한국현대소설에 나타난 신정론 연구 - 이청준의 「벌레 이야기」와 송우혜의 「고양이는 부르지 않을 때 온다」를 중심으로

Abstract

In this article, I study two short-stories dealt with the existential problems of human beings connecting with Christianity. The two novels, 「An Insect Story」 written by Lee Chung-jun, 「Cats' coming when uncalling times」 written by Song Woo-hae express the problem of forgiveness , question of Divine Providence , and theodicy . The two novels have the same characteristics of showing human anger and conflict and express human being's broken inner peace and the wound followed by the result. And the novels inquire of man about God's existence and show skepticism of Christianity and christian faith. This article is to pursue the right Christian attitude of various problems such as Divine Providence and theodicy after examining christian elements expressed in novels on the basis of the Bible. In Christianity, the theme of theodicy and hidden God is very difficult for man to solve, but has important meaning in christian life. When men are confronted with the difficult problems which raised a doubt of Divine Providence and God's existence, there are two types of christian. One firmly maintains his faith even though he has much pain and sufferings, the other grows weaker in his faith to God and doubt God's existence because of much difficulty in life. The two novels show the other case. The action of forgiveness and reconciliation is very hard to practice in our earthly life, which God conceals His existence. So the women who don't have sincere faith to God in two novels have come to commit suicide and make fire to destroy her enemy's store. As they don't recognize that they are saved from God's unconditional love and grace, they can't forgive the men who commit murder on their family. In the novels, the main characters make strong resistance against mysterious Divine Providence. Two writers distinguish God's Will from man's mission, and they want human beings to live in his own ability. When I examine, however, the novels from the christian point of view, there are several problems in main characters' behavior. Though the problem of theodicy cannot be solved without faith of God, they want to solve the mysterious Divine Providence. So they are confronted with deep despair and doubt of human life. Such questions as why good man has to suffer from poverty, illness and mental anguish, why bad man is prosperous in real life, and why God remains silent in such a irrational real life are transcendental problems for men to think about. Sometimes literature is one thing, religion is another in solving the profound human problems. For this reason, critical study on the literary text from the christian point of view provides readers with valuable lead to understand human beings and hidden God.