Revitalizing Ecological Vocation

Transformative Ecological Practices in South Korean Churches

Abstract

This article examines the role of the Protestant church in addressing the environmental crisis in South Korea. The predominant evangelical church—with its focus on the prosperity gospel and neoliberal values such as capitalism, individualization, and privatization—often hinders the development of practices that promote social change, including ecological justice. This article argues for a theological reevaluation of human vocation as represented in Genesis 1 and 2, advocating for a revitalization of human vocation as stewards who integrate ecological faith and recognize humans as part of nature. By examining the Beautiful Presbyterian Church as a model, the paper suggests three ecological practices for all churches: sustainability, mutual living, and earth justice.