In the realm of biblical scholarship and New Testament studies, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Dr. Yung Suk Kim, a distinguished professor at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University. With an academic journey marked by transformative teaching, indomitable scholarship, and effective public service, Dr. Kim’s contributions have not only enriched the field but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of early Christianity.
Photo Courtesy: Dr. Yung Suk Kim
Dr. Kim’s scholarly voyage began with his B.A. from Kyungpook National University, followed by an M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary, culminating in a Ph.D. in New Testament study from Vanderbilt University. His educational path was not just about accruing academic credentials but about forming a foundation for his life’s work—creating bridges between diverse cultures and fostering an understanding of the human condition through biblical narratives. The beginning of Dr. Kim’s journey was marked by an unconventional foray into the secular world, where he dedicated a decade of his career to LG, navigating through diverse cultural landscapes in Seoul, Panama, and Miami. This experience not only enriched Dr. Kim with a profound understanding of diversity but also underscored the vital importance of solidarity, principles that would later inform his academic pursuits.
His commitment to this mission is evident in his extensive body of work, which includes over 20 books that span a wide range of topics within New Testament studies. Among these is “Christ’s Body in Corinth: The Politics of a Metaphor” (Fortress, 2008), where Dr. Kim explores the intricate dynamics of community and identity in early Christianity through Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Another significant contribution is “Toward Decentering the New Testament” (Cascade, 2018), co-authored with Mitzi J. Smith—the first introductory text to the New Testament penned by an African American woman biblical scholar and an Asian-American male biblical scholar.
This groundbreaking collaboration underscores Dr. Kim’s dedication to decentering traditional perspectives on biblical texts and amplifying marginalized voices within theological discourse. His editing work on “1-2 Corinthians: Texts @ Contexts Series” (Fortress, 2013) further demonstrates his commitment to exploring diverse interpretations and applications of biblical texts.
Dr. Kim’s latest publication, “How to Read Paul: A Brief Introduction to his Theology, Writings, and World” (Fortress, 2021), offers readers new insights into one of Christianity’s most pivotal figures—Paul—and provides guidance on navigating his complex theological ideas and historical context. Dr. Kim is poised to publish “How to Read the Gospels” in July 2024, a testament to his deep engagement with theological studies. Additionally, his role as editor of “At the Intersection of Hermeneutics and Homiletics: Transgressive Readings for Transformational Preaching” showcases his dedication to fostering meaningful discussions within the field. Beyond these projects, Dr. Kim’s ongoing interest in mental health, viewed through the prisms of cognitive science and interdisciplinary theological perspectives, highlights his commitment to exploring complex topics that bridge scholarly research with real-world applications.
Beyond authorship, Dr. Kim has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to academia and public service with several prestigious awards—including the Scott & Stringfellow Outstanding Professor Award from Virginia Union University in 2019 and most notably, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024—a testament to his unwavering dedication to education and societal impact.
Dr. Kim’s research interests are not confined to academic circles; they spill over into public discourse through his active engagement with social media platforms such as YouTube where he shares lectures on New Testament studies with [dryungsukkim channel], demonstrating how ancient texts can speak into contemporary issues such as cultural diversity, solidarity among peoples across geographical boundaries.
At heart lies Dr. Kim’s philosophical inquiry into what it means “to live in this world with each other”—a question that draws upon Emmanuel Levinas’ concept of ‘the face of the other,’ Paul Ricoeur’s ‘inter-subjective narrative identity,’ and Jacques Derrida’s ‘relationless relation.’ This inquiry shapes not only how he approaches theology but also how he reads biblical stories alongside others who may differ significantly in perspective or experience.
Dr. Yung Suk Kim has been honored with numerous accolades throughout his career, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue across cultural and interpretive differences. Among these honors, he received the Lilly Theological Scholars Grant for his research on John’s Gospel, a Research Fellowship at the Wabash Center, and the Presidential Citation for his outstanding service and unselfish commitment to Virginia Union University (VUU).
To follow Dr. Kim’s ongoing projects delve deeper into transformative teachings can visit official blog or connect LinkedIn.
Published by: Khy Talara
