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Christianity’s “Consciousness of Companionship” in the Pandemic Era

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2022, (54), pp.245-276
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : November 13, 2022
  • Accepted : December 12, 2022
  • Published : December 31, 2022

Lee Young Ho 1

1루터대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Humanity has been constantly challenged by infectious diseases in history. Luther also lived in a pandemic era caused by the Black Death and suggested a solution to his life as a Christian. This article looked into Luther’s ‘consciousness of companionship’ presented to Christians living in the Black Death Pandemic era. Luther says that Christians should acknowledge the difference in their attitude toward the situation in their relationship with God and focus on walking (working, living) together before discussing their choice in response to infectious diseases. Luther’s view is based on his theology of the cross. According to him, Christians are called to suffer in a manner like Jesus Christ. Christians should regard hardship and suffering as treasures and embrace them as the most precious things. The sacrifice of Christians is, therefore, to take care of their neighbors by an intentional mindset of ‘consciousness of companionship.’ This humble care for one’s neighbor, by bearing the cross of Christ, is a powerful force by Christians. The church after the Pandemic of Covid-19 should be a community that practices a ‘consciousness of companionship.’

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.