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

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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

“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

"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

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.

Books in Progress

  

Three Important Things to Know about Paul

The following is a rough transcription of my speaking.

Tonight, I'm going to talk about three important things concerning Paul and his letters.

The first is regarding Jesus and Paul—in other words, how Paul relates to Jesus. What are their teachings about God? Number two: perspectives on Paul. Who was the real Paul? Some people think of Paul in a certain way, and others think differently, so which is correct? We’ll discuss the old and new perspectives on Paul. Lastly, the third thing is the centerpiece of Paul's gospel. In other words, what is the central point of his gospel proclamation?

I'll briefly explain each of these one by one.

First, Jesus and Paul were both Jewish thinkers, and their thoughts and theology are rooted in God, the good news of God. The central point here is that God is the good news. God is good and righteous. Everything good you think about originates with God. God is the source of good news; God is the good news. This is a fundamental point made by both Jesus and Paul. For example, if you read Mark 1:14, after John was arrested, Jesus began to proclaim the good news of God, saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the good news." This is what Jesus proclaimed first, after he was baptized and after John was arrested: the good news of God. He did not proclaim his own good news. Jesus did not proclaim that he was the good news.

Paul also writes in his letter to the Romans (Romans 1:1), "Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God." He also says he was set apart for the gospel of God. His apostleship, his mission, is set apart to proclaim the goodness of God, which God promised beforehand through the prophets, through the Holy Scriptures. Paul then talks about the work of Jesus, the Son of God, who exemplified, manifested, and proclaimed the goodness of God through his life, death, ministry, preaching, and good deeds.

Second, let's talk about perspectives on Paul. There are two main perspectives. The first is the old perspective on Paul, which reigned for almost 2,000 years of Christian history. Many Christians and churches have thought that Paul's view of Judaism and the Law is bad and negative. In other words, they thought Paul thought Judaism was wrong, that the Law was wrong, and that people couldn't be saved or justified through Judaism or the Law. They believed that the new religion, Christianity, offered a new way of salvation by faith, not by keeping the Law. The Law was imperfect and not a means of salvation, so Christianity provided a new way. According to the old perspective on Paul, Paul believed that Judaism and the Law were not the way to salvation; only faith was. Not by Judaism, but by Christianity; not by the Law, but through faith in Jesus. Through faith in Jesus, the Law became obsolete, and through faith in Jesus, you are saved.

However, there is a new perspective on Paul, which believes that Judaism itself is not wrong. Judaism is also a religion of grace. The Law is not inherently wrong. Paul says the Law is holy and its commandments are perfect and good. In Romans, when he says, "Do we overthrow the law by this faith?" he answers, "By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law." According to the new perspective on Paul, Paul's view of Judaism and the Law is not negative. The Law is not wrong, and Judaism is not wrong. The only thing Paul points out in his letters is the Jewish reaction to the Messiah, Jesus. They didn't believe in Jesus; they did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. Also, they absolutized the Law. Paul's fundamental point is that faith comes before the Law.

Lastly, I'm going to talk about the centerpiece of Paul's gospel—his threefold gospel. In other words, Paul's fundamental claim in his gospel is made in Romans 3:22. I would call this the threefold gospel. I find a threefold theology of Paul in this verse, with three parts: first, God's part—the righteousness of God, which means God is righteous. That is the fundamental claim and praise from the Old Testament. The second part is Christ's part—through the faith of Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ manifested the righteousness of God. Jesus showed the world who God was and how righteous God was. This is Christ's exemplified part, not merely your faith in Jesus, but Christ's own faith. The last part is for all who believe. The righteousness of God coming through Jesus Christ's faithfulness is effective for all who believe, for all who participate in this three-part relationship. This is the centerpiece of Paul's gospel, teaching, and theology. There are three parts; they have a threefold relationship.

Signature Scholarship

 

The foundation of my scholarship rests on at least ten distinct arguments, some of which are unique. I have articulated these ideas in books and articles, presented them publicly, and integrated them into my teaching. PDF

Three Layers of Biblical Interpretation

A Transformative Reading of the Bible

Jesus’s Initial Preaching (Mark 1:14-15) Focused on Today

Mindfulness and Luke’s Gospel

The Lord’s Prayer and the Mind

A New Study of the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel

Justice and the Parables of Jesus

Threefold Theology/Gospel of Paul

A New Interpretation of the Soma Christou as Christic Body

A New Interpretation of Hilasterion (kaporeth) as Reconciliation

Pebbles

Pebbles linked — each unique, together as one.

Christian Mental Exercise

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

Seeing the Small

-Yung Suk Kim

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

Teaching Philosophy

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

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

Change and life

 

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

Brainstorming

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

Intelligence

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

Points to Consider:

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

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

Joy of Living (Joie de vivre)

Eccl 1:14

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

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

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

See my old post about this topic.

Joy of Teaching

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

A new book project: Critical Mind in Interpretation and Preaching

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

The core questions are as follows:

1. What is understanding?

2. What involves the critical mind?

3. How does it relate to interpretation?

4. How does it relate to preaching?

Resurrecting Jesus

Resurrecting Jesus: The Renewal of New Testament Theology offers a significant contribution to the field, as recognized by scholars. Its insights are relevant to a wider audience and invite you to discover what makes this book the hallmark of my Jesus scholarship. 

Public Speaking Ideas (lectures, seminars, speeches) for next few years

Time flies. I have ideas to engage the public. I welcome opportunities to speak on these topics. Please let me know if you’re interested. 

1. Justice and the Parables of Jesus

This is the title of my forthcoming book. I want to engage the public—churches, schools, and other groups—in this timely topic. Justice is complex, and I propose retelling Jesus’ parables with an intentional focus on justice.

Sample Syllabus (seminary and Bible Study)
Excerpts
The backbone of this book

2. The Lord’s Prayer and the Mind

A tentative title for another book I’m developing. I’ve made significant progress. This project offers a fresh analysis of the Lord’s Prayer grounded in an integrated view of the whole person.

3. Mindfulness and Luke’s Gospel

Also part of my ongoing book project. I aim to highlight the power of Luke’s Gospel through the lens of mindfulness. All we have is now. Joie de vivre.

 

Ancient Echoes: Contemporary Reflections on the Dao De Jing

This book offers critical reflections on the Dao De Jing. A renowned biblical scholar approaches this ancient work from contemporary life perspectives, bringing it into dialogue with biblical wisdom. It is an attempt to read a classic text through the lens of modern concerns and cross-cultural, comparative-literary study.

The Dao De Jing is a book of wisdom that presents the path of life and is quite paradoxical, with a strong sense of criticism of power and authority. The linguistic symbols and rhetoric are challenging to the point of creating the illusion of seeing the world upside down, and they play a role in dismantling existing frameworks. In this sense of deconstruction, I am reminded of the modern deconstructionist philosopher Jacques Derrida. In a similar context to Laozi, Derrida sharply criticized literature produced in the socio-economic culture of political power and capitalism, absolute power and uniformity, imperialistic contradictions and various discriminations, and inequality in modern society, dreaming of a more just society. The world that Laozi dreams of is just like that. That is, in a contradictory human society, how should everyone, society, and nation live according to "natural order"? What is that path? The answer presented by Laozi is the path of nature. Then what is the path of nature? It is to become like water and dust. Desire, but do not desire according to your own will. All thoughts, attitudes, and actions that live according to these principles of life are the De, which means "virtue," mentioned in the Dao De Jing. Dao and Virtue are inseparable. It is like saying that a tree is known for its fruit. It is like the principle that a good seed falls to the ground, dies, and bears good fruit. Living according to the path of nature, living like water and dust, is knowing oneself, and such a person is a wise person. Such a person is also one who overcomes himself, and one who maintains gentleness like water.

Justice and the Parables of Jesus

The cover design for my new book has emerged. I discuss theories of justice and the implications of Jesus’s parables for matters of justice, connecting them to contemporary issues—from affirmative action and climate justice to events in the United States and Korea. This book offers a broad, in-depth exploration of justice in Jesus’s time and our world. Excerpts are available online.

I made a sample syllabus for introductory classes on the parables of Jesus. It can work with seminary and advanced Bible Study classes.

Pre-order

Prayer

Yung Suk Kim

"Prayer isn't about forcing my wishes to come true. Fervent prayer without reflection becomes a blind illusion. Prayer is a time of retreat to speak with the Divine, to find hope and confidence for living. It should be thoughtful, heartfelt, and intentional."

Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Chicago

I am honored to have been invited to speak at the 30th anniversary celebration of the Evergreen Presbyterian Church, where I served during my seminary education in Chicago. My presentation title is How to Pray: Based on the Lord’s Prayer. Thanks to Rev. Yunchun Han.

Critical Thinking

"Critical thinking means placing oneself within, outside, and beyond a situation. It does not remain fixed in a single mental mode but encompasses perception, emotion, and experience." --Dr. Yung Suk Kim

Critical thinking involves positioning oneself within, outside, and beyond a situation, continually shifting perspectives to see the full complexity of an issue. It does not remain fixed in a single mental mode but dynamically integrates perception, emotion, and experience, allowing for nuanced understanding and adaptive reasoning. By engaging sensory information, acknowledging emotional responses, and drawing on past encounters, critical thinkers evaluate assumptions, recognize biases, and generate more informed, creative solutions. This fluid interplay of viewpoints fosters intellectual flexibility and deeper insight, enabling individuals to respond thoughtfully to novel and challenging circumstances.

The Gospel of Matthew in the Work of Liberation: Strategies of Resistance and Models of Care

Within the above issue, Currents in Theology and Mission Vol. 52 No. 4 (2025), I have two essays:

1) Yung Suk Kim, "The Light Yoke: A Paradox of Yoke, Rest, and Self-Love (Matthew 11:28-30)"

"This essay explores the concept of true rest, which goes beyond mere leisure or self-care. It is not simply found in moments of prayer or belief in Jesus; rather, true rest emerges from our intentional engagement with divine grace, self-reflection, and meditation on our inner lives. It is essential to recognize the role of self-agency in this process. We each carry our burdens, and while we may seek divine assistance, it is ultimately up to us to actively participate in our healing and growth. Embracing a “good yoke” means accepting a framework that imbues our lives with value, dignity, and meaning. When we do so, we discover this yoke becomes a source of kindness, utility, and comfort—transforming our struggles into manageable challenges. When we align ourselves with this supportive yoke, our burdens feel lighter, and we open ourselves to deeper mental well-being and inner peace." (LINK)

2) Yung Suk Kim, "'Getting in Front of the Text' for Liberation and Social Transformation"

"Biblical texts do not mean, but we mean with them. Given the nature of contextual interpretation, we need to know who we are as readers, what we read in the text, and how we read it. How do we understand God in the Bible? Whose God do we read? Essentially, the reader must decide. We, the readers, must engage with various texts responsibly and take a stand. Liberation movement or social transformation must address all kinds of marginalization, locally and globally, economically and socially, religiously and politically, personally and communally, psychologically and spiritually. Readers of texts must recognize multilayered, intersectionality-woven marginality, stand in front of the text, and witness the power of the gospel for all people." (LINK)

"Getting in Front of the Text for Liberation and Social Transformation"

"Biblical texts do not mean, but we mean with them. Given the nature of contextual interpretation, we need to know who we are as readers, what we read in the text, and how we read it. How do we understand God in the Bible? Whose God do we read? Essentially, the reader must decide. We, the readers, must engage with various texts responsibly and take a stand. Liberation movement or social transformation must address all kinds of marginalization, locally and globally, economically and socially, religiously and politically, personally and communally, psychologically and spiritually. Readers of texts must recognize multilayered, intersectionality-woven marginality, stand in front of the text, and witness the power of the gospel for all people" (the link).

Excerpts of a new book: Justice and the Parables of Jesus (Yung Suk Kim)

This book examines the parables of Jesus through the framework of political philosophy, focusing on the ethical question of justice: "What is the right thing to do?" It contextualizes the narratives within the socio-political landscape of first-century Palestine, highlighting how they articulate a radical vision of divine sovereignty that confronts the dominant values and juridical structures of the Roman Empire. The text offers a nuanced analysis of the multifaceted themes of justice embedded in these parables, aiming to elucidate their moral and theological complexity. Organized thematically, each chapter engages with specific parables, accompanied by analytical discussion questions designed to foster critical engagement and scholarly dialogue. Ultimately, the volume aspires to contribute to contemporary discourses on justice by providing a comprehensive interpretive framework rooted in biblical parables, serving academic audiences and informed readers interested in the ethical and political implications of Jesus’s teachings.

Nature is always right

Nature is always right because it embodies a quiet, unassuming wisdom: it does not complain or demand, yet it persistently adapts and endures. Trees bend with storms and shed leaves without regret, rivers carve new paths when obstacles arise, and seasons shift with punctual humility, teaching resilience through constant, patient renewal. Its cycles forgive disruption—fire clears to fertilize, decay feeds new growth—showing that change is not failure but a necessary part of thriving. In this steady acceptance and readiness to transform, nature models how strength can be gentle, how persistence can be peaceful, and how the truest solutions often come from embracing change rather than resisting it.

 

40-Day Mindful Journey

I practiced mindfulness intentionally, reflecting on a single conceptual word daily for 40 days. I recommend others try the same in their own way.

“Ethnicity and Race: Union with the Body of Christ”

I was reading the first-page proofs of my chapter, “Ethnicity and Race: Union with the Body of Christ,” in the new volume New Testament Ethics: Revisiting the Moral Vision of the New Testament (Eerdmans, 2026). The chapter sets out my interpretation of Paul’s theology and ethics regarding race and ethnicity, and I’m pleased with how it turned out.

Citation: Yung Suk Kim, "Ethnicity and Race: Union with the Body of Christ," in New Testament Ethics: Revising the Moral Vision of the New Testament, edited by Cherryl Hunt, Nicholas J. Moore, and Timothy J. Murray, 241-255 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2026).

 

Vol. 52 No. 4 (2025): The Gospel of Matthew in the Work of Liberation

In the current issue of Currents in Theology and Mission, which just came out warm, there are two articles of mine: 

1) "The Light Yoke: A Paradox of Yoke, Rest, and Self-Love (Matthew 11:28-30)"; 

2) “'Getting in Front of the Text'” for Liberation and Social Transformation."

Vol. 52 No. 4 (2025): The Gospel of Matthew in the Work of Liberation (link)

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

Water as a Metaphor

Yung Suk Kim, PhD

I AM INTERESTED IN CROSSCULTURAL WISDOM IF ANY.

1. Confucius (Analects): Water as a metaphor for dynamism 

-知者樂水 (zhī zhě lè shuǐ): "The wise enjoy water."

-知者動 (zhī zhě dòng): "The wise moves."

2. Laozi (Dao De Jing): Water as a metaphor for something smooth, weak, or flexible 

-上善若水 (shǎng shàn ruò shuǐ): "The best thing is to be like water."

-守柔曰強 (shǒu róu yuē qiáng): "Keeping softness is strength."

3. Jesus (John's Gospel): Water as the source of life

-"I am the living water" (John 4:14)

information about my life and work

ChatGPT helps find some basic information about a person in the public domain. I asked about myself to see how accurate it is. It’s impressive overall. I paste the results here.

Here’s a summary of the life, work, and significance of Yung Suk Kim, a Korean-American biblical scholar, along with some of the main themes he engages with. PDF version.

⸻
Life & Background
• Yung Suk Kim was born in Daegu, South Korea. 
• Education:
• B.A. from Kyungpook National University (1985) in South Korea. 
• M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary (1999) in the U.S. 
• Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Vanderbilt University (2006) 
• His current position: Professor of New Testament & Early Christianity at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University (VUU). 
• Beyond academia: He has traveled in Latin America during an earlier business career, which shaped his awareness of cultural diversity and solidarity. 
• Recognition: He has received awards from VUU (e.g. Scott & Stringfellow Outstanding Professor) and a presidential citation. 
⸻
Major Works & Contributions
Yung Suk Kim has published extensively. His work tends to bring together traditional biblical scholarship with concerns for transformation, justice, pluralism, and context. Here are some of his key works and what they aim to do.
• Christ’s Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor (2008) — explores how Paul’s metaphor of Christ’s body in Corinth is not just theological metaphor, but has political, social implications. 
• A Theological Introduction to Paul’s Letters: Exploring a Threefold Theology of Paul (2011) — looks at Paul from multiple theological angles, integrating different thematic dimensions. 
• Biblical Interpretation: Theory, Process and Criteria (2013) — reflects on how we read biblical texts, what methods, assumptions, and criteria should guide interpretation. 
• A Transformative Reading of the Bible: Explorations of Holistic Human Transformation (2013) — emphasizes how biblical texts can be read in ways that lead to transformation, both personal and societal. 
• Truth, Testimony, and Transformation: A New Reading of the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel (2014) — focuses on important sayings of Jesus in John and their meaning for witness, identity, transformation. 
• Toward Decentering the New Testament (2018, co-authored with Mitzi J. Smith) — a project to shift some of the dominant axes of New Testament scholarship to include marginalized voices, different interpretative lenses, decentering certain assumptions. 
• How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to his Theology, Writings, and World (2021) — more accessible, aimed at students, to open up Paul’s letters and theology in their historical, literary, ethical dimensions. 
• Monotheism, Biblical Traditions, and Race Relations (2022) — engages with how biblical monotheism and its traditions intersect with issues of race relations. 
• Most recently (2024) he published How to Read the Gospels, which introduces readers to the Gospels not only historically or literarily, but with attention to how different interpretive methods (e.g. feminist, ecological, disability, etc.) can illuminate them. 
He also edited volumes, for instance 1-2 Corinthians: Texts & Contexts (2013) and Reading Minjung Theology in the Twenty-First Century (2013) among others. 
⸻
Key Themes & Methodological Interests
From his published work and public statements, several recurring themes stand out:
1. Contextuality & Cultural Diversity
Kim believes that reading biblical texts must take into account cultural, historical, social contexts. The reader’s own identity (race, culture, social location) matters. 
2. Transformation
Not just understanding for its own sake, but how texts can help transform individuals and communities—ethical, social, personal transformation. 
3. Pluralism & Decentering
He works to challenge dominant interpretive frameworks, to include marginalized perspectives (race, geography, cultural difference), and to decenter assumptions in New Testament scholarship. 
4. Ethics & the Other
He is interested in what it means to live with others, to attend to difference, and how theology and biblical interpretation might foster solidarity and ethical responsibility. He draws on thinkers like Emmanuel Levinas, Paul Ricoeur, etc. 
5. Reading methods & hermeneutics
He emphasizes not simply what the texts are, but how we read them: theories, criteria, literary, historical, rhetorical, political approaches. 
6. Engagement with social issues
Ideas of race relations, power, empire, ethnicity are all part of how he approaches biblical texts—not as remote ancient documents, but as works that still have purchase for issues today. 
⸻
Significance & Impact
• Kim has contributed to making New Testament studies more accessible and socially relevant. His books like How to Read Paul and How to Read the Gospels aim to reach students and non‐specialists. 
• He adds strong voices to the movement to diversify theological scholarship—bringing in voices and methods that critique power, privilege, racial dynamics in how the Bible has been used and interpreted.
• At VUU, he is not only a scholar but a mentor and teacher; the recognition he’s received there shows his impact in academic community and in students’ lives. 

Justice and the Parables of Jesus / Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy

New book: a thematic, contextual study of Jesus’s parables through the lens of political philosophy. Combining historical analysis, theological insight, and discussion questions, it offers a rigorous framework for contemporary conversations about justice—ideal for scholars, clergy, and informed readers. [book link]

Excerpts from my new book forthcoming: Justice and the Parables of Jesus / Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy (T&T Clark, 2026)

The backbone of this new book

From a political-philosophical perspective, Jesus’s parables function less as abstract doctrinal statements and more as performative critiques and prescriptions for social ordering: they diagnose concrete injustices, invert prevailing hierarchies, and model practices—mercy, redistribution, hospitality, and accountability—that reconfigure communal relations. Drawing on juridical, economic, and familial imagery, the parables expose how power, status, and property norms produce exclusion and inequity, while articulating an alternative ethic that privileges the vulnerable and reframes obligations among neighbors, rulers, and institutions. Though not programmatic blueprints for legislation, they operate as normative interventions that reshape moral imagination and civic dispositions, enacting a "politics of justice" grounded in everyday practices and relational responsibilities.

Jesus’s parables as a radical politics of justice: stories that expose injustice, redistribute mercy, and reshape everyday relationships and responsibilities.

Driving range practice (Richmond, Virginia)

September 8, 2025 

Shorts Clip

How to treat text

"Treasures and Thorns" in Paul's Theology

In my work, pause and activity are balanced. I honor the work’s rhythm and recognize when I need rest. Rest is an opportunity for new thought; a pause doesn’t mean stopping. After spending a lot of time on a project, I take intentional breaks and return days later with renewed energy and fresh insights. After a busy summer of intensive work on my two book projects, I stepped away to pause and then moved on to another project I had worked on previously. It is about 2 Corinthians.

Festschrift

It is with distinct honor that I contribute this essay to a Festschrift celebrating the enduring legacy and scholarly contributions of Larry Welborn, a cherished friend and esteemed colleague at Fordham University.

I came up with the title for the Festschrift for Larry Welborn at Fordham University: "The Bond of Union: Kollao in 1 Cor 6:17 and the Interpretation of the Soma Christou in 1 Cor 12:27." I am writing it now.

20th year of teaching

Twenty years of unwavering dedication have driven the growth of my teaching and research. As I celebrate my twentieth year of teaching, I realized I've also written nearly twenty books and edited four volumes. Despite the challenges, life is good.

Many Facets of Justice

I received my copyedited manuscript today and submitted the revised file to the publisher. The next step is the first proofs. This book explores justice and the parables of Jesus.

Justice is multifaceted, not a single, fixed concept. It's a broad notion with diverse aspects. Distributive justice, for example, is critical during economic crises, while procedural justice becomes paramount when transparency is absent. In essence, different situations demand different forms of justice. My forthcoming book, Justice and the Parables of Jesus: Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy (T&T Clark, 2026), delves into ten distinct forms of justice, revealing their presence within Jesus's parables. It promises to be an insightful and engaging exploration.

Devotionals

Writing critical devotionals is deceptively challenging: although it may seem straightforward, it requires critical and contextual insight and a refined sense of language and artistry. I’ve agreed to contribute six short devotionals on Matthew to Rooted Journal, a subscription-based devotional published by the Bible Society in the UK, alongside other contributors. The task is both demanding and exciting. I plan to craft soul-touching pieces for their target readers—young adults aged 20–40.  

Two revolutionary books?

 

My work on two book projects is going well, and I am excited. I have an entire draft of a manuscript on Luke’s Gospel with a psychological reading. The title: Mindfulness and the Immediacy of God's Kingdom: A Psychological Exploration of the Gospel of Luke. 

The other book I have been working on for a few years is coming together. It is about the Lord's Prayer. I have written several chapters with a carefully crafted book proposal. I believe these two books will be revolutionary somehow. The title is The Lord's Prayer and the Mind: A Cognitive and Theological Reinterpretation.

도덕경 명상집 (3종1세트) 무료공개

여기 성서학자가 번역하고 명상하는 도덕경 명상집이 있다.

3종1세트랄까? 도덕경 원문, 한글 번역, 그리고 짧은 명상이 한권에 담겨있다.

무료공개이다. 누구나 즐겁게 시간날 때마다 조금씩 읽어가며 자기의 명상을 추가할 수 있겠다.

공부는 스스로 해야 하고, 생각도 스스로 해야 하고, 글도 자기의 글을 써야 한다.

Ancient Echoes: Contemporary Reflections on the Dao De Jing

Ancient Echoes: Contemporary Reflections on the Dao De Jing

Book Review of How to Read the Gospels

I am glad to find this book review of "How to Read the Gospels."

Never judge a book by its cover.” This was certainly true for me with Yung Suk Kim’s groundbreaking book, How to Read the Gospels: An Introduction. While waiting for the review copy to arrive, my expectations were low because I had read many introductions over the past two decades and had come to assume, ‘It will be another introduction to the Gospels.’ However, I was proven wrong. Upon opening the book and skimming through its contents, I found myself repeatedly thinking, ‘I’ve never seen anything like this.’

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3 big readings PDF

2 min video

Milestone work on Luke?

In my writing career, I have attempted to write something new or distinctive or offer a fresh perspective on traditional topics. This time, I am working on the Gospel of Luke, exploring it from an integrated psychological perspective. I remain open to the journey ahead, listening to the voices within and outside of me as I move with this project.

Short Memoir: All I Have Is Now

I was born in a peaceful village called Kyungsan, South Korea. My only toys were found in nature—rice fields, small hills and mountains, and wild landscapes in various forms. I loved nature deeply and was raised amid its abundant beauty. I enjoyed singing and talking. The villagers knew me as a good boy and a caring son. Continue to read . . . 

The brain and a galaxy

Scientists specializing in cosmology and neuroscience state that the human brain has more than 100 billion nerve cells, and a galaxy like our own Milky Way contains a similar number of stars, around 100 billion. Simply put, this is a huge number. In many ways, one brain is like a galaxy in terms of its infinitude and capability. Beyond that, what does this tell us about reality? It remains a mystery that humans are "thinking meat, conscious meat, dreaming meat, and living meat," as noted by someone quoted on page 23 of "The Mind and the Brain" by Jeffrey Schwartz.