Jesus as a subversive storyteller

Jesus wasn't just a teacher of morals, but a subversive storyteller who challenged the status quo. His entire ministry hinged on one central inquiry: "What is the right thing to do?"

Threefold Theology of Paul

Dr. Yung Suk Kim’s "threefold theology" of Paul represents a significant shift from traditional Protestant interpretations. While traditional views often focus on a legal or forensic understanding of salvation, Kim’s approach is participatory and transformative. Refer to his book, A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters: Exploring a Threefold Theology of Paul.

 
His primary departure lies in how he interprets the "genitives" (the "of" phrases) in Paul’s letters, reading them as subjective (describing the subject's action) rather than objective (describing the object of a person's belief).

 
1. The Righteousness of God (Dikaiosyne tou Theou)
-Traditional Protestant View: Often seen as a forensic status—a legal declaration by God that a sinner is "not guilty" based on faith alone.
-Kim’s Interpretation: He argues for God's participatory righteousness. It is not just a gift given to humans, but God’s own saving activity and justice that believers are invited to participate in.

2. The Faith of Christ (Pistis Christou)

-Traditional Protestant View: Usually translated as "faith in Christ"—the individual's act of believing in Jesus as Savior to receive justification.
-Kim’s Interpretation: He translates this as the "faithfulness of Christ". The focus shifts from the believer's mental assent to Christ’s own faithful obedience to God, which serves as the model and foundation for the believer's life.

3. The Body of Christ (Soma Christou)
-Traditional Protestant View: Typically understood as an organism metaphor emphasizing church unity and harmony among different members.
-Kim’s Interpretation: Kim views it as a political and ethical metaphor. He argues it was a critique of the "body politic" of the Roman Empire and powerful in-groups in Corinth. Instead of a call for uniform unity, he sees it as a mandate for solidarity with the marginalized and a celebration of diversity.

 
For a deeper dive into how he applies these concepts to modern social issues and the "politics of love": "Jesus and Paul within Judaism: The Good News of God."

METANOIA

POEM: Metanoia

https://drkimys.blogspot.com/p/roots-and-starlight-poetry-book.html
#poem #metanoia #yungsukkim #spirituality

Birds are free!

Through my window, I noticed a flock of small birds foraging on the snow-covered, frozen yard and streets. They were busy finding food or perhaps enjoying the cold white snow; I wasn't sure which. I felt a wave of empathy. They came as guests, or a reminder that I shouldn't get stuck in my place. There is freedom out there. It seemed to tell me to go out and enjoy myself. But I couldn't, because it was a frozen world. There wasn't much I could do right now. Still, I would remember the lesson from the birds: that I can find freedom everywhere. Moments later, they all flew away together from me. They soared through the air and the cold wind. They were gone. I hoped they would continue to enjoy their lives. They are free.

Eclectic Wisdom

 

Dao De Jing

In my view, the centerpiece of Dao De Jing is "Knowing oneself is enlightenment; seeing small is enlightenment." (Yung Suk Kim)

Humility

"Knowing not to know is the best. While not knowing, pretending to know is a disease." 

From Dao De Jing. Translated and written by Yung Suk Kim.

Vapor, Dust, and Emptiness

On challenging days, I compose letters and formulate ideas. My leisure activity involves practicing calligraphy. These writings incorporate elements from Dao De Jing, Hebrew, Greek, and Korean terminology. Essential principles we must acknowledge include vapor, dust, and emptiness.

 

Unity or Union?

"Unity or Union? Deconstructing the Soma Christou in Paul's Corinthian Correspondence" 

Abstract
This essay challenges the traditional interpretation of Paul’s soma Christou (Body of Christ) in 1 Corinthians as a metaphorical organism focused on hierarchical unity (homonoia). Utilizing Derrida’s deconstruction and a hermeneutics of suspicion, it argues that such readings often mask power dynamics and enforce conformity. Instead, the essay proposes reading the "body of Christ" as a "Christic body"—an ethical mandate for union with Christ rooted in kollao (1 Cor 6:17). This reinterpretation shifts the focus from institutional cohesion to a transformative, ethical solidarity that embraces diversity and justice within the community.

This essay will be published in the future issue of Currents in Theology and Mission.

Mindfulness poem on "Healing"

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