Virginia Union University professor Dr. Yung Suk Kim recently released a book aimed at providing a comprehensive approach to studying the Gospels.

“How to Read the Gospels,” published last week, offers an introduction to the Gospels for seminary and graduate students. The book covers authorship, history, parables and interpretation issues for each Gospel. Kim, a professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, said the book stems from his teaching experience at VUU.

 Dr. Yung Suk Kim
 

“Traditionally, the Gospels have been read with much focus on history,” Kim said. “But this book opens up all kinds of possibilities of reading lenses through which we can explore multiple dimensions of the text.”

The book presents various interpretative methods, including traditional, womanist, disability and ecological approaches. It also includes discussion questions to guide readers’ reflections on Gospel narratives and theology.

Kim said the book encourages readers to interpret the Gospels from their own perspectives, ranging from postcolonialism to environmentalism.

“Readers will gain insight into the historical and literary aspects of the Gospels,” Kim said. “Readers will understand distinctive theological themes interlocked with the portrayal of Jesus.”