The Evolution of Theology

Scriptural 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.

Interview for the Faculty Spotlight

In this video, Dr. Yung Suk Kim shares advice on how to evaluate life and the world around us, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Paul (0:04-0:07).

Key takeaways include:

• Test Everything: He emphasizes that we should not simply believe things because someone famous says them (0:10-0:15). Instead, we must actively test our experiences, global events, and political information (0:15-0:30).
• Hold Fast to What is Good: After testing, the essential next step is to hold on to the things found to be good (0:20-0:24).
• Self-Reflection: This practice of critical evaluation should also be applied inward to ourselves, not just to the external world (0:30-0:32).

In this short spotlight, Dr. Yung Suk Kim offers encouragement to students, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and recognizing one's unique potential (0:00-0:41).

Key takeaways:

• Believe in yourself: You are a unique, God-given gift (0:04-0:12).
• Avoid comparison: Do not compare your journey or talents with those of others (0:12-0:15).
• Maximize your gifts: Realize that you possess specific potentials and gifts that you should actively develop (0:15-0:41).

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!

Toward Decentering the New Testament

I am incredibly grateful and excited to share that Toward Decentering the New Testament: A Reintroduction, which I co-authored with Dr. Mitzi J. Smith, has officially crossed the 3,000-copy sales milestone! In the world of academic publishing and specialized theological textbooks, this level of reader adoption is a true milestone. When Dr. Smith and I wrote this book, our goal was to challenge traditional, Eurocentric frameworks and offer a liberative, minoritized, and intersectional approach to biblical studies. To see it widely adopted on university and seminary syllabi—and to know it is actively shaping how the next generation of students engages with the text—is deeply fulfilling. A massive thank you to our publisher, Cascade Books, and to every educator, student, and scholar who has read, assigned, and cited our work. Here's to continuing the vital work of decentering!

Special lecture

I had a wonderful time leading the D.Min residency today at the Virginia Union University. Being face-to-face in the classroom always allows me to fully step into a prophetic teaching flow. I deeply value this in-person environment, especially since most of my routine is online. During our time, I also introduced some of my recent books. Scholarship matters deeply to me, and I wanted to model for my students what it means to be a serious scholar—one who aims to help them grow both critically and faithfully.

 

Translation matters: "Erēmos" in Luke 15:4

Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:3–7 (cf. Matt. 18:12–14). In Luke 15:4, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep in the ἔρημος (erēmos) and goes in search of the one that is lost. The NRSVue’s rendering of erēmos as “wilderness” captures the historical and theological weight of the term. In standard lexicography (e.g., BDAG) and Septuagint usage, erēmos denotes an uninhabited, desolate, and exposed territory—the wild region beyond human settlement rather than a managed farm. This sense is reinforced by Matthew’s parallel account, which places the ninety-nine "on the mountains" (epi ta orē, Matt. 18:12), highlighting rugged, treacherous terrain. By contrast, the NIV’s “open country” and the CEB’s “pasture” domesticate the setting, softening the force of the Greek and obscuring the imminent threats—such as predators, thieves, and harsh elements—inherent to the ancient Judean wilderness.

Why, then, do the NIV and CEB choose softer renderings? Translators likely aim to defend the shepherd’s prudence, avoiding the impression that he irresponsibly abandoned his flock to peril. Yet this impulse misunderstands the genre: the parable is not a manual for risk-averse husbandry, but a deliberately startling story designed to highlight the shepherd’s extraordinary, almost scandalously urgent concern for the single lost sheep. Whether the shepherd left the ninety-nine under the care of secondary hired hands or simply trusted them to the wild is left intentionally unstated. The narrative deliberately bypasses practical logistics to force the listener’s focus onto the extreme priority placed on recovering the lost.

Theology Changes

Scriptural 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.

AI created images

My daily routine (I do this three times a day)

This is my daily routine. I take my body seriously. It is not merely a physical organism. It is a body that carries me, my soul, my thinking, my health, and my love. No body, no life.

Soma Christou (body of Christ)

I take theology seriously because of its direct implications for our lives today. Specifically, I focus on the concept of the "body of Christ," as a far deeper, more radical meaning of the phrase has been lost. This metaphor directly challenges all forms of imperialism, triumphalism, and oppressive, hegemonic hierarchy. Paul does not merely suggest that the church is an organism akin to a social body; rather, he frames it as a Christ-informed community that adopts an alternative way of living outside the imperial system. I have argued this thesis throughout my books and articles, including my debut book, Christ's Body in Corinth, which directly addresses this ecclesial theology.

God So Loved the World: The Gospel of John and the Care of Creation

In my experience, no effort is ever truly wasted; every idea can be transformed into positive, creative energy. As long as I am able, I will never abandon a project I believe in, provided it remains worth pursuing in some format. While many of my grant applications have been unsuccessful, this does not mean the work lacks value—it simply means the opportunity wasn't the right fit at the time. Consequently, I give these projects new life by publishing them or adapting them for alternative purposes. This particular project on John's Gospel and ecology began years ago as a grant proposal. I have now retitled it, restructured the table of contents, and approached it with a renewed perspective. This reflects my process: a continuous cycle of writing, persisting, and refining.

God So Loved the World: The Gospel of John and the Care of Creation 

trailer (How to Read Paul)

I produced this promotional trailer for my book, How to Read Paul, prior to its release in 2021. Even today, the content feels remarkably fresh. Moving forward, I am looking to enhance my skills in producing high-quality trailers for my upcoming books. Get the book from the press.

Life Moves So Quickly

Thirty years ago, I was working as a branch manager for a Korean company (LG) in Miami, Florida. I eventually left that career to embark on a new journey, pursuing theological studies in Chicago. My entire family accompanied me, sacrificing much along the way—something I still look back on with a sense of regret. Upon earning my M.Div., I transitioned into a doctoral program in Nashville. I successfully completed my PhD in five years and secured my first position in this second career at my current school in Richmond, Virginia. I have now lived here for over 21 years. It has been a thrill to teach such wonderful students and shape them for critical, faithful ministry. Alongside teaching, I have published numerous scholarly works. In the end, my children grew up, married, and blessed me with grandchildren. Life moves so quickly. Someday, I will leave this institution for retirement. What a remarkable life!

AI created image

Walk your path

"Whatever the circumstances, I will walk my path. I may meander and falter, 

yet I will keep moving forward" -Yung Suk Kim

다시 시작하는 성경공부: 예수의 비유 편

예수가 던진 진짜 질문을 찾아서

이 책은 예수의 비유를 역사와 문학 비평적으로 접근함과 동시에 현재의 삶의 정황을 동시에 다룬다. 비유는 예수의 가르침의 중요한 수단으로 당대의 문제점을 꼬집고 도전하는 이야기이다. 그것은 단순히 개인의 구원을 다루는 것이 아니다. 비유를 잘 이해하기 위해서 그 당시 세계의 정치, 경제, 사회지식이 요구된다. 또, 비유해석의 다양한 방법론도 필요하다. 결국은 비유를 통하여 오늘을 재조명하는 것이 목적이다. 이 책은 새로운 성경공부용으로 개발되었다.

시집: 태초와 나, 그리고 삶과 죽음

태초와 나, 그리고 삶과 죽음

Paperback through Lulu

 

나에게 시집은 세상과 소통하는 가장 자연스럽고 의미있는 통로이다. 이를 즐기고 아낀다. 시인이 전문은 아니지만 시를 사랑하고 시를 통하여 나의 이야기를 하고자 한다. “너는 먼지다”라는 시집은 도덕경에 바탕을 두고 썼으며 몇년 전에 출간하였다. 조금의 반응은 있었고 많이 고무되었다. 그걸로 한국시집은 처음이자 마지막이라 생각했다. 그런데 또 다른 작은 시집을 마련하게 되었다. 나도 모르게, 자연스레. 이 시집은 나의 지난 날의 학문여정을 반영하며 개인적인 관심사인 태초와 우주, 그리고 우리의 불안정한 삶과 죽음의 문제를 다룬다. 이것은 나의 불완전한 시이며 이야기이다. 여기에 실린 사상은 오직 나의 불완전함을 전제로 이야기한다. 나는 누구를 설득하거나 내 것이 맞다고 말하지 않는다. 독자는 이것을 읽음으로서 자기와의 대화를 하길 바라고 자기의 이야기를 담아내길 기대한다.

-목차-

태초에 나는 없었다

태초의 의미

지배유혹

빅뱅 이후

자연의 변화

인간의 탄생

어떻게 살 것인가?

담담한 날

죽고 싶을 때

받아들이라

오늘의 삶

확신

나는 나

도토리 키재기

치유

종교

자유

죽음에 대한 관점

어떻게 죽을 것인가?

죽음의 의미

Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind

Can faith and mental health coexist? Find out in Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind.

Are you navigating the crossroads of faith and mental wellness? It can often feel disorienting and overwhelming to balance your spiritual life with the realities of anxiety and self-discovery.

In my new book, Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind, we explore the powerful intersection of mental health, spirituality, and the quest for identity. This isn't just a guide to managing anxiety—it’s an invitation to profound renewal. By integrating insights from biblical studies, cognitive science, and psychological theory, this book offers you a roadmap to engage in a deeper exploration of the self.

It’s time to move beyond "just getting by" and start growing deep roots.

✨ Order your copy on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3VV7GXC

#MentalHealth #Spirituality #FaithAndScience #AnxietyRelief #SelfDiscovery #RootedInLove

The Lord's Prayer in Greek

We will read the Lord's Prayer in Greek. Dr. Kim will help you to pronounce each Greek word in the Lord's prayer. Reading is a very important first step to learning the language.

The Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly

 

Description

In this video, we explore the Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly (Mark 4:26-29), a short and unique parable found exclusively in the Gospel of Mark. While the Sower's Parable focuses on indiscriminate scattering and the condition of the soil, this parable shifts the focus to the mysterious process of growth and the limitations of human effort (8:58).  

Discover how this teaching applies to our modern lives, communities, and faith journeys through four main actions:

• Sow: Actively using the unique talents and grace given to us by God (7:06).
• Honor: Recognizing the boundaries between human effort and divine control (13:02).
• Trust: Having patience with the painful, step-by-step process of spiritual growth (9:29).
• Harvest: Acting urgently when the right season arrives to feed and give back to our communities (4:49).

Reflection Questions to Explore:

1. How does the Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly differ from the Sower's Parable? (14:51)
2. Where is the boundary between what we should do and what we cannot control in the work of God? (16:18)
3. Why is the slow process of growth and maturity so important in our personal lives and society? (16:41)
4. What does the harvest mean to you, and how can you share your abundant gifts with others? (17:33)

Dr. Kim's Biblical Studies Channel!

Help Us Reach 1,000 Subscribers on Dr. Kim's Biblical Studies Channel! 📖

I am currently at 429 subscribers and need your support to reach my next major milestone of 1,000! On this channel, I draw from my 20+ years of teaching and biblical research to provide short, insightful lectures focused on human transformation, biblical literacy, and social ethics.  

If you believe in accessible, critical, and thoughtful biblical education, please subscribe and spread the word!

👉 Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.yungsukkim 

 

Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind

This book explores the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and the quest for identity. It invites readers to navigate the challenges of anxiety and self-discovery, acknowledging that the crossroads of faith and mental health can often feel disoriented and overwhelming. Yet, within this struggle lies a profound opportunity for renewal. By integrating insights from biblical studies, cognitive science, and psychological theory, this work offers strategies to not only manage anxiety but also engage in a deeper exploration of the self.

You Are Dust (Poetry in Korean)

It feels amazing and humbling to see that my Korean poetry book, You Are Dust, has sold about 200 copies so far through Amazon. The readers are primarily Korean immigrants living in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe. This success has inspired me to begin preparing another collection in Korean. Having also published an English edition, From Dust to Mystery, I know that poetry is my creative strength. I look forward to writing more and sharing my genuine life journey.

Eclectic ancient texts from East Asia

My hobby is meditation and writing ancient East Asian religious and philosophical texts. Below is my calligraphy featuring passages from Confucius (the Analects), Laozi (the Dao De Jing), and Mahayana Buddhist texts. Each, in its own way, humbly explores human existence, community, and social life. I love Confucius for his profound understanding of human-centered, humble morality. I appreciate Laozi for his sharp critique of traditions. And I embrace Mahayana Buddhism for its deep compassion toward a humanity torn by pain.

I often compare their wisdom with biblical traditions as well. In doing so, it becomes clear that wisdom is transhistorical, cross-cultural, and deeply experiential. It is never owned by a single religion, culture, or people. Ultimately, we need our constructed wisdom—so long as it stands ready to be deconstructed and endlessly reconstructed.

 

 

Analects of Confucius

 

Dao De Jing and Buddhist texts

 

Three Marks of Existence and the Heart Sutra (sunyata)

My Scholarly Journey: Justice, Mercy, and Transformation

What does it truly mean to live a life of transformation? After two decades of research, teaching, and writing, I’ve come to realize that the core of meaningful change lies in a single, complex concept: Justice.

In this video, I share my personal journey as a scholar and a follower of Jesus, exploring how the "good news" is inextricably linked to God’s righteousness. 

We will dive deep into the ten different facets of justice—from distributive and social to environmental and restorative—and look at how the subversive parables of Jesus challenge our normative thinking about fairness, work, and even the "weeds" within ourselves. 

If you have ever asked "What is God?", "What am I?", or "What is the right thing to do?", I invite you to join me in this reflection on the value of today and the ongoing process of transformation. 

 

Why partition theory?

My commentary, Treasures and Thorns, is based on partition theory—the idea that 2 Corinthians is actually a composite of at least five distinct letters. I am fully convinced by this theory because it brings Paul's intense engagement and the complex issues in Corinth into sharp focus. I love this letter precisely because it is so beautifully complex, offering a vivid portrait of the early church's real-world struggles.