signature scholarship: Dr. Yung Suk Kim's 10 Key Arguments

  

Jesus's Death in Mark's Gospel: Was It Necessary or Required?

"Jesus's Death in Mark's Gospel: Was It Necessary or Required?"

Yung Suk Kim

The question of whether Jesus's death was necessary or required according to the Gospel of Mark is complex, inviting a nuanced "yes and no" response rather than a simple affirmative.

One could argue "no" if Jesus's message of the Kingdom of God had been universally embraced by both the authorities and the populace. In such an idealized scenario, he would likely have been welcomed rather than condemned, and his execution would have been averted. From this perspective, his death was not inherently "required," as suffering and tragedy are not intrinsically desirable or part of God's initial benevolent design.

However, the historical reality diverged significantly from this ideal. Mark's Gospel vividly portrays Jesus's personal struggle in the Gethsemane prayer (Mark 14:32-42). His petition, "Remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what you will," demonstrates his profound anguish and human desire to avoid the impending suffering. This prayer highlights that his death was not something he sought or readily accepted, affirming it was "difficult to go through."

Yet, his ultimate submission, "nevertheless not what I will, but what you will," reveals his unwavering commitment to his divine mission—the proclamation of the good news of God's Kingdom. Given the prevailing rejection of his message by the powers and his steadfast dedication to God's will, his death, while undesirable, became an unavoidable consequence of fulfilling that mission. In this sense, "yes," his death was necessary not as an intrinsic good, but as an inevitable outcome of his faithfulness in a hostile world.

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.