Ham Sok–Hon (1901–1989) was one of the most influential twentieth–century thinkers in the political and social situation in korea. His thought of life is more than just a historical and social theory. Moreover, his concept of life has an important meaning with profound implications for the ecology of life and religion. Ham Sok–Hon’s thought is based on the reconstruction of the integral understanding of our living experience in pain and suffering. In his view, the experience of life is understood as a dynamic and complex essence of a spiritual process in the suffering of world history. It is clear that Ham Sok–Hon’s concept of life has had a major impact on forming a new perspective and reflection on the understanding of life, on all living things and humanity in the 20th century. This article examines the ways in which Ham Sok–Hon understands the phenomenon of life from the viewpoint of the integrated dimension between the inner spirituality and outer history. Especially, I emphasize in this study Ham Sok–Hon’s idea and meaning of life for the development of the understanding of God’s involvement for the higher evolution of our natural, social and spiritual world. The article elaborates on the development and status of the concept of life in Ham Sok–Hon’s hermeneutics. It could be significant for theology and religion to grasp his contribution: this creative, historical and spiritual understanding of life.

Ham Sok–Hon, theory of life, suffering, hermeneutics of life, Korean theology, life and history