A Transformative Reading of the Bible

In A Transformative Reading of the Bible Yung Suk Kim raises critical questions about human transformation in biblical studies. What is transformation? How are we transformed when we read biblical stories? Are all transformative aspects equally valid? What kind of relationships exists between self, neighbor, and God if transformation is involved in these three? Who or what is being changed, or who or what are we changing? What degree of change might be considered ""transformative""?

Kim explores a dynamic, cyclical process of human transformation and argues that healthy transformation involves three kinds of transformation: psycho-theological, ontological-theological, and political-theological transformation. With insights gained from phenomenological studies, political theology, and psychotheology, Kim proposes a new model for how to read the Bible transformatively, as he dares to read Hannah, Psalm 13, the Gospel of Mark, and Paul as stories of transformation. The author invites Christian readers, theological educators, and scholars to reexamine the idea of transformation and to engage biblical stories from the perspective of holistic human transformation.


""This book offers a rare contribution. Many biblical scholars dabble in theology or spirituality, but Yung Suk Kim sets forth a holistic understanding of human transformation along with a series of focused studies that embody his approach in enlightening ways.""
--Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament, Lancaster Theological Seminary

""Transformation has become a buzzword in Christian discourse. We are sure we are in favor of it, but we are not altogether sure what 'it' is. Yung Suk Kim not only gives clear content to the familiar term, he shows us how an imaginative reading of the Bible can be an instrument of positive transformation.""
--David Bartlett, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary and Yale Divinity School

""A Transformative Reading of the Bible is an insightful and intriguing interdisciplinary study about human transformation theory and how it can contribute to biblical interpretation. True transformation is circular and perpetual and impacts every aspect of one's existence. Kim's holistic approach considers the complexity of human experience. This little-but-impactful book should be read by biblical scholars, graduate students, and anyone interested in a transformative approach to reading Scripture.""
--Mitzi J. Smith, Associate Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Studies, Ashland Theological Seminary, Detroit Center


Yung Suk Kim is Associate Professor of New Testament at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University in Richmond. Kim is the author of three books: Christ's Body in Corinth (2008); A Theological Introduction to Paul's Letters (2011); and Biblical Interpretation (2012). Kim is editor of the Journal of Bible and Human Transformation.