[Faith] Episode 29: Grace Ji-Sun Kim - A Theology of Visibility
Nov 13, 2023
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Guest Grace Ji-Sun Kim discusses how theology impacts marginalized communities and the theology of visibility. They explore the problematic aspects of the Bible, understanding visibility and intersectionality in oppression, the enrichment of theology through personal storytelling, the interconnectedness of theology and biography, and the subjectivity of theological interpretation.
The theology of visibility aims to eliminate racism and discrimination by making visible the problems that cause certain groups to be invisible in society.
Intersectionality recognizes the compounded oppression individuals face when their multiple identities intersect, highlighting the need to combat intersecting forms of oppression.
Deep dives
The Theology of Visibility: Eliminating Evils
The episode explores the concept of the theology of visibility with Grace G. Sun Kim. She discusses her book 'Invisible' and the theology she developed called the theology of visibility. This theology aims to eliminate the evils of racism, discrimination, sexism, and xenophobia by making visible the problems that cause certain groups or individuals to be made invisible in society. It seeks to work towards recognition and understanding of the diverse experiences and struggles faced by different marginalized groups. Grace emphasizes the interconnectedness of different forms of oppression and the need to fight against them. She also highlights the importance of recognizing and sharing personal stories as a way to make theology more relatable and meaningful.
The Intersectionality of Oppression
Grace G. Sun Kim discusses the concept of intersectionality and its role in understanding and addressing different forms of oppression. She explains that intersectionality recognizes that individuals have multiple identities, such as gender, race, sexuality, and class, which can intersect and result in compounded oppression. Grace emphasizes the need to recognize and combat intersecting forms of oppression in order to create a more just and equitable society. She also discusses the importance of amplifying the voices and stories of marginalized groups who often face invisibility and exclusion.
The Importance of Personal Experience in Theology
Grace G. Sun Kim highlights the significance of personal experience in shaping theology. She explains that individuals can only come to understand God through their own life experiences, and that theology is inherently connected to biographies. Grace shares her own experience as an Asian American woman within a patriarchal society, and how it has influenced her theological perspective. She advocates for a theology that incorporates personal stories and experiences, as it provides a more relatable and meaningful understanding of God and spirituality.
Hope in Christianity and Liberation Theology
Grace G. Sun Kim reflects on the hope she finds in Christianity, despite its history of being used to reinforce racism, patriarchy, and discrimination. She discusses the need to recognize and challenge oppressive systems within Christianity and society at large. Grace stresses the importance of liberation theology, which seeks to uplift and empower marginalized voices and work towards social justice. She emphasizes the role of hope in inspiring change and driving the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.
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.
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