Visit to Korea 2024 Dec

I had a truly memorable experience during my visit to Korea. The stability of democracy is dependent on the active participation of ordinary citizens, with a particular emphasis on young people. I am reassured to see Korean democracy avoiding a return to the instability that characterized the country 45 years ago when a military coup traumatized me. The impeachment of Yoon is a significant development. On a separate note, it is noteworthy that young people, primarily those in their 20s and 30s, are becoming increasingly awakened. This generation witnessed the tragedies of the Sewol Ferry and Itaewon Crowd Crush. Moreover, they are the children of parents who fought against military dictatorship. Han Kang asks: Can the past help the present? Can the dead save the living? The answer is Yes. Those who sacrificed for democracy saved people in the present.

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Speaking (Jeonju 2024)

I am glad to have shared thoughts about the Bible and transformation in Jeonju City (Jeonju Joongang Church, Dec 12, 2024). I explored the importance of critical, contextual interpretation of scriptures and reiterated the power of the self in one's life. The self must be rooted in God's love without which one cannot stand. YouTube video

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Lecture at Ewha Womans University (Dec 4, 2024)

I had an excellent time lecturing and talking with these young brilliant students at Ewha Womans University. I will always remember it. Their questions were timely and sharp. My topic was Paul's Theology, Community, and Women. Professor Kyungmi Park extended an invitation to me. Long live Ewha! 

*Photo courtesy of So-Jeong Yoon (Teaching Assistant)

 

 

    

  

Lecture at Yonsei University (Dec 3, 2024)

My lecture title: "The Samaritan as a Paragon of Self-Love (Luke 10:25-37)"

The idea that self-love is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan is not a typical trend, but there is a clue we can see it. Without true self-love, no true love of neighbor!

 

Lecture on Hermeneutics and Transformation

Lecture on Hermeneutics and Transformation at Hanshin Church 

(성서해석과 렌즈: 변화를 향한 렌즈점검과 적용) 

Dec 2, 2024

Hundreds of people gathered to listen to me and my colleague. I talked about the importance of critical, contextual interpretation. Every interpretation is contextual and must be tested. Scripture involves transformative elements if engaged well. My colleague, Professor Heidi Park, talked about the power of scripture in a pastoral context.  

AAR/SBL Book Exhibit 2024 San Diego

My editor sent me this photo of the book exhibit at the AAR/SBL in San Diego. As I cannot attend in person, please feel free to drop by on my behalf and pick up a copy of my latest book, How to Read the Gospels.

Parables and Justice

I am working hard on my next book project, tentatively titled Parables and Justice. I was like a writing machine. I have now completed a rough draft. I intend to finalize it within six months. The book proposal is under review, and I anticipate securing a contract in due course. This book explores parables through the lens of political philosophy with a focus on justice. In it, I engage with 10 types of justice. On my flight to Seoul, I will continue to work.

Existential

Lately, one word has been resonating deeply within my mind: "existential." I am developing my own existential philosophy, distinct from traditional theology. I am increasingly drawn to existential thought, moving away from atavistic interpretations.

Mini-essay

More Inclusive Study of the Bible with Interdisciplinary Approaches: 

Seeking Robust Mental Well-Being

 

Yung Suk Kim, Virginia Union University 

The Bible contains ancient thoughts, cultures, and religious accounts, so it is important to interpret it carefully and critically. To some extent, we have done our jobs well, approaching the text variously and critically, analyzing the historical, social, cultural, economic, and ideological aspects of ancient people, communities, and societies. But I see great lacunae in biblical interpretation because there is a lack of focus on mental well-being in biblical interpretation. I do not mean that the Bible or biblical interpretation resolves mental health issues significantly. Mental health issues are embedded in ancient texts, and we should consider how to read and interpret them in this context. The key is what to say about mental well-being issues in the text from our context when we engage with it. For example, can we read The Lord’s Prayer from the perspective of mental well-being? The answer is vehement yes because it contains mental well-being issues at which the center is the mind—a hot issue then and now. This prayer taught by Jesus reminds us of how to deal with life’s challenges that occur every day. We can ask questions such as: What does it mean to address God as "our Father who is in heaven?" How can we pray for our daily bread when people are hungry and struggling? How can we participate in forgiveness in a complex society? And how can we experience “thy kingdom come” in the present? I am optimistic about the future of biblical interpretation because of my interest in mental well-being involving interdisciplinary studies such as cognitive science, mental health theories, psychotheology, and political theology.

*Note: This mini-essay was published in The Bible and Critical Theory Vol. 20, no. 1 (2024).

*Citation: Yung Suk Kim, "More Inclusive Study of the Bible with Interdisciplinary Approaches: Seeking Robust Mental Well-Being," The Bible and Critical Theory Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024), 10-11.

Laozi, Dao De Jing 81

I wrote this paragraph in my future book titled Parables and Justice:

Laozi, a classical philosopher from China in the sixth century BCE, is purported to have written a book called Dao De Jing—the Book of the Way and Virtue. He conveys an interesting idea that “True words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful.” It is worth quoting the last chapter of his book, which shows this idea:

“The wise are not erudite. True words are not beautiful. Beautiful words are not truthful. The good do not argue for their interest. Those who argue are not good. The wise are not erudite. The erudite are not wise. The wise do not hoard things. The more they give to others, the more they have. The Way of Heaven benefits, but does not harm others. The way of the wise accomplishes without striving” (Dao De Jing 81, translation is mine; from Reading Jesus' Parables with Dao De Jing, 64).

Reading Jesus' Parables with Dao De Jing