Justice and the Parables of Jesus: A Political and Ethical Reading

"Justice and the Parables of Jesus: A Political and Ethical Reading"

Yung Suk Kim

"This paper re-examines Jesus's parables through the framework of political philosophy, situating them within their first-century socio-political context. It argues that these narratives articulate a radical vision of justice confronting dominant power structures. The analysis explores ten distinct types of justice, demonstrating how Mencius's economic insights illuminate Jesus's concern for the poor. Modern Korean tragedies (Itaewon, Sewol) are presented as case studies to expose the critical interplay of retributive and restorative justice, demanding accountability. Finally, the Parable of the Sower is interpreted to unveil profound aspects of environmental justice, advocating for a responsible human-nature partnership. The paper concludes by asserting that Jesus's message compels an engagement with a costly, holistic justice that seeks to transform both individuals and societal structures."

I will deliver a lecture to the public and will publish it soon afterward.

The Heart of the Gospel of Mark?

"Jesus came to proclaim the good news of God. As a result, he died because his teaching and preaching were costly, facing opposition from both the powerful and the people. But God vindicated him. This is the centerpiece of Mark's Gospel." -Yung Suk Kim

Mindfulness poem on Harmony

 

38

Harmony

Yung Suk Kim

Harmony is not the middle ground,

But every part within the whole is found.

Integrated fully, bound and there,

Connected by a deep and loving care.

source: https://drkimys.blogspot.com/p/40-day-mindful-journey-and-reflections.html

The Fourth Horizon: The Mental World as a Critical Lens for Hermeneutics and Homiletics

This is a new book project of mine that I am working hard on these days.

Biblical scholarship has long navigated the intricate landscapes of the historical world (meaning behind the text), the literary world (meaning within the text), and the reader's horizon (meaning in front of the text). Yet, despite rigorous methods, a crucial dimension often remains unexplored: the deep cognitive dynamics and psychological interiority embedded within scripture, its contexts, and its reception.

• Discover the hidden psychological landscape of Scripture and transform how you interpret and preach the Bible.
• Unlock the Bible’s "Fourth Horizon"—the mental world—where critical inquiry meets the deepest cognitive truths of the text.
• Move beyond history and literature to explore the mind behind the text: a groundbreaking paradigm for modern preaching.
• Revitalize your reading of Scripture by mastering the "critical mind"—the essential bridge between ancient text and modern thought.
• A revolutionary new lens for biblical interpretation that reveals the cognitive depths often missed by traditional scholarship.

Spread the word about this new book

Since the release of my new book, Justice and the Parables of Jesus: Interpreting the Gospel Stories through Political Philosophy, just two weeks ago, I have made every effort to spread the word. Now, I believe the book has a life of its own—with hands, feet, a heart, and eyes—ready to reach the people who need it most. I pray that readers will be blessed by it.

Mastering the Greek Alphabet in 20 Minutes

 Four years have elapsed since the creation of this video. Time flies.

 

Maturity

[36] Mindfulness poem on Maturity
#mindfulness #maturity #poem #yungsukkim

Why I Run a Writing Factory (And Why You Should Too)

If anyone asks me the secret to being a prolific writer, here is my answer: Metaphorically speaking, I run a writing factory and warehouse containing many potential projects, ranging from fully developed manuscripts to inchoate ideas. It is my habit to work daily in this factory, keeping it constantly updated. I have run this operation for almost twenty years now. So, you can start building your own writing factory and warehouse, just like me. There is no shortcut to it.

"The Fourth Horizon" new book project

With the manuscript for Treasures and Thorns now with the publisher, I am returning to an ongoing project: The Fourth Horizon: The Mental World as a Critical Lens for Hermeneutics and Homiletics. I am currently refining the book's description and writing a sample chapter titled "Genesis 19: The Trauma of Sodom and the Psychology of Violence."

 

How to Read the Gospels

This book, How to Read the Gospels, truly reflects my passion for the study of the Gospels. It is structured into two main parts: a critical introduction to each Gospel and a section on methodological diversity.

The Gospel narratives are not static; they reflect us and speak to us. To truly understand them, we must read closely and diversely, engaging with contemporary issues ranging from mental health and the climate crisis to political and economic justice.

The Gospels do not necessarily provide technical solutions to modern problems, but they do demand that we revisit the stories of Jesus from our current contexts. Interpretation should never be dominated by one school of thought; rather, every reader can discern what is good from their unique perspective. We must avoid using the Bible as a weapon against other cultures or as a replacement for all other knowledge. Instead, we should view the Gospels as an open invitation: a call to weave our stories into the ongoing story of Jesus, not to triumph over others, but to respond to the good news.