Abstract

In this research the desire was to understand why so little missionary work has been done by the Singapore Chinese Christians and why more success has not attended what has been attempted. The central issue with which this dissertation is concerned is the development of a theology of mission based on the concept of Beol Se in an Asian context for the Singaporean Chinese churches according to Paul's model of incarnational mission. The problem to be addressed is the description of a contextualized Pauline mission theology in terms of Beol Se and its application to churches influenced by the Chinese language and culture that will promote incarnational mission by the Asian churches to the world. ;Historical research was done in four areas, which were the city of Singapore, early Christian missionaries' works in Singapore, literature concerning the social context of Singapore and the concept of Beol Se, including its heritage from the Chinese language and culture. Survey research on communication methods was conducted in Korea regarding the understanding of Beol Se among pastors. Biblical research was made with respect to Beol Se and related concepts. The Mid-tradition theologizing method was used, which involves prayerful dialogue involving the contextualizer, folk tradition, informal theologians, experienced missionaries, Biblical exegesis, the wisdom of academic tradition, and formal theologians. In the process, of paramount importance is the ideal of maintaining the original meaning of Scripture as faithfully as possible in spite of its transfer from one culture to another in anthropological perspective. ;As a result it becomes clear that the concept of Beol Se is a pervasive and essential concept throughout Scripture which has been effective in promoting incarnational mission in Korea. The present affluence of Singaporean Christians has adversely affected the application of altruistic concepts derived from Chinese culture. The concept of Beol Se offers the best hope of renewing successful missionary endeavor on the part of Singaporean Christians and others. Whereas, before, they were faithful to the king and country and parents, now, they should be faithful to Jesus and his kingdom for eternity