What is the Good News of God?

The Good News of God

Yung Suk Kim, PhD

The Source and Subject

The source of the good news originates with God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 and continues through his prophets in the holy scriptures (Romans 1:1). Therefore, it is fundamentally good news from God.

The subject of the good news is God, who is good news. Consequently, to understand the gospel, one must first understand God. Why or how is God good news?

The Relationship Between "the Gospel of God" and "the Gospel of Jesus Christ"

Jesus began to proclaim the "good news of God" after his baptism and John's imprisonment (Mark 1:14). Notably, he did not proclaim a gospel of his own making. This necessitates a clear articulation of the relationship between the "good news of God" and the "good news of Jesus Christ," as introduced in Mark 1:1.

While what Jesus did constitutes the "good news of Jesus Christ"—a phrase that appears frequently in Paul's undisputed letters—the truest sense of any mission statement addressing the gospel must begin with the gospel of God and then relate it to the gospel of Christ.

This is where I find dissatisfaction with many seminaries' mission statements, which often focus solely on the gospel of Christ. While not incorrect, I wish they would fully explicate the concept by connecting it to God's good news, as Paul’s letters outline distinct roles for God and Jesus.

A Threefold Theology/Gospel

The centerpiece of Paul's theology is found in Romans 3:22, where we encounter three distinct subjects:

1.  God's part: demonstrated through God's righteousness.

2.  Christ's part: demonstrated through his faithfulness.

3.  The Christian's part: demonstrated through participation in Christ.

I have explored this idea throughout my publications, such as A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters: Exploring a Threefold Theology of Paul (Cascade, 2011) and How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to Paul's Theology, Writings, and World (Fortress, 2021).

I can summarize Paul's gospel or theology: It is "God centered, Christ exemplified, and Christian imitated." (Yung Suk Kim, How to Read Paul, p. 56).

Faith, Law, and Love

By using this threefold framework, we can better understand difficult theological concepts.

Faith is a response to God's grace through Jesus's faithfulness. God justifies the one who has "the faith of Jesus," rather than merely "faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26). Paul's fundamental point is that because he died with Christ, he is no longer the ruler of himself (Galatians 2:20). Instead, he says that he will live by the faith of the Son of God, -- not "by faith in the Son of God,"-- who loved him. Christ Jesus's faithful life is the basis of Paul's faith.

Furthermore, faith does not overthrow the law, because faith "works through love" (Galatians 5:6). Since "love fulfills the law" (Romans 13:10), faith, love, and the law go hand in hand. There is no incongruence between them when understood this way.

The Economy of Salvation

Regarding the economy of salvation, Paul begins with the grace of God, which is received through faith. The law was given later by God to guide the life of the covenant community. Faith and the law must be understood through the principle of love: love of God and love of neighbor (according to Jesus), and love of neighbor (according to Paul).

Paul has a clear mind about the distinct functions of God, Jesus, and Christians, as indicated in Galatians 1:6: God called the Galatians in the grace of Jesus. God is the one who calls, but Jesus's grace is essential in making this call effective. Those who are called must remember Christ's work, his faith, and his sacrifice. The church is founded upon him from all these perspectives (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Rethinking Paul

Thrilled to announce significant progress on the book proposal for Rethinking Paul: Critical Conversations for Our World! I'm editing this volume with invited, respected colleagues, and the introduction chapter (which I've just refined!) is now ready. We've received very positive initial feedback from a potential publisher, who has requested these materials, along with our contributors' extended abstracts, to move forward for their full board consideration. This is incredibly encouraging! Our quest to understand Paul is far from over, and I'm confident this book will be a vital, long-lasting contribution to critical discussions.

The book cover is only imaginary.

"Genesis 19: The Trauma of Sodom and the Psychology of Violence"

I am glad that I drafted a sample chapter for my new book project, titled The Fourth Horizon: The Mental World as a Critical Lens for Hermeneutics and Homiletics. The sample chapter title is "Genesis 19: The Trauma of Sodom and the Psychology of Violence." I need a bit of rest now until my mind clears. Then, I will explore other chapters, including some important yet challenging biblical texts, such as the Book of Ruth, "hebel" in Ecclesiastes, Matthew 15:21-28, John 14:6, and Romans 3:21-26.

Updates on my new work

I am grateful to be alive and find myself with an array of books I wish to write. One is currently with the publisher, and two others are under peer review. One book is in progress. I am also progressing with the editing of a new book on Paul. Additionally, I have two more books in mind—one on wisdom traditions and another on ecology in John—for which proposals are almost ready.

Most importantly, I am slowly yet steadily moving toward my ultimate passion projects. These two books on the mind are in excellent shape, and I intend to develop them without haste. One, for general readers, is titled Mind Matters: Christian Mental Strength through Three A's. The other, for academic readers, is The Activated Mind: A Bio-Psycho-Spiritual Framework for Integrated Human Flourishing.

Naturally, fulfilling these ambitions requires certain conditions: I must maintain my physical and mental health, along with my cognitive, emotional, and volitional capabilities. I pray that I may be blessed with the ability to deliver on all these projects. Thank God.

Why I am moving beyond traditional scholarship

The Activated Mind:

A Bio-Psycho-Spiritual Framework for Integrated Human Flourishing

 

Yung Suk Kim, PhD

Today, I am officially expanding my work into a new, monumental direction: The Synthesis of Biblical Wisdom, Cognitive Science, Neuropsychology, and Existential Philosophy.

We are currently facing a mental health crisis that neither "pure science" nor "pure religion" has been able to solve. Science often treats the mind as a machine without a soul; religion often treats the soul as a ghost without a mind.

I am no longer just studying the "renewal of the mind"—I am mapping it.
I invite you to join me as I explore how the most complex human mind aligns with the most profound truths of our existence. It’s time to move from fragmentation to activation.

#TheActivatedMind #Neurotheology #MentalHealth #NewTestamentScholar #Interdisciplinary #ExistentialPhilosophy

Impact of the article "Lex Talionis in Exod 21:22-25: Its Origin and Context"

I asked how my article, "Lex Talionis in Exod 21:22-25: Its Origin and Context," in the Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, is accepted and used in the field. 

Below is the result from Google Gemini Pro 3:

1. Re-evaluating Retributive Justice
Your argument that lex talionis should be understood figuratively rather than literally is a cornerstone in modern discussions about biblical justice.

• Contextual Interpretations: Scholars often cite your work to support the idea that "an eye for an eye" was a principle of proportionality rather than a mandate for physical mutilation.
• Economic Analysis: Researchers use your analysis of the "subsistence economy" of ancient Israel to argue that physical retribution would have been counterproductive, as preserving labor power was essential for community survival.

2. The Debate on the Status of the Fetus
Because Exodus 21:22-25 is a central text in theological and legal debates regarding miscarriage and the status of the fetus, your article is frequently used in:

• Ethics and Public Policy: Your historical-critical approach helps provide a scholarly buffer against modern ideological readings of the text.
• Abortion Debates: While you focus on the original context, your work is often cited in bibliographies of contemporary ethical treatises to establish the "consensus view" of the text's original meaning regarding accidental injury and compensation.

3. Comparative Law and Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) Studies
Your comparison of the Covenant Code with Mesopotamian laws (like the Code of Hammurabi) is a staple for those studying the evolution of legal systems.

• Legal Development: Students of ANE law use your article to understand the "complex process" of how lex talionis adapted to specific social and economic structures over time.
• Socio-Historical Hermeneutics: Your focus on "village life" provides a model for other scholars who want to move beyond abstract theology and into the lived reality of ancient agrarian societies.

4. Integration into General Biblical Commentaries
Beyond specialized papers, your insights have filtered down into:

• Academic Study: Your work is featured in Perspectives on Hebrew Scriptures III, making it a standard part of graduate-level reading lists for Pentateuchal studies.
• Intertextual Studies: Your research is often used to bridge the gap between the Old Testament legal codes and the New Testament's "re-interpretation" of those laws by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Key Impact Note: Your contribution is particularly valued for its ethical sensitivity—recognizing that a literal application would have been a "form of injustice" to the victim's family and the community at large.

Free Dance is Mediation and Exercise

For me, free dance is meditation and exercise, good for my body and mind. Shake your body and soul! Feel the power of the spirit!

 

The Body of Christ metaphor

Prompt to Claude:
Traditionally, the body of Christ metaphor in 1 Cor 12 has been understood as a metaphor for an organism, with an emphasis on unity. But Yung Suk Kim presents an alternative reading, which takes the body of Christ as a way of living, emphasizing Christ-like faith and living. Can you clarify this? I know he wrote a few books on Paul, especially Christ's Body in Corinth.

Certainly! Yung Suk Kim's alternative reading of the "body of Christ" metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 represents a significant shift from traditional interpretations. Let's break down the traditional view and Kim's perspective:

Traditional Understanding:

1. Organism metaphor: The church is seen as a single, unified organism.
2. Emphasis on unity: Focus on how different members form one cohesive body.
3. Functional diversity: Different roles within the church are like different body parts.
4. Institutional focus: Often applied to church structure and organization.

Yung Suk Kim's Alternative Reading:

1. "Body of Christ as a way of living":
- Shifts focus from institutional structure to individual and collective behavior.
- Emphasizes the ethical and practical dimensions of Christian life.

2. Christ-like faith and living:
- Interprets the metaphor as a call to embody Christ's teachings and character.
- Focuses on how believers should live and act in the world.

3. Ethical implications:
- Stresses the importance of living out Christ's values in daily life.
- Encourages believers to manifest Christ's love, compassion, and justice in their actions.

4. Community emphasis:
- While still acknowledging community, it focuses on how individuals within the community should behave.
- Suggests that the "body of Christ" is realized through collective Christ-like action.

5. Transformative approach:
- Views the metaphor as a call for personal and social transformation.
- Encourages active engagement with and change of the world around them.

6. Contextual interpretation:
- Considers the historical and cultural context of Corinth and applies it to contemporary situations.
- Seeks to make the metaphor relevant to modern ethical challenges.

Key Differences:
1. Focus: Traditional view focuses on church structure; Kim's view focuses on ethical living.
2. Application: Traditional view is more internal to the church; Kim's view extends to how Christians interact with the broader world.
3. Emphasis: Traditional view emphasizes unity within diversity; Kim emphasizes embodying Christ's character and teachings.

In his book "Christ's Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor," Kim likely elaborates on how this interpretation relates to the specific context of the Corinthian church and its challenges, as well as how it can be applied to contemporary Christian ethics and community life.

This alternative reading encourages a more active, engaged, and transformative understanding of what it means to be part of the "body of Christ," moving beyond organizational structure to personal and collective ethical responsibility.

MIND

Prompt to Claude:
Daniel Siegel states in his book, MIND: "We live in a sea of information flow that happens within the body and between our bodies and the larger world of other people and our environment." Can you clarify this statement?

Certainly! This statement by Daniel Siegel encapsulates a key concept in his work on interpersonal neurobiology and the nature of mind. Let's break it down:

1. "Sea of information flow":
This metaphor suggests that we are constantly surrounded by and immersed in a vast, dynamic exchange of information. It's not static, but fluid and ever-changing, like a sea.

2. "Within the body":
This refers to internal processes such as:
- Neural signaling in the brain and nervous system
- Hormonal communications
- Immune system activities
- Interoception (sensing internal bodily states)

3. "Between our bodies and the larger world":
This points to the constant interaction between our physical selves and the external environment, including:
- Sensory input (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell)
- Social interactions and communications
- Environmental influences (temperature, air quality, etc.)

4. "Other people":
Emphasizes the importance of social connections and interpersonal relationships in shaping our experiences and mental states. This includes:
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Emotional resonance and attunement
- Social learning and cultural influences

5. "Our environment":
Refers to the broader context in which we exist, including:
- Physical surroundings (natural and built environments)
- Cultural and societal contexts
- Technological environments

Key implications of this statement:
1. Interconnectedness: We are not isolated entities but deeply connected to and influenced by our internal processes, other people, and our environment.

2. Continuous exchange: Information flow is constant and multidirectional, shaping our experiences moment by moment.

3. Embodied cognition: Our mental processes are not confined to the brain but involve the entire body and its interactions with the world.

4. Importance of context: Our experiences and mental states are profoundly influenced by the contexts in which we exist.

5. Dynamic nature of mind: The mind is not a fixed entity but a process that emerges from these complex interactions.

6. Holistic perspective: Understanding the mind requires considering multiple levels of analysis, from internal bodily processes to broader environmental factors.

This concept aligns with Siegel's broader view of the mind as an embodied and relational process, rather than simply an activity of the brain. It emphasizes the importance of considering the whole person in their full context when thinking about mental health, well-being, and personal development.

By framing our existence in terms of this "sea of information flow," Siegel encourages a more comprehensive and integrative approach to understanding human experience and consciousness.

Integration is healing

Prompt to Claude:
Daniel Siegel, in his book MIND, states that healing is integration: "Integration is more like a fruit salad than a Smoothie." Can you clarify this idea?

Daniel Siegel's metaphor of integration being "more like a fruit salad than a smoothie" is a powerful way to illustrate his concept of integration in mental health and well-being. Let's break down this idea:

1. The Fruit Salad Metaphor:
In a fruit salad, each piece of fruit maintains its unique characteristics, flavor, and texture while contributing to the overall dish. The fruits are mixed together but not blended into a homogeneous mixture.

2. The Smoothie Metaphor:
In contrast, a smoothie blends all ingredients into a uniform consistency where individual components lose their distinct qualities.

3. Integration According to Siegel:

Siegel uses this metaphor to explain that true integration in the mind (and in relationships) involves honoring and preserving individual differences while creating a harmonious whole. Here's what this means:

a) Maintaining Individuality: Each aspect of our mind (or each person in a relationship) retains its unique qualities and strengths.
b) Harmonious Connection: These distinct parts work together in a coordinated, flexible manner.
c) Avoiding Rigidity or Chaos: Integration prevents both the extreme of rigid separation (like fruits in separate bowls) and chaotic blending (like a smoothie).

4. Application to Healing:

When Siegel says "healing is integration," he means that mental health and well-being come from:

a) Acknowledging and accepting all parts of ourselves or our experiences.
b) Allowing these parts to interact and work together without losing their individual essence.
c) Creating a sense of wholeness that doesn't erase the uniqueness of its components.

5. Practical Implications:
- In therapy: It might mean acknowledging and working with different aspects of one's personality or past experiences, rather than trying to "smooth over" or eliminate challenging parts.
- In relationships: It could involve respecting individual differences while fostering connection and understanding.
- In personal growth: It might mean developing various skills or aspects of oneself without losing core identity.

6. Contrast with Other Approaches:

Some approaches to mental health might aim to "smooth out" difficulties or create uniformity (like a smoothie). Siegel argues that true healing comes from integration that respects diversity within unity.

This concept aligns with Siegel's broader work on interpersonal neurobiology, which emphasizes the importance of integration at various levels - within the brain, within the individual, and in relationships with others and the environment.

By using the fruit salad metaphor, Siegel provides a vivid and accessible way to understand the complex idea of integration in mental health and personal development.