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How Photography Witnesses Truth: A Study of Christian Ethics on Photojournalism and Witness

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2022, (52), pp.123-154
  • DOI : 10.21050/CSE.2022.52.04
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : February 28, 2022
  • Accepted : April 17, 2022
  • Published : April 30, 2022

KIM, Sangduck 1

1명지대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Photography has a unique characteristic that captures a moment in the past and freezes it forever. It plays a crucial role in revealing a truth of an event, along with its value as historical data. In the context of violent conflict such as the May 18, truth-seeking was most significant. In the process, photographic records played a critical role in witnessing the truth of the May 18. However, some photographs such as the images of militia were often used to distort the truth, insist- ing the May 18 as a riot. This is because a photograph cannot capture the overall context of an event and reproduce only fragmented time and space. How is “the truth” found among the truths claimed in many branches? How does a photograph reveal “the truth” among fragmented pieces of truth? This paper examines the importance of “witness,” maingly drawing upon the concept of “bearing wit- ness” and journalistic vocation in seeking truth. This argument is also theologically significant because it can be reverted to the question of “How can Christianity reveal the truth among the truths spoken by various religions in our plural society?” Within the stated context, this paper aims to examine the relationship between photography and truth through the concept of “witness” and to discuss the meaning of the testimony of the church in digital media society.

Citation status

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