Transformation of the Local Church in Taiwan (1984～2015) :Theological and Ecclesiological Factors

• Main Authors: Chang, Cheng Hao, 張證豪
• Other Authors: Kuo, Cheng Tian
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/fbe3y2

碩士 === 國立政治大學 === 宗教研究所 === 103 === At present the Local Church in Taiwan is the second largest Christian community in the number of believers. Ever since 1949 when Witness Lee came to Taiwan, the Local Church has rapidly grown to the scale of about five million believers within a few years. In the past, the Local Church scarcely participated in the activities of the outside world, but these years the relationship with the outside world has shifted—the Local Church not only frequently communicates with various Christian communities, but also actively participates in social welfare and care. While many changes are initiated in the church concerning the social participation and internal personnel alteration, the Local Church remains intact rather than falling apart. At the same time, the number of believers also continuously multiplies. This suggests that the issue how and why the Local Church on the one hand maintains the internal stability within the community, and on the other, participates in the multiple social activities is worth discussing. This study aims to explore the history of transformation of the Local Church in Taiwan in its internal structure and external relations with the society in order to understand the causes and effects of the church transformation. This study found that the transformation of the church’s internal structure is based on Lee's new theological discourse and practices. Concerning the church’s changed attitude with the outside world as well as the sectarian relations, they are also based on Lee's new theological discourse and practices. However, the church’s participation in social welfare is distinct from Lee’s teaching, given that the Local Church is facing the rapid development of the social environment and thus adapting itself to the new changes.