Thanks to God!

Thanks to God, a new book project was conceived based on my lectures in Korea. I extend my gratitude to my colleagues and supporters who attended those lectures. This book will honor their hopes.

전주특강: 성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈의 점검과 적용 (Korean)

The recap of my travels to Korea (Dec 2024)

I just returned from my travels to Korea. I blogged about my experiences there. Thanks to all my friends, colleagues, and participants in Korea.

1. Hanshin Church https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/blog-post.html
2. Yonsei University https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/lecture-at-yonsei-university.html
3. Ewha Womans University https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/lecture-at-ewha-womans-university.html
4. Jeonju City https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/speaking-jeonju-2024.html
5. Politics https://drkimys.blogspot.com/2024/12/dec-14-2024.html

Visit to Korea 2024 Dec

I had a truly memorable experience during my visit to Korea. The stability of democracy is dependent on the active participation of ordinary citizens, with a particular emphasis on young people. I am reassured to see Korean democracy avoiding a return to the instability that characterized the country 45 years ago when a military coup traumatized me. The impeachment of Yoon is a significant development. On a separate note, it is noteworthy that young people, primarily those in their 20s and 30s, are becoming increasingly awakened. This generation witnessed the tragedies of the Sewol Ferry and Itaewon Crowd Crush. Moreover, they are the children of parents who fought against military dictatorship. Han Kang asks: Can the past help the present? Can the dead save the living? The answer is Yes. Those who sacrificed for democracy saved people in the present.

Short video

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

 

Speaking (Jeonju 2024)

I am glad to have shared thoughts about the Bible and transformation in Jeonju City (Jeonju Joongang Church, Dec 12, 2024). I explored the importance of critical, contextual interpretation of scriptures and reiterated the power of the self in one's life. The self must be rooted in God's love without which one cannot stand. 

 

Lecture at Ewha Womans University (Dec 4, 2024)

I had an excellent time lecturing and talking with these young brilliant students at Ewha Womans University. I will always remember it. Their questions were timely and sharp. My topic was Paul's Theology, Community, and Women. Professor Kyungmi Park extended an invitation to me. Long live Ewha! 

*Photo courtesy of So Jeong Yoon (Teaching Assistant)

 

 

Lecture at Yonsei University (Dec 3, 2024)

My lecture title: "The Samaritan as a Paragon of Self-Love (Luke 10:25-37)"

The idea that self-love is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan is not a typical trend, but there is a clue we can see it. Without true self-love, no true love of neighbor!

 

Lecture on Hermeneutics and Transformation

Lecture on Hermeneutics and Transformation at Hanshin Church 

(성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈점검과 적용) 

Dec 2, 2024

Hundreds of people gathered to listen to me and my colleague. I talked about the importance of critical, contextual interpretation. Every interpretation is contextual and must be tested. Scripture involves transformative elements if engaged well. My colleague, Professor Heidi Park, talked about the power of scripture in a pastoral context.  

AAR/SBL Book Exhibit 2024 San Diego

My editor sent me this photo of the book exhibit at the AAR/SBL in San Diego. As I cannot attend in person, please feel free to drop by on my behalf and pick up a copy of my latest book, How to Read the Gospels.

Parables and Justice

I am working hard on my next book project, tentatively titled Parables and Justice. I was like a writing machine. I have now completed a rough draft. I intend to finalize it within six months. The book proposal is under review, and I anticipate securing a contract in due course. This book explores parables through the lens of political philosophy with a focus on justice. In it, I engage with 10 types of justice. On my flight to Seoul, I will continue to work.

Existential

Lately, one word has been resonating deeply within my mind: "existential." I am developing my own existential philosophy, distinct from traditional theology. I am increasingly drawn to existential thought, moving away from atavistic interpretations.

Mini-essay

More Inclusive Study of the Bible with Interdisciplinary Approaches: 

Seeking Robust Mental Well-Being

 

Yung Suk Kim, Virginia Union University 

The Bible contains ancient thoughts, cultures, and religious accounts, so it is important to interpret it carefully and critically. To some extent, we have done our jobs well, approaching the text variously and critically, analyzing the historical, social, cultural, economic, and ideological aspects of ancient people, communities, and societies. But I see great lacunae in biblical interpretation because there is a lack of focus on mental well-being in biblical interpretation. I do not mean that the Bible or biblical interpretation resolves mental health issues significantly. Mental health issues are embedded in ancient texts, and we should consider how to read and interpret them in this context. The key is what to say about mental well-being issues in the text from our context when we engage with it. For example, can we read The Lord’s Prayer from the perspective of mental well-being? The answer is vehement yes because it contains mental well-being issues at which the center is the mind—a hot issue then and now. This prayer taught by Jesus reminds us of how to deal with life’s challenges that occur every day. We can ask questions such as: What does it mean to address God as "our Father who is in heaven?" How can we pray for our daily bread when people are hungry and struggling? How can we participate in forgiveness in a complex society? And how can we experience “thy kingdom come” in the present? I am optimistic about the future of biblical interpretation because of my interest in mental well-being involving interdisciplinary studies such as cognitive science, mental health theories, psychotheology, and political theology.

*Note: This mini-essay was published in The Bible and Critical Theory Vol. 20, no. 1 (2024).

*Citation: Yung Suk Kim, "More Inclusive Study of the Bible with Interdisciplinary Approaches: Seeking Robust Mental Well-Being," The Bible and Critical Theory Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024), 10-11.

Laozi, Dao De Jing 81

I wrote this paragraph in my future book titled Parables and Justice:

Laozi, a classical philosopher from China in the sixth century BCE, is purported to have written a book called Dao De Jing—the Book of the Way and Virtue. He conveys an interesting idea that “True words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful.” It is worth quoting the last chapter of his book, which shows this idea:

“The wise are not erudite. True words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful. The good do not argue for their interest. Those who argue are not good. The wise are not erudite. The erudite are not wise. The wise do not hoard things. The more they give to others, the more they have. The Way of Heaven benefits, but does not harm others. The way of the wise accomplishes without striving” (Dao De Jing 81, translation is mine; from Reading Jesus' Parables with Dao De Jing, 64).

Reading Jesus' Parables with Dao De Jing

Ellison-Jones Convocation 2024

At the faculty forum of the Ellison-Jones convocation. My talk is entitled “The Danger of a Singular Order: Joshua’s Conquest Narrative of Canaan, Jesus’s Dealing with a Canaanite Woman, and Christian Nationalists’ Reading of the Bible.”

One thing significantly lacking in libertarian hermeneutics and homiletics is self-criticism. 

Yes, we need self-knowledge that we are precious and weak (frail).

Yes, we need social change. We can be critical of others and other things.

But we need more than anything; that is self-criticism, which is not the same as criticizing the self.

Self-criticism is a recognition that we all need continual awakening. We all need deconstruction.

Toward that goal, we must study and read various things, including books, society, and the self. 

-The danger of a singular order

-Oppressors and the oppressed are everywhere: external and internal
-True liberation from everything and everywhere
-God’s effectiveness to those who change

"Racial Identity Hermeneutics"

Excerpts from the chapter "Racial Identity Hermeneutics": 

Considering early Christianity’s embrace of diversity, the ideology of one Christian race or a white-driven melting pot theory is an illusion and must melt away. Often the ideal of oneness or unity is quixotic and hides the face of hegemonic control in which some people or groups are prioritized over against others. In the end, racial identity hermeneutics aims at dismantling the hegemonic ideology of oneness/unity and fosters a culture of care, diversity, and solidarity. What follows is in this order: “Racial/Ethnic Identity from Biblical Texts” and “Interpreting Biblical Texts through the Lens of Racial/Ethnic Identity.” In the former, we will see both the importance and entanglement of race/ethnicity from biblical texts. In the latter, we will explore cases of racial identity hermeneutics with select texts from both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament (366).

*Yung Suk Kim, "Racial Identity Hermeneutics," in Postconservative Theological Interpretation, edited by Ronald T. Michener and Mark A. Lamport, 365-380 (Cascade, 2024).

2024 Korea Visit Lecture Events

December 2, 2024 

I will present a lecture titled "Biblical Hermeneutics and Lens: Examining Lenses and Exploring Human Transformation." This lecture, sponsored by the Institute of Bible and Preaching (IBP) and Healing & Counseling Institute, will occur at Hanshin Presbyterian Church in Seochogu, Seoul, Korea.

 

  
December 3, 2024 

I will present a lecture titled "The Samaritan as a Paragon of Self-Love (Luke 10:25-37): Exploring True Self-Love and Its Implications for Mental Well-Being" at the Graduate School of Theology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

December 4, 2024 

I will speak in the class at Ewha Womans University, addressing Paul's ecclesiology, theology, and women's issues.

December 12, 2024 

I will also present the same topic of biblical hermeneutics and lens to local pastors in Jeonju, Korea.

WRITE AND WALK

When severe anxiety engulfs you, wait, write, and walk. 

In other words, stop ruminating, write on blank paper things you worry about, their causes, what you can control versus what you cannot, etc. Then, go for a walk with open minds. Repeat this process until you have a calm mind.

"The Danger of a Singular Order"

I will present a small talk for a faculty panel at our 2024 Ellison-Jones conference. I came up with this title: 

"The Danger of a Singular Order: Joshua’s Conquest Narrative of Canaan, Jesus’s Dealing with a Canaanite Woman, and Christian Nationalists’ Reading of the Bible." 

I expanded the above talk material and turned it into a journal essay. I hope it will be out of my favorite outlet journal soon. If you mention this title, please cite it: Yung Suk Kim, "The Danger of a Singular Order: Joshua’s Conquest Narrative of Canaan, Jesus’s Dealing with a Canaanite Woman, and Christian Nationalists’ Reading of the Bible" (working article). 

Photo courtesy of 정경심 2024

Contextual Critical Commentary (2 Corinthians)

The revised manuscript has been formally submitted to the series editor, and assuming a smooth process, publication of this concise commentary is anticipated in 2025.

two types of oppressors

There are two types of oppressors: those who are perennial oppressors and the liberated individuals who have become oppressors themselves. The first group is easily identified and warned against. However, the latter can be harder to recognize because they often claim to advocate for liberation. In some ways, the true enemy lies within the community, as these individuals adopt oppressive ideologies and policies instead of promoting transparent, democratic ideals or the agency of individuals.

Sunday October 13, 2024 | Sunday Worship | Community Baptist Church of GM

I had the pleasure and honor of preaching at the Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee. My dear friend and colleague, Rev. Dr. Demetrius Williams invited me to share my thoughts with the congregation. The sermon title: "Moses's Burning Bush Experience: Holy Ground, Self-Identity, and Community" (Exod 3:1-12)

At the ABC of Wisconsin's annual conference in 2024

At the ABC of Wisconsin's annual conference in 2024, I led an in-depth, three-hour clergy workshop exploring the relationships between race/ethnicity, the Gospels, and Jesus. Workshop material PDF

 

"At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics"

A new book on hermeneutics and homiletics—an edited volume showing collaborative work with seasoned scholars from biblical studies, homiletics, and practical theology—will be seen in the market next summer or fall 2025 since my editing is 99% done and the manuscript files will be sent to the publisher in a few days. So, I am thrilled to expect this milestone book to come up soon. See the table of contents (PDF). 

Several contributors expressed their appreciation to me:

"Splendiferous work! Congratulations to all authors and to our most esteemed editor! A magnificent contribution all around. Thanks, Yung Suk for your diligence, keen editorial eye, and compassionate zeal for a most creative, timely project! Well done!"

"Congratulations and heartfelt thanks, Yung Suk, for your extraordinary work on this volume. It is an honor to be included among such remarkable colleagues."

"Thanks for your creative vision and hard work. I am looking forward to reading and sharing this work far and wide." 

Faith vs. facts

Faith or belief is not the same as facts.
Faith cannot create facts.

Faith is a response to things around us.

A mere belief or faith cannot save a person unless it is engaged and lived out holistically and critically.

Faith is never a singular action.
Faith is never blind obedience.
Faith involves a critical understanding of God, the world, self, and others.

I reject all forms of simplifications of faith.
Faith must bring hope to our lives and world, including other people. 

Faith also must bring love to our lives and world, including others.

"The Call Story of Peter in Luke 5:1-11"

I am excited that my article, "The Call Story of Peter in Luke 5:1-11: New Vocation through Transformation," was published just now.  

Article

Issue

Critical Transparent Scholarship

Critical and transparent scholarship posits that anything, whether it be ideology, institutions, states, or religions, is open to critique. A critical evaluation of Christianity or Judaism does not necessarily make one anti-Christianity or anti-Judaism. Similarly, any religion or human construct is open to criticism. Critical and transparent scholars must acknowledge their limitations and be open to new ideas or criticisms. If they are not, they are essentially "imperial" scholars in a different form.  

Colorblind society?

Some argue that we should strive for a colorblind society where race does not matter. Others believe that race does matter and that achieving a colorblind society is an illusion. A colorblind society may be possible in heaven, but here on earth, we inevitably live with certain traits, whether racial, physical, ethnic, or of any other sort. This implies that biases against others will persist, and this unfortunate and persistent reality in the world is not disappearing. Therefore, we must remain vigilant about all these detrimental effects on others. On a positive note, race matters because it contributes to the diversity and richness of society.

Featured in the Unionite

I am honored to be featured in the Unionite Spring/Summer 2024. Online

Today's world, not for tomorrow's world

I teach students for today's world, not for tomorrow's world. It is my philosophy. Tomorrow will be hollow without today. For some, it can be hellish or a hallucination. People live today and must feel happy today. Dreaming of a better future is good, but that should not prevent us from living fully today. 

People must tackle issues in the present. They must be leaders for today's world. 

Theological Education and Uncertainty

Yung Suk Kim

Indeed, we live in times of uncertainty, fearing climate change, witnessing war crimes, and facing political unrest with the emergence of Christian nationalists. Religion is used as a weapon to control others. On the other hand, the church declines and struggles while theological schools dwindle.

Amid multiple layers of change and their lingering effects on our theological education, I ask: Where are we now? What can we do? Where are we going? Where is our anchor and hope? As Dr. Martin Luther King once said, we must believe things can be changed. Somehow things can change amid uncertainty. The emphasis is on “somehow.”

While uncertainty unsettles our minds, it can be a moment of unlearning for reconstruction. It can be a momentum to innovate or reimagine our future. I quote several uncertainty-related words and insights below.

Heraclitus, pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, 6 c. BCE, emphasizes fundamental aspects of change in life and the universe. There are popular paraphrases of his thought: "We all face changes every day." "The only constant in life is change." More importantly, his insight about change is wonderful. He says: "Whoever cannot seek the unforeseen sees nothing, for the known way is an impasse."
—Heraclitus, Fragments

"Not knowing is a permissive and rigorous willingness to [leave] knowing in suspension, trusting in possibility without result."
—Ann Hamilton, “Making Not Knowing,” in Learning Mind: Experience into Art, ed. Mary Jane Jacob and Jacquelynn Bass (University of California Press, 2010), 68-69.

"Knowing of not knowing is the best; while not knowing, pretending to know is a disease."
—Laozi (Daodejing)

"It is dangerous to live in a secure world."
—Teju Cole, Open City (New York: Random House, 2011), 200.

"Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos."
—Mary Shelley, Frankenstein: The 1818 Text (New York: Penguin Classics, 2018), 240.

“Hope is the story of uncertainty, of coming to terms with the risk involved in not knowing what comes next, which is more demanding than despair and, in a way, more frightening. And immeasurably more rewarding.”
—Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities (Chicago: Haymarket Books, 2016), 7.

I hope we wisely and courageously navigate all these parameters of uncertainty and change.

Normal vs. Abnormal

There are things like normal and there are things like abnormal. How do we know what is normal or abnormal? Sometimes, as time passes, we realize the previously abnormal looks normal, and vice versa. There are blurring lines between them. When it comes to nature, all things are natural and look normal. Likewise, it should be cautious to apply the concept of normal vs. abnormal to humans. Can we say "I am normal" anytime and under any circumstances? If so, what is the basis for it?

Summer 2024: Fruit of Scholarship

I vacationed well during this summer. I also worked hard writing two articles/chapters for my future books. One is about The Lord's Prayer, and the other is about the parable of the Good Samaritan. I read both texts from interdisciplinary perspectives focused on psychology and mental well-being. So far so good. They make sense to me. I will refine them along the way.  

"Resurrecting Jesus"

I wrote this book to emphasize the importance of bringing the historical Jesus back into our discussions of New Testament theology. Traditional New Testament theology needs to take the work of the historical Jesus seriously. For example, people often overlook the question of what led to his death. His crucifixion was the result of his actions. We need to understand what he preached and why he was willing to die. After all, he was not born just to die. Jesus is a historical figure who should not be confined or misrepresented by anyone.

 

Quotes about uncertainty as a way of life

"Not knowing is a permissive and rigorous willingness to [leave] knowing in suspension, trusting in possibility without result."

-Ann Hamilton

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

知不知上;不知知病。-Laozi

"Whoever cannot seek the unforeseen sees nothing, for the known way is an impasse."

-Heraclitus

*Paraphrases of Heraclitus's thought: "We all face changes daily." "The only constant in life is change." 

Annica (諸行無常, impermanence): "Everything changes."

-from Buddhist scripture.

"Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity."

-Eccl. 1:2
*Note: The Hebrew word "hebel" means "breath or vapor." Vanity is not the only translation of
this word. The idea of "hebel" is everything changes.

"Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos."

-Mary Shelley

"It is dangerous to live in a secure world." 

-Teju Cole

“Hope is the story of uncertainty, of coming to terms with the risk involved in not knowing what comes next, which is more demanding than despair and, in a way, more frightening. And immeasurably more rewarding.” 

-Rebecca Solnit

"Change is inherent in being human. The key is how to understand and embrace it. A creative life comes through a vortex of change." 

-Yung Suk Kim

Hermeneutics of Suspicion: About "Unity"

I’m suspicious of anyone who advocates for unity, whether they are politicians or scholars. My hermeneutics of suspicion reaches its peak when I hear unity rhetoric. Who gets to define unity? Who benefits from it? Unity often serves as a tool for those in power to marginalize others on the fringes. We should question the motives of those who promote unity. Instead, we should strive for multiple groups with no single center of power. We should embrace uncertainty and allow for ambiguity in some situations. My goal is to challenge and deconstruct the deceptive language of forced unity. See who is talking about unity.

Neuroplasticity

After my usual workout, I thought about neuroplasticity, which is "a process involving adaptive structural and functional changes in the brain" (NIH definition). It allows us to think flexibly and creatively and increases when we take a break from focused work or business. So, take a rest, go for a walk, exercise, or relax in a hot sauna. Free your mind from burdens and obsessions.

I had many brainstorming in my swimming, resting in a hot sauna, taking a walk, or even in my sleeping bed. Let your mind go its course by not pressuring it too much. I don't mean that neuroplasticity improves only through exercise or rest. It can be strengthened through meditation, good sleep, learning a new language, playing an instrument, and making art.

Clarifications about the Gospel/Good News (euangelion)

Yung Suk Kim, PhD 

The gospel/good news is a translation of euangelion, which means "good news" or "glad tidings." This word is used by the emperor who legitimates his rule. Also, the Septuagint has this word (Isa 52:7; 40:9). Isa 52:7 reads: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"

The good news in the New Testament is not a genre or book. The four Gospels are writings/stories about Jesus.

How to Read the Gospels

 

*PDF material of the above video content

*related posting: Clarifications about the Gospel/Good News (euangelion)

 

Away from my computer or smartphone

Sometimes it's better to turn off my computer or get away from my smartphone because I need quiet time to feel my body, hear my breathing, and listen to my inner mind. Doing nothing sets me to a default from which I can restart my work, whatever it is.

I also need quiet time with myself when I have important research tasks. Once I read enough resources, including books and articles in print or online, I sit with myself, take blank papers out, brainstorm, and begin to write article outlines. I completed three tasks this morning, making outlines for three chapters/articles. I can go back to my computer later to push myself further.

One Issue of Translation in Matthew 11:28

The voice between active and passive matters in Greek and English alike. The former means the subject does something (active), and the latter means the subject receives action. In Matthew 11:28, two participles are functioning as verbal adjectives: κοπιῶντες (kopiontes) and πεφορτισμένοι (pephortismenoi). The root verb of the former is κοπιάω (kopiao), which means "to labor or toil." The root verb of the latter is φορτίζω (phortizo), which means "to load or burden." The participle form for the former is "present active," and that for the latter is "perfect passive/middle." So we can translate them accordingly without losing the nuanced differences between them. My translation is “Come to me, all you who toil/labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." While the NRSV or NRSVue is considered a fair, literal translation, it does not catch the point in this verse. It translates the verse this way: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." But Jesus sees the reality where people labor hard and are burdened by things, others, or institutions. Self-burden is different from externally levied/caused burdens. Most other translations keep this "voice" difference between the active and passive. For example, both NIV and NET have it: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Vocational Manifesto

As a scholar and professor, I am not merely interested in knowledge of the past but in today's world. I must tackle issues in the present and help people today. That is why I study and teach history, religion, and culture.

My ultimate mantra

"Thank God. 

I am who I am. 

I can do it. It can happen."

-Yung Suk Kim, PhD / July 2024

Dr. Kim's Hallmarks of Biblical Interpretation

The following is what my scholarship is about and what I emphasize. It represents almost 20 years of my take on biblical texts, theology, life, community, culture, politics, and the world. I wrote about 20 books, including edited volumes. *Note: The following information is based on Chat GPT. I slightly edited the AI's answers and added the necessary references. The AI's third-eye view of my scholarship is impressive and impartial.

Dr. Kim emphasizes holistic, inclusive, and socially engaged approaches to biblical interpretation. 

**Contextual and Socio-Cultural Analysis**

Kim takes the socio-cultural and historical contexts of biblical texts seriously. He explores how the context in which a text is written influences its meaning and relevance [ref.: Christ’s Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor].

**Intercultural Hermeneutics**

He advocates for interpreting the Bible through an intercultural lens, considering diverse cultural perspectives. This approach acknowledges that readers bring their cultural backgrounds to interpret biblical texts [ref.: Paul’s Gospel, Empire, Race, and Ethnicity: Through the Lens of Minoritized Scholarship]. 

**Ethical and Transformational Focus**

Kim’s interpretation often highlights ethical implications and the potential for personal and social transformation. He examines how biblical teachings can be applied to contemporary ethical issues and social justice concerns [ref.: A Transformative Reading of the Bible: Explorations of Holistic Human Transformation]. 

**Emphasis on Reader Response**

The flesh-and-blood reader is vital to the interpretive process because the meaning of a text emerges through the interaction between the text and the reader, making the reader’s context and perspective crucial to interpretation [ref.: Biblical Interpretation: Theory, Process, and Criteria]. 

**Critical and Self-Reflective Approach**

He encourages a critical examination of traditional interpretations and invites readers to reflect on their own biases and assumptions. This self-reflective approach aims to uncover deeper, often overlooked meanings in biblical texts [ref.: Resurrecting Jesus: The Renewal of New Testament Theology].

**Integration of Theological and Literary Methods**

Kim combines theological insights with literary analysis, examining narrative structures, themes, and motifs to uncover theological messages [ref.: A Theological Introduction to Paul’s Letters: Exploring a Threefold Theology of Paul].

[PDF: Dr. Kim's Hallmarks of Biblical Interpretation]

---

Here is another version. I asked Chat GPT: "What are the characteristics of Dr. Yung Suk Kim?"

Dr. Yung Suk Kim is a prominent biblical scholar and theologian known for his work in New Testament studies, particularly in Pauline theology and the interpretation of biblical texts from a cross-cultural perspective. Here are some key characteristics of his work and scholarship:

1. **Cross-Cultural Hermeneutics**: Dr. Kim is deeply interested in how biblical texts can be interpreted across different cultures and contexts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible within its historical and cultural setting while also making it relevant to contemporary audiences.

2. **Pauline Theology**: He has written extensively on the Apostle Paul, offering fresh perspectives on Paul’s letters and theology. His work often challenges traditional interpretations, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of Paul’s messages in their historical and social contexts.

3. **Ethics and Identity**: Dr. Kim explores themes of identity, particularly in relation to ethnicity, race, and gender, in the Bible. He is interested in how biblical texts address or can be applied to issues of identity and ethics in modern society.

4. **Theological Integration**: His scholarship integrates theological reflection with biblical interpretation, aiming to bridge the gap between academic study and practical application in faith communities.

5. **Author and Educator**: Dr. Kim has authored several books and scholarly articles, and he is also a respected educator. He serves as a professor, mentoring students and contributing to the academic community through teaching and research.

6. **Interfaith Dialogue**: He is engaged in interfaith dialogue, recognizing the importance of understanding and cooperation among different religious traditions.

7. **Critical and Constructive Approach**: Dr. Kim employs a critical approach to biblical texts, questioning traditional interpretations and encouraging readers to engage with the text in a way that is both critical and constructive. He seeks to uncover deeper meanings and applications of biblical teachings.

These characteristics make Dr. Yung Suk Kim a significant figure in contemporary biblical scholarship, particularly in the areas of Pauline studies, cross-cultural interpretation, and theological ethics.

The Parables of Jesus (videos)

I have 26 videos about the parables of Jesus in the YouTube playlist of "The Parables of Jesus." I made them 3-4 years ago. I love the stories that Jesus made up to teach people the rule of God. He does not use technical jargon or complex ideas about it. He draws stories from everyday life and challenges his audience to rethink themselves.

Virginia Beach 2024

Yesterday was a beautiful day when we were at Virginia Beach---a sunny day with snug clouds hung over us, 87 degrees with fresh breezes. Many people came out to see and enjoy the ocean, sand, sun, walks, sitting, meditating, and doing nothing other than being there in the bosom of nature. A sheer realization is that nothing stays the same. People change. Pets also change. Sand is not the same. Ocean waves and winds are not the same. Even if things around me may be the same, I perceive and feel them differently.

There is no permanent refuge or rock that does not change on Earth. Where does my help come from? How can it happen? What should I do? People often answer these questions effortlessly. While sometimes simple answers may serve us well, we need a careful, comprehensive, contextual approach.  

Writing and teaching

I am still hungry for more ideas and more books.

Thank God, I still have energy and ideas.

I will write more while the sun is with me.

Thus far I have published about twenty books, including a few edited volumes. I constantly update my research plan. 

For my publication page, go here.

My main job is teaching. I write as a result of my teaching, and teaching helps me become a better writer. I am fortunate to teach hundreds of students at my school each year. Over the past few years, I have utterly enjoyed teaching, researching, and publishing many books. I cannot express enough gratitude to my students for their presence in my classes. In 2019, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a faculty award called Scott and Stringfellow Outstanding Faculty Award. As long as I continue teaching, my students will always come first. They are my teachers in some way. My journey continues. I love my job.