초록/요약

The younger generation in Korea is currently learning how to survive against fierce competition and endure different disasters in the era of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus. Young adults are angered by unequal opportunities and conditions, and in despair due to long-term unemployment during a period of low economic growth. Young Christian adults try to overcome their pains and frustrations by trying to become true disciples of Jesus, but they often leave their churches in disappointment. These churches are indifferent to the social realities young adults face and are unable to communicate messages relevant to current society. Instead, they often see young adults as targets to train and force obedience on. The church needs to recognize the importance of Christian citizenship education in order to help young adults who are taking the first step in society to live mature lives as democratic citizens and true disciples of Jesus. Democratic citizenship refers to the consciousness, capacity, virtue, values and activities of citizens that are needed for the realization of democracy. It requires people to have a certain level of democratic subjectivity, critical thinking ability and attitude to participate in public events in everyday life, as well as the capacity to pursue public good based on public reasonableness. Radical discipleship, based on historical study of Jesus, is understood to entail the transition to post-conventional life, the renewal of local communities, the formation of alternative communities, and the proclamation of hope during times when despair is more prevalent. Based on these, I would like to present some tasks that Christian citizenship education needs to complete to help young Christian adults. First task is to allow young adults to think, reflect and judge daily events, while having religious questions. Second task is to cultivate the ability to interpret the present meanings of Christian truth and to develop words to communicate with non-Christians to enable mutual communication. Third task is to help young adults realize democratic citizenship and radical discipleship in concrete daily life. Fourth task is to teach them how to actualize the hope of the Kingdom of God, by making solidarity with social minorities and marginalized groups. Last task is to teach young adults to actively participate in various activities of the village community at the level of social diaconia.