Minjung theology
Encyclopedia
Minjung theology emerged in the 1970s from the experience of South Korean Christians
in the struggle for social justice
. It is a people's theology, and, according to its authors, "a development of the political hermeneutics of the Gospel
in terms of the Korea
n reality".
It is part of a wider Asian theological ferment, but it was not designed for export. It "is firmly rooted in a particular situation, and growing out of the struggles of Christians who embrace their own history as well as the universal message of the Bible."
Minjung theology began with Ahn Byung Mu in 1970s. He is often considered the "father" of minjung theology.
Minjung, which means the "people" in the communist sense of the proletariat, is made up of people who are ostracized by the larger community.
Christianity in Korea
The practice of Christianity in Korea revolves around two of its largest branches, Protestantism and Catholicism, accounting for 8.6 million and 5.1 million members respectively. Roman Catholicism was first introduced during the late Joseon Dynasty period...
in the struggle for social justice
Social justice
Social justice generally refers to the idea of creating a society or institution that is based on the principles of equality and solidarity, that understands and values human rights, and that recognizes the dignity of every human being. The term and modern concept of "social justice" was coined by...
. It is a people's theology, and, according to its authors, "a development of the political hermeneutics of the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...
in terms of the Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n reality".
It is part of a wider Asian theological ferment, but it was not designed for export. It "is firmly rooted in a particular situation, and growing out of the struggles of Christians who embrace their own history as well as the universal message of the Bible."
Minjung theology began with Ahn Byung Mu in 1970s. He is often considered the "father" of minjung theology.
Minjung, which means the "people" in the communist sense of the proletariat, is made up of people who are ostracized by the larger community.