요한 메케스(Johan P. A. Mekkes)의 기독교 철학에 나타난 특징에 관한 고찰 = A Study on the Characteristics of the Christian Philosophy of Johan P. A. Mekkes

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper provides a systematic analysis of the Christian philosophy of Johan P. A. Mekkes (1898–1987), a leading figure of the second generation of Dutch Reformational philosophy, and examines how he inherited and further developed the philosophical framework of Herman Dooyeweerd (1894–1977). While acknowledging Dooyeweerd’s structural approach, Mekkes criticized the deep-seated problem of “abstraction” in Western philosophy and sought to place “concrete life” and “responsibility” at the center of philosophical reflection. This study analyzes the core of Mekkes’s thought in three dimensions. First is the concept of “scheppingsopenbaring” (creative revelation). Mekkes emphasizes divine revelation—not merely the creation structure—as the driving force of history and interprets humanity’s historical journey as a pilgrimage toward the kingdom of God. Second is the dialectical structure of “antithesis and solidarity.” While recognizing the spiritual antithesis arising from fundamentally Christian motives, he stresses solidarity, highlighting the importance of genuine dialogue with humanistic philosophers. Third, he underscores “present thinking,” which goes beyond abstract theorizing. For Mekkes, philosophy must not remain at the level of structural analysis but must move toward the practice of love and responsibility before God and one’s neighbor. Finally, he offers a critical evaluation of historicism. In conclusion, this paper argues that Mekkes’s philosophy advances an existential turn within Christian philosophy and offers significant insights into the cultural vocation and responsibility of Christians in a technologically driven and rationalistic society. Furthermore, this study seeks to contribute to the maturation of Christian philosophy in Korea by encouraging an approach that goes beyond the mere imitation of Western philosophy and instead develops a uniquely Christian alternative through open dialogue with other intellectual traditions.