Critical, Practical Mindset

I have a critical and practical mindset. My authored textbooks emphasize questions for discussion or reflection. I did so with "How to Read Paul" (Fortress 2021) and again with this new book "How to Read the Gospels" (Rowman & Littlefield 2024). For example:
-"Why does Mark not include a birth/infancy narrative?"
-"Why does Matthew include the story about Jesus's escape to Egypt and return to Israel?"
-"Is Luke's Gospel a politically innocuous gospel or a social gospel?"
-"Jesus's last words in John are "It is finished" (John 19:30). What is finished in the narrative? What should be continued by his disciples?"

Read the Gospels by yourself. Ask critical, contextual questions from your context. Read my book HOW TO READ THE GOSPELS along with your study. It's only 24 dollars, a few cups of coffee. Then you will be different than the past.

Metanoia (μετάνοια)

Photo Courtesy of Dr. Seung Soon Jang

Metanoia (μετάνοια) means a change of mind. No problem so far. But in actuality, it involves both confession and change. On the one hand, one must regret and confess any wrongdoings. But on the other hand, confession alone is not enough. One must change one's thoughts or behavior and lead a new life separate from the past. It also means not sticking with the old pattern of life or having too much confession as if one were trying to focus on cleansing sins. The point is to move forward with a renewed thought. All in all, metanoia must involve at least these two aspects: remorse/confession and a change of mind seeking God's way.

The Grace of God

Nothing surpasses the grace of God. Sin holds no dominion over it. People feel suffocated when they think there is no hope in them. Yet, in God, we discover the ultimate and everlasting source of hope.  

Virginia Union University Professor Dr. Yung Suk Kim Publishes Groundbreaking Book "How to Read the Gospels"

Virginia Union University(VUU) is proud to announce the release of How to Read the Gospels, a new book by Dr. Yung Suk Kim, Professor of New Testament & Early Christianity. This accessible and comprehensive introduction to the Gospels is set to become an essential resource for students and scholars alike, providing deep insights into the distinctive messages of the Gospel texts and offering a wide range of interpretative methods.

How to Read the Gospels is expected to significantly impact seminary and graduate students who study the Gospels critically and comprehensively. It provides user-friendly summaries, such as the basics of each Gospel—authorship, history, essential parables, the Jesus of each Gospel, and notable interpretation and translation issues. By fostering a close reading of each text, the book sensitizes students to historical and literary issues, helping them better understand various ways to interpret these formative stories.

“This book results from my teaching at VUU, and my conviction is that the Gospels are more than history, affecting our thinking and life today," Professor of New Testament & Early Christianity Dr. Yung Suk Kim said. "Traditionally, the Gospels have been read with much focus on history. But this book opens up all kinds of possibilities of reading lenses through which we can explore multiple dimensions of the text, which bear on our lives today, whether personal or political."

This book uniquely engages various readings of the Gospels, from traditional to deconstruction approaches, including womanist, disability, and ecological interpretations. It prompts readers to consider alternative perspectives and methods, making it a transformative tool for students and scholars aiming to understand the Gospels' multifaceted dimensions. CONTINUE TO READ.

Food and religion

The Food and Feasts of the Apostle Paul
Inside the Early Church—with Menus and Recipes (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024)
DOUGLAS E. NEEL

This book is for everyday readers who are curious about the food culture in early Christianity. The author even includes recipes and menus to experience the ancient food culture. This is not a typical academic book, but a welcoming exploration of the significance of food in our gatherings. I wrote a blurb for this book.

New book HOW TO READ THE GOSPELS

It's a great surprise. I found the book package outside my door when I stepped out to take a walk. My new book is still warm. Colleagues, you may request exam copies from the publisher for your courses. Please check out this link. If you are a student or serious learner, this book is the sine qua non of a textbook. I am grateful to all the supporters, friends, colleagues, and students who have contributed to bringing this book to life. As I move on to other projects, I pray for God's blessings on this book's journey. Amazon link.

 

VUU News about my book publication

"How to Read" Books

I'm happy to have written these two introductory textbooks. I am a serious educator who believes in the importance of human transformation.

Exod 3:14

This saying in Exodus 3:14 describes me the best:

אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה‎‎ 

"I am that I am." "I am who I am." Or "I will be what I will be."

This saying is more than God's name or character. It can be mine too. 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.

Speaking events

I'm thrilled to share that I've been invited to speak at the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin annual gathering in Milwaukee on October 12-13. After the event on Sunday, I will also have the honor of speaking at my colleague's church in the area. I've been reciting the slogans "I can do" and "It can happen" because I trust God and believe that God's will be done on earth through me.

Love who you are

The only way to get over sleepy eyes while driving is not to fight it but to stop at the rest area and have enough rest. In other words, fighting drowsy eyes is foolish. 

Likewise, when we are weary and weak, it's time to rest and reenergize the body and mind with extra care. We may take walks in the park or drive without aim. Sometimes, our minds need to flow or blow as they wish. Also, when we face unknown fear out of the blue or from the blue, we should not care to drive it out by force. The more we try to expel it, the deeper we fall into the vortex of more fears. The right way to deal with it is to acknowledge it as part of your life and love who you are. You can love yourself no matter what. Just tell yourself that "I am normal."