Festschrift

It is with distinct honor that I contribute this essay to a Festschrift celebrating the enduring legacy and scholarly contributions of Larry Welborn, a cherished friend and esteemed colleague at Fordham University.

I came up with the title for the Festschrift for Larry Welborn at Fordham University: "The Bond of Union: Kollao in 1 Cor 6:17 and the Interpretation of the Soma Christou in 1 Cor 12:27." I am writing it now.

20th year of teaching

Twenty years of unwavering dedication have driven the growth of my teaching and research. As I celebrate my twentieth year of teaching, I realized I've also written nearly twenty books and edited four volumes. Despite the challenges, life is good.

Many Facets of Justice

I received my copyedited manuscript today and submitted the revised file to the publisher. The next step is the first proofs. This book explores justice and the parables of Jesus.

Justice is multifaceted, not a single, fixed concept. It's a broad notion with diverse aspects. Distributive justice, for example, is critical during economic crises, while procedural justice becomes paramount when transparency is absent. In essence, different situations demand different forms of justice. My forthcoming book, Justice and the Parables of Jesus: Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy (T&T Clark, 2026), delves into ten distinct forms of justice, revealing their presence within Jesus's parables. It promises to be an insightful and engaging exploration.

Devotionals

Writing critical devotionals is deceptively challenging: although it may seem straightforward, it requires critical and contextual insight and a refined sense of language and artistry. I’ve agreed to contribute six short devotionals on Matthew to Rooted Journal, a subscription-based devotional published by the Bible Society in the UK, alongside other contributors. The task is both demanding and exciting. I plan to craft soul-touching pieces for their target readers—young adults aged 20–40.  

Two revolutionary books?

 

My work on two book projects is going well, and I am excited. I have an entire draft of a manuscript on Luke’s Gospel with a psychological reading. The title: Mindfulness and the Immediacy of God's Kingdom: A Psychological Exploration of the Gospel of Luke. 

The other book I have been working on for a few years is coming together. It is about the Lord's Prayer. I have written several chapters with a carefully crafted book proposal. I believe these two books will be revolutionary somehow. The title is The Lord's Prayer and the Mind: A Cognitive and Theological Reinterpretation.

도덕경 명상집 (3종1세트) 무료공개

여기 성서학자가 번역하고 명상하는 도덕경 명상집이 있다.

3종1세트랄까? 도덕경 원문, 한글 번역, 그리고 짧은 명상이 한권에 담겨있다.

무료공개이다. 누구나 즐겁게 시간날 때마다 조금씩 읽어가며 자기의 명상을 추가할 수 있겠다.

공부는 스스로 해야 하고, 생각도 스스로 해야 하고, 글도 자기의 글을 써야 한다.

a new book project on the Dao De Jing

I am working on a new book.

Dive into the timeless wisdom of the Dao De Jing with this insightful new translation and reflection by a renowned New Testament scholar with a rich Asian American perspective. This unique book offers fresh interpretations of the Dao De Jing's 81 chapters, blending ancient Eastern philosophies with contemporary Western theological insights. As both a scholar and a seeker of cross-cultural wisdom, the author bridges the past and present, delving into themes that resonate deeply with today's readers. With each chapter, discover thought-provoking reflections that challenge modern perceptions and offer guidance on personal development, ethical living, and global justice. This book serves as a beacon for those navigating the complexities of the contemporary world, providing a harmonious blend of ancient insights and modern scholarship. 

The tentative book title: Ancient Echoes: Contemporary Reflections on the Dao De Jing

Book Review of How to Read the Gospels

I am glad to find this book review of "How to Read the Gospels."

Never judge a book by its cover.” This was certainly true for me with Yung Suk Kim’s groundbreaking book, How to Read the Gospels: An Introduction. While waiting for the review copy to arrive, my expectations were low because I had read many introductions over the past two decades and had come to assume, ‘It will be another introduction to the Gospels.’ However, I was proven wrong. Upon opening the book and skimming through its contents, I found myself repeatedly thinking, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this.’

more information

3 big readings PDF

2 min video

Milestone work on Luke?

In my writing career, I have attempted to write something new or distinctive or offer a fresh perspective on traditional topics. This time, I am working on the Gospel of Luke, exploring it from an integrated psychological perspective. I remain open to the journey ahead, listening to the voices within and outside of me as I move with this project.

Short Memoir: All I Have Is Now

I was born in a peaceful village called Kyungsan, South Korea. My only toys were found in nature—rice fields, small hills and mountains, and wild landscapes in various forms. I loved nature deeply and was raised amid its abundant beauty. I enjoyed singing and talking. The villagers knew me as a good boy and a caring son. Continue to read . . .