Drew University Library : University Archives : Theses and Dissertations
    
authorDaewon Youn
titleA Study on Alienation in a Local Church: A Case of Andong Church in Andong, Korea
abstractThe purpose of this thesis is to research the cases of human isolation occurring in churches and to find the cases that showed success -- either in overcoming or mitigating isolation. An additional purpose is to identify the aspects that affect on overcoming isolation and to observe common factors in reaching the solutions. Through this I hope to establish a specific system on the basis of deeper study. Furthermore, this thesis will show how to solve the problem of isolation affecting on church growth in a direct or indirect way.

Although some churches have studied the treatment of isolation as a phenomenon in secular society, few churches have tried to solve the problem of isolation as it occurs in churches. For this reason, I chose to focus on the cases of human isolation at the church where I am working, which could also happen in other churches.

I classified human isolation into two categories: that occurs inside the church and that is outside of the church. Human isolation occurring in churches includes system-based isolation, relationship-based isolation, self-isolation, and religious isolation. Human isolation happening outside of the church means discrimination, male and female roles based on biased notions in a local society influenced by Confucianism, differing status, high or low positions in a society, and conflict based on ancestry.

The survey was conducted not only to research the solution of human isolation in churches, but also to find out how it was solved, or how close the subjects came to the goal of overcoming it. The research showed most of the surveyed conflicts were solved to some degree or almost completely. The survey revealed what kinds of missionary jobs were affected in finding its solution. Through the collected data, I came to find a keyword crucial to the solution, that is, "Communication." Systematic communication skills shown from this thesis will suggest a way of solving human isolation in churches. Therefore, this thesis will provide an opportunity to consider how to communicate systematically for people who plan missions at churches. It will also play a great role in overcoming human isolation and aiding church growth.

schoolThe Theological School, Drew University
degreeD.Min. (2017)
advisors Byoungho Zho
Younglae Kim
committee Leonard Sweet
full textDYoun.pdf