2024 Ellison-Jones Convocation

I remember speaking at the faculty panel during the annual 2024 Ellison-Jones Convocation. I felt energized as I discussed the implications of biblical studies for politics. We must approach our studies with honesty and transparency, and there are no sacred topics that we should avoid or shy away from.

My talk is entitled “The Danger of a Singular Order: Joshua’s Conquest Narrative of Canaan, Jesus’s Dealing with a Canaanite Woman, and Christian Nationalists’ Reading of the Bible.” A briefer title for publication is "The Danger of a Singular Order: Engaging with Some Controversial Texts."

One thing significantly lacking in libertarian hermeneutics and homiletics is self-criticism.
Yes, we need self-knowledge that we are precious and weak (frail).
Yes, we need social change. We can be critical of others and other things.
But we need more than anything; that is self-criticism, which is not the same as criticizing the self.
Self-criticism is a recognition that we all need continual awakening. We all need deconstruction.

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

• The danger of a singular order
• Oppressors and the oppressed are everywhere: external and internal
• True liberation from everything and everywhere
• God’s effectiveness to those who change

Knowledge and Humility: A Peek into Thoughts of Jesus and Classical Philosophers

Photo courtesy of Jonghoon Jeong

Jesus exemplifies humility by acknowledging that he does not know everything. On three occasions, he demonstrates this humility and recognition of his limitations. For instance, Jesus states that he does not know about the time of the end of the world (Mark 13:32); only God knows. Additionally, when a man addresses him as "Good Teacher," Jesus replies, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except for God alone" (Mark 10:18). He also shares a parable called The Seed Growing Secretly, emphasizing that the work of God is beyond human control (Mark 4:26-29). This suggests that there are things that only God can manage, while there are other things within human capability. Overall, the Gospel of Mark showcases the essential qualities of Jesus's humanity.

Classical philosophers also recognize human limitations. Socrates believes that knowledge is inherently limited. Confucius states, "If you know something, you know it. But if you don't know something, you don't know it" (Analects 2:13). Laozi further adds, "Knowing not to know is the best. Pretending to know when you do not is the worst disease" (Dao De Jing 71). He even warns against biases with the phrase, "Taste without taste." This emphasizes the importance of an open mind approach.

The mindset of acknowledging "I don't know" is fundamental to our identity and crucial for living a healthy life. Knowledge is not static; it evolves continuously over time. Einstein notes: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the entire world" (quoted in p. 96 of Maggie Jackson's book, *Uncertain*).

Assignments for Working Preacher

Photo courtesy of Working Preacher

Again, I received an invitation to write for Working Preacher for April and May 2026 commentaries (4 pieces) on four texts in John's Gospel. Previously, I wrote on Paul's letters, Matthew, Acts, and 1 Peter (12 commentaries for this site). I was told that in the past 12 months, Working Preacher garnered more than six million visits from 200 countries. I love this kind of assignment because it is short yet deeply engaging. 

-4/2/2026: Maunday Thursday (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)
-4/3/2026: Good Friday (John 18:1-19:42)
-4/12/2026: Second Sunday of Easter (John 20:19-31)
-5/10/2026: Sixth Sunday of Easter (John 14:15-21)

Textual Criticism Matters: In the Case of John 3:18

 If you ever wonder about Christology in John's Gospel, you must first tackle John 1:18. 

Feeling Alive

I feel truly alive when I speak, teach, or preach. In these moments, I am confident and focused on the ideas I want to share, and I never hesitate to embrace these opportunities. Afterward, I take time to reflect on my experiences and continuously work on self-improvement. I study diligently and ask questions. I think deeply and reconsider my thoughts. My priority is to be sensible toward myself first. I believe that my journey of learning and engagement will continue to unfold in this way.

Lecturing in Seoul, 2024

Human Transformation

Photo credit to NASA

At the heart of human transformation lies the concept of "metanoia," which means a change of mind. In the Gospel of Mark, this change represents a radical shift toward ways of thinking and behaving based on God. Mark 1:14 states: "The time is fulfilled, and the reign of God has come near; change your mind and believe in the good news [of God]." This indicates that God's appointed time (kairos) cannot be fully realized in the present in people's lives without metanoia. The same applies to the reign of God. The task is to explore and discern what metanoia entails: what needs to change? What aspects of God's ways must be pursued? I addressed this issue in two of my books.

 

Resurrecting Jesus: 

The Renewal of New Testament Theology

A Transformative Reading of the Bible:

Explorations of Holistic Human Transformation

Bible Study at a local church: Justice and the Parables

I facilitated an engaging adult Bible Study session tonight at a local UMC church in my neighborhood. The pastor informed me that she sought out biblical scholars in Richmond and I was selected along with two others. To my surprise, I also discovered that Rhiannon Graybill is featured on the flyer and will lead next week's session.

Last night, after a Bible study session at a local church, a young woman in her early twenties approached me to discuss the study of Greek. She mentioned her interest in pursuing seminary studies, having majored in religion during her college years. Additionally, she showed a strong interest in the New Testament. I shared with her the "languages" page from my blog and provided other resources. Her enthusiasm was evident, and I truly believe she will make valuable contributions to the understanding of the Bible and its impact on society. 

"Racial Identity Hermeneutics"

I received a copy of this book, which contains my chapter, "Racial Identity Hermeneutics." In it, I explored the notions and strategies for reading scripture through the complexities of race, politics, and culture.

 

Implications of Adversity

At the Jongmyo in Seoul, Korea (2024)

Uncertainty arises from various precarious life situations. No one is exempt because life is inherently unpredictable. Everyone experiences different levels of uncertainty or anxiety, and some individuals have a long history of adversity. The key question is how each person responds to these challenges. According to the study, if managed properly, these moments of uncertainty can serve as opportunities for awakening and steady progress. "Children with autonomy-supportive caregivers tend to be more successful, motivated learners who experience high well-being" (Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure, 187). However, we cannot overlook the negative impact it can have on our souls, particularly for minors or vulnerable individuals. When this happens, a significant healing process is necessary, which may not be achieved in a single effort.

Parables of Jesus

I love Jesus's parables because they provide alarming insights into how to live justly, individually, and communally. There are 27 parable videos on my channel. 

New Year Hope

Uncertainty as a Gift

–Yung Suk Kim

I perceive an amazing azure sky

with glistening dazzling trees coated in snow.

I find hope amid uncertainty.

Embrace uncertainty as a cognitive tool for rethinking

and as a time and space for awakening and progress.

Don't stick to what you already know.

In effect, you think you know something.

But the reality is bigger than you.

Wonder about the mystery and miracle of life.

*Meaning of Education and Uncertainty

new year poem "uncertainty"

Uncertainty

–Yung Suk Kim

Human life is filled with uncertainty.
We all are born with crying — the first acknowledgment that we are nothing.
We cry for help.
By crying our soul starts off on our tortuous journey.

We smile, seeing the scary world not so much as a threat but a malleable one.
But soon our comfort zone evaporates since things are not going how we wish.
We lament and seek justice.

In lament, we falter to the ground, hard breathing and seeing no hope in ourselves.
We are listless!
But there is insuperable power surrounding us and the world: the irresistible grace of God.

In lingering uncertainty, I am not crushed.
I am I.
I find regeneration through the power of uncertainty.
Feeling on the edge, I sense a greater power than me.

I feel safe sailing not because there are no storms or tempests
but because I know there is a way of grace beyond me.
I am reborn with turbulence.
I move with uncertainty, through which I am alerted and awakened, and find the true light for a path forward.