A new book project: The Critical Mind in Interpretation and Preaching

I am developing and brainstorming about a new book titled 

The 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.’

more information

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.

Decision and true self

   

Justice and the Parables of Jesus

I am excited to have received the best possible answer from my editor, who reviewed my final manuscript:

Greetings. I've just read your manuscript. Thank you! I love the structure, it hangs together well, it'll be accessible for seminarians, and it's inspiring—I think it'll encourage readers to learn more about justice and the parables. I'm very, very pleased with it. And good work on the discussion questions.
...
I'd like to discuss the title. Would you be open to that? I wonder if you'd consider this: "Justice and the Parables of Jesus: Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy." ... Once again, thank you for your work on this excellent manuscript. T&T Clark will be proud to publish it.

CONTENTS (PDF)

This book explores Jesus’s parables from the perspective of political philosophy, focusing on a crucial question about justice: "What is the right thing to do?" The parables illustrate the life issues and complexities of justice in first-century Palestine, presenting a radical vision of God's reign that challenges the prevailing values and justice system of the Roman Empire. The book delves into the multifaceted themes of justice found in these parables, aiming to reveal nuanced interpretations and the moral intricacies woven into the narratives. Readers can engage with various parables through the lens of justice, with chapters organized according to specific interests. Each chapter includes thought-provoking discussion questions designed to encourage critical dialogue and reflection. Ultimately, this volume seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and advocating for justice in the modern world, providing an indispensable resource for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the teachings conveyed through parables.

Book Description (formal)
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.

Popular Style Version (for marketing or back cover):
Discover what the parables of Jesus can teach us about justice and what it truly means to do the right thing. This book looks at Jesus’s stories through the lens of political philosophy, showing how they challenge the unfair systems of the Roman Empire and offer a bold vision of God's reign. Each chapter explores different parables and their lessons on justice, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Filled with thought-provoking questions, it encourages readers to reflect on how these ancient stories speak to issues of fairness and morality today. Whether you are a curious reader or a scholar, this book provides fresh insights into the power of Jesus’s teachings about justice and how we can apply them in the modern world.

Nature's Embrace

 

   

Memorable quotes from the book MIND

Daniel J. Siegel, MIND: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human (Norton, 2017).

"By mind, I mean all that relates to our subjective felt experience of being alive, from feelings to thoughts, from intellectual ideas to inner sensory immersions before and beneath words, to our felt connections to other people and our planet. And mind also refers to our consciousness, the experience we have of being aware of this felt sense of life, the experience of knowing within awareness." (1)

"Mind is the essence of our fundamental nature, our deepest sense of being alive, here, right now, in this moment." (1)

"Yet beyond consciousness and its knowing within awareness of our subjective felt sense of being alive, mind may also involve a larger process, one that connects us to each other and our world. This important process is a facet of mind that may be hard to measure, but is nevertheless a crucial aspect of our lives we'll explore in great depth in the journey ahead." (1)

"Though we may not be able to quantify in numerical terms these facets of our mind at the heart of the experience of being here in this life, this intrinsically felt subjective phenomenon of living, and the ways we can feel our connections to one another and the world, are subjective phenomena that are real. These non-measurable facets of the reality of life have many names. Some call this our essence. Some call this our core, soul, spirit, or true nature. I simply call this mind." (1-2).

SUMMARY

-The definition of mind has to do with energy and information flow, which is embodied and relational.
-The major symptoms: rigidity and chaos.
-The main solution would be integration, which is "more like a fruit salad than a smoothie" (87).
-Use bottom-up (conduit) and top-down (constructor) together in a sense of balance.
"We stop seeing clearly because we know so much." (p. 130).
"All we have is now" (p. 251).
-The concept of self-organization.
-Four facets of the mind: information processing, subjective experience, consciousness, and self-organization.
-Neuroplasticity may be improved through mindfulness, awareness, attention, and presence. The importance of awe/openness to possibilities (287).
-9 aspects of integration (p. 90--)
-8 senses

Daniel J. Siegel, MIND: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, p. 82

Daniel J. Siegel, MIND: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, p. 87

Daniel J. Siegel, MIND: A Journey to the Heart of Being Human, p. 130

Because we know so much

We need both knowledge and experience. Neither remains constant all the time. The key is to strike a balance and integrate them effectively. Sometimes, our prior knowledge or experience prevents us from facing the bare facts or reality. We must let our minds be free, allowing our senses to do their work.

Ancient philosophers, such as Laozi and Confucius, warn against human arrogance. Confucius says: "If you know it, you know it. If you don't know it, you don't know it; that is knowledge." (Analects 2:17: 知之爲知之, 不知爲不知, 是知也).

He also notes that a wise person is flexible, just like water (Analects 6:23: 知者樂水, 知者動).

Laozi remarks that the wise person acknowledges their own ignorance and observes small things, such as dust. (Daodejing 71: 知不知上, 不知知病; also Daodejing 52: 見小曰明).

One of the early beliefs in Buddhism is anicca, 諸行無常, which means that all things are impermanent. Socrates is known for his humility, which allowed him to see clearly because he did not possess hubris.

"Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity." (Eccl. 1:2; cf Gen 3:9).
*Note: The Hebrew word "hebel" (הֶבֶל) means "breath or vapor." Vanity is not the only translation of this word. The idea of "hebel" suggests that everything is transient.

SEE my other posts related to this topic:

-Cross-cultural wisdom  

-Embracing Uncertainty

["We stop seeing clearly because we know so much." Daniel Siegel, MIND, 130]

Here I am, Lord!

I worked for a company called LG in the 1990s. I lived in Panama with my family. I traveled frequently throughout Latin America. I liked the food, people, and culture of Latin America. I also enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean. My daughters were young from the age of 3 to 5. I lived there for three years and moved to Miami, Florida, USA. Then, I worked there for almost two years and quit my job to pursue theological education. So our family went to Chicago, and I studied at McCormick Theological Seminary. Then, I went to Vanderbilt University for a PhD program in New Testament studies.

After completing my PhD program at Vanderbilt, I got a new job as an Assistant Professor of New Testament at Virginia Union University. Since then, I have been teaching for almost 20 years. I was promoted to Full Professor in 2021. I am still here, Lord. Thanks.

God is love. If you ask where God is, I can say he is not in heaven alone but here and everywhere. Indeed, God is the source of our life. Wherever you go, whatever you do, God is always with you. We must be mindful of God's presence in our lives. We must feel it at every moment. God is not an idea but the power that enables us to live abundantly.

—Spanish Version—
Trabajé para una empresa llamada LG en los años 1990. Viví en Panamá con mi familia. Viajé mucho a América Latina. Me gustaba la comida, la gente y la cultura de América Latina. También disfruté viajar al Caribe. Mis hijas eran pequeñas desde los 3 a los 5 años. Viví allí durante tres años y me mudé a Miami Florida, Estados Unidos. Luego trabajé allí durante casi dos años y dejé mi trabajo para seguir una educación teológica. Entonces nuestra familia se fue a Chicago y yo estudié en el Seminario Teológico McCormick. Luego, fui a la Universidad de Vanderbilt para realizar un programa de doctorado en estudios del Nuevo Testamento.

Tras completar mi doctorado en Vanderbilt, conseguí un nuevo trabajo como profesor adjunto de Nuevo Testamento en la Universidad Virginia Union. Desde entonces, he impartido clases durante casi 20 años. Me ascendieron a profesor titular en 2021. Sigo aquí, Señor. Gracias.

Dios es amor. Si preguntas dónde está Dios, puedo decir que no está sólo en el cielo sino aquí y en todas partes. De hecho, Dios es la fuente de nuestra vida. Donde quiera que vayas, hagas lo que hagas, Dios siempre está contigo. Debemos ser conscientes de la presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas. Debemos sentirlo en cada momento. Dios no es una idea sino el poder que nos permite vivir en abundancia.

Sacred Tension

 Book Review

Sacred Tension: Embracing Dissonance and Dialogue in the Old Testament by William P. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This well-written book offers fundamental yet crucial insights and interpretations of the Old Testament. It covers critical topics such as the creation story, the nature of God, and theodicy. Brown argues that Scripture should be read dialogically, respecting its diversity and dissonance. The Bible is not a single book! It contains a collection of diverse authors, crafted over a thousand years. The implication is that the reader determines the ultimate significance of the text. This book is a valuable resource for serious readers of the Bible.

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"Biblical truths are often more timely than timeless, shaped by the context in which they are read and understood" (231).

All things express a kind of contextual truth, which does not dominate all other viewpoints. For example, in early narratives of the Old Testament, for instance, in the Decalogue (Exod 20:5-6; c.f. 34:6-7), there are ideas about transgenerational punishment. But later prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel rebut such views. Jeremiah dared to speak: "But all shall die for their own sins" (Jer 31:30). Likewise, Ezekiel clearly states the following (Ezek 18:2-4): 

2 What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge”? 3 As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4 Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the person who sins who shall die.

In earlier times, the emphasis was on collective identity and responsibility. But in later times, the most felt need was to rebuild the community through a new covenant. For this purpose, individual empowerment and agency became significant. 

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summer reading

My ordered books have arrived, and I am excited! I am thirsty for understanding, especially the mind‘s work. These books promise to fulfill my expectations. Everything is progressing as planned, and this summer will be filled with the thrill of reading these titles. I write notes in the margins, underlining key words, and leaving reflections as I go along. For me, reading is a way to engage with myself.

To be prolific

To be prolific, three elements are needed: fresh ideas, quality time, and sufficient health. I am still good and blessed with all of these. 
Visit this page for the list of my future book projects.

See the world wider, think critically, and act boldly

To truly make a difference, one must step back and see the world from a broader perspective. This expanded vision allows us to identify opportunities and challenges that might go unnoticed otherwise. Coupled with critical thinking, it enables us to analyze situations thoughtfully and make informed decisions instead of impulsive choices. Finally, acting boldly—guided by insight and confidence—turns those insights into impactful actions. Together, these elements create a powerful approach for leadership, innovation, and personal growth, allowing us to navigate complex issues with clarity and purpose.

Immanuel Kant

 

Abstract ideas require concrete references to avoid becoming hollow. Likewise, valuable intuitions need a solid theoretical foundation to avoid being misled. Immanuel Kant, often viewed as the father of modernity, critiques the overestimation of human reason by acknowledging its limitations. While we can comprehend certain realities, known as phenomena, there are aspects of existence, referred to as noumena or "things-in-themselves," that are beyond our understanding. These include concepts like divine matters and heaven, which remain perpetually inaccessible. 

Ultimately, we need to strike a balance between logical reasoning and practical experience to make sound decisions.

In fact, Kant-like thinkers existed long before him. Confucius and Laozi from China, in the 5th to 6th centuries BCE, expressed similar ideas about knowledge and its limitations.