A Theology of Visibility: F4NP Podcast
It was a joy to be on Faith for Normal People to share my book, Invisible. This episode was hosted by Pete and Anna and we had a lively discussion on Theology of Visibility, Bible, injustices and more. Please listen to this episode and read my book too. Below is a repost of Faith for Normal People’s posting.
In this episode of Faith for Normal People, Pete and Anna talk to Grace Ji-Sun Kim about how theology impacts marginalized communities, what intersectionality means, and how theology and biography are synonymous. Join them as they explore the following questions:
What does Grace mean by a theology of visibility?
As an Asian American woman, what are Grace’s own experiences with racism?
What is intersectionality?
How does Grace’s own story influence her theology and especially an interest in visibility?
What role does generational trauma play in a theology of visibility and Grace’s own story?
What parts of the biblical or Christian tradition provide hope to Grace when thinking about eliminating unjust suffering and moving toward more liberating theology?
How can we tackle systems of injustice that are meant to elevate some and oppress others?
What keeps Grace interested in Christianity even while she is able to critique the church?
Tweetables
Pithy, shareable, sometimes-less-than-280-character statements from the episode you can share.
A theology of visibility is about trying to eliminate the evils of racism, discrimination, sexism, and xenophobia, and to make visible the problems which cause some groups or individuals to be made invisible in society. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
The binary understanding of racism is not a good way to look at it. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
When I do theology, so much of it comes from my own life experience. And that’s nothing new. Many theologians do that—and if they say they don’t, there is some of that coming into the theology. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
There are intersecting forms of oppression: racism, classism, xenophobia, all those things [can be] happening. [Intersectionality is] recognizing that different forms of oppression work together to continue to oppress. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
I always say theology is biography and biography is theology. That’s to say that theology is a study of God, and we can only come to understand God through our own experiences. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
Theology is so important, because it really determines and influences our laws, our understanding, our behavior, our ethics. It just intersects with all of our lives. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
The Bible is just a whole big book of stories. It’s just one story after another of people trying to obey, disobey, find God, lose God. It’s a whole book of just story after story. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
As a liberation theologian, as a constructive theologian, we want to work toward eliminating these systems that cause unjust suffering. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
There are alternative languages and metaphors that are also biblical, and spiritual, that can help us move away from this dominating, almighty, powerful, male-understanding of God. — @gracejisunkim @theb4np
Books Mentioned in This Episode
Invisible: Theology and the Experience of Asian American Women by Grace Ji-Sun Kim
Intersectional Theology: An Introductory Guide by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw
Special Events:
1.Next Madang Podcast guest is Dr. Mitri Raheb on his book, Decolonizing Palestine. Please use discount code “MAD” to get 30%off. Please support/donate to Bright Stars of Bethlehem as they provide scholarships for students at Dr. Raheb’s university. For Madang Podcast sponsorship inquiries, please message me or support me here.
3.Join Homebrewed Christianity online class, “The Cosmic Christ” with Drs. Tripp Fuller, Diana Butler Bass & Philip Clayton. Register today.