I heard a new word today.  And I like it.

Recently I’ve been exploring some of the theories behind atonement.  And a friend recommended a book called Triune Atonement by Andrew Sung Park.  I haven’t read it yet, but it looks intriguing.  After doing some looking around Park seems to be known for highlighting a specific word in the Asian culture called, “Han.”

Park defines “han” as the “critical wound of the heart generated by unjust psychosomatic repression, as well as by social, political, economic, and cultural oppression. It is entrenched in the hearts of the victims of sin and violence, and is expressed through such diverse reactions as sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, resentment, hatred, and the will to revenge”

I like that because I need language to describe the human experience.  I need words to describe what I am feeling and thinking.  I see Han in myself at times and in so many people around me.  We’re struggling at times to make sense of our own sense of justice and faith. I see so many people trapped behind a wall of oppression and sadness.  What if those barriers are some ways the inability to speak what we’re feeling?  What if we just don’t know how to communicate with the world around us what is on our heart?

Thank you Andrew for words.