earticle

영어

The Christian church has been interested in two different perspectives on how to define the mission of the church. One focuses on the proclamation of the gospel and individual salvation. This can be referred to as the traditional concept of mission, but this view has been challenged by the concept of social action. The ecumenical circle’s emphasis in Christian mission shifts from the proclamation of the gospel to human activities. The ecumenical circles took the world's social, political and economic problems seriously, they felt that the mission of the church should lead to the liberation of human beings from oppression and economic exploitation. This polarization of emphasis on mission has led to confusion. The evangelical circles were challenged by evangelism that was theologically linked to social action. So how has the evangelical circle’s understanding of mission changed in terms of evangelism and social concern, and why is holistic mission being presented as the solution? Among evangelical Protestants, there is always a tension in the relationship between evangelism and social concern. An emphasis on one or the other can lead to problems. Conservative evangelical circles and churches understand mission mainly in terms of church growth and individual salvation, so they relatively ignore social concerns and draw a sharp distinction between church and society. Conversely, progressive ecumenical circles and churches understand mission as the reformation of society, so they do their best to transform society and free people from evil power or government. They generally favour the universal church over the local church, so they neglect individual salvation and church or congregational growth. However, only when we reject the dualism of evangelism and social concern can the full gospel be proclaimed. The right understanding of missions is a proper blend of evangelism and social concern for the sake of the kingdom of God. Evangelism and social concern are two sides of the same coin and that coin is the gospel of the kingdom of God. This kingdom of God is defined by its King, Christ. His salvation includes not only eternal life in the presence of God, but also a new earth characterised by righteousness, peace, justice and the fullness of life.