(Question: What are Dr. Yung Suk Kim's arguments on Paul's letters and his theology?)
Dr. Yung Suk Kim is a prominent New Testament scholar known for offering a political, post-colonial, and somatological (body-centered) interpretation of Paul’s letters. He is a Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Virginia Union University.
His arguments challenge traditional, dogmatic readings of Paul (particularly the Reformed/Lutheran perspectives focused solely on justification by faith) and instead locate Paul within the context of the Roman Empire.
Here are the core pillars of Dr. Yung Suk Kim’s argument regarding Paul’s letters and theology:
1. The Body of Christ (Soma Christou) as Solidarity, Not Hierarchy
Perhaps Kim's most distinct contribution (notably in his book Christ's Body in Corinth) is his re-interpretation of the "Body of Christ."
The Traditional View: Many scholars view the "Body of Christ" as a corporate personality or an organism where Christ is the head and the church is the body, implying a hierarchical structure.
Kim's Argument: Kim argues that Paul uses the "Body of Christ" as a metaphor for solidarity. He suggests that Paul is not establishing the Church as a mystical institution, but rather calling the Corinthians to identify with the crucified body of Jesus.
The Implication: To be "in Christ" is to stand in solidarity with the marginalized, the weak, and the suffering, just as Jesus did. It is an ethical call to unity in diversity, rather than a metaphysical claim about the church's authority.
2. Paul’s Anti-Imperial Theology
Kim reads Paul deeply within the context of the Roman Empire. He argues that Paul’s theology was subversive and counter-imperial.
Gospel vs. Empire: When Paul uses terms like "Gospel" (euangelion), "Lord" (kyrios), and "Savior" (soter), he is coopting language reserved for the Roman Emperor (Caesar).
Alternative Community: Kim argues that Paul was trying to build alternative communities based on mutuality, love, and justice, standing in direct contrast to the hierarchical patronage system of Rome. Paul’s theology is not just about going to heaven, but about how to live faithfully in opposition to oppressive systems of power.
3. Pistis Christou: The Faith of Christ
Kim engages heavily in the ongoing academic debate regarding the Greek phrase pistis Christou.
The Argument: He argues that this phrase should be translated as the "faithfulness of Christ" rather than "faith in Christ."
The Shift: This shifts the focus of salvation from a passive belief system (believing in Jesus to get saved) to an active participation (emulating the faithfulness of Jesus). For Kim, Paul’s theology demands that believers embody the same faithfulness to God that Jesus demonstrated, particularly even unto death (the cross).
4. A Theology of Transformation and Reconciliation
In his work A Theological Introduction to Paul’s Letters, Kim emphasizes that Paul’s soteriology (theory of salvation) is fundamentally about transformation (metamorphosis) and reconciliation.
Reconciliation (2 Corinthians): Kim highlights that reconciliation is not just God forgiving human sin. It is a horizontal mandate. It involves restoring broken relationships among people and creating a new creation where social barriers (Jew/Gentile, Slave/Free, Male/Female) are dismantled.
Transformation: Salvation is a process of being transformed into the image of God through the Spirit. It is dynamic and requires human agency and response, rather than a static transaction.
5. Critique of "Structural" Interpretations
Kim is critical of interpretations of Paul that reinforce institutional power. He argues that later traditions (and some of the disputed Pauline letters like 1 Timothy) domesticated Paul, turning his radical, charismatic movement into a rigid household code that subjugated women and supported slavery. Kim seeks to recover the "historical Paul" who advocated for a more egalitarian community.
Summary
In short, Yung Suk Kim argues that Paul was not writing abstract dogmatic theology about how to get to heaven. Instead, he views Paul as a pastoral theologian organizing a radical community of resistance. For Kim, Paul’s theology centers on identifying with the vulnerable body of Jesus to create a community characterized by justice, faithfulness, and solidarity against the backdrop of an oppressive Empire.
DISCLAIMER: The above is AI's view. Otherwise, check out Dr. Yung Suk Kim's books to find more about his view. Especially, books like Christ's Body in Corinth, A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters, and How to Read Paul. There are also other important articles (see his CV in the About page).