社會認同、五經與「去堂會化 / 離堂」：一場對話

Social Identity, the Pentateuch, and Dechurching: A Dialogue

WONG Fook Kong

　　In the past few years, many believers have left their churches. It has gotten to the point where it becomes an existential threat to local churches. This paper attempts to engage Social Identity Theory, the Pentateuch, and Jim Davis and Michael Graham’s The Great Dechurching in a dialogue to explore the phenomenon. Reading the Pentateuch through the lens of social identity shows that both the positive (e.g., self-identity) and negative aspects (e.g., in-group/out-group competition and conflict) of social identity are operational in the texts. The negative aspects become more and more prominent as we progress along the timeline of the narratives. At the same time, the requirements of being God’s people also became heavier and heavier. Regardless of whether they were able or unable to keep the requirements, God continued to look after and find ways to save his people.

　　Similar dynamics are happening in today’s society. In-group/out-group competitions and conflicts are on the rise. Unfortunately, churches are not spared either and these are some important factors driving the dechurching phenomenon. At the same time, there is also an identity problem. A significant number of Christians do not embrace participation in a local church as part of their identity as Christians. Some prefer to wander from church to church, while others prefer to join online rather than in person. This article argues that belonging to a community has been God’s design from the beginning. Moreover, Christians are disciples and not merely consumers. Therefore, participating in the life and ministries of a local church is part of the requirements of being a believer. This also pre-empts perpetual spiritual wandering or online participation as a way of Christian life.