Book Review: Marginality by Jung Young Lee

 Before I post 'My Faith Journey (2)', I would like to introduce one book which I got influenced by to start my blog to share my perspectives through self-reflection. 

This book encouraged me to reflect on my life and how can I develop my Christian theology.

This book starts with what is theology should be. 

"Theology is autobiographical, but it is not an autobiography. My theology is not just a story of my life. It is the story of my faith journey in the world. it is my story of how God formed me, nurtures me, guides me, loves me, allows me to age, and will end my life. It is my story of seeking who I am in relation to the community, the natural environment, time and history, and the ultimate reality of my existence which I accept by faith. It is my story of seeking to understand how God acts in my life and in the lives of those who are part of my life.  It is a faith-reflection on my life, whether it is told in poetry, in parable, or in narrative."  --Pg. 7

There are many ways to define or explain what theology is. 

The word 'Theology' can be a meaning of ideal concepts layout which a word can only belong to certain people.  

The word 'Theology' has a tendency that does not fully embrace by Christians except clergy or people who are in a pastoral position. 

Christian Theology may sound like a philosophical term that can not connect with real life. 

Christian Theology should connect with people's lives and develop within the current context. 

Martin Luther and John Calvin tried to reform Christianity within their context and cultural issues they are facing. 

That bring reformation and made birth to protestant Christians.

Author Dr. Jung Young Lee is introduced as Professor of Systematic Theology at Drew University.

He starts telling a story about what it felt like to live in the United States as Asian-American.

He used dandelion to relate his life experience in the US. 

        (He has few pages written as sub-subject)

This book is a small size, but it contains many subjects that still can be discussed today within our context. 

The author's main term is a concept called 'Theology of Marginality' which brings his theology with his life experience. 

Dr. Lee brings concepts on Christology, Church, and discipleship within Theology of Marginality.

This book has some of his autobiographical story and a brief history of the immigration of Asian-Americans too.

One of the concepts I can share is that Dr. Lee talks about Jesus Christ as Jesus '-' Christ concept. 

His argument of Jesus is a person who has both experienced heaven and earth.

Jesus was a man to live on this earth, but he is God who works to reconnect with Jehovah and human beings. 

Dr. Lee puts it this way in his Christology:

"Jesus - Christ became a marginal person by emptying himself to become a servant of people (Phil. 2:5~11). Thus the stories of Jesus's birth and incarnation are stories of divine marginalization. During incarnation, God was marginalized in Jesus - Christ." 

--pg.79

There are many concepts the author is trying to lay out in his view of Christ, and church relates to our life.

I started this blog with an introduction of myself which was the process of reflecting on who I am.

I was tried to touch on my personal Christian history with my parents.

I want to dive more into this book that how Christian Theology should embrace the human life which God created. 

I am working on stretching more of Dr. Lee's concepts and how I can apply them in 2021 and beyond. 

Please keep in your mind & prayer