by Grace Ji-Sun Kim
Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich. 182 pages
The author asks a pertinent question: “Why, as a society, do people tend to treat those who are different with suspicion, discrimination and trepidation?” Her intent is to “dismantle the forms of racism, prejudice and subordination” that continue to disfigure the human community. It’s a large project written with passion and hope within the frame of an Asian-American feminist constructive theology. She gives a close reading of Scripture, particularly as it describes narratives of discrimination against women and foreigners. “How we talk about God has deep implications for how we perceive and treat those who are different, in particular women, and indeed our treatment of those who are different affects and reflects how we think of God.” From this vantage point – and without wavering from a Trinitarian theology — she constructs a vision of Spirit as God. Her conviction is that “embracing the Spirit will help us to engage in compassionate care of the Other.” Drawing deeply upon Asian culture and traditions, she constructs a wide-ranging theology that critiques dominant models of privilege in favor of a generous Spirit God that widens the boundaries of Christianity far beyond Eurocentric restraints. Grace Ji-Sum Kim is a theologian of generous spirit who insists “a holistic understanding of Spirit God will aid the church in being a world leader in peace and reconciliation as the church embraces, welcomes, and accepts the Other.”
