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Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2025, (61), pp.107~133
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : March 16, 2025
  • Accepted : April 5, 2025
  • Published : April 30, 2025

CHON, YONGHO 1 Choi, Kyung Suk 2

1인천대학교
2남서울대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study aims to assess the prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in Korea while exploring potential roles for the Korean church in addressing these challenges. Drawing on extensive literature from social welfare and Christian ethics, the research systematically examines how loneliness and social isolation affect various demographics — youth, middle-aged adults, and the elderly — throughout Korean society. The findings indicate that these conditions correlate strongly with critical social problems including depression, suicide, and solitary death. Despite recent governmental initiatives targeting these welfare blind spots, current approaches remain predominantly reactive, lacking both systematic support frameworks and effective mechanisms for identifying affected individuals. From a theological perspective, relationship restoration stands as a central imperative; the church must function as a community that rebuilds human connections for those experiencing isolation. This requires consistent outreach efforts to locate isolated community members and establish meaningful networks. Additionally, the church should reinvigorate its internal small group structures — cells, districts, and class meetings — to foster fellowship and prevent isolation among congregants.

Citation status

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