Abstracts Category : Other

Economic polarization and the roles of religion based on the public theology of Max Stackhouse

by Inchan Park

Today we are able to see the many conflicts that appear in the entire world. As geographical boundaries disappear, the crises which we confront are not just one national countrys problems. Above all, I will try to focus on the economic issue especially "Economic Polarization." Many countries are struggling to overcome the gap between the rich and the poor. Economic Polarization is one of the problems which bring about many conflicts in the world. For example, many conflicts occur in South Korea due to economic polarization. So, the main purpose of this thesis is to understand the concept of economic polarization and to find a solution through the role of religion and theological insight. For this projects, I will approach public theology as the ethical and theological methodology for this project. The primary theologian I will use is Max Stackhouse, who is interested in viewing religious and social issues through public perspectives. I think that his approach to public theology helps to broaden Christians view from the private to the public. This could be the way to overcome the economic polarization. For solving this problem, as following his theological thinking, I will suggest the solution as moving from private vision to societys vision.