New book projects

These covers may be imaginary, but they represent real stories I am bringing to life. With two manuscripts complete and several concrete proposals in hand, visualization is what fuels my drive. People often see the fruit of the work without witnessing the roots—the hard labor and steady focus required to grow. Brainstorming and persistence are the heartbeat of my success. I am so grateful for this life and this space. I have realized that even when I am working in solitude, I am not alone.

 

 

 

"Holy City" article

"'Holy City' in Matthew 4:5 and 27:53" will see the light as it will be published in the Journal of Biblical Studies of Interest. It was presented during my doctoral study at a regional SBL conference back in 2003. It was hidden in my folder for so long. It emerges from obscurity as the saints rise from their tombs in the story of resurrection in Matthew 27.

"Holy City" in Matthew 4:5 and 27:53

"This article examines the distinctive and often overlooked usage of the phrase "the holy city" in the Gospel of Matthew (4:5 and 27:53), challenging the prevailing scholarly view that treats the term merely as ironic. By contrasting Matthew’s depiction with the apocalyptic, otherworldly cities found in Revelation and Second Temple literature, this study argues that the First Gospel presents "the holy city" as a practical and political alternative to the corrupt, Roman-affiliated Jerusalem. The analysis demonstrates how Matthew strategically situates the phrase during the devil’s wilderness temptation and the resurrection of the saints to articulate a counter-narrative to the Temple-state and imperial power. Ultimately, the article contends that this twofold usage functions not only to critique existing authority but to affirm a realized vision of justice and hope for the Matthean community."

The Parables of Jesus (playlist on my YouTube channel)

Explore my YouTube playlist featuring 27 Parables of Jesus—short, clear explanations with practical takeaways. Watch here.

Vocational Manifesto

As a seasoned senior scholar and teacher, known for linking the world of the Bible to contemporary struggles for justice and community, I am deeply committed to advancing human welfare.

[YouTube] A Critical Look into South Korea's Shifting Faith and Enduring Politics

Yoon’s declaration of martial law failed. This episode examines the history and work of protest movements in Korea as well as the mixed legacy of Christianity, shaped in part by its right‑wing ideology.

 

12.3 내란의 밤에 난 한국에 출장중이었다. 작년 12월3일 연세대에서 강연하고 피곤하여 일찍 잠들었는데 새벽에 깨어보니 급한 메시지가 미국 가족, 친구에게서 왔다. 괜찮냐고? 뉴스를 확인해본 결과 나는 초현실에 사는 것 같은 충격에 휩싸였다. 다행히도 12월4일 잡힌 이화여대 강의도 예정대로 진행되었다. 시민들의 차분한 대응과 야당의 단호한 의지와 행동으로 점차 안정을 찾아가고 있었다. 그리고 내란수괴 탄핵되는 날 국회앞에서 탄핵시위에 동참하면서 탄핵 가결 소식을 접하고 소리치고 춤추었다. 아직도 그 때의 기억은 나의 79학번 시절의 독재철폐 민주투쟁으로 연결되면서 트라우마이다. 그때의 이야기와 극우화된 기독교 문제, 한국의 민주화 정치에 대해 간단히 이야기해보았다. 영상의 사진은 내가 직접 여의도 행사에서 찍은 것이다. 이 비디오는 영어권을 위한 것이라 영어이다. 영어전문은 여기에 있다.

On the night of December 3rd, during the internal rebellion (self-coup), I was on a business trip in Korea. Last year, on December 3rd, after giving a lecture at Yonsei University, I was tired and went to bed early. When I woke up in the morning, I had urgent messages from family and friends in the US asking if I was okay. After checking the news, I was in shock as if I was living in a surreal world. Fortunately, my scheduled lecture at Ewha Womans University on December 4th proceeded as planned. Thanks to the calm response of the citizens and the firm will and actions of the opposition party, stability was gradually returning. And on the day the leader of the rebellion was impeached, I joined the impeachment protest in front of the National Assembly, heard the news of the impeachment's passage, and shouted and danced. That memory still connects to my democratic struggles against dictatorship during my 1979 university days, and it remains a trauma. I briefly discussed that story, the problem of the right-wing, Christian nationalist politics, and Korea's social movements. The photos in the video were taken by me directly at an event in Yoido. This video is intended for English speakers, so it is in English. The full English text is here.

Podcast episode: A Critical Look into South Korea's Shifting Faith and Enduring Politics

Yoon’s declaration of martial law failed. This episode examines the history and work of protest movements in Korea as well as the mixed legacy of Christianity, shaped in part by its right‑wing ideology. Transcripts

Christmas Cactus 2025, Richmond, VIRGINIA

  

A new book project (edited volume)

Rethinking Paul: Critical Conversations for Our World

Edited by Yung Suk Kim

"Mind"

 

Mental Strength