Christian communication in Korea : a homiletical assessment

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is intended to assess Christian communication in the light of theconundrum of sermonic language originating from Korean pulpits. In Korea, preaching is valued highly: almost everyone is aware that preaching is a crucial issue in Christian communication. In the light of communicative preaching, a sermonis composed of three 'languages, namely the language of God, the preacher, and the congregation. The language of the sermon is an important locus of effective communication through preaching. In spite of this point, many Korean preachers preach their sermons regardless of what influence the sermonic language exerciseson communicative preaching, without recognizing the change of the context of preaching. In this thesis, the contention is that we should reconsider the relevance of the sermonic language conveyed from the pulpit. It should be reiterated that revisiting and appropriating the language of the sermon is a corollary of its revivaland renewal. In order to ensure the relevant usage of sermonic language, it isnecessary that we scrutinize communication theories within the framework of homiletical reflection. In Chapter 2 some principles of communication with regard to preaching are outlined. The influence of communicative noise which takes place in the preaching process isillustrated. This chapter also highlights the importance of the relationship betweencommunication and preacher, and between preacher and congregation. This analysis offers a compendium of relevant sermonic language in communicative preaching. The third chapter elaborates on three major causes that have evoked the noises which may affect the conveying of sermonic language: the preacher, thecongregation, and the environment. Disclosing these causes of irrelevant sermoniclanguage will help us explore and develop theories, models, and applications. Theologically, preachers should consider three major aspects in view of the language of the sermon when they prepare, deliver, and end their sermons: Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. In Chapter 4 these three perspectives on sermonic language are studied and elucidated. Christology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology are cornerstones in the language of the sermon. In this chapter, it has been concluded that, for the language of the sermon to be aptly used, these theological approaches should be actively applied to the reality of preaching. In the fifth chapter I suggest several proposals for a more effective usage of sermonic language in the Korean church. In view of rampant irrelevant elements inKorean sermonic language, this chapter examines the importance and necessity of biblical role models for recovering the identity and the reality of sermonic language: prophets, Jesus Christ and Paul.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University