This study examines the differences and conflicts between the North and the South, briefly reviews conflicts of a unified Germany, and then focuses on issues on the unification of the Korean peninsula and reconciliation. The division of the Korean peninsula first brought separation of the land. Separation of the land brought a division of the system. The division of the system brought severance of interchange. Severance of interchange brought discontinuity of human relations. Ideological confrontation produced tension, hatred and hostility in this division. Sociocultural differences are deeper than national homogeneity. The really important issue is how to solve this problem while preparing for reunification of Korea. One aspect of national integration after unification reconciliation between the North and the South will be a premise of solving all problems. Reconciliation is a significant Christian doctrine and the most important element for peaceful unification. Koreans should break down their barriers; social, cultural, ideological and emotional. After breaking down barriers, Koreans should restore their broken relationships. Social reconciliation on a national basis has to follow the process of repentance → forgiveness → reconciliation. However, it is not easy to carry out this logic in human history. Most offenders neither acknowledge their faults nor repent. Forgiving someone is not easy work. Christian reconciliation is however different. God initiates reconciliation through Christ, because reconciliation is the work of God. God restores the damaged humanity of the victim through a lifegiving relationship with God. This experience of grace leads to action. Forgiveness by the victim and God’s grace can lead to the repentance of the offender. Here both the victim and the wrongdoer who experience reconciliation become a new creation in Christ. Like this, Christian reconciliation is as follows: reconciliation → forgiveness → repentance. The church’s role for reconciliation is as follows: First, the Korean church should be capable of a prophetic role in society and has a vocation to be an agent of peace for peaceful unification and social integration. Second, the Korean Church should approach human rights in the view of faith. Third, the Korean Church supports both domestic and foreign locations in the humanitarian dimension with a heart of sharing love. Fourth, the church should provide a religious shelter to those who have a different political standpoint. Fifth, the Korean Church as a social and cultural transformer should reduce their differences and restore homogeneity by making efforts to acknowledge and understand their differences with each other. Sixth, in order to have a social responsibility, the Korean Church should stand ethically. Seeing a time of reunification, the church as a reconciler should proclaim the message of reconciliation. As a reconciler, the church should participate positively in the reconciliation movement. The Korean Church should establish a theology of reconciliation that fits the Korean context. Reconciliation is a nation task given to Korean nation and a mission given to the Korean Church. Therefore, Korean Christians should remember this and pray and prepare to contribute to the peaceful unification as a reconciler.

• 조은식(숭실대학교, 선교학) | Eunsik Cho