Hermeneutics of Suspicion: About "Unity"

I’m suspicious of anyone who advocates for unity, whether they are politicians or scholars. My hermeneutics of suspicion reaches its peak when I hear unity rhetoric. Who gets to define unity? Who benefits from it? Unity often serves as a tool for those in power to marginalize others on the fringes. We should question the motives of those who promote unity. Instead, we should strive for multiple groups with no single center of power. We should embrace uncertainty and allow for ambiguity in some situations. My goal is to challenge and deconstruct the deceptive language of forced unity. See who is talking about unity.

Neuroplasticity

After my usual workout, I thought about neuroplasticity, which is "a process involving adaptive structural and functional changes in the brain" (NIH definition). It allows us to think flexibly and creatively and increases when we take a break from focused work or business. So, take a rest, go for a walk, exercise, or relax in a hot sauna. Free your mind from burdens and obsessions.

I had many brainstorming in my swimming, resting in a hot sauna, taking a walk, or even in my sleeping bed. Let your mind go its course by not pressuring it too much. I don't mean that neuroplasticity improves only through exercise or rest. It can be strengthened through meditation, good sleep, learning a new language, playing an instrument, and making art.

Clarifications about the Gospel/Good News (euangelion)

Yung Suk Kim, PhD 

The gospel/good news is a translation of euangelion, which means "good news" or "glad tidings." This word is used by the emperor who legitimates his rule. Also, the Septuagint has this word (Isa 52:7; 40:9). Isa 52:7 reads: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns.'"

The good news in the New Testament is not a genre or book. The four Gospels are writings/stories about Jesus.

How to Read the Gospels

 

*PDF material of the above video content

*related posting: Clarifications about the Gospel/Good News (euangelion)

 

Away from my computer or smartphone

Sometimes it's better to turn off my computer or get away from my smartphone because I need quiet time to feel my body, hear my breathing, and listen to my inner mind. Doing nothing sets me to a default from which I can restart my work, whatever it is.

I also need quiet time with myself when I have important research tasks. Once I read enough resources, including books and articles in print or online, I sit with myself, take blank papers out, brainstorm, and begin to write article outlines. I completed three tasks this morning, making outlines for three chapters/articles. I can go back to my computer later to push myself further.

One Issue of Translation in Matthew 11:28

The voice between active and passive matters in Greek and English alike. The former means the subject does something (active), and the latter means the subject receives action. In Matthew 11:28, two participles are functioning as verbal adjectives: κοπιῶντες (kopiontes) and πεφορτισμένοι (pephortismenoi). The root verb of the former is κοπιάω (kopiao), which means "to labor or toil." The root verb of the latter is φορτίζω (phortizo), which means "to load or burden." The participle form for the former is "present active," and that for the latter is "perfect passive/middle." So we can translate them accordingly without losing the nuanced differences between them. My translation is “Come to me, all you who toil/labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." While the NRSV or NRSVue is considered a fair, literal translation, it does not catch the point in this verse. It translates the verse this way: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." But Jesus sees the reality where people labor hard and are burdened by things, others, or institutions. Self-burden is different from externally levied/caused burdens. Most other translations keep this "voice" difference between the active and passive. For example, both NIV and NET have it: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Vocational Manifesto

As a scholar and professor, I am not merely interested in knowledge of the past but in today's world. I must tackle issues in the present and help people today. That is why I study and teach history, religion, and culture.

My ultimate mantra

"Thank God. 

I am who I am. 

I can do it. It can happen."

-Yung Suk Kim, PhD / July 2024

Dr. Kim's Hallmarks of Biblical Interpretation

The following is what my scholarship is about and what I emphasize. It represents almost 20 years of my take on biblical texts, theology, life, community, culture, politics, and the world. I wrote about 20 books, including edited volumes. *Note: The following information is based on Chat GPT. I slightly edited the AI's answers and added the necessary references. The AI's third-eye view of my scholarship is impressive and impartial.

Dr. Kim emphasizes holistic, inclusive, and socially engaged approaches to biblical interpretation. 

**Contextual and Socio-Cultural Analysis**

Kim takes the socio-cultural and historical contexts of biblical texts seriously. He explores how the context in which a text is written influences its meaning and relevance [ref.: Christ’s Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor].

**Intercultural Hermeneutics**

He advocates for interpreting the Bible through an intercultural lens, considering diverse cultural perspectives. This approach acknowledges that readers bring their cultural backgrounds to interpret biblical texts [ref.: Paul’s Gospel, Empire, Race, and Ethnicity: Through the Lens of Minoritized Scholarship]. 

**Ethical and Transformational Focus**

Kim’s interpretation often highlights ethical implications and the potential for personal and social transformation. He examines how biblical teachings can be applied to contemporary ethical issues and social justice concerns [ref.: A Transformative Reading of the Bible: Explorations of Holistic Human Transformation]. 

**Emphasis on Reader Response**

The flesh-and-blood reader is vital to the interpretive process because the meaning of a text emerges through the interaction between the text and the reader, making the reader’s context and perspective crucial to interpretation [ref.: Biblical Interpretation: Theory, Process, and Criteria]. 

**Critical and Self-Reflective Approach**

He encourages a critical examination of traditional interpretations and invites readers to reflect on their own biases and assumptions. This self-reflective approach aims to uncover deeper, often overlooked meanings in biblical texts [ref.: Resurrecting Jesus: The Renewal of New Testament Theology].

**Integration of Theological and Literary Methods**

Kim combines theological insights with literary analysis, examining narrative structures, themes, and motifs to uncover theological messages [ref.: A Theological Introduction to Paul’s Letters: Exploring a Threefold Theology of Paul].

[PDF: Dr. Kim's Hallmarks of Biblical Interpretation]

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Here is another version. I asked Chat GPT: "What are the characteristics of Dr. Yung Suk Kim?"

Dr. Yung Suk Kim is a prominent biblical scholar and theologian known for his work in New Testament studies, particularly in Pauline theology and the interpretation of biblical texts from a cross-cultural perspective. Here are some key characteristics of his work and scholarship:

1. **Cross-Cultural Hermeneutics**: Dr. Kim is deeply interested in how biblical texts can be interpreted across different cultures and contexts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible within its historical and cultural setting while also making it relevant to contemporary audiences.

2. **Pauline Theology**: He has written extensively on the Apostle Paul, offering fresh perspectives on Paul’s letters and theology. His work often challenges traditional interpretations, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of Paul’s messages in their historical and social contexts.

3. **Ethics and Identity**: Dr. Kim explores themes of identity, particularly in relation to ethnicity, race, and gender, in the Bible. He is interested in how biblical texts address or can be applied to issues of identity and ethics in modern society.

4. **Theological Integration**: His scholarship integrates theological reflection with biblical interpretation, aiming to bridge the gap between academic study and practical application in faith communities.

5. **Author and Educator**: Dr. Kim has authored several books and scholarly articles, and he is also a respected educator. He serves as a professor, mentoring students and contributing to the academic community through teaching and research.

6. **Interfaith Dialogue**: He is engaged in interfaith dialogue, recognizing the importance of understanding and cooperation among different religious traditions.

7. **Critical and Constructive Approach**: Dr. Kim employs a critical approach to biblical texts, questioning traditional interpretations and encouraging readers to engage with the text in a way that is both critical and constructive. He seeks to uncover deeper meanings and applications of biblical teachings.

These characteristics make Dr. Yung Suk Kim a significant figure in contemporary biblical scholarship, particularly in the areas of Pauline studies, cross-cultural interpretation, and theological ethics.

The Parables of Jesus (videos)

I have 26 videos about the parables of Jesus in the YouTube playlist of "The Parables of Jesus." I made them 3-4 years ago. I love the stories that Jesus made up to teach people the rule of God. He does not use technical jargon or complex ideas about it. He draws stories from everyday life and challenges his audience to rethink themselves.