From Google Gemini Pro 3:
Dr. Yung Suk Kim’s view of Jesus is distinct from traditional dogmatic Christology (which focuses heavily on Jesus’s divinity and nature). Instead, Kim focuses on Jesus as the model of faithfulness, a victim of imperial violence, and the locus of radical solidarity.His Christology is deeply rooted in his broader themes of body theology (somatology) and post-colonial criticism. Here are the core aspects of his view of Jesus:
1. Jesus as the Exemplar of Faith (Pistis Christou)
Central to Kim's theology is the translation of pistis Christou as the "faithfulness of Christ," not "faith in Christ."
The Active Agent: Kim views Jesus not merely as the object of Christian worship, but as the supreme subject of faithfulness.
The Model: Jesus is the human who perfectly modeled trust and obedience to God, even in the face of death.
The Implication: Salvation is not found by intellectually assenting that "Jesus is God," but by participating in the same faithfulness that Jesus exhibited. Jesus is the pioneer who shows humanity how to live in right relationship with God.
2. The Political Jesus (Anti-Imperial Lord)
Kim views Jesus in direct contrast to the Roman Emperor.
Rival Lords: In the first century, Caesar was called "Lord," "Son of God," and "Savior" who brought "Peace." Kim argues that Jesus is presented as the alternative to these titles.
Non-Violent Resistance: Whereas Caesar brought peace through victory (violence), Jesus brought peace through justice and non-violent sacrifice.
The Cross as State Violence: Kim emphasizes that Jesus was executed as a political rebel by the state. Therefore, following Jesus means standing against systems of oppression and state violence.
3. The "Crucified Body" as Solidarity
In his book Christ's Body in Corinth, Kim explores the metaphor of the body deeply.
Identification with the Weak: Kim argues that Jesus chose to identify with the marginalized, the poor, and the outcast.
The Cross: The cross is not just a theological mechanism for forgiveness; it is a symbol of God’s solidarity with human suffering.
Current Reality: For Kim, Jesus continues to exist in the world through the "Body of Christ"—which acts as a community of solidarity. To be "in Christ" is to stand where Jesus stood: with the weak.
4. The Johannine Jesus: Agent of Transformation
In his work on the Gospel of John (Truth, Testimony, and Transformation), Kim presents a nuanced view of the Johannine Jesus.
Transformation: He views Jesus in John’s Gospel not just as the "Logos" (Word), but as an agent of transformation (e.g., turning water to wine, transforming Nicodemus, transforming the Samaritan woman).
Friendship: Kim highlights the Johannine theme of Jesus calling his disciples "friends" rather than servants. This points to a Jesus who dismantles hierarchy and establishes a community of equals.
5. Jesus vs. The Temple System
Kim often portrays Jesus as one who challenged the religious status quo, specifically the Temple system, which, in Kim's view, had become a center of economic exploitation and exclusion. Jesus represented a "brokerless" kingdom where people could access God directly without the mediation of a corrupt religious hierarchy.
Summary
For Yung Suk Kim, Jesus is the faithful human who demonstrated radical obedience to God and solidarity with the marginalized, challenging the powers of Empire and religious hierarchy through non-violence and love. He is less concerned with the metaphysical substance of Jesus (i.e., how Jesus is both God and man) and more concerned with the ethical and political reality of Jesus’s life and death.
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 Resurrecting Jesus, Messiah in Weakness, and Truth, Testimony, and Transformation.