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.

Joy of Professor and Scholar

As a professor, I am careful about the materials I present to my students, seeking fresh books and ideas to enhance their learning experience. As a scholar, I enjoy delving into texts, finding joy in discovering new ways of reading and uncovering deep structures that offer valuable insights into our lives.

I am working on the Lord's Prayer and have developed a new way of interpreting it. This approach incorporates eclectic techniques such as formal literary analysis focusing on poetic parallelism, theological interpretation, and interdisciplinary strategies that draw from psychology, cognitive science, and neuroscience. I have created a diagram to illustrate this approach, which serves as a blueprint for my book. I keep pushing myself, envisioning the ultimate fruit of this ongoing endeavor.

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.

The Burning Bush and Divine Revelation

אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה (Exod 3:14)

"I am that I am" (my translation)

Other translations: "I will be what I will be." "I am who I am" in the sense that "I am the one who exists forever" (Philo's Hellenistic interpretation).

The name YHWH (Tetragrammaton) derives from the above verse; most likely, from hayah ("to be"). In the burning bush in Exodus 3, God defies Moses' request to know his name. Instead, he says: "I am that I am," which means "I am the one who has been revealed throughout your ancestors." In this context, YHWH is not the name of God; rather, God is called in such ways because of what he said to Moses.     

The above saying characterizes me. I am that I am. I am irreplaceable by anything or anyone. I am awesome because I am God's masterpiece. I must believe it. Nothing or no one can bring me down or describe me fully or adequately. No matter what happens, God's love remains strong and unchanged. So I am that I am. 

Biblical Studies and Life

This book was published independently years ago and has been revised. It features a collection of selected essays I wrote during my early teaching career. Some of the chapters include "The Roots of Individualism," "Jesus's Identity and Character Formation in the Gospel of John," and "Whose Righteousness and Faith?" These writings have served as foundational elements that continue to nurture my ongoing research and have deepened my understanding of these topics.

“The Samaritan as a Paragon of Self-Love and Neighborly Love (Luke 10:25-37)”

In December 2024, I had the pleasure of delivering a speech at Yonsei University Graduate School of Theology in Seoul, Korea. Today I revised it for submission to a journal, and I hope it will be published someday. I am contacting one of the journals. The title is “The Samaritan as a Paragon of Self-Love and Neighborly Love (Luke 10:25-37).”

Wisdom

"Wisdom is the fusion of knowledge and experience that empowers us to navigate life's complexities, guiding us to live with insight and purpose across all cultures." (Yung Suk Kim, 2025)

"every thing changes"

諸行無常
“Everything changes.” (anicca, from Buddhist trad.)

הבל
“Vapor, breath” (Eccl. 1:2)

“The only constant in life is change.” (Heraclitus)

“Change is inherent to being human; the key lies in understanding and embracing it. A creative life emerges from a vortex of change.” (Yung Suk Kim)