@article{ART003201405},
author={CHON, YONGHO and Choi, Kyung Suk},
title={Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation},
journal={The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics},
issn={1229-8387},
year={2025},
number={61},
pages={107-133}
TY - JOUR
AU - CHON, YONGHO
AU - Choi, Kyung Suk
TI - Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation
JO - The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 61
PB - The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
SP - 107
EP - 133
SN - 1229-8387
AB - 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.
KW - Loneliness;Social Relationships;Social Isolation;The Role of Church;Restoration of Relationships
DO -
UR -
ER -
CHON, YONGHO and Choi, Kyung Suk. (2025). Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation. The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics, 61, 107-133.
CHON, YONGHO and Choi, Kyung Suk. 2025, "Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation", The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics, no.61, pp.107-133.
CHON, YONGHO, Choi, Kyung Suk "Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation" The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics 61 pp.107-133 (2025) : 107.
CHON, YONGHO, Choi, Kyung Suk. Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation. 2025; 61 : 107-133.
CHON, YONGHO and Choi, Kyung Suk. "Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation" The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics no.61(2025) : 107-133.
CHON, YONGHO; Choi, Kyung Suk. Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation. The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics, 61, 107-133.
CHON, YONGHO; Choi, Kyung Suk. Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation. The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics. 2025; 61 107-133.
CHON, YONGHO, Choi, Kyung Suk. Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation. 2025; 61 : 107-133.
CHON, YONGHO and Choi, Kyung Suk. "Exploring the Role of the Church in an Era of Loneliness and Isolation" The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics no.61(2025) : 107-133.
