The Department of Theology at Sahmyook University held a spiritual retreat from March 11-12 under the theme of “Spirituality of Theology Students in the Post-Corona Era.”

This event, which affirms the pastoral mission and vocation of theology students, is held at the beginning of each academic year. Due to COVID-19, for the past two years, the spiritual event was conducted in a non-face-to-face video conferencing system.

The Dean of the Department along with Professor Bong Won-young, in his welcome address, highlighted the significance of being online and offline, grafting the importance of connecting with the invisible with spirituality, just as being connected through an invisible internet network is described as ‘online.’

Professor Kim Sung-ik, who joined the retreat as the main lecturer, gave special lectures, titled, “Spirituality in the Age of Untact,” and “Being Theologians in the Wilderness,” emphasizing how history refkects the state of today’s mission.

Professor Kim examined the chronicles of how Christianity in history reacted in given situations, suggesting the direction of Christianity in today’s modern society. Moreover, he likened the life of a theologian to a life in the wilderness, encouraging young theologians to live a life with God only by the Word and prayers.

During the Sabbath School, the entire group of theology students were divided into small groups and communicated with their professors. In the afternoon, tailor-made programs for the academic year were provided. All students in attendance expressed satisfaction that although they met non-face-to-face, they shared one another’s visions and affirmed the sense of community, in which they are walking together in the same calling.