Christian Mental Exercise

This morning, I was scanning the news and noticed an article about “mental exercise” and its benefits. That made me think of a book titled Christian Mental Exercise: Toward Mental Resilience and Prosperity. It would be a slender volume—fewer than 100 pages—and I already have some ideas for it.

Seeing the Small

-Yung Suk Kim

In modern science, a central question is how to understand the behavior of atoms — the subject of quantum mechanics. In the humanities, the parallel question is how to understand who we are as human beings. The ancient sage Laozi gestures toward this insight with sayings such as “seeing the small is clarity” (見小曰明) and “knowing oneself is clarity” (自知者明). These suggest that true wisdom begins with recognizing one’s smallness. Smallness can be beautiful and powerful; without this awareness, people risk becoming inhuman and harming others.

Teaching Philosophy

I am serious about my primary vocation, which is teaching.

https://drkimys.blogspot.com/p/manifesto.html

Change and life

 

What remains constant is that all things change. However, even though things change, it doesn't mean they disappear forever. For example, vapor seems to disappear, but it's not truly gone; it transforms into air, taking on a different form. We live one life and change every day – it's a natural process. While we will eventually be gone, that doesn't mean our lives are meaningless or that we are nothing. Perhaps the ugliest form of inhumanity is denying our fleeting nature and clinging to the idea of immortality. Instead, see the beauty and meaning of life around you and within you. View change through the lens of gratitude and purpose.

Brainstorming

I believe in the power of brainstorming. I ponder the research topics I’m working on—while sleeping, in bed, on walks, and throughout the day. I’ve refined a critical-mind-informed framework for interpreting scripture and its impact on homiletics. Today, I coined new vocabulary for this work and identified potential analytical dimensions in the texts.

Intelligence

Einstein observes that the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. What is remarkable about this view? What is lacking? At stake is the very definition of knowledge and its relationship to imagination. Furthermore, what kind of imagination are we talking about?

Points to Consider:

What's Remarkable: Einstein's emphasis on imagination is remarkable because it challenges the traditional view of intelligence as primarily based on accumulated knowledge and rote learning. It suggests that the ability to think creatively and generate new ideas is more important than simply knowing facts.

What's Lacking: One could argue that pure imagination without a foundation of knowledge can be unproductive or even delusional. A balance between knowledge and imagination is likely ideal. Also, the quote doesn't address other aspects of intelligence, such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills, or emotional intelligence. The application of imagination is also a key consideration. Is it simply daydreaming, or is it being used to solve problems and create new things?

Joy of Living (Joie de vivre)

Eccl 1:14

I have an issue with the translation of the Hebrew word "hebel" in Ecclesiastes 1:14. It does not necessarily mean “vanity” or “meaningless.” The word emphasizes something that quickly vanishes like vapor or breath — it is fleeting. But “fleeting” need not be identical to “vanity” or “meaningless.” Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of living on earth; a short life does not imply that life is meaningless or vain. Life is precious because it is short.

My new translation of Eccl 1:14: "I saw all things done under the sun, and see, all is fleeting and a chasing after wind" (translation by Yung Suk Kim).

Chasing after wind means the impossibility of getting hold of it. It does not necessarily mean it is meaningless. The point is like a Latin phrase: carpe diem (seize the moment).

See my old post about this topic.

Joy of Teaching

Sometimes teaching is stressful, but there’s deep joy when students awaken and realize they are capable. Here’s a comment from one student I want to share.

A new book project: Critical Mind in Interpretation and Preaching

I am developing and brainstorming about a new book titled Critical Mind in Interpretation and Preaching: Toward a Hermeneutic of Understanding.

The core questions are as follows:

1. What is understanding?

2. What involves the critical mind?

3. How does it relate to interpretation?

4. How does it relate to preaching?