Colonialism, Han, and the Transformative Spirit

Tags

amos yong, Anselm Min, book, colonialism, Colonialism Han and the Tranformative Spirit, erotic power, globalization, god, grace ji-sun kim, han, Heather Eaton, hybrdity, pain, palgrave macmillan, Pamela Brubaker, planet, postcolonialism, Spirit, suffering, sustainability, wholeness

This is my third book. Each book was a struggle to write. In my struggle, this short book on globalization, ecology and sustainability has become very important to me. Now that this book will be released later this month, I am very excited about how it will contribute to such a growing literature of eco-justice and Spirit.

This is such a crucial topic for our time as it affects our livelihood, flourishing and our future existence on this planet earth. I hope that you will also be as passionate about taking care of each other and the earth. I hope to hear some feedback on my book from you all.

Jacket Blurb

Colonialism, globalization, and consumerism have devastated large parts of our world. For the past several centuries, the West has nurtured self-worth through the accumulation of worldly goods, serving our own selfish interests and exploiting others. This has been disastrous not only to human beings but to the whole ecology of the planet. Consumerism drives trade, but consumer buying is now like an unchained beast with tooth and claw causing han (unjust suffering) for exploited peoples as well as for other species and even for planet earth. This book examines ways of rethinking and reimagining ourselves, helping us to work in more just directions for a safer and sustainable planet. Empowering ourselves to act more justly includes reimagining and renewing our inspiration from God, who is the transformative Spirit who gives, sustains, and empowers life to all.

Endorsements

This is a wake-up call to change and reimagine our theology, our views of the environment and one another, and our very life styles as greedy consumers of a capitalist society if we are to avoid a catastrophe we are about to bring on ourselves by greed, domination, and exploitation. Kim, one of the most prolific and insightful members of a new generation of Asian American theologians, has issued a plea to all in this lucid, moving synthesis of political economy, theology, and spirituality. – Anselm K. Min, Maguire Distinguished Professor of Religion, Claremont Graduate University, USA. Author, The Solidarity of Others in a Divided World and Dialectic of Salvation.

“Is Kim’s a prophetic voice crying out in the wilderness where East meets West, conservatives meet progressivists, and the rich meet the poor? If her book is ignored will it be because the prophets of late modernity are unwelcome in their hometown, which is our globalizing world? Read this book & decide for yourself.” – Amos Yong, J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology, Regent University School of Divinity, U.S.A. Author, Spirit of Love.

“Kim’s concise book is a valuable contribution to the literature on theology and globalization. Her astute socio-cultural analysis of colonialism, globalization, and consumerism is followed by an engaging theological response. Kim perceptively draws on the Asian concept of han to illumine the pain and suffering of people and the earth, and eloquently reimagines the erotic power of the Spirit to transform our lives and rebuild the earth.” – Pamela K. Brubaker, Professor Emerita of Religion, California Lutheran University, USA, Author, Globalization at What Price?

Grace Ji-Sun Kim is concerned that fair minded Christians, often unaware of their damaging life-styles, are colluding with the postcolonial globalized world, bloated with consumption and injustices. Kim brings to light new and insidious forms of sin and suffering – han – together with her deep appreciation for the Spirit who gives, sustains, empowers and transform lives. With theological strength, Kim weaves Christian insights, traditions and liberation theologies into an inspiring vision that offers a new perspective for our lives, our spiritual goals, and the planet’s life community. This book will motivate and embolden Christians to live for a viable and just future for all people and the planet.- Heather Eaton, Full Professor, Saint Paul University, Canada. Author; Introducing Ecofeminist Theologies.