Hermeneutics of the Present: Mystical and Prophetic Hope in North-East Asia

Abstract

Based on a description of the present and modernity outlined by David Tracy, this paper argues that northeast Asia must avoid the pitfalls of Western modernity and seek a modernity that stresses relationships. Given the seriousness of the political tension on the Korean peninsular and in the region more generally, the paper holds that the only hope possible is one that involves intercommunication and openness to the other. Even more specifically, unless Japan, China and Korea surpass their tribal harmony, and enter into a vision of unity and reconciliation, I can see no hope for this region.