본문 바로가기
  • Home

Missiological analysis and seeking response to the influx of Muslim residents into Korea

  • Muslim-Christian Encounter
  • Abbr : MCE
  • 2022, 15(1), pp.125-157
  • DOI : 10.30532/mce.2022.15.1.125
  • Publisher : Torch Trinity Center for Islamic Studies
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology > Mission Theology
  • Received : March 1, 2022
  • Accepted : March 20, 2022
  • Published : March 30, 2022

Chang Wun Kim 1

1대전신학대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The Korean Christian community confronts a problematic issue related with the influx of Islamic population. The conflict between Christianity and Islam, which is more missionary than any other religion, is a worrisome task in a society where the two must coexist. In particular, it is not easy for the Christian community, which currently accounts for the majority of Koreans, to establish how to view Islam and how to deal with it from the missiological perspective. This is where the backbone of the study lies. The Korean society's response to Islam is diverse. In three categories, first, an economic practical point of view, second, the Islamophobia point of view, and third a view of missional counterpoint. The multiculturalization of the Korean society is a trend of globalization and Korean citizens request an elevated attitude as global citizens. However, the problem is that, similar to the polarization phenomenon of Korean society, conversion is sometimes made with a liking for Islam, but simultaneously there is antipathy and hatred toward Islam. In particular, Islamophobia in the Christian community seems serious. Theological conflict between Islam and Christianity is inevitable. Christian theology is the God of the Trinity, but Islam believes in Allah, the only God, denies the divine nature of Jesus Christ, and distrusts the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is time to find a new paradigm that the Christian community, which believes in missionary work as Jesus' mandate, should have. Supporting hostile relations with Islamophobia cannot be said to be missionary. Above all, the Christian community should have an opportunity for self-sufficiency. This study intends to present the specific application of the relationship-based missional paradigm. First, it is to restart understanding humans and other religions from a creationism point of view. Second, it is to open the view that the Christian community grows by encountering Muslims entering Korea. Third, as many missionary studies have shown, Muslims who have entered Korea are precious missionary objects. Fourth, as a way of contextual missionary work, it is important to approach Muslims through empathic stories. It is time to make efforts to open the way for them to meet Jesus on their own in Islamic culture and to help them have religious lives suitable for their situation.

Citation status

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