{"id":109349,"date":"2022-02-02T17:00:53","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T22:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kendallharmon.net\/?p=109349"},"modified":"2022-02-02T17:56:05","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T22:56:05","slug":"ct-frenchs-two-words-for-hope-helped-me-endure-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kendallharmon.net\/?p=109349","title":{"rendered":"(CT) Syntyche D. Dahou–French\u2019s Two Words for \u2018Hope\u2019 Helped Me Endure the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unlike English, which uses the word hope<\/em> broadly, the French language uses two words that derive from the word esp\u00e9rer<\/em> (to hope): espoir and esp\u00e9rance.<\/em> Both can first refer to something hoped for. In this sense, the word espoir<\/em> usually refers to an uncertain object; that is, someone who hopes for something in this way does not have the certainty that it will happen (\u201cI hope the weather will be nice tomorrow\u201d). On the other hand, esp\u00e9rance<\/em> describes what, rightly or wrongly, is hoped for or expected with certainty. It often refers to a philosophical or eschatological object (\u201cI hope in the goodness of human beings\u201d; \u201cI hope for the return of Jesus Christ\u201d).<\/p>\n

When we speak of espoir<\/em> or esp\u00e9rance<\/em>, we then have in mind different types of objects hoped for. This difference matters, because both terms also commonly refer to the state of mind that characterizes the hopeful. And this state of mind will be different precisely according to the object hoped for.<\/p>\n

Having espoir<\/em> for an uncertain yet better future in these difficult times may be a good thing, but it is not enough. Such hope can be disappointed and easily fade away when our wishes and expectations (our hopes) do not materialize.<\/p>\n

The opposite is true with esp\u00e9rance<\/em>, which is deeper than our desire and wish for an end to a crisis or a future without pain and suffering. To face the trials of life, we need peace and joy in our hearts that come from expecting certain happiness. This is what esp\u00e9rance <\/em>is: a profound and stable disposition resulting from faith in the coming of what we expect. In this sense, it is similar in meaning to the English word hopefulness.<\/em><\/p>\n

Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Unlike English, which uses the word "hope" broadly, French uses two words that derive from the word esp\u00e9rer (to hope): espoir and esp\u00e9rance.<\/p>\n

A writer in Benin explores how these two words shape her theology. Read our French winning essay here: https:\/\/t.co\/ssQk5nv4S4<\/a><\/p>\n

— Christianity Today (@CTmagazine) January 31, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n