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)

AT THE INTERSECTION OF HERMENEUTICS AND HOMILETICS

 

This book is ideal for those who don't appreciate the same old approach to traditional interpretation or preaching that fails to consider alternative readings while pushing for a hegemonic perspective. The most salient feature of this edited volume is that multiple, diversely seasoned scholars read the same text from their critical, contextual perspectives. Sometimes, their readings converge; at other times, they diverge, often creating tension or conflict. The book includes three homiletical introductory chapters and ten transgressive readings aimed at transformational preaching.

Embrace Change

"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

The Lord's Prayer

My passion for creative research has always driven me to venture into less-traveled areas. Recently, I focused on the Lord's Prayer, which is practiced and prayed a lot, yet still needs a fresh reading that has not been argued for before. My focus is resilience and spirituality. I have developed an analytical theory that interprets this profound prayer tradition and immersed myself in scholarly literature. Gradually, I am working toward crafting a book proposal. This endeavor is my summer project.

  

My Rose

This is my rose! I water it every day. It soothes me with gentle beauty.  

My heart blooms with a deep affection for flowers, and at its center stands my cherished rose.
I cradle its tender beauty each day,
watering it with devotion and gentle hands.
It is more than a plant; it is my love incarnate,
a soothing balm that heals my soul,
whispering secrets of hope as its floral leaves unfurl
in the embrace of each new dawn.