희망을 위한 기억

A Study on the Methodological Model on the Basis of Dynamism between Memory and Hope in the Gaudium et Spes

This research attempts to find a methodological model for presenting hope on the basis of the ‘authentic memory of suffering’, especially through the study on the Gaudium et Spes. The Second Vatican Council concretely confronts the painful experiences of humanity in particular in the 20th century, including the World Wars, the Holocaust, atheism and communism. On the basis of the love for all the humanity, the Vatican II fundamentally distinguishes between sins and sinners. While severely criticizing sins or errors, Vatican II willingly tries to dialogue with sinners. Then articulating various causes of suffering, Vatican II reflects and recognizes the responsibility of Christians to such suffering. To give hope through the activity of memory, the Council proposes the common and ultimate purpose of mankind and human communities, that is, Jesus Christ, and enlightens the painful experiences and memories with this purpose. In this way, Vatican II shows a mechanism by which we can talk about hope from painful memories of humanity: to confront the memories of suffering, to reflect upon and recognize proper responsibility for this suffering, and to illuminate the memories with the ultimate purpose of humanity.