Initiation process of the marginalized in Asia: A historical and theological study in discourse with contemporary Asian theological perspectives

Christian initiation has often been misused or narrowly applied to support unjust social structures and practices in Asia and other parts of the world. Often times, it has focused on the salvation of the soul only, rather than that of the body as well---"body," as in the literal sense as well as in the broader contexts of physical and concrete life experiences. Such a narrow understanding and practice of Christian initiation easily led to a rationale which supported the subjugation of those who were marginalized In the hierarchical dualism of spirit over body, Christian initiation often ignored the indigenous cultures and values of Asia as well.;This dissertation employs historical and theological approaches to liturgical texts and contexts which deal with the initiation process of the marginalized in Asia. For example, the case study of the early period of Protestant history in Korea shows that becoming a Christian through the rites of Christian initiation often meant becoming "civilized" and Americanized. American missionary efforts were accompanied by an ethnocentric sense of racial and cultural superiority, in which Christ was presented as the best of American culture, and the United States was presented as an earthly model of God's Kingdom.;In the second half of this study, the theological construction of the initiation process of the marginalized in Asia is explored. In light of the reign of God, contemporary Asian theologians such as Aloysius Pieris, C. S. Song, Peter Phan, and Andrew Sung Park as well as liturgical scholars provide an alternative vision in relation to the initiation process as follows: (1) baptism as invitation to the day-to-day struggle for liberation and the reign of God; (2) initiation as repentance, forgiveness, and the resolution of Han; and (3) initiation process as contextualization of Christian life in Asia. In this way, this dissertation attempts to critically reflect on the cultural and ideological aspects which accompany the initiation process of the marginalized in Asia, and engages in a dialogue with Asian theological perspectives on the problems and promises of Asian Christianity in relation to justice issues and inculturation, which are inseparably connected to one another.