Signature Scholarship

 

The foundation of my scholarship rests on at least ten distinct arguments, some of which are unique. I have articulated these ideas in books and articles, presented them publicly, and integrated them into my teaching. PDF

Three Layers of Biblical Interpretation

A Transformative Reading of the Bible

Jesus’s Initial Preaching (Mark 1:14-15) Focused on Today

Mindfulness and Luke’s Gospel

The Lord’s Prayer and the Mind

A New Study of the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel

Justice and the Parables of Jesus

Threefold Theology/Gospel of Paul

A New Interpretation of the Soma Christou as Christic Body

A New Interpretation of Hilasterion (kaporeth) as Reconciliation

Pebbles

Pebbles linked — each unique, together as one.

Christian Mental Exercise

This morning, I was scanning the news and noticed an article about “mental exercise” and its benefits. That made me think of a book titled Christian Mental Exercise: Toward Mental Resilience and Flourishing. It would be a slender volume—fewer than 100 pages—and I already have some ideas.

Seeing the Small

-Yung Suk Kim

In modern science, a central question is how to understand the behavior of atoms — the subject of quantum mechanics. In the humanities, the parallel question is how to understand who we are as human beings. The ancient sage Laozi gestures toward this insight with sayings such as “seeing the small is clarity” (見小曰明) and “knowing oneself is clarity” (自知者明). These suggest that true wisdom begins with recognizing one’s smallness. Smallness can be beautiful and powerful; without this awareness, people risk becoming inhuman and harming others.

Teaching Philosophy

I am serious about my primary vocation, which is teaching.

https://drkimys.blogspot.com/p/manifesto.html

Change and life

 

What remains constant is that all things change. However, even though things change, it doesn't mean they disappear forever. For example, vapor seems to disappear, but it's not truly gone; it transforms into air, taking on a different form. We live one life and change every day – it's a natural process. While we will eventually be gone, that doesn't mean our lives are meaningless or that we are nothing. Perhaps the ugliest form of inhumanity is denying our fleeting nature and clinging to the idea of immortality. Instead, see the beauty and meaning of life around you and within you. View change through the lens of gratitude and purpose.

Brainstorming

I believe in the power of brainstorming. I ponder the research topics I’m working on—while sleeping, in bed, on walks, and throughout the day. I’ve refined a critical-mind-informed framework for interpreting scripture and its impact on homiletics. Today, I coined new vocabulary for this work and identified potential analytical dimensions in the texts.

Intelligence

Einstein observes that the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. What is remarkable about this view? What is lacking? At stake is the very definition of knowledge and its relationship to imagination. Furthermore, what kind of imagination are we talking about?

Points to Consider:

What's Remarkable: Einstein's emphasis on imagination is remarkable because it challenges the traditional view of intelligence as primarily based on accumulated knowledge and rote learning. It suggests that the ability to think creatively and generate new ideas is more important than simply knowing facts.

What's Lacking: One could argue that pure imagination without a foundation of knowledge can be unproductive or even delusional. A balance between knowledge and imagination is likely ideal. Also, the quote doesn't address other aspects of intelligence, such as critical thinking, problem-solving skills, or emotional intelligence. The application of imagination is also a key consideration. Is it simply daydreaming, or is it being used to solve problems and create new things?

Joy of Living (Joie de vivre)

Eccl 1:14

I have an issue with the translation of the Hebrew word "hebel" in Ecclesiastes 1:14. It does not necessarily mean “vanity” or “meaningless.” The word emphasizes something that quickly vanishes like vapor or breath — it is fleeting. But “fleeting” need not be identical to “vanity” or “meaningless.” Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of living on earth; a short life does not imply that life is meaningless or vain. Life is precious because it is short.

My new translation of Eccl 1:14: "I saw all things done under the sun, and see, all is fleeting and a chasing after wind" (translation by Yung Suk Kim).

Chasing after wind means the impossibility of getting hold of it. It does not necessarily mean it is meaningless. The point is like a Latin phrase: carpe diem (seize the moment).

See my old post about this topic.