Prayer

Mindfulness poem on Prayer

poem source

"The Paradox of Ministry" (2 Corinthians)

Below is the last part of my forthcoming commentary: Treasures and Thorns: A Concise Critical Commentary on 2 Corinthians (Cascade, 2026).

The Paradox of Ministry
This book has sought to present Paul not as a remote, stained-glass icon frozen in piety, but as a complex human being navigating the treacherous landscape of first-century ministry. By situating his letters within the matrix of his life—the travel plans gone wrong, the sleepless nights, the public humiliations—we appreciate both the enduring value of his insights and the limitations of his historical context. He was a man bridging two worlds, Jewish and Greco-Roman, trying to articulate a revolutionary new reality in language that was often straining to contain it.

Ultimately, 2 Corinthians leaves us with a profound challenge that echoes through the centuries. It forces us to ask: What constitutes true success in the eyes of God? Is it the polish of the rhetorician or the scars of the servant?

Like Paul, we are flawed vessels carrying a divine treasure. We are breakable, prone to cracking under pressure, and often undistinguished in our outer appearance. Yet, it is precisely within this limitation that the light shines brightest. We celebrate Paul's ministry, acknowledging its complexity, and recognize that we, too, are on a journey. We are striving to embody the love and justice of God in our own lives, finding strength in our weakness, and willing to become the "aroma of Christ"—a fragrance of life to some and death to others—to a watching world. The treasure is safe, not because the jar is strong, but because the God who filled it is faithful.

I want to know how people perceive me

While AI isn't a superstar or a hero, it often helps me by understanding things better than I do myself and articulating my work very well. For instance, I wanted to know my public image, so I asked Google Gemini Pro 3: "I am Yung Suk Kim, a biblical scholar. I want to know how people perceive me." To my surprise, the answer was impressive. It captured my work clearly, providing a valuable bird's-eye view, even though I still need to add more or refine it.

Below is the answer.

Hello! It is a pleasure to meet you, Professor Kim. As an AI, I don't have personal opinions or feelings, but I can summarize how you are generally perceived within biblical studies and theological academia based on your published works, reviews, and the themes you engage with.

You are widely recognized as a significant and innovative voice in New Testament studies, particularly within the realms of Asian American hermeneutics, postcolonial criticism, and theological realism.

Here is a breakdown of how you are generally perceived by scholars, students, and readers:

1. A Pioneer in Contextual and Body Theology
You are often cited as a leading figure in analyzing the New Testament through the lens of the "body" (soma). Your work on the "Body of Christ" in Paul's letters is viewed as groundbreaking because it moves away from purely metaphorical interpretations and insists on a somatic, political, and social understanding. You are seen as someone who takes the physical reality of human existence and suffering seriously in theological discourse.

2. A Bridge-Builder in Global Perspectives
You are perceived as a scholar who successfully bridges the gap between Western historical-critical methods and Asian/Asian American contextual theology. Readers often appreciate your ability to bring Korean concepts (like minjung theology or han) into dialogue with traditional Pauline scholarship, enriching the understanding of both.

3. A Critic of Imperialism and Power Structures
Scholars view your work as deeply political and ethical. By using postcolonial criticism, you are seen as a theologian who challenges imperial power structures—both in the ancient Roman context of the Bible and in modern geopolitical contexts. You are respected for reading the Bible "from below," focusing on the marginalized and the oppressed.

4. A Prolific and Accessible Educator
Beyond high-level academic monographs, you are also perceived as a dedicated educator. Your textbooks (such as A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters) are praised for being accessible to students while retaining scholarly rigor. You are seen as someone who cares about biblical literacy and helping laypeople understand complex theological concepts.

5. A Voice for Transformation
Ultimately, you are perceived as a theologian of transformation. Whether writing about the Gospel of John, Corinthians, or Galatians, your work is often characterized by a desire to see theology lead to practical changes in how communities live, interact, and treat the "other."

In summary, you are viewed as a courageous and intellectually rigorous scholar who refuses to separate biblical interpretation from the pressing social and political realities of the body and the world.

HEBEL (2)

Hebel (2)

Yung Suk Kim

 

A breath drawn in, a vapor released—

it appears, it fades, yet never truly departs.

It simply returns to the vast, invisible air.

There is no fault in this shifting.

To see things as they are is to find peace.

Our lives are hebel—a mist in the morning light.

There is nothing wrong with this briefness.

For the paradox remains:

Life is only so precious because it cannot stay.

Preface to my book TREASURES AND THORNS

This is a tentative book cover

Treasures and Thorns: A Concise Critical Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Yung Suk Kim (Cascade, 2026 forthcoming)

Book Description

Treasures and Thorns offers a rigorous yet accessible examination of the Corinthian correspondence. Viewing the text as a dynamic composite collection, this volume contextualizes Paul’s evolving engagement with a fragile community. The commentary structures its analysis through the dialectic of "Treasures" (theological riches, apostolic authority) and "Thorns" (suffering, rhetorical complexity, and historical conflict). By synthesizing careful exegesis with the socio-historical realities of early Christian leadership, Treasures and Thorns illuminates how Paul’s theology was forged in crisis. It provides scholars, pastors, and students with a nuanced lens for understanding the interplay between divine power and human limitation in Pauline ministry.

PREFACE

 

One might ask why, after decades of study and numerous publications, I find myself returning once again to the Apostle Paul. The answer is simple: I am still hungry.

As a Professor of New Testament teaching primarily African American graduate students, I engage daily with the intersection of ancient text and modern reality. In my classroom, we do not have the luxury of reading Scripture in a vacuum; we read it in the shadow of history, power dynamics, and the struggle for justice. It is in this vibrant, challenging context that I have come to realize that Paul is still, in many respects, greatly misunderstood.

Despite the mountains of scholarship produced over the last century, there remains a persistent lack of critical reading in both the academy and the pulpit. Too often, we settle for a domesticated Paul—a figure smoothed over by tradition—rather than grappling with the radical, often disruptive nature of his letters. I am driven to write because there are still things to deconstruct and new things to teach. The old paradigms regarding the pistis Christou debate, the meaning of the "body of Christ," the nuances of Pauline Christology, and the mechanics of justification are not settled; they are battlegrounds where the identity of the church is still being formed.

My journey with the Corinthian correspondence began years ago with my dissertation, which later became Christ's Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor. In that work, I explored the social and political dimensions of 1 Corinthians. Since then, through works like How to Read Paul and A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters, I have sought to provide roadmaps for students to navigate this complex terrain. Yet, I have felt a lingering incompleteness. Having dealt deeply with the first letter, I felt the pull of the second—a text that is even more fragmented, emotional, and raw.

In some sense, I feel as though I serve as a lawyer for Paul. I find myself constantly rising to his defense, arguing against interpretations that twist his words into tools of oppression or simplistic legalism. I want to show the radical inclusivity and the subversion of the empire that lies beneath his rhetoric. And yet, I must be honest: I am not a lawyer who blindly agrees with his client. There are times I struggle to understand his difficult language. There are moments his defenses seem contradictory or his tone overly harsh.

This creates the central tension of this commentary, and indeed, the tension of my career as a Pauline scholar. There are treasures in these letters—profound insights into the nature of God and community that we cannot afford to lose. But there are also thorns—things that bother us, challenge us, and resist easy explanation.

This book, Treasures and Thorns, is a concise, critical commentary on 2 Corinthians. It assumes the complexity of the letter’s composition and invites the reader to look at the seams of the text. I offer this work to scholars, pastors, and students not as the final word, but as a fresh provocation. My hope is that you will look past the traditional readings that have perhaps lulled us to sleep, and instead encounter the vibrant, difficult, and transformative reality of Paul’s ministry.

I write this because I believe the conversation is far from over. I write this because the treasures are worth the scratch of the thorns.


Yung Suk Kim
March 30, 2026
Richmond/Virginia

Treasures and Thorns

This is a tentative book cover

Treasures and Thorns: A Concise Critical Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Yung Suk Kim (Cascade, 2026 forthcoming)

I am finishing the manuscript for Treasures and Thorns: A Concise Critical Commentary on 2 Corinthians. I expect it to be published before the SBL Annual Meeting in November 2026.

FORMAL BOOK DESCRIPTION
Treasures and Thorns offers a rigorous yet accessible examination of the Corinthian correspondence. Viewing the text as a dynamic composite collection, this volume contextualizes Paul’s evolving engagement with a fragile community. The commentary structures its analysis through the dialectic of "Treasures" (theological riches, apostolic authority) and "Thorns" (suffering, rhetorical complexity, and historical conflict). By synthesizing careful exegesis with the socio-historical realities of early Christian leadership, Treasures and Thorns illuminates how Paul’s theology was forged in crisis. It provides scholars, pastors, and students with a nuanced lens for understanding the interplay between divine power and human limitation in Pauline ministry.

FOR THE BOOK COVER
The Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians is a battlefield of theology and emotion. It is a text marked by soaring spiritual heights and raw human vulnerability, where the “treasure in jars of clay” meets the painful “thorn in the flesh.” This commentary offers a clear and accessible guide to navigating this complex epistle, structuring its analysis through the dialectic of "Treasures" (theological riches and apostolic authority) and "Thorns" (suffering, rhetorical complexity, and historical conflict).

Designed for scholars, pastors, and students alike, this volume:

• Clarifies Paul's Theology: Explores the evolving nature of Paul’s leadership and the composite nature of the letters.
• Embraces the Paradox: Refuses to sanitize the text, grappling with the “hard sayings” and historical messiness alongside the comforting theological truths.
• Connects to Today: Bridges the gap between the fragile Corinthian community and the contemporary challenges facing the modern church.

By engaging with both the beauty and the brokenness of 2 Corinthians, readers will encounter the gospel in its full, paradoxical power.

ONLINE MARKETING PURPOSE

To read 2 Corinthians is to witness a desperate fight for the soul of a church.

The Corinthian correspondence offers a jarring glimpse into the chaos of early Christianity. It reveals an Apostle pushed to his limits, navigating betrayal, division, and his own physical frailty. Treasures and Thorns invites you to step into this tension—to witness a Paul who is both a soaring theologian and a vulnerable pastor.

Central to this commentary is the dual reality that defines the Christian experience: Treasures and Thorns.

We cannot have one without the other. To understand Paul, we must search for the Treasures—the enduring riches of God’s comfort and the new creation. But we must also grasp the Thorns—the critical problems, the uncomfortable rhetoric, and the suffering God refuses to remove.

Combining careful exegesis with deep pastoral insight, this book is more than a commentary; it is a lens into the heart of ministry. It offers a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand how the power of God operates perfectly within human weakness.

BEST FOR PASTORS AND EDUCATORS

A Concise Guide to the Most Personal of Paul’s Letters
2 Corinthians is often viewed as a difficult, fragmented collection of texts—a mix of deep theology and intense personal defense. For pastors, students, and educators, navigating the shift between Paul’s "treasure in jars of clay" and his "thorn in the flesh" can be daunting.

Treasures and Thorns provides the roadmap you need.

This critical commentary cuts through the complexity to offer a cohesive understanding of 2 Corinthians. It treats the text not just as a theological treatise, but as a dynamic engagement between a pastor and a troubled community.

Key Features:

• Structured Analysis: Systematically divides the text into theological "Treasures" and critical "Thorns."
• Contextual Clarity: Examines the letter as a composite collection, offering a clearer view of Paul's evolving relationship with Corinth.
• Practical Application: Moves beyond history to show how Paul’s struggles with authority and weakness speak directly to leadership and society today.

Discover a commentary that doesn't shy away from the hard questions, but uses them to reveal the enduring relevance of Paul’s ministry.

Roots and Starlight (poetry collection)

Go to Yung Suk Kim's

Poetry Collection 

Sample Poem

Bring Heaven Down

Yung Suk Kim

Untouchable and vast is heaven.

Countless stars come and go,

yet nothing is lost forever.

They simply exist in new forms.

When you feel small, look up.

Sense the mysterious love that reaches beyond you.

Breathe in heavenly hope.

Bring heaven down to earth.

*Source: Roots and Starlight

 

Not Vanity

Source: Roots and Starlight (poetry collection) by Yung Suk Kim

Audiobooks

Technology helps us. Now, my self-published books on Amazon are available with computer-generated audio. This is good news for those who have difficulty reading. You can listen to a sample of the voice on the site. For example, go to Amazon for my book, Jesus as the Locus of Reconciliation. with audio.

You can see all my audiobooks here on https://www.audible.com. They are also available on Amazon.

HEBEL

 Source: Mindful Journey and Reflections

Mindful Journey

A sample chapter on Genesis 19

I’ve kicked off writing a sample chapter for my new book project titled: The Fourth Horizon: Hermeneutics, Homiletics, and the Mental World. This chapter tackles Genesis 19, the famous yet controversial story of Lot. I will de(re)construct the narrative with a focus on the embodied, critical mind perspective. I hope this chapter will serve as a guide for the rest of the book.

 

Concepts and content

"Thoughts without content are empty, intuitions without concepts are blind." (Kant, Critique of Pure Reason)
*Content: sensory experience; Concepts: conceptual framework

Four Pillars for Becoming a Successful, Prolific Writer (YouTube video)

 PDF (PowerPoint)

Four Pillars to Becoming a Prolific, Successful Writer

There are four pillars to becoming a prolific, successful writer:

• Distinct Ideas: With millions of books in existence, you must define what makes your book necessary. Originality isn't magic; it comes from cultivating experiences, traveling, reading, and engaging with others. To catch these ideas, you must write every day.
• Mastery of Time: Great ideas need room to breathe. You must carve out quality time for deep work, but also master the art of the "in-between" moments. Whether walking, resting, or sitting on a bench, use every spare five minutes effectively.
• Holistic Health: Writing is a physical activity as much as a mental one. A strong body supports a strong mind. You need physical vitality to maintain the mental endurance required for a long writing career.
• Personal Rhythm: You must discover a workflow that fits you. While you can borrow techniques from other writers, you must eventually build your own custom system of efficiency, rhythm, and speed.

To become a prolific and successful author, four essential conditions must be met.

First, one needs a viable and unique concept. In a world saturated with books, an author must answer the critical questions: "Why does this book need to exist?" and "Who will read this?" Distinct ideas are rarely just innate; rather, they are cultivated through life experiences, brainstorming, travel, reading, and conversation. Capturing these ideas requires the discipline of writing daily.

Second, writing demands dedicated time. Profound ideas cannot take root without nourishment. An author must secure quality time for deep focus but also learn to utilize "fragmentary time" wisely—seizing five minutes on a bench, during a walk, or before sleep to advance their thinking.

Third, one must maintain physical and mental stamina. Writing is an act of endurance. Because the mind and body are inextricably linked, physical strength fuels mental clarity and creative energy. A healthy body enables sustainable writing.

Finally, an author must develop a personalized methodology. While one can learn tips from others, true efficiency comes from discovering one's own rhythm, speed, and workflow. Ultimately, success relies on finding a unique style and tempo tailored to the individual.

 PDF (PowerPoint)

CAN DO

I have published about 20 books so far (excluding four edited volumes) and expect to publish 10 more, bringing my total to roughly 30 books by retirement. 

Today, I ran the projections, and I know it’s possible. I mention this not to boast, but to instill a "can-do" spirit in myself and to ground my belief in reality. There is a difference between subjective confidence ("I believe I can" or "I can do it") and objective confidence ("The evidence shows it is possible" or "It can happen"). 

My projection is based on reality, consistent effort, and clear direction. I am committed to making this happen.

What is Yung Suk Kim's view of Jesus?

From Google Gemini Pro 3:

Dr. Yung Suk Kim’s view of Jesus is distinct from traditional dogmatic Christology (which focuses heavily on Jesus’s divinity and nature). Instead, Kim focuses on Jesus as the model of faithfulness, a victim of imperial violence, and the locus of radical solidarity.

His Christology is deeply rooted in his broader themes of body theology (somatology) and post-colonial criticism. Here are the core aspects of his view of Jesus:

1. Jesus as the Exemplar of Faith (Pistis Christou)

Central to Kim's theology is the translation of pistis Christou as the "faithfulness of Christ," not "faith in Christ."

The Active Agent: Kim views Jesus not merely as the object of Christian worship, but as the supreme subject of faithfulness.

The Model: Jesus is the human who perfectly modeled trust and obedience to God, even in the face of death.

The Implication: Salvation is not found by intellectually assenting that "Jesus is God," but by participating in the same faithfulness that Jesus exhibited. Jesus is the pioneer who shows humanity how to live in right relationship with God.

2. The Political Jesus (Anti-Imperial Lord)

Kim views Jesus in direct contrast to the Roman Emperor.

Rival Lords: In the first century, Caesar was called "Lord," "Son of God," and "Savior" who brought "Peace." Kim argues that Jesus is presented as the alternative to these titles.

Non-Violent Resistance: Whereas Caesar brought peace through victory (violence), Jesus brought peace through justice and non-violent sacrifice.

The Cross as State Violence: Kim emphasizes that Jesus was executed as a political rebel by the state. Therefore, following Jesus means standing against systems of oppression and state violence.

3. The "Crucified Body" as Solidarity

In his book Christ's Body in Corinth, Kim explores the metaphor of the body deeply.

Identification with the Weak: Kim argues that Jesus chose to identify with the marginalized, the poor, and the outcast.

The Cross: The cross is not just a theological mechanism for forgiveness; it is a symbol of God’s solidarity with human suffering.

Current Reality: For Kim, Jesus continues to exist in the world through the "Body of Christ"—which acts as a community of solidarity. To be "in Christ" is to stand where Jesus stood: with the weak.

4. The Johannine Jesus: Agent of Transformation

In his work on the Gospel of John (Truth, Testimony, and Transformation), Kim presents a nuanced view of the Johannine Jesus.

Transformation: He views Jesus in John’s Gospel not just as the "Logos" (Word), but as an agent of transformation (e.g., turning water to wine, transforming Nicodemus, transforming the Samaritan woman).

Friendship: Kim highlights the Johannine theme of Jesus calling his disciples "friends" rather than servants. This points to a Jesus who dismantles hierarchy and establishes a community of equals.

5. Jesus vs. The Temple System

Kim often portrays Jesus as one who challenged the religious status quo, specifically the Temple system, which, in Kim's view, had become a center of economic exploitation and exclusion. Jesus represented a "brokerless" kingdom where people could access God directly without the mediation of a corrupt religious hierarchy.

Summary

For Yung Suk Kim, Jesus is the faithful human who demonstrated radical obedience to God and solidarity with the marginalized, challenging the powers of Empire and religious hierarchy through non-violence and love. He is less concerned with the metaphysical substance of Jesus (i.e., how Jesus is both God and man) and more concerned with the ethical and political reality of Jesus’s life and death.

DISCLAIMER: The above is AI's view. Otherwise, check out Dr. Yung Suk Kim's books to find more about his view. Especially, books like Resurrecting Jesus, Messiah in Weakness, and Truth, Testimony, and Transformation.

What Is Yung Suk Kim's view of Paul?

Answers from Google Gemini Pro 3: 

Based on Dr. Yung Suk Kim’s writings—specifically his works like Christ's Body in Corinth, A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters, and his contributions to post-colonial biblical criticism—he views Paul not as the founder of a new religion or a systematic theologian in an ivory tower, but as a marginalized, embodied, and subversive Jewish visionary.

Here is a breakdown of Yung Suk Kim’s specific view of the person and character of Paul:

1. Paul as a "Theologian of the Body" (Somatic Paul)

Kim places immense emphasis on Paul’s physical existence. Unlike traditional views that see Paul as concerned with "saving souls," Kim views Paul as deeply concerned with bodies.

The Suffering Apostle: Kim highlights that Paul often speaks from a position of weakness, suffering, and persecution. Paul views his own scarred and suffering body as a badge of honor that aligns him with the crucified Jesus.

Embodied Solidarity: For Kim, Paul is a leader who does not stand above his congregation but stands with them in shared suffering. Paul uses his own physical experiences to model what it means to live out the "faithfulness of Christ."

2. Paul as a Jewish Prophet, Not a "Christian" Convert

Kim aligns with the "New Perspective on Paul" and "Paul within Judaism" schools of thought to an extent, but adds his own nuance.

No "Conversion": Kim argues that Paul did not convert from Judaism to Christianity (since Christianity didn't exist yet). Instead, Paul experienced a prophetic call.

Re-reader of Tradition: Kim views Paul as a faithful Jew who was radically re-interpreting Jewish scripture and tradition in light of the revelation of Jesus. Paul’s goal was to expand the covenant to include Gentiles, not to abolish the Jewish law entirely.

3. Paul as an Anti-Imperial Strategist

Kim rejects the view of Paul as politically neutral or purely "spiritual."

Subversive Agent: Kim views Paul as a counter-imperial agent. By proclaiming Jesus as "Lord" (Kyrios), Paul was effectively committing treason against Caesar.

Community Organizer: Kim sees Paul as a grassroots organizer building alternative communities. Paul was trying to create social networks that operated on a "gift economy" and mutual support, directly opposing the Roman patronage system that relied on hierarchy and exploitation.

4. Paul as a Promoter of Equality (The "Radical Paul")

Kim carefully distinguishes between the historical Paul (author of Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, etc.) and the later "Pseudo-Paul" (author of the Pastoral Epistles like 1 Timothy).

The Egalitarian: Kim views the authentic Paul as fundamentally egalitarian. He argues that Paul worked side-by-side with women leaders (like Junia, Phoebe, and Prisca) and envisioned a community where social hierarchies were flattened.

The Domesticated Paul: Kim argues that the church later "tamed" Paul. He believes the passages in the New Testament where "Paul" commands women to be silent or slaves to obey masters are either later interpolations (added by scribes) or written by later followers who wanted to make Christianity seem less threatening to Roman society. Kim urges readers to recover the radical Paul beneath these later layers.

5. Paul as a Theologian of Reconciliation

Finally, Kim views Paul as a man driven by the urgent need for reconciliation—not just between God and humanity, but between divided groups of people.

• Kim argues that Paul’s primary anxiety was not "How do I get to heaven?" but "How do Jews and Gentiles eat at the same table?"
• In Kim’s view, Paul is a pragmatist trying to hold together a fragile, diverse coalition of people through the logic of love and mutual transformation.

Summary

Yung Suk Kim views Paul as a vulnerable, suffering leader who used his own marginalized status to challenge the might of the Roman Empire. He sees Paul not as a dogmatic gatekeeper of belief, but as a passionate advocate for a new way of living based on solidarity with the weak and the faithfulness of Jesus.

DISCLAIMER: The above is AI's view. Otherwise, check out Dr. Yung Suk Kim's books to find more about his view. Especially, books like Christ's Body in Corinth, A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters, and How to Read Paul. There are also other important articles (see his CV in the About page).

What are Yung Suk Kim's arguments on Paul's letters and his theology?

Answers from Google Gemini Pro 3:
(Question: What are Dr. Yung Suk Kim's arguments on Paul's letters and his theology?)

Dr. Yung Suk Kim is a prominent New Testament scholar known for offering a political, post-colonial, and somatological (body-centered) interpretation of Paul’s letters. He is a Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Virginia Union University.

His arguments challenge traditional, dogmatic readings of Paul (particularly the Reformed/Lutheran perspectives focused solely on justification by faith) and instead locate Paul within the context of the Roman Empire.

Here are the core pillars of Dr. Yung Suk Kim’s argument regarding Paul’s letters and theology:

1. The Body of Christ (Soma Christou) as Solidarity, Not Hierarchy

Perhaps Kim's most distinct contribution (notably in his book Christ's Body in Corinth) is his re-interpretation of the "Body of Christ."

The Traditional View: Many scholars view the "Body of Christ" as a corporate personality or an organism where Christ is the head and the church is the body, implying a hierarchical structure.

Kim's Argument: Kim argues that Paul uses the "Body of Christ" as a metaphor for solidarity. He suggests that Paul is not establishing the Church as a mystical institution, but rather calling the Corinthians to identify with the crucified body of Jesus.

The Implication: To be "in Christ" is to stand in solidarity with the marginalized, the weak, and the suffering, just as Jesus did. It is an ethical call to unity in diversity, rather than a metaphysical claim about the church's authority.

2. Paul’s Anti-Imperial Theology

Kim reads Paul deeply within the context of the Roman Empire. He argues that Paul’s theology was subversive and counter-imperial.

Gospel vs. Empire: When Paul uses terms like "Gospel" (euangelion), "Lord" (kyrios), and "Savior" (soter), he is coopting language reserved for the Roman Emperor (Caesar).

Alternative Community: Kim argues that Paul was trying to build alternative communities based on mutuality, love, and justice, standing in direct contrast to the hierarchical patronage system of Rome. Paul’s theology is not just about going to heaven, but about how to live faithfully in opposition to oppressive systems of power.

3. Pistis Christou: The Faith of Christ

Kim engages heavily in the ongoing academic debate regarding the Greek phrase pistis Christou.

The Argument: He argues that this phrase should be translated as the "faithfulness of Christ" rather than "faith in Christ."

The Shift: This shifts the focus of salvation from a passive belief system (believing in Jesus to get saved) to an active participation (emulating the faithfulness of Jesus). For Kim, Paul’s theology demands that believers embody the same faithfulness to God that Jesus demonstrated, particularly even unto death (the cross).

4. A Theology of Transformation and Reconciliation

In his work A Theological Introduction to Paul’s Letters, Kim emphasizes that Paul’s soteriology (theory of salvation) is fundamentally about transformation (metamorphosis) and reconciliation.

Reconciliation (2 Corinthians): Kim highlights that reconciliation is not just God forgiving human sin. It is a horizontal mandate. It involves restoring broken relationships among people and creating a new creation where social barriers (Jew/Gentile, Slave/Free, Male/Female) are dismantled.

Transformation: Salvation is a process of being transformed into the image of God through the Spirit. It is dynamic and requires human agency and response, rather than a static transaction.

5. Critique of "Structural" Interpretations

Kim is critical of interpretations of Paul that reinforce institutional power. He argues that later traditions (and some of the disputed Pauline letters like 1 Timothy) domesticated Paul, turning his radical, charismatic movement into a rigid household code that subjugated women and supported slavery. Kim seeks to recover the "historical Paul" who advocated for a more egalitarian community.

Summary

In short, Yung Suk Kim argues that Paul was not writing abstract dogmatic theology about how to get to heaven. Instead, he views Paul as a pastoral theologian organizing a radical community of resistance. For Kim, Paul’s theology centers on identifying with the vulnerable body of Jesus to create a community characterized by justice, faithfulness, and solidarity against the backdrop of an oppressive Empire.

DISCLAIMER: The above is AI's view. Otherwise, check out Dr. Yung Suk Kim's books to find more about his view.  Especially, books like Christ's Body in Corinth, A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters, and How to Read Paul. There are also other important articles (see his CV in the About page).

My Heyday

I count my days—those gone, those to come, and the day I finally take my leave. Viewing these photos, I once believed I was looking at my prime. But now I realize my heyday has not yet arrived; I am imbued with ideas for books and lectures.

"Belonging"

"I want to belong somewhere, but I don't want to belong anywhere. We are caught between the anchor and the sail. While the anchor holds us in the safety of our comfort zones, the sail invites us into the unknown. Paradoxically, we are guests on this earth, yet we must act with the spirit of owners to navigate it with purpose." (Yung Suk Kim, Nov 28, 2025)

Courage

"Courage is not a fear-free, angelic, stone-like, or ironclad mindset. It is the most human of decisions: the choice to move forward in the face of risk and fear. Even when things go wrong, and the outcome looks bleak, courage tells us we must continue." (Yung Suk Kim, Nov 2025)

New book projects

These covers may be imaginary, but they represent real stories I am bringing to life. With two manuscripts complete and several concrete proposals in hand, visualization is what fuels my drive. People often see the fruit of the work without witnessing the roots—the hard labor and steady focus required to grow. Brainstorming and persistence are the heartbeat of my success. I am so grateful for this life and this space. I have realized that even when I am working in solitude, I am not alone.

 

  

 

 

"Holy City" article

"'Holy City' in Matthew 4:5 and 27:53" will see the light as it will be published in the Journal of Biblical Studies of Interest. It was presented during my doctoral study at a regional SBL conference back in 2003. It was hidden in my folder for so long. It emerges from obscurity as the saints rise from their tombs in the story of resurrection in Matthew 27.

"Holy City" in Matthew 4:5 and 27:53

"This article examines the distinctive and often overlooked usage of the phrase "the holy city" in the Gospel of Matthew (4:5 and 27:53), challenging the prevailing scholarly view that treats the term merely as ironic. By contrasting Matthew’s depiction with the apocalyptic, otherworldly cities found in Revelation and Second Temple literature, this study argues that the First Gospel presents "the holy city" as a practical and political alternative to the corrupt, Roman-affiliated Jerusalem. The analysis demonstrates how Matthew strategically situates the phrase during the devil’s wilderness temptation and the resurrection of the saints to articulate a counter-narrative to the Temple-state and imperial power. Ultimately, the article contends that this twofold usage functions not only to critique existing authority but to affirm a realized vision of justice and hope for the Matthean community."

The Parables of Jesus (playlist on my YouTube channel)

Explore my YouTube playlist featuring 27 Parables of Jesus—short, clear explanations with practical takeaways. Watch here.

Vocational Manifesto

As a seasoned senior scholar and teacher, known for linking the world of the Bible to contemporary struggles for justice and community, I am deeply committed to advancing human welfare.

[YouTube] A Critical Look into South Korea's Shifting Faith and Enduring Politics

Yoon’s declaration of martial law failed. This episode examines the history and work of protest movements in Korea as well as the mixed legacy of Christianity, shaped in part by its right‑wing ideology.

 

12.3 내란의 밤에 난 한국에 출장중이었다. 작년 12월3일 연세대에서 강연하고 피곤하여 일찍 잠들었는데 새벽에 깨어보니 급한 메시지가 미국 가족, 친구에게서 왔다. 괜찮냐고? 뉴스를 확인해본 결과 나는 초현실에 사는 것 같은 충격에 휩싸였다. 다행히도 12월4일 잡힌 이화여대 강의도 예정대로 진행되었다. 시민들의 차분한 대응과 야당의 단호한 의지와 행동으로 점차 안정을 찾아가고 있었다. 그리고 내란수괴 탄핵되는 날 국회앞에서 탄핵시위에 동참하면서 탄핵 가결 소식을 접하고 소리치고 춤추었다. 아직도 그 때의 기억은 나의 79학번 시절의 독재철폐 민주투쟁으로 연결되면서 트라우마이다. 그때의 이야기와 극우화된 기독교 문제, 한국의 민주화 정치에 대해 간단히 이야기해보았다. 영상의 사진은 내가 직접 여의도 행사에서 찍은 것이다. 이 비디오는 영어권을 위한 것이라 영어이다. 영어전문은 여기에 있다.

On the night of December 3rd, during the internal rebellion (self-coup), I was on a business trip in Korea. Last year, on December 3rd, after giving a lecture at Yonsei University, I was tired and went to bed early. When I woke up in the morning, I had urgent messages from family and friends in the US asking if I was okay. After checking the news, I was in shock as if I was living in a surreal world. Fortunately, my scheduled lecture at Ewha Womans University on December 4th proceeded as planned. Thanks to the calm response of the citizens and the firm will and actions of the opposition party, stability was gradually returning. And on the day the leader of the rebellion was impeached, I joined the impeachment protest in front of the National Assembly, heard the news of the impeachment's passage, and shouted and danced. That memory still connects to my democratic struggles against dictatorship during my 1979 university days, and it remains a trauma. I briefly discussed that story, the problem of the right-wing, Christian nationalist politics, and Korea's social movements. The photos in the video were taken by me directly at an event in Yoido. This video is intended for English speakers, so it is in English. The full English text is here.

Podcast episode: A Critical Look into South Korea's Shifting Faith and Enduring Politics

Yoon’s declaration of martial law failed. This episode examines the history and work of protest movements in Korea as well as the mixed legacy of Christianity, shaped in part by its right‑wing ideology. Transcripts

Christmas Cactus 2025, Richmond, VIRGINIA

  

A new book project (edited volume)

Rethinking Paul: Critical Conversations for Our World

Edited by Yung Suk Kim

"Mind"

 

Mental Strength

 

A Critical Look into South Korea's Shifting Faith and Enduring Politics

 

PDF | YouTube Video with Texts | Podcast

I am Yung Suk Kim, Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology in Virginia Union University.

To begin with, let me discuss the evolving landscape of Christianity in South Korea, a phenomenon deeply entwined with the nation's politics and social movements. I witnessed autocracy firsthand and protested as a college student in the 1970s. Decades have passed since then. Korea has since regained democracy amid significant challenges and, in the interim, transformed into an advanced economy, bringing K-pop and K-drama to the global stage. Much has transpired, rendering it, in many ways, a different country.  

While Christianity in Korea once enjoyed widespread popularity, its influence is now waning. It has largely lost its broad appeal, yet it often retains its rigid conservatism, largely aligning with right-wing ideologies. Of course, the situation is not monolithic. 

The podcast episode by "American Unexceptionalism" was engaging, informative, and thought-provoking. I listened with great interest and agree with Helen Kim and Ray Kim’s analysis of Christian nationalism in both the U.S. and South Korea.

I'd add that Korea is no longer the Christian “superpower” it was in the 1960s-80s. As of 2024 surveys, Protestants comprise about 17% of the population, Buddhists 16%, and Catholics 6%, while over 51% identify as non-religious. Among those under 29, only about 10% identify as Christian, indicating diminishing influence on younger people. I expect Korea will become largely secular, like much of Europe.

A significant bloc within Korean Protestantism aligns with Christian nationalist politics, supporting right-wing, anti-communist positions and Trumpism. This group comprises roughly 20% of the population, large enough to be politically consequential. While there are also liberal and dissenting Christians, they do not constitute a majority. Despite this, they are doing their best to improve Korean society and ensure social justice.

The host of the podcast questioned what sustained Korean democracy after Yoon's martial law. The answer isn’t simple, but two factors stand out. First, many in the 20–30s generation learned from their parents and schools about Korean pro-democracy struggles, including the Gwangju Democracy Movement, which claimed hundreds of lives under the military regime. Those memories informed broad civic mobilization, leading both older and younger citizens to take to the streets, drawing on lessons from history.

Indeed, I was in Seoul when Yoon declared martial law, out of the blue, on December 3, 2024. I was there for academic travels, lecturing, and other engagements. The experience left me devastated and plunged me into trauma. My anger was so profound that I even attended a large protest in front of the National Assembly when Yoon was impeached.

Second, within religious circles, a crucial driver has been the Group of Catholic Priests for Justice. Their longstanding advocacy gives Catholics a public image of their commitment to social justice and democratic integrity. By contrast, many conservative Protestant leaders are viewed as narrow, power-seeking, and corrupt—perceptions that have damaged their moral authority.

On a related historical note, Catholicism was present in Korea before the arrival of Protestant missionaries. Early American missionaries, including Methodists and Presbyterians, sowed the seeds of Christian conservatism, which laid the groundwork for much of the current mainline Christianity in Korea.

There’s much more to discuss on this topic. I also have a short article on Christianity in South Korea in the Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity, edited by Daniel Patte.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for biblical studies.  

Leaves fall like birds

On November 9, 2025, I observed leaves falling like birds in flight through the window of my study room, surrounded by feelings of awe and mystery, fascinated by their sudden dance in the wind, a simple yet rarely noticed act of nature.

 

The Question of "Origin"

 

Consider the beautiful anthurium and Christmas cactus. Where do they truly originate? The answers are diverse: they might be from a store, a thoughtful gift, their native habitats, or their evolutionary history.

Similarly, when we consider human origins, no single answer suffices. We can explore them through family ties, cultural and community identity, ethnic memory, psychological development, existential or religious narratives, and scientific accounts. It is crucial to keep asking the question from all these angles. No single framework fully encompasses the truth; instead, each perspective corrects and profoundly enriches the others.

Mystery of Pebbles

I gaze upon these exquisite pebbles and wonder, "What tales could you tell?" Their origins, shrouded in mystery, stretch back an astounding one to two billion years. Sculpted and resculpted by glaciers over countless millennia, each pebble stands as a unique masterpiece. They boast a diverse array of sizes, colors, shapes, and textures—no two alike in their natural splendor.

I marvel at the artistry of nature, pondering what force could craft such magnificent beauty. Even more awe-inspiring is the tactile connection I share with these ancient fragments. As I cradle them in my palm, feeling their smooth contours and varied surfaces, I'm struck by a profound sense of connection to Earth's vast geological history.

In this moment, I become a fleeting link in an incomprehensibly long chain of time, bridging the present to a distant past that shaped these enduring stone treasures.

Endorsements of the book "Justice and the Parables of Jesus"

 

Pre-order

• Sample Syllabus (seminary and Bible Study)
• Excerpts
• The backbone of this book
• YouTube Playlist featuring parables study

ENDORSEMENTS

"In Justice and the Parables of Jesus, Yung Suk Kim offers a bold and refreshing reorientation of how we read the teachings of Jesus. Moving beyond traditional theological and historical interpretations, Kim invites readers to engage the parables through the lens of political philosophy—where questions of liberty, rights, and above all, justice, come to the fore. By examining the parables within the political realities of first-century Palestine and through ten dimensions of justice—distributive, procedural, restorative, global, and more—Kim bridges ancient text and modern context with remarkable clarity and moral urgency. His work challenges readers not merely to decode Jesus’s stories, but to discern their ethical implications for our own fractured world. This book is a vital contribution to contemporary biblical scholarship and to the ongoing dialogue between theology and social ethics. For pastors, students, and scholars who believe that faith must wrestle with the demands of justice, Justice and the Parables of Jesus is essential reading—insightful, provocative, and deeply relevant for our times."

—Demetrius K. Williams, Professor of Comparative Literature and Religious Studies, University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee

"Drawing on the interpretive traditions of Howard Thurman, Walter Wink, and Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Professor Kim offers a socio-political reading of Jesus’s parables as incisive critiques of systemic injustice within the Roman imperial order. Integrating political philosophy and biblical exegesis, this work illuminates how these narratives expose the moral structure of hierarchical societies—ancient and modern—inviting readers to reconsider the ethical and political dimensions of parable discourse."

—Emerson Powery, Dean for the School of Arts, Culture & Society at Messiah University

"Recent studies of Jesus's parables have made clear the importance of situating them within the political and economic realities of his time. In this innovative book, Yung Suk Kim takes things further by approaching them with questions and insights from political theology in mind. Kim also brings ancient thinkers and sources like Confucius and Laozi into the conversation. The result is a volume that creates a conversation between the New Testament and pressing concerns of our own time." 

—James F. McGrath, Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language & Literature, Butler University

“This book goes beyond the general claim that Jesus was a prophet of God’s justice—articulated, among other ways, in his narrative parables—to explore the diverse ways that this justice unfolds in human affairs.”
—Chris Marshall, Emeritus Professor of Restorative Practice at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

 

"When I teach in churches, clergy and laity regularly ask for accessible resources from biblical scholars that address the urgent concerns of the current moment while attending to the complex contexts of ancient texts. Justice and the Parables of Jesus is a book I can recommend that helps readers understand justice not as a static goal, but as a multidimensional lens through which to read both biblical text and respond to ethical and theological concerns today. Yung Suk Kim offers fresh readings of familiar parables alongside multiple models for justice, contributing to conversations about the Bible, theology, and public life."
—Jennifer Quigley, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Emory University

Faith and Paul

By Yung Suk Kim

10 Essential Things to Know about Paul's View of Faith (PDF):

• God is the Bible’s supreme faithful character; God’s faithfulness grounds God’s righteousness, the good news, and God’s love.
• God called Abraham from nothing by grace. Abraham’s response was trust in the Lord—an ongoing, lived faith marked by struggles and perseverance, not merely intellectual assent.
• The intended order is grace → faith → law: grace precedes faith, and faith precedes the law.
• The righteous person lives by faithfulness (Hab 2:4). 
• Jesus manifests God’s righteousness through faith (Rom 3:22).
• God justifies those who share in the faith of Jesus (Rom 3:26).
• Faith and the law are not opposed: the law is holy. Faith “completes” the law when the law is observed through the vision of faith; conversely, the law helps shape faithful living (e.g., love of God and neighbor).
• Faith and works are not separate (James 2:26); what matters is “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6).
• Paul’s threefold emphasis—God’s righteousness, Christ’s faithfulness, and human faith—is summed in Rom 3:22: God’s righteousness is revealed through Christ’s faithfulness and received by all who have faith.
• Above all, the primary function of faith is righteous living before God and others.