Yung Suk Kim's Strategic Signature Courses

1. Paul's Letters and His Theology

2. Justice and the Parables of Jesus
3. Biblical Interpretation and Mental Health
4. The Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics
5. The Fourth Gospel and Ecology

6. The Architecture of Wisdom (Biblical and East Asian Traditions)

A Personal Motto

The Two Enduring Realities: The Body and The Work

When we strip away life's fleeting distractions and look toward the days ahead, we find that we are ultimately left with only two things that truly matter.

The Two Enduring Realities: The Body and The Work

• The Body as the Lifelong Vessel: Our body is our one inevitable, lifelong companion, and no one else can maintain it for us. The quality of the old age waiting for us is directly dictated by our habits today. By committing to daily exercise, meditation, and care, we actively protect our future selves from the suffering of present negligence.
• The Work as a Living Legacy: What truly lasts is not what we accumulate, but what we set into motion. As I tell my students: "You are the fruits of my scholarship, not the books that I published." True work transcends static artifacts or accolades; it is found in the people we influence. When our experience and teachings are carried forward by others, our work becomes a living, breathing force that outlasts us.

MINDCEVAAAEFA

The core principle of mind

구글 전자책 출판

  

• 다시 시작하는 성경공부: 예수의 비유 편 Paperback through Lulu.com, E-book from Google Play
• 태초와 나, 그리고 삶과 죽음 (시집) Paperback through Lulu.com, E-book from Google Play
• 도덕경 명상집: 살아있는 고전을 성서학자의 시선으로 Google e-book

Memories back to 1980s

An AI-generated image representing my college years in 1980s. I like the long-hair style with a serious look.

Ask Their Husbands at Home? The Absurdity of 1 Corinthians 14:35

It is fascinating to find such impractical advice in the biblical text. In 1 Corinthians 14:35, we find this instruction: "If there is something they want to learn, let them ask their husbands at home." This verse, along with the broader passage of 1 Cor 14:33b–36, is widely considered by scholars to be a post-Pauline interpolation, meaning Paul himself likely did not write it. Whether written by a later editor or an early scribe, the advice is simply logically untenable, and I cannot help but smile at its absurdity every time I read it. First, the instruction completely ignores social reality: not all women in the community had husbands, as many were widows or unmarried. Second, even for those who did, it assumes an impossible epistemic authority: how could every husband inherently know the answers to whatever theological questions their wives might ask? 

The Body of Christ and the Body of Empire: Historical and Philosophical Contexts of Oneness in 1 Corinthians

When we state that we are one, it does not necessarily imply absolute ideological uniformity or an organic unity that reinforces hegemonic structures, such as a traditional head-to-body relationship. Instead, oneness can signify a mutually beneficial relationship that sustains diversity and individual differences. When Paul speaks of being united with Christ, he does not mean that believers are merely structural components of a conventional social body; rather, they are ethically and spiritually aligned with Jesus, embodying his spirit and faith. Thus, when Paul tells the Corinthians, "you are the body of Christ and individually members of it," he rejects the contemporary "social body" model found in Stoicism and Roman imperial ideology. Instead, he conceptualizes Christ's body as a "real body" or a living site—a somatic metaphor for an active way of life, echoing his appeals to "Glorify God in your body" and recognizing that "you are the temple of the Spirit" (1 Cor 6:12–20). Ultimately, it is this shared Christic lifestyle and common faith that constitutes the true oneness of the community.

For more about the Christic body, see my books: (1) Christ's Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor (Fortress, 2008); (2) How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to His Theology, Writings, and World (Fortress, 2021).

"The Danger of a Singular Order"

Check out the new issue of Currents in Theology and Mission: Vol. 53, No. 4 (2026), titled "Telling Messiah Stories in Times Like These." My article is featured in this issue: Yung Suk Kim, "The Danger of a Singular Order: Engaging with Controversial Texts," Currents in Theology and Mission 53, no. 4 (2026): 35–38. 

Abstract
Some biblical narratives involve challenges and controversies because of their complexities about ethnic conflict and oppression. The movement of Christian nationalism is a growing threat not only to democracy but also to critical, transformative biblical interpretation. Their ideology represents some aspects of ideology met in Joshua’s conquest narrative and Jesus’ conversation with a Canaanite woman. Oppressors are external and also found internally within the community, often masquerading with a cause of liberation. Revealing their ideology is essential to biblical interpretation. True liberation and transformation may happen when one faces opacities of enemies all around oneself—from outside, within, and even within oneself—not by defeating others or feeling superior to them, but through accepting human weakness and embracing God’s impartial grace.

New book proposal (The Architecture of Wisdom)

I submitted a book proposal titled The Architecture of Wisdom: Constructive, Deconstructive, and Integrative Paths in Biblical and East Asian Traditions.

This project is designed as a concise, highly focused intervention in the field of comparative religion and theological psychology. I aim to provide a sharp, accessible, and theoretically dense argument that functions as both a scholarly bridge for experts and a pedagogical tool for graduate seminars. Rather than simple parallel-hunting, the book provides a structural hermeneutic that brings biblical literature (Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes) into dialogue with East Asian sacred texts (the Analects, Dao De Jing, Four Noble Truths, Heart Sutra) through the lens of human development.

To provide some background, I am a Full Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. My research explores the intersections of Scripture, justice, faith, and human transformation. I have authored and edited over twenty books, including Treasures and Thorns (2026), Justice and the Parables of Jesus (2026), and How to Read the Gospels (2024). In addition to my academic work, I hold a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University and bring a global perspective shaped by a prior decade-long corporate career with LG in Seoul, Panama, and Miami.

The Fourth Gospel and Ecology

As I refine and evaluate sample chapters for my new book project, I address a central question: Is it possible to read the Gospel of John ecologically? The answer is a qualified yes. It must be carefully thought out, bypassing simple binaries. My book, The World God Loves, uncovers the profound potential of an ecological reading when the Fourth Gospel is interpreted with care, while simultaneously warning that the text is not an ecological blueprint. Ultimately, the critical issue hinges on hermeneutics—the reader must take a decisive stand. 

Shareable wisdom

"The desire to live and the desire to die always coexist. However, whether living or dying, I simply let go of greed, humble myself, and live each day with gratitude; what more could I greedily crave? Knowing this is wisdom."

(Yung Suk Kim)

"Without a heaven in the present, tomorrow merely inherits yesterday's hell. Peace and spirituality are not distant destinations, but immediate realities forged in how we live, love, and coexist. We cannot expect a sacred future to bloom from a present we leave barren."

(Yung Suk Kim)

  

Faith and Politics in South Korea

In this video, we take a deep dive into the complex intersection of faith and politics in South Korea. We explore the historical roots of protest and the shifting religious landscape that has led to the current sociopolitical paradoxes. Join me as we analyze these critical issues from a scholarly perspective, examining how enduring political structures continue to shape and be shaped by the nation's faith.

Key topics:
The history of protest movements in South Korea
The evolution of religious influence on political life
Analyzing the "paradox" of contemporary Korean society
Future implications for faith and justice in the region

[특강] 예수의 비유속에 나타난 다양한 정의의 개념

 

한신대학교 신학대학원에서 진행된 김영석 교수의 특별 강연입니다. 23년 만에 한국을 방문하여 신학생들과 함께 '예수의 비유와 정의의 문제'를 심도 있게 고찰하다. 

우리가 흔히 알고 있는 달란트 비유, 포도원 주인의 비유, 그리고 과부와 불의한 재판관의 비유를 통해 성서가 말하는 귀속적, 배분적, 보복적 정의의 다양한 층위를 탐구한다. 단순히 종교적인 교훈을 넘어, 작금의 한국 사회와 신학이 마주한 정의의 과제는 무엇인지 함께 생각해보는 시간이 되길 바라며. 

#예수비유 #정의론 #한신대특강 #김영석교수 #성서해석 #신학강의 #달란트비유 #사회정의

Timestamps 

00:00 23년 만의 한국 방문, 역사적인 첫 강연의 감동 

03:13 오늘 강연의 주제: 예수의 비유와 정의의 문제 

04:12 정의란 무엇인가? 다양한 정의의 개념들 (귀속적, 보복적, 배분적 정의) 

08:38 성서에서 찾는 정의의 기준: 하나님과 예수의 '오름' 

11:41 예수 비유의 진정한 목적: 청중을 놀라게 하고 도전하라 

13:52 [비유 1] 달란트 비유와 귀속적 정의: 노력과 책임의 문제 

20:08 [비유 2] 포도원 주인의 비유와 배분적 정의: 균등한 기회와 선함 

29:35 [비유 3] 과부와 불의한 재판관: 기도가 아닌 '법적 정의'의 회복 

34:42 용서와 처벌: 세월호 참사와 보복적 정의에 대한 단상 

37:43 맺음말: 정의가 살아있는 사회와 진정한 행복

성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈의 점검과 적용

아래 강연은 2024년 12월에 한국방문시, 아주 추운 어느 겨울날, 전주에서 했던 강연이다. 강연 제목은 "성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈의 점검과 적용." 전체적 행사를 기획하고 후원하신 성경과설교연구원 우진성 박사에게 감사드린다. 서울과 전주에서 한 강연중 이 비디오는 전주의 강연을 담은 것이다. 장소를 허락하신 전주 중앙교회 노병진 목사님께 감사한다.    

하나님의 말씀은 우리를 어떻게 변화시킬까요? 2025년 전주에서 진행된 이번 특강에서는 '성서 해석과 렌즈'라는 주제를 통해, 우리가 어떤 마음의 안경을 쓰고 말씀을 대해야 하는지 깊이 있게 살펴본다.

단순히 지식을 쌓는 것을 넘어, '나'라는 존재를 발견하고 하나님과의 관계를 회복하는 진정한 변화의 여정에 보탬이 되길 기도한다. 

[강의 주요 내용]

말씀과 렌즈: 하나님 말씀은 어떻게 우리에게 다가오는가 

해석의 세 가지 종류: 역사, 문헌, 그리고 독자 중심 

나의 렌즈 점검하기: 나는 누구인가에 대한 근본적인 질문 

실전 적용: 한나의 기도와 시편을 통해 보는 영적 변화

#성서해석 #말씀의변화 #김영석교수 #전주특강 #성경공부 #영적성장 #기독교강연 #자기발견

[타임라인]

00:00 강연 소개 및 인사말

01:48 오늘의 주제: 성서 해석과 렌즈

02:44 하나님의 말씀은 어떻게 우리에게 다가오는가?

04:45 창세기와 복음서로 보는 하나님/예수의 다양한 모습

10:02 우리 각자가 가진 '렌즈'의 중요성

15:25 성서 해석의 세 가지 길 (역사, 이야기, 독자 중심) 

21:10 본문 적용: 가나안 여인의 믿음 재해석 

28:08 본문 적용: 선한 사마리아인 비유와 심리적 접근

34:32 나의 실존에 대한 질문: "나는 누구인가?" 

37:25 한나의 기도를 통해 보는 영적 변화의 3단계

46:17 시편: 탄식에서 신뢰로 바뀌는 감정의 롤러코스터 

48:59 맺음말: 내가 변해야 말씀이 들린다 

56:04 나를 찾는 여정: 매일의 감사와 묵상

Keep moving

 

주기도문 특강 Clips

특강 전체 동영상은 여기에 있다.

아래는 클립과 쇼츠 영상들.

1) 생각이 있는 기도, 감정이 있는 기도, 의지가 있는 기도: 지정의 결합

2) 하나님의 이름이 거룩히 여김을 받으시옵시고

3) 기도의 비밀은 인정, 수용, 확신이다. 

주기도문 속에 담긴 놀라운 기도의 원리와 비밀을 학문적, 실천적 관점에서 재해석 

단순히 외우는 기도가 아니라, 우리의 지정의(知情意)가 모두 담긴 '살아있는 기도'를 위한 구체적인 가이드라인을 제시한다. 이번 강의를 통해 기도의 본질을 깨닫고, 하나님과 더 깊이 소통하며 매일의 삶 속에서 하나님의 나라를 누리는 신앙의 전환점을 맞이하였으면.

주기도문의 재발견: 기도의 본질과 "인수확" 원리

"기도는 내 뜻을 이루는 게 아닙니다" 주기도문의 충격적인 진실 

주기도문 속에 담긴 놀라운 기도의 원리와 비밀을 학문적, 실천적 관점에서 재해석합니다. 단순히 외우는 기도가 아니라, 우리의 지정의(知情意)가 모두 담긴 '살아있는 기도'를 위한 구체적인 가이드라인을 제시합니다. 이번 강의를 통해 기도의 본질을 깨닫고, 하나님과 더 깊이 소통하며 매일의 삶 속에서 하나님의 나라를 누리는 신앙의 전환점을 맞이하시길 바랍니다.

참고: 버지니아 유니언대학교의 김영석 (Yung Suk Kim) 신약학 교수가 시카고 에버그린장로교회에서 행한 신학특강 내용이다. 2025년 10월. 왜 기도해야 하는가, 기도의 형태, 그리고 주기도문을 비평적으로 분석하며 어떻게 기도하는 것이 우리의 영성과 정신건강에 도움이 될까를 탐색한다. 특히 주기도문에 나타난 주제와 원리를 깊이 다루며 구체적 방법론도 제시한다.

#기도 #주기도문 #신학강의 #영성 #신앙성장 #인수확 #비채활 #성경공부 #정신건강 #버지니아유니언 #김영석교수 #신약학

  
타임스탬프 (Timestamps) 00:00 이번 강의를 시작하며: 기도의 목적과 개요 00:56 기도는 내 뜻을 이루는 것이 아니다 01:17 지정의를 갖춘 기도: 생각, 감정, 의지의 조화 02:17 하나님과 대화하며 자기를 재발견하는 시간 03:51 주기도문에 담긴 놀라운 기도의 원리 04:55 파트 1: 기도의 정의와 종류 (일반론) 07:01 우리가 기도해야 하는 근본적인 이유: 우리의 약함 09:12 일상 속에서 실천하는 다양한 기도의 형태 12:39 기도하면 다 이루어지는가? 하나님의 뜻 분별하기 16:09 바리새인과 세리의 기도: 진정한 기도의 태도 19:53 파트 2: 주기도문 상세 분석 및 재해석 21:02 마태복음과 누가복음 주기도문의 차이점 25:17 주기도문의 구조와 핵심 주제 27:42 '나라가 임하옵시며': 하나님의 통치와 현재성 33:51 후반부 세 가지 요청: 양식, 용서, 보호 39:26 핵심 키워드 1: 인정(Acknowledgment) - 하나님이 누구신가 42:35 핵심 키워드 2: 수용(Acceptance) - 나를 있는 그대로 받아들이기 45:18 핵심 키워드 3: 확신(Assurance) - 의지적으로 나아가는 삶 47:00 결론: '인수확'과 '비채활'로 건강한 신앙 지키기

Empathy in Antiquity: Sympathetic Emotion in the Ancient Mediterranean World

I am thrilled to contribute to the upcoming volume, Empathy in Antiquity: Sympathetic Emotion in the Ancient Mediterranean World, edited by Courtney Friesen and published by Routledge. My chapter is titled "The Logic, Structure, and Efficacy of Empathy in Paul’s Undisputed Letters: Christ Crucified, the 'Body of Christ,' and Union with Christ." This volume is a truly ambitious project, featuring contributions from more than 30 scholars across Classics, Hebrew Bible, New Testament, and related fields. Looking forward to submitting my final draft by August 1, 2027!

Welcome to my digital home

Welcome to my digital home. As a scholar, author, and educator, my lifelong mission has been to build a vibrant bridge between the living church, the wider world, and rigorous academia. In this special feature, I reflect on my 20-year journey—from my corporate roots at LG, through my theological training at McCormick and Vanderbilt, to my current work at Virginia Union University. Explore how this vision comes to life across my teaching, publications, community service, and digital ministries, and join me as I look forward to what the Lord has in store next.

👉 [Read the Full Reflection: Bridging the Church and the World]

Dr. Kim's Biblical Studies Channel

 Check it out. Dr. Kim's Biblical Studies Channel.

Resilient Mind

Ground yourself in love, not fear. Protect your mental space. Read this book: Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind.

Bridging the Church and the World: My 20-Year Journey at Virginia Union University

Long ago, when I applied for the PhD program at Vanderbilt University, I wrote in my cover letter that my goal was to serve as a bridge between the church, the world, and academia. This vision was deeply shaped by my first career at LG, where I gained invaluable multicultural experience working in our overseas offices in Panama and Miami. Following that corporate foundation, I began my formal theological education by earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago before advancing to my doctoral studies at Vanderbilt. Transitioning into this theological journey, I wanted my academic work to be grounded in real-world, global realities.

Looking back over the past 20 years, I am deeply grateful for this path and believe I have fulfilled that initial promise very well. I have lived out this bridge role across four key areas of my life and vocation: teaching, publication, community service, and digital spaces.

• Teaching: A central part of this journey has been my time at Virginia Union University, where I have had the privilege of teaching and equipping many students for their own theological reformation through a pedagogy that is always critical and practical.
• Publication: This bridge-building is equally evident in my extensive research and writing. Over the years, I have been blessed to be a prolific author, publishing over 20 books and editing four volumes that showcase critical yet practical scholarship.
• Community Service: Beyond writing and classroom teaching, I have stepped out into the wider community to lead collaborative projects and accept invitations to lead Bible study groups at various denominational conventions.
• Digital Spaces: Lastly, I actively use digital spaces to engage with others. Through this very blog, Dr. Yung Suk Kim's Theological Journey, and my YouTube channel, Dr. Kim's Biblical Studies Channel, I am able to communicate and share insights with a vibrant, global audience every day.

I am so thankful for all the work accomplished over these two decades, and I am excited to do even more in the coming years. I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me for the road ahead. From the bottom of my heart, I say here, "Here am I, Lord. Use me and send me wherever you need me."

The parable of the pearl (clips)

 

This video contains three short clips, taken from the original video by Dr. Kim, "The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price." If you found this helpful, please like the video and subscribe to Dr. Kim's Biblical Studies Channel for more theological deep dives.

Playlists of Dr. Kim's YouTube Channel

Most of Dr. Kim's videos are arranged into the following playlists.

Playlists:

• New Testament Greek and Exegesis
• New Testament Topics and Dr. Kim's Publications
• The Parables of Jesus
• Public Speaking and Presentations
• Audio Clips Videos during the Pandemic Covid-19

The parable of the pearl

 Watch the full video on my YouTube channel.

Serious Scholarship for Contemporary Life

Ancient Texts, Contemporary Lives: Critical Biblical Studies (Subscribe!)

Through parables, we can unlock the profound truths that Jesus wants to share with us today.

Master the parables with a real scholar

Master the parables with a real scholar. Subscribe to join our community and access the full "The Parables of Jesus" playlist for a deeper dive into these timeless teachings!

Beyond the Surface: A Scholarly Journey Through the Parables of Jesus

Why Revisit the Parables? The parables of Jesus are some of the most famous stories ever told, yet they are often the most misunderstood. We frequently treat them as simple moral fables, but in their original Synoptic contexts (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), they were radical, subversive, and deeply tied to social justice and the "Great Reversal" of the Kingdom of God.

I am excited to share my complete series on the Parables of Jesus—a 23-video journey designed to move us from casual reading to scholarly engagement.

The full playlist

1. Foundations & Methodology: How to Read the Stories
This category establishes the scholarly framework for moving beyond simple allegory to understand the radical historical and literary context of the parables.

• How to Interpret Parables: A guide to avoiding common interpretive pitfalls and identifying the "scandalous" core of Jesus’s teachings.
• Unlocking the Real Meaning: An exploration of the historical and textual layers that help us hear these stories as the original audience did.
• 10 Points of the Parables: A summary video synthesizing the major themes of the series, from Lukan reversals to Matthean ethics.

2. Growth & The Kingdom: The Organic Nature of Faith
These videos explore how the Kingdom of God operates—often starting small and hidden, yet possessing a transformative and unstoppable power.

• The Sower: Analyzing the "extravagant" sower and what the different soils reveal about our receptivity to the Word.
• Mustard Seed: A study on how the smallest of beginnings can lead to a radical, sheltering presence in the world.
• Seed Growing Secretly: Reflecting on the mystery of spiritual growth that happens beyond human effort or control.
• The Leaven: Examining the "hidden" but pervasive influence of the Kingdom within the structures of society.
• Weeds and Wheat: A lesson on patience and judgment, exploring why God allows both good and evil to grow together for a season.

3. Social Justice & Ethical Duty: The Great Reversal
The heart of your Lukan analysis, these videos focus on wealth, power dynamics, and our ethical obligations to the marginalized.

• The Shrewd Manager: A deep dive into one of Jesus’s most difficult parables regarding the clever use of worldly resources for eternal goals.
• The Tenants: Examining the socio-economic conflict between landowners and workers as a metaphor for spiritual stewardship and rejection.
• The Rich Man and Lazarus: A powerful look at the "fixed chasm" created by a lack of compassion and the social reversal of the afterlife.
• The Good Samaritan: Moving beyond "being nice" to understand the radical boundary-crossing mercy required by the Gospel.
• Laborers in the Vineyard: A challenge to our concepts of fairness, highlighting God’s radical generosity toward the "last."
• The Rich Farmer: A cautionary tale about the folly of self-sufficiency and hoarding wealth in the face of eternity.
• The Great Banquet: Exploring the social critique of those who make excuses and the invitation to those on the "highways and hedges."

4. Grace, Persistence & Prayer: The Heart of the Relationship
These parables focus on the character of God—one who seeks the lost, hears the persistent, and justifies the humble.

• Two Sons: A study of Matthew 21, comparing those who promise obedience with those who actually perform it.
• Father and Two Sons (Prodigal): A reflection on the father's scandalous grace toward the rebel and his invitation to the self-righteous elder brother.
• The Lost Sheep: Highlighting the active, searching nature of God who leaves the ninety-nine for the sake of the one.
• The Unjust Judge: Exploring the widow’s persistence as a model for active faith and the pursuit of justice.
• The Pharisee and Tax Collector: Contrasting self-centered "religious" pride with the God-centered prayer of the humble.
• The Unmerciful Servant: A sobering lesson on the necessity of extending the same radical forgiveness we have received.

5. Readiness & Value: Discerning the Kingdom
The series concludes with parables that demand a choice, highlighting the supreme value of the Kingdom and the need for spiritual vigilance.

• The Hidden Treasure: The joy of discovering the Kingdom and the willingness to give up everything to possess it.
• The Pearl of Great Price: Examining the focused search for ultimate value and the singular commitment it requires.
• The Ten Bridesmaids: A lesson on spiritual preparedness and the importance of having "oil" for the long wait.
• The Talents: Rethinking "talents" not just as money, but as the active use of what God has entrusted to us while we wait.
• The Budding Fig Tree: A brief but potent teaching on discerning the signs of the times and the nearness of God’s intervention.

The full playlist

Dr. Yung Suk Kim on His Latest Books | Interviewed by Lexitelevision

In our latest YouTube Short, “Dr. Yung Suk Kim on His Latest Books | Interviewed by Lexitelevision,” we bring you an exclusive look into a fascinating crossover between deep academic scholarship and modern digital culture. Renowned New Testament professor and author Dr. Yung Suk Kim sits down with prominent Instagram influencer Lexitelevision (boasting over 1 million followers) to unpack the powerful themes of his recent book releases, including his latest profound commentary Treasures and Thorns and Justice and the Parables of Jesus. This quick, high-energy segment captures the vital intersection of biblical theology, social justice, and contemporary cultural critique.  

Thanks to Lexi for sharing this space and chatting with me. It was filled with laughter and joy, even as we navigated serious depths. Looking back, my energy and emotions were running so high that I felt completely carried away and perhaps a bit unfiltered—but I've come to realize that intensity is simply an authentic piece of who I am. Everything we shared was entirely spontaneous, born purely in the moment without a script. We first connected at our D.Min residency class, and I later discovered she shares her journey with over a million followers on Instagram and more than half a million on Facebook.

#BiblicalScholarship #ChristianBooks #AuthorInterview #JusticeAndTheParables #NewBookRelease #ReligiousStudies

A real scholar dances

A true scholar dances with heart and mind. My scholarship is born from this bodily energy.
Awaken Your Energy Through Movement.
Move More. Feel the Energy.

I often feel like a defense attorney representing the apostle Paul

Who is the real Paul?

-Full blog post: 

In Defense of the Apostle Paul: Clearing 4 Major Misunderstandings

I often feel like a defense attorney representing the Apostle Paul.

Over two millennia, Paul has been charged with a litany of theological and ethical crimes. He has been accused of abandoning his heritage, inventing a legalistic doctrine of justification, championing patriarchy, and distorting the simple message of Jesus. But when we examine the historical context, the actual Greek text, and the overarching narrative of his letters, it becomes clear: the real Paul has been systematically misunderstood.

If Paul were on trial today, here is the case for his defense across four key counts.

1. Paul Was Not Against Judaism or the Law
One of the most persistent errors in biblical interpretation is viewing Paul as an apostate who turned his back on Judaism to found a new, "law-free" religion. This reading projects later anti-Jewish biases back into the first century.

Paul lived, thought, and ministered entirely within the world of Second Temple Judaism. He never stopped identifying as an Israelite. His critique was never aimed at the Torah itself—which he explicitly called "holy, righteous, and good" (Romans 7:12)—nor at the covenant God made with Israel.

Rather, Paul’s dispute centered on the status of non-Jews. He argued against requiring Gentile believers to adopt Jewish boundary markers—such as circumcision and dietary laws—to enter God’s covenant family. For Paul, forcing Gentiles to become culturally Jewish was a denial that God was the God of all nations, not just one.

2. The Gospel Is Not a Dichotomy Between Faith and Law
For centuries, Western theology has framed Paul’s gospel around a strict binary: empty "works of the law" versus legalistic "faith." This artificial contrast flattens Paul's rich theological vision into a transaction where one simply "believes" to escape punishment.

When Paul speaks of pistis Christou, he is not describing a passive mental agreement opposed to action. Pistis carries deep connotations of relational trust, allegiance, and covenantal faithfulness—both Christ's faithfulness to God's mission and our embodied response to Christ.

Paul does not pit "faith" against "doing good." He opposes relying on ethnic identity markers ("works of the law") as the mechanism for inclusion, while simultaneously insisting on a life transformed by the Spirit—a life where love becomes the fulfillment of the Law.

3. Paul Was Not a Misogynist
To call Paul a champion of patriarchy requires reading him through the lens of later historical additions or ignoring the lived reality of his ministry.
Throughout his undisputed letters, Paul relies heavily on women as leaders, apostles, patrons, and co-workers:

• Phoebe: A deacon of the church in Cenchreae and Paul's trusted envoy who delivered and likely interpreted the Epistle to the Romans.
• Junia: Prominent among the apostles, acknowledged alongside Paul in prison.
• Prisca (Priscilla): A key teacher and leader of a house church alongside her husband, Aquila.
• When Paul writes that "there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28), he lays down a radical theological foundation that actively subverted the patriarchal social order of the Greco-Roman world.

4. Paul Did Not Distort or Discontinue the Teachings of Jesus
A common secular and theological critique claims that Paul invented a complex "religion about Jesus" that replaced the simple "religion of Jesus." According to this view, Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom, but Paul proclaimed a theological system.

In reality, Paul and Jesus were in deep continuity. Both rooted their proclamation in the good news of God (euangelion). Both proclaimed God’s decisive intervention to liberate humanity from bondage—whether from socio-political oppression, structural sin, or spiritual corruption.

While Jesus proclaimed the Reign of God within the context of rural Galilee and Jerusalem, Paul carried that exact same royal proclamation into the urban centers of the Roman Empire. Paul did not abandon Jesus’s message; he translated it for a multi-ethnic, global audience.

Reclaiming the Real Paul
Defending Paul is not about preserving dogma; it is about restoring a brilliant, passionate, and deeply radical dynamic thinker to his proper place.

When we strip away centuries of historical misinterpretation, we discover a Paul who fought tirelessly for an inclusive, egalitarian, and Spirit-empowered community—a community where all people, regardless of background or status, stand equal before God.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: Meaning & Historical Context

  

In this video, The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price: Meaning & Historical Context, Dr. Kim explores the unique Matthew 13 parable of the pearl, contrasting it with the parable of the hidden treasure. The teaching focuses on the intentionality of the merchant and the subjective, radical value found in discovering "one pearl of great value." Key Topics Covered:

-The Intentional Search: Analyzing the merchant’s active pursuit of fine pearls compared to the accidental discovery in the parable of the treasure. 

-A Radical Decision: Why the merchant chooses to sell everything for a single pearl, and the personal, subjective nature of that value. 

-Business vs. The Kingdom: How the merchant moves beyond "business as usual" profit-seeking to pursue something truly precious. 

-The Single Call: Relating the "one pearl" to a singular vocation, ministry, or the love of God.

-Comparison of Parables: Identifying the similarities and differences between the parables of the treasure and the pearl. Discussion Questions: 

How does the merchant’s intentional search change your understanding of seeking the kingdom of heaven? What is your "one pearl of great value" for which you would invest everything? How do you discern between "many fine pearls" (good things) and the one pearl you cannot live without? 00:00 – Introduction to the Parable of the Pearl

00:36 – Who is the Merchant?

01:06 – The Search for Fine Pearls 

01:31 – Finding the "One Pearl of Great Value" 

02:54 – Reading Matthew 13:45-46 

03:48 – Unusual Business Practices: Plural vs. Singular 

06:30 – Subjective Value and Personal Judgment 

07:46 – Moving Beyond "Business as Usual" 

08:45 – Theological Application: The One Call of God 

09:51 – Pearl vs. Treasure: Comparing Two Parables 

10:48 – Intentionality and Radical Action

11:34 – Final Reflection and Discussion Questions

Remote teaching

The power of remote teaching is that I get students from all over the country—from the West to the East Coast, California to Maryland, and from the South to the North, Florida to New Jersey. I have students from Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, and beyond. I wish I could meet them in class face-to-face, but the reality of our environment makes it impossible. I teach in a new normal, and I enjoy it very much.

Informed Faith: Bridging Belief, Fact, and Epistemic Limits

-Faith, Science, and Historical Reality

Belief vs. Historical Reality
-Belief is a cognitive and existential posture, not a tool for ontological construction. A deeply held conviction can reshape a person’s inner landscape, moral trajectory, and interpretation of events, but it possesses no backward-acting force over material history. 

-Confusing the intensity of a belief with historical proof risks collapsing reality into subjective desire. History demands empirical evidence, textual integrity, and external verification; faith cannot fabricate a past that never occurred.

The Distinction and Relation of Faith and Facts
-The Distinction: Facts describe what is—the objective, verifiable data of the physical and historical world. Faith concerns what matters—meaning, purpose, ultimate concern, and human commitment.

-The Relation: While distinct, they are not entirely disconnected. Faith is always mediated through human beings who exist within physical bodies, specific historical moments, and material environments. When faith ignores facts, it drifts into delusion; when facts ignore the human search for meaning, they remain sterile metrics.

Science and Faith as Different Modes of Discourse
-Science operates on empirical observation, falsifiable hypotheses, and natural laws. It speaks the language of mechanism (how things work). Traditional faith, by contrast, speaks the language of symbol, metaphor, value, and ultimate value (why things exist and how we ought to live). Expecting ancient religious texts or traditional dogmas to function as scientific manuals creates an immediate category error.

The Necessity of Informed Faith
Uncritical faith—one that demands the denial of established scientific or historical realities to survive—is fundamentally fragile. An informed faith accepts reality as it is, integrating critical inquiry, scientific discovery, and historical truth into its framework. Rather than fearing facts, an informed faith uses them as a grounding wire, ensuring that spiritual or moral convictions remain anchored in the real world rather than floating in unexamined dogma.

Johannine Dualism?

John’s Gospel, full of dualistic images, does not support Gnostic dualism. It seeks the embodiment of God’s love for the world. Johannine dualsim is a creative space for transformation.

 

John's Gospel is dualistic?

The answer is definitive no. John's Gospel is unlike Gnostic dualism. It appears to be full of dualistic images or concepts. But Johannine dualism is a creative, narrative space for transformation. 

Article:
The Johannine Realism about the Kingdom of God: "Born from Above, Born of Water and Spirit" (John 3:1-21)

Book:
Truth, Testimony, and Transformation: A New Reading of the "I am" Sayings of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel

Believe yourself

 Why is it so hard to believe oneself?

"Test Everything"

Paul's testing spirit is relentless: "Test everything" (1 Thess 5:21). Nothing or no one is exempted from this test. After that, one may hold fast to what is good. 

"Racial Identity Hermeneutics"

My students enjoy this chapter I wrote very much: “Racial Identity Hermeneutics,” in Handbook on Postconservative Theological Interpretation, edited by Ronald T. Michener and Mark A. Lamport (pp. 365–380; Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2024). I talk about scriptures such as the Tower of Babel, the book of Ruth, and the Canaanite woman's story in Matthew 15:21–28. In this chapter, I problematize a monolithic, European reading and complicate readers' perspectives by asking provocative questions about contextual interpretation.

Infographics about my lecture ideas

As a scholar and professor for more than 20 years, I have worked hard to seek truth, teach students with all my heart, write books and articles for real people, and foster critical theological scholarship. Now, I feel more than ever that I am full of distinctive ideas I want to share, opening another avenue to communicate with the public. I am still learning and evolving. My vocation remains helping real people grow and find meaning and joy in their lives.

For more information, click on the public.

Infographics about my scholarly work

With more than two decades in academia after an international corporate career, I work at the intersection of biblical interpretation, cognitive science, and global philosophy to challenge systemic inequality and champion holistic well-being. My scholarship focuses on decentering traditional frameworks, while my creative work as a poet balances academic rigor with contemplative depth. Ultimately, my vocation as an educator and public intellectual is to help individuals read critically, examine themselves honestly, and build communities of radical solidarity.

For more information, click on the public. 

The Evolution of Theology

Theology is not a static monologue, but a dynamic, unfolding conversation across shifting historical contexts. A clear illustration of this evolution appears in the shift from corporate transgenerational retribution to individual moral accountability regarding sin and judgment. Early covenantal formulations—such as the Decalogue in Exodus 20:5 and the divine proclamation in Exodus 34:6–7—affirm that God "punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation," reflecting an ancient worldview rooted in communal solidarity and ancestral legacy. However, as Israel faced the existential crisis of the Babylonian exile, later prophetic traditions openly challenged this framework. Addressing a disillusioned community that felt punished for their ancestors’ failures, Jeremiah (31:29–30) and Ezekiel (18:20) decisively rejected the proverb of the "sour grapes," declaring instead that "the child will not share the guilt of the parent." By building on legal precedents like Deuteronomy 24:16, these exilic voices reframed divine justice around personal agency and direct responsibility. Recognizing this internal trajectory encourages readers to engage scripture critically—not as a flat, uniform set of proof-texts, but as a living witness to a faith community continuously wrestling with, refining, and rearticulating its understanding of divine justice.

From_Classroom_to_Community__An_Award_That_Took_Him_by_Surprise

In this short interview (0:00 - 0:38), Dr. Yung Suk Kim reflects on receiving the 2024 President's Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden. 

Key highlights from his reflection: 

• A Humble Surprise: Dr. Kim expresses that the recognition came as a complete surprise to him (0:03 - 0:06). 
• Dedication to Service: He discusses how the award honors voluntary service and individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the community (0:16 - 0:25). 
• Impact as an Educator: As a professor, Dr. Kim emphasizes that his own contributions are rooted in his commitment to making a meaningful impact on his students and the broader community outside the classroom (0:25 - 0:38). 

Dr. Kim is a respected scholar and faculty member at Virginia Union University, known for his extensive academic work and authorship in the field of biblical studies.

At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics

 

Looking for a fresh, deeply contextual way to bridge critical biblical scholarship with impactful preaching? I want to invite you to revisit a powerful resource I edited: At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics: Transgressive Readings for Transformational Preaching.

What makes this volume truly unique is its intentional, comparative design. We brought together 10 seasoned scholars to focus deeply on just two crucial scriptural passages. Five scholars engage with the Book of Ruth, reading it critically from their diverse contexts to extract vital, preachable points for the public square. Simultaneously, five other scholars examine the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21–28, fleshing out critical voices and liberative insights.

By seeing how multiple experts interrogate the exact same texts through distinct hermeneutical lenses, readers gain a masterclass in how transgressive, contextual readings can lead to genuinely transformational preaching. If you are an educator, pastor, or student looking to deepen your engagement with Ruth or Matthew, I highly recommend adding this to your library or syllabus!