of the human society demands a comprehensive study of social, economic, and political systems. This calls on us to look into the thought of Reinhold Niebuhr, a realistic social ethicist and activist. Third, a political participation based on a balanced human relationship is necessary. A human relationship always proves important for taking an ethical position. This is also true of political participation. A proper understanding of human nature should not be overlooked when it comes to political participation.