Memory‧Text‧Praxis: The Theology of Hope of Jurgen Moltmann

Memory • Text • Praxis: The Theology of Hope of Jürgen Moltmann

Andres S. TANG

This paper tries to re-construct the understanding of the relationship among memory, Scriptural text and praxis in the theology of Jürgen Moltmann, especially focusing on his Theology of Hope. The central concept of Molmann's Theology of Hope is divine promise pointing to the future, which is different from the present. Hope is raised from this future. However, this future is recognized through the remembering of the Scriptural text which is a record of the memory of the divine promise and the promise history which, in turn, is created and shaped by the divine promise. It is through this memory that the reality is disclosed as dynamic rather than static since a different future is ahead for the present to move toward. Against this future people will be involved in the praxis of transforming the present reality corresponding to this future. In this sense we can say that for Moltmann, the praxis of the Christian faith is possible under the condition of taking the Scriptural text as the mediator for people looking backward and forward.