평화로 나아가는 기독교윤리- 영화 <벌새>와 <헤어질 결심>의 대화를 중심으로

Abstract

This study explores Judith Butler’s notion of “ethical violence”―the totalizing violence of self-identity toward oneself and the Other―and its relevance to Christian Social Ethics by analyzing two Korean films. First, in House of Hummingbirds, 14-year-old Eun-hee experiences domestic violence and marginalization. Conformity in Eun-hee’s family and school represses her individuality. Young-ji, a Chinese instructor at the private academy, provides Eun-hee with genuine recognition. Through this encounter, Eun-hee’s selfhood and reflective agency emerge, defying the violence she faces. Secondly, in Decision to Leave, detective Hae-Jun addresses Seo-Rae, Chinese immigrant and the primary suspect, with dignity. Their love humanizes both, but Seo-Rae again chooses violence in order to be his ‘unresolved’ case. Her actions are tragically linked to anti-Chinese sentiment and discrimination in Korea. According to Butler, subjectivity is constituted by an Other who conditions the possibility of the ‘I.’ Butler’s self-understanding promotes humility and respect over exclusionary mastery. Recognition of otherness holds significant ethical value for Korean churches and society, as embodied in Jesus’ dialogue with Gentiles. Nevertheless, Christian ethics grounds moral selfhood on faith and ecclesial norms, which contrasts with Butler’s fundamental dependency upon human relations. This paper thus concludes that a critical evaluation of Butler’s vulnerable, relational self contributes to Christian social ethics, enhancing love and recognition as steps toward peace-building.