Sin, sickness and han : the intersection between the hamartiologies of Andrew Sung Park and Irenaeus of Lyons

DTh (Church and Dogma History), North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis thesis brings to light the intersections between the work of Andrew Sung Park and the Early Eastern Fathers, especially Irenaeus of Lyons, regarding their understandings of hamartiology, the study of sin. Theologian Andrew Sung Park is the pioneer of introducing the concept of han as an evaluative category to the discipline of theology in order to show how sin can be dealt with through healing of the wounded and the transformation of those who repent. This therapeutic model hails back to the work of Irenaeus of Lyons and the Early Church Fathers, where sin is described as sickness, alienation, corruption, and its effects, suffering and woundedness. Because Irenaeus’ theology is by nature somatic, his images of redemption include the healing and liberation of human and the yearning of all of creation for the children of God to be restored (Rom. 8:22-23). In bringing about ancient Eastern theology and contemporary Minjung or People’s theology, the hope is to form a dialogue between them so that one can expand the understanding of the other. Even with almost two millennia between them there is still much to be said and understood about how Eastern Patristic studies and contemporary contextual theology intersect, especially in their discussion of sin, which is also a discussion of human anthropology, creation, and redemption. This research will use the primary texts of Park, especially his work regarding han and redemption, and the primary texts of Irenaeus, particularly On the detection and overthrow of the so-called gnosis (Ἔλεγχος καὶ ἀνατροπὴ τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως) or commonly known in the Latin translated title as Against heresies (AH). Other Patristic theological texts will be used to compare, contrast, and expand Irenaeus’ view since his influence was widespread even into the Medieval age. This thesis starts with an examination of Irenaeus and other Eastern Patristic hamartiologies and examines how ransom and recapitulation address these problems. It then moves to Minjung theology and an analysis of Park’s use of han. This will also investigate the intersections between Park’s therapeutic view of the treatment of woundedness with Irenaeus’, with particular attention to somatic and historical elements, transformation, and creation. Next, the thesis deals with sin and sickness in Irenaeus’ work and explores how death and the body is discussed. This is done in light of a discussion of the ‘originality of sin’ and responsibility of humans in the Eastern Patristic theology. The penultimate chapter discusses the Park’s Triune Atonement and the trinitarian nature of healing for the wounded and how these connect with Irenaeus’ view of the work of the Triune God in liberating and restoring humanity. Lastly, the conclusions and recommendation will deal with restorative justice and how the hamartiologies of Park and Irenaeus can provide other avenues in the discussion of sin and redemption in the world.Doctora