academic and practical

I got word that my small essay “The Light Yoke: A Paradox of Yoke, Rest, and Self-Love (Matthew 11:28–30)” will be published in the October issue of Lectionary in the Journal of Currents in Theology and Mission. In my research and writing, I love the academic taste with practical insights.

NEW EDITED BOOK

At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics

Transgressive Readings for Transformational Preaching

Edited by Yung Suk Kim (Pickwick, 2025)

The list of contributors

Sample

While hermeneutics involves a comprehensive study of the text, ranging from historical to literary to reader-focused approaches, homiletics is concerned with a selected theme/message and composition and delivery of sermonic discourse set toward a particular audience. However, the border between hermeneutics and homiletics is blurred because both require readers to engage the text from their own contexts.

    This collected volume deals with the intersection of hermeneutics and homiletics by exploring two revelatory texts—one from the Hebrew Bible and the other from the New Testament: the book of Ruth and Matthew 15:21–28 (a Canaanite woman’s encounter with Jesus), which reflect still-agonizing issues readers must tackle: (im)migration, family/community, identity/agency, race/ethnicity, gender, class, culture, economy, and religion, among others. A diverse group of scholars brings their transgressive perspectives to the above texts.
    Unfolding uncharted areas of interest, inquiry, or insight, they will transgress against the authoritative reading of texts, fashion hermeneutic horizon in dialogue with the text, and forge homiletic trajectories toward contemporary audiences. Without limiting interpretation to a box, this volume looks to register bold voices to perennial issues in our day. Homiletic transformation occurs through the relentless, resistant reading of the text and reimagining our world.

“This carefully crated volume is more than an ‘intersection.’ It is an enlivening, collaborative dialogue between exegetes and preachers exploring together certain biblical texts from a variety of interpretive lenses. Transgressive texts in their own right, the book of Ruth and the story of Jesus’s encounter with the Canaanite woman provide a perfect pairing for readings that challenge traditional assumptions while offering fresh insights for the work of transformation. This volume heralds the future of biblical interpretation for communities of faith.”
—William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia

“Yung Suk Kim has pursued the question of human transformation in his scholarship. In this edited volume, he invites thirteen distinguished scholars to create a creative space where transformation can occur through preaching—enacted and emboldened by transgressive readings of the Scriptures. Readers will be surprised by the surplus of meanings that flow through the art of embodied interpretation and proclamation, which profoundly engage with current sociopolitical and communal contexts. I highly recommend this book.”
—Jin Young Choi, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester, New York

Spirituality and Mental Health

Rooted in Love, Resilient in Mind

-A Journey into Healing-

 

This book explores the intersection of mental health, spirituality, and the quest for identity. It invites readers to consider the challenges related to mental health, particularly in the context of anxiety and self-discovery. At the crossroads of anxiety and faith, many individuals often feel disoriented and overwhelmed. Yet, within this struggle lies a significant opportunity for growth, understanding, and renewal. Through various strategies, individuals can not only learn to manage anxiety but also engage in a deeper exploration of self. This book integrates insights from biblical studies, cognitive science, and other theories in psychology.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Fostering Mental Health
Chapter 3: Rediscovering the True Self
Chapter 4: Healing through Love and Grace
Chapter 5: Conclusion

Poetry book: Navigating Life's Tapestry

 This poetry book represents the author's heartfelt endeavor to reflect his journey as a biblical scholar who cherishes the profound insights of wisdom. Poetry is a powerful means of communication—not only with himself but also with the world, including the divine and all beings that inhabit it. Filled with his innate curiosity, the book explores the intricacies of life itself. Life, in all its complexity, is both beautiful and challenging. The world I navigate can often be tempestuous, yet it remains a place where I find meaning and purpose. Poetry speaks to me in a language that transcends mere words, and in return, I engage with it as a trusted companion. Through the lens of poetry, I explore the myriad experiences that shape our existence. This poetry book serves not only as an expression of his thoughts but also as an invitation for readers to partake in a dialogue about life and the world we inhabit. Each poem within these pages delves into the multifaceted aspects of life—addressing adversity, embracing hope, and fostering engagement. They pose thought-provoking questions about our struggles while illuminating the glimmers of hope that can be found amidst our challenges. This poetry book resonates with readers, providing both enjoyment and a stimulating conversation about the rich tapestry of life.

 

Contents

Part 1, Life’s Resilience and Hope
Awakening in the Dust
The Fragile Essence
Eternal Present
Water’s Metanoia
Mystery Across Borders
River of Life
Only Love Is True
The Call of the Valley
The Diversity of Beauty
The Path of Resilience

Part 2, Embracing Love and Freedom
Cosmic Love
The Free Wind
A Warm Embrace
Perceptions of Nature
Whisper of Uncertainty
Embracing the Unknown
Forest Reflections
Grace in Every Breath

Part 3, The Journey of Being and Becoming
The Cycle of Being
The Journey of Becoming
The Quest for Truth
Birth from Above
The Value of Today
Embracing Today
Trust the Journey
Echoes of Authenticity
Embracing the Limit
The Power of Imagination
Voices of Sincerity

Dancing Through Life

Conceptualizing love isn't enough; it must be expressed through actions. As James notes, "the body without the spirit is dead," and mere perceptions of love can be equally lifeless. Love is action, manifested in activities like dancing, singing, or helping others.

Once, during a Bible study, a participant asked, "How can I dance when I'm feeling low?" This resonated with our theme of dancing with God. My point was that dancing is possible in any circumstance, both physically and spiritually.

Dancing isn't just a display of joy; it's a holistic expression of our being. In Korea, the dance Hanpoori allows for expressing "Han," feelings of bitterness and pain, transforming these emotions into liberation and empowerment. This dance shows that expression isn't limited to joy but can occur at any emotional state.

"Reading Parables through the Lens of Justice"

JUSTICE AND PARABLES

Reading Jesus's Parables through Political Philosophy

 (T&T Clark, 2026 projected)

 

 Key Words: parables, Jesus, political philosophy, justice, contemporary relevance, transformation

In the final stages of my nearly 80,000-word manuscript, I explore the vital theme of justice. This book examines various types of parables within their historical and literary contexts, highlighting their contemporary relevance. My goal is to illuminate the moral challenges presented in these stories and inspire dialogue about justice and its implications in today's society.

The manuscript covers ten types of justice, including distributive, restorative, and environmental justice, while addressing significant events such as the Sewol Ferry tragedy and the Itaewon Halloween crush in Korea, alongside other global issues. I engage with a diverse range of thinkers, incorporating insights from classical East Asian philosophers like Confucius, Laozi, and Mencius, as well as modern scholars.

Book Description

This book examines Jesus's parables through the lens of political philosophy, with a particular emphasis on the concept of justice. It poses the foundational question: "What is the right thing to do?" The parables reflect the life issues and complexities of justice in Jesus's time, offering a radical vision based on the reign of God that challenges the prevailing values and justice system of the Roman Empire.

The work explores the multifaceted theme of justice articulated through Jesus's parables, situating his teachings within the socio-political landscape of first-century Palestine. This approach seeks to uncover nuanced interpretations of justice and the moral intricacies inherent in these narratives. The book meticulously categorizes various forms of justice that resonate with the parabolic teachings: distributive, attributive, procedural, social, restorative, compensatory, retributive, global, racial, and environmental justice.

Readers can navigate through chapters aligned with their specific interests, each accompanied by thought-provoking discussion questions designed to foster critical dialogue and reflection. Ultimately, this volume aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and advocating for justice in the modern world, making it an essential resource for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the teachings of parables.

[shorter version]
This book offers a comprehensive examination of justice as depicted in the parables of Jesus, structured into ten distinct chapters, each dedicated to a specific type of justice. By employing rigorous historical-critical methods and metaphorical interpretations, the book facilitates an in-depth analysis of moral complexities while contextualizing parables within contemporary issues such as environmental, racial, and global justice.
    Readers are empowered to explore the material non-linearly, selecting chapters based on individual interests. Each chapter includes discussion questions designed to promote critical engagement and dialogue in educational settings, thereby enhancing the interpretive process.
    Addressing pressing global concerns like climate change, systemic racism, and social justice, the author asserts that these themes resonate profoundly within the parables' narratives. By situating Jesus's teachings in their historical context of first-century Palestine, the work highlights their relevance in confronting contemporary moral dilemmas. This book invites readers to reevaluate the parables through the lens of justice, encouraging scholars and general readers alike to consider their transformative potential. It positions itself not merely as a study of theological literature but as a vital framework for understanding and advocating for equity in today's multifaceted global context.

 

   

In this book, I introduce readers to ten theories of political philosophy:

Classical liberalism, modern libertarianism, utilitarianism, communitarianism, egalitarianism, virtue theory, intersection of race, gender, class, and sexuality, postcolonial theories, environmentalism, and Marxist theory. 

The ten types of justice discussed in this book are as follows: Distributive, attributive, procedural, social, racial, restorative, compensatory, retributive, global, and environmental.

 

Correct understanding of justification by Paul

I wrote this statement, correcting the traditional doctrine:
"Justification by the grace of God through the faithfulness of Jesus for all who share in his faith."
(Yung Suk Kim, based on Rom 3:21-26)

I wrote extensively about Paul's theology, featuring the threefold gospel, where three elements are essential: God's righteousness, Jesus's faithfulness, and Christian participation in the faith of Jesus. 

For example, see my recent publication, How to Read Paul (Fortress, 2021). 

The more I teach, the more I am convinced about this.

"At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics"

book link 

“This carefully crated volume is more than an ‘intersection.’ It is an enlivening, collaborative dialogue between exegetes and preachers exploring together certain biblical texts from a variety of interpretive lenses. Transgressive texts in their own right, the book of Ruth and the story of Jesus’s encounter with the Canaanite woman provide a perfect pairing for readings that challenge traditional assumptions while offering fresh insights for the work of transformation. This volume heralds the future of biblical interpretation for communities of faith.”
—William P. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia

“Yung Suk Kim has pursued the question of human transformation in his scholarship. In this edited volume, he invites thirteen distinguished scholars to create a creative space where transformation can occur through preaching—enacted and emboldened by transgressive readings of the Scriptures. Readers will be surprised by the surplus of meanings that flow through the art of embodied interpretation and proclamation, which profoundly engage with current sociopolitical and communal contexts. I highly recommend this book.”
—Jin Young Choi, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester, New York

editorial board

I am thrilled to be part of the editorial board of Perspectives in Religious Studies, a renowned journal with a rich history rooted in Baptist schools, and I am grateful for the Nominating Committee's invitation to join this esteemed group. My term begins in July 2025 and ends in 2029 (a 4-year term).

1 Cor 6:17 (ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν)

1 Cor 6:17

ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ Κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν.

"But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him" (NRSVue).

Paul argues that Christians should cleave to Jesus and his way of life, remembering his grace and faithfulness. Then, a Christian's spirit will be united with the spirit of Christ, which means there is one mind, one will, and one action that seeks God's will on earth: all people's deliverance from evil and their sanctification.

Otherwise, Paul does not seek a mere unity of the community like the hierarchical conception of a society based on homonoia (unity or concord) that does not advocate for the weak members. Rather, he envisions a new community of God based on Christly examples. This vision will be realized only when people share in the spirit of Jesus, following his way of life. 

Likewise, in 1 Cor 12:27 ("You are the body of Christ, and individually members of it"), his argument is not to establish a unified community based on an organism model but to emphasize Christ-ruled living and community. That is, Christ-followers must embody his spirit. The Corinthians are a Christic body, a Christ-ruled community. Individually and communally, they must follow the way of Jesus. The sense of the body Paul uses here is not an organism but a site of living (cf, 1 Cor 6:20: "For you were bought with a price; therefore, glorify God in your body").  

For more about this argument, you may want to read my recent book How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to His Theology, Writings, and World and other articles, including “Reclaiming Christ’s Body (soma christou): Embodiment of God’s Gospel in Paul’s Letters,” Interpretation 67.1 (2013): 20-29.

The above point began with my doctoral dissertation, which led to the publication of my debut book, Christ's Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor, in 2008.