<![CDATA[Imagine Otherwise: Dialogues Podcast]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/s/dialogues-in-asian-american-theologyhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!H6Wb!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3c85abbe-4a9c-4a20-83a2-06d5d70a158e_1280x1280.pngImagine Otherwise: Dialogues Podcasthttps://caacptsem.substack.com/s/dialogues-in-asian-american-theologySubstackSat, 18 Apr 2026 06:25:51 GMT<![CDATA[Neighboring and Identity]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/neighboring-and-identityhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/neighboring-and-identityWed, 08 Apr 2026 15:32:44 GMTDavid Chao welcomes Amar Peterman to discuss his first book, Becoming Neighbors: The Common Good Made Local (Eerdmans). Peterman reflects on how his upbringing—adopted from northern India and raised in both a Polish Catholic neighborhood and a white evangelical megachurch—shaped his sense of belonging and sparked deeper questions about race, place, and faith.

He shares the personal and theological journey that led to this book, offering a vision for practicing neighbor love in a divided society. Peterman highlights the table as a model for pluralistic community, outlines six practices of neighbor love, and explores the unique, in-between role Asian American Christians can play in public life.

01:19 Belonging and Unbelonging
18:34 Absence Versus Domination
23:26 The Table as Common Good
26:02 Potluck Not Melting Pot
33:17 Six Practices of Neighbor Love
50:49 Asian American Role at the Table
54:49 Closing Blessing and Thanks

Foto by Annushka Ahuja: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/caminando-madre-familia-padre-8055684/

]]><![CDATA[What Youth Pastors Need to Hear]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/what-youth-pastors-need-to-hearhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/what-youth-pastors-need-to-hearTue, 31 Mar 2026 02:35:25 GMTDavid Chao and co-host Pete Chung welcome Timothy Yi, a youth pastor with over 14 years of experience. Tim shares how growing up in a Taekwondo family shaped his trust-based approach to ministry and how losing his mother deepened his empathy for young people.

The conversation explores mental health among Gen Z, the state of youth ministry in the Korean American church, and Tim's journey into digital ministry through YouTube.

01:07 Taekwondo Roots
07:22 Trust First Approach
17:06 Loss and Empathy
22:30 Sharing Brokenness
33:42 YouTube Mission Field
47:31 Closing Thanks

Foto by Quyn Phạm: https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/gente-multitud-muchedumbre-demostracion-13051746/

]]><![CDATA[Rooted in God's Salvation Story]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/asian-american-christianityhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/asian-american-christianityTue, 24 Mar 2026 13:01:38 GMTDavid Chao shares his story as a second-generation Chinese American shaped by post-1965 immigration, including his father’s journey from Taiwan to Georgia Tech and a family life rooted in science. He recounts coming to faith through Chinese churches in Buffalo and Louisville, and later shifting from biochemistry and a medical track toward seminary after wrestling with questions about the Holy Spirit, discovering liturgy and the Apostles’ Creed, and realizing theology was a better fit.

He now serves as director of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center for Asian American Christianity. He describes Asian American theology as the intersection of intergenerational family stories and the broader history of migration and racialization within God’s salvation story.

01:43 Immigration Roots 1965
03:24 Chemistry Family Stories
14:30 Call to Theology and Vocation
26:32 Asian American Christianity Explained
37:00 Global Christianity and Migration
44:15 CAAC Vision and Focus Areas


]]><![CDATA[Leading with Faith and Purpose]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/leading-with-faith-and-purposehttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/leading-with-faith-and-purposeTue, 17 Mar 2026 14:01:05 GMTDavid Chao and co-host David Moe welcome Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio, senior pastor of Indiana Chin Baptist Church. He shares his journey from Chin State, Myanmar, to ministry in the United States, reflecting on his education, his work translating the Bible into the Falam Chin dialect, his PhD studies at Emory University, and his years with United Bible Societies overseeing translation projects across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

The conversation also explores the arrival and resettlement of Chin refugees in the U.S., the growth of a large Indianapolis congregation, and the challenges and hopes of pastoring immigrant communities. Dr. Hre Kio reflects on the impact of the 2021 Myanmar coup, the need for unity within the Chin diaspora, and the call for Burmese Christians to remain centered on Christ while contributing to the life of the American church.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:20 Stephen Hre Kio Journey
11:43 Pastoring Immigrant Church
15:25 Bible Translation Impact
21:16 Myanmar Coup and Justice
33:37 Scripture for Unity
35:54 Trauma Suffering and Hope
45:29 Future Hopes and Closing

Photo by Rohit Varma on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[An Intergenerational Faith Journey]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/intergenerational-faith-journeyhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/intergenerational-faith-journeyTue, 10 Mar 2026 01:48:45 GMTIn this episode, David Chao and Eun Joo Kim speak with Pete Chung, a Korean Presbyterian pastor in Houston, about leading with authenticity and focusing on character rather than appearance. Pete reflects on his family’s immigration journey and the profound influence of his grandmother’s prayerful faith.

He also shares why he returned to serve the Korean American church, committing to long-term ministry and building an intergenerational community that strengthens belonging across generations.

00:00 Pastor With a Cap
04:31 Immigration and Family
10:03 Grandmother the Anchor
20:32 Unity and Youth Retention
21:42 Intergenerational Vision
31:41 Unified Leadership Model
45:20 Family and Food Finale

Photo by Sebastiano Piazzi on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Bridging Histories Through Children's Literature]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/bridging-histories-through-childrenshttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/bridging-histories-through-childrensMon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:13 GMTJoin David Chao as he sits down with author Ann Suk Wang to discuss her heartwarming children's book, The House Before Falling into the Sea. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, this story is based on Ann's mother's real-life experiences of opening her home to refugees in Busan. Together, they explore the themes of kindness, hope, and resilience that make this book a touching read for children and adults alike.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
02:02 Who the Book Is For
14:03 Illustrator and Visual Story
21:05 Kindness and Modern Parallels
26:12 How Families Use Picture Books
33:36 Asian Community Reception
37:53 Faith Fingerprints and Closing

Photo by Kyle Hinkson on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[K-Pop and Community]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/k-pop-and-communityhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/k-pop-and-communityMon, 23 Feb 2026 15:01:37 GMTIn this episode of the Dialogues Podcast, co-hosted by David Chao and Pete Chung, Eun Joo Kim reflects on her journey as a Korean immigrant, pastor’s kid (PK), and 1.5-generation Korean American growing up in New York City. She shares how her early immigration experience, her father’s pastoral ministry, and life in the Korean American church shaped her calling and identity.

The conversation also explores her unexpected use of K-pop as a ministry bridge. Eun Joo explains how culture can serve as a road toward deeper intergenerational understanding, helping churches create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

00:00 – Immigration & Growing Up PK
05:00 – Loss, Calling & Seminary
13:00 – K-Pop as a Ministry Bridge
17:00 – Being Seen & Heard
23:00 – Curiosity, Humility & Ministry

Photo by Yeon Lee on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Embracing Brokenness for Growth]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/embracing-brokenness-for-growthhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/embracing-brokenness-for-growthMon, 16 Feb 2026 14:03:13 GMTJoin David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, as he hosts a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Chloe Sun, Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center.

Together, they delve into the life of King David, examining his political, familial, and moral complexities. Dr. Sun provides deep insights into David's relationship with Bathsheba, his subsequent actions, and the broader implications for his family and nation. This episode offers valuable lessons for understanding the intricate blend of personal and public life within biblical narratives and draws parallels to contemporary issues in Asian American Christian communities.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Exploring King David's Life and Legacy
03:25 The Story of David and Bathsheba
09:44 Consequences of David's Actions
18:30 Psalm 51 and David's Repentance
24:55 Interconnectedness of Personal and Public Life
33:13 Lessons for Asian American Christian Communities
41:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Photo by Pat Farrell on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Embracing Vulnerability and Faith | DJ Chuang]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/embracing-vulnerability-and-faithhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/embracing-vulnerability-and-faithMon, 09 Feb 2026 18:58:30 GMTIn this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, has an in-depth conversation with DJ Chuang about his journey into mental health advocacy within Asian American Christian communities.

DJ shares his personal story of dealing with bipolar disorder, the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health, and how his faith has supported his healing process. They also explore practical steps churches can take to address mental health and provide support within their congregations. Join us as we uncover the profound intersections of mental health, faith, and the transformative power of sharing stories.

Resources:
Christian Asian Mental Health.- https://camh.network
Erasing Shame Podcast.- https://erasingshame.com

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:51 DJ Chuang's Mental Health Journey
04:38 The Role of Stories in Ministry
07:15 Seeking Professional Help
23:09 Erasing Shame Podcast
29:42 Challenges in Asian American Churches
47:28 Intergenerational Differences in Mental Health
52:38 Encouragement and Resources


Photo by Hassan Sherif on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Digital Discernment | Rachel Robertson]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/digital-discernment-rachel-robertsonhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/digital-discernment-rachel-robertsonSun, 01 Feb 2026 01:01:28 GMTIn this episode, Dr. David Chao welcomes Dr. Rachel Robertson, Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of digital technology, family life, and Asian American Christianity.

Dr. Robertson examines how emerging technologies shape virtues, habits, and educational environments. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and social media, with particular attention to their influence on intergenerational relationships, mental health, and spiritual formation. The discussion also offers rich reflections on communal discernment and the vital role churches can play in helping communities navigate today’s digital landscape.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:50 Rachel Robertson's Background and Interests
02:53 Historical Analogy and Digital Technology
07:44 Anxiety and Digital Technology
13:09 Generational Differences in Technology Use
21:29 Digital Rituals and Emotional Impact
26:46 Techno Optimism vs. Techno Pessimism
30:00 Communal Discernment in Technology Use
37:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Navigating Relational Rupture and Repair feat. Jessica ChenFeng | Dialogues Podcast]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/navigating-relational-rupture-andhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/navigating-relational-rupture-andSat, 24 Jan 2026 22:32:07 GMTIn this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, welcomes back Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary and director of the Asian American Center's Wellbeing Collaboratory. Together, they explore the parallels between medical training and mental health awareness within an Asian American context, with particular attention to spirituality and communal life.

Dr. ChenFeng shares insights from her own medical training experience, reflecting on the impact of unresolved trauma, the necessity of self-work, and the role of relational dynamics in Asian American Christian communities. The conversation also offers thoughtful strategies for addressing relational ruptures in ways that integrate mental well-being, cultural awareness, and spiritual practice. Join us for a deep dive into the integration of mental well-being and spiritual practice.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:56 Medical Training and Mental Health
04:20 Relational Health in Medical Training
08:19 Ruptured Relationships and Repair
12:47 Story Collecting as a Spiritual Exercise
17:41 Self-Work and Narrative in Therapy
33:36 Parenting, Power, and Communication
43:30 Final Thoughts on Relational Freedom

Photo by Jachan DeVol on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Diaspora Theology in Real Time: Technology and Transnational Community feat. Gillian Chu | Dialogues Podcast]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/diaspora-theology-in-real-time-honghttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/diaspora-theology-in-real-time-hongFri, 16 Jan 2026 11:03:09 GMTIn this episode, David C. Chao, Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, hosts Professor Ann Gillian Chu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Hong Kong Baptist University and Research Fellow at the Centre for Applied Ethics. They delve into Professor Chu’s research on lived theology, exploring how social environments shape theological reflection, and discuss the 2021 political unrest in Hong Kong and its theological implications. The conversation also covers the UK’s BN(O) visa route, its effects on Hong Kong families, and the resulting mental health and community dynamics. Join us for a deep dive into migration trends, the role of digital technology in maintaining transnational connections, and the evolving landscape of Christian communities in Hong Kong and the UK.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:45 Exploring BN[O] Migration Policy
04:15 Impact of Migration on Families
07:27 Research Project and Findings
09:56 Historical Context and Migration Trends
17:33 Challenges and Support for Older Adults
33:18 Role of Technology in Migration
46:54 Evolving Church and Community Support
53:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Content Warning
Mention of su****e at 6:04 and 24:15-27.

Photo by Katie Franklin on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Asian American Faith Leaders on Family, Church Community, and Storytelling | BTIAA 2025 ]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/asian-american-faith-leaders-on-familyhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/asian-american-faith-leaders-on-familyMon, 05 Jan 2026 19:54:10 GMTThis panel discussion was recorded on October 7, 2025 and presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

The panelists are Alex Chang (pastor of Princeton Alliance Church in Princeton, NJ), Marie Chan (author of Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl’s Fight for School Rights), Chrislyn Choo (Emmy-winning creative storyteller), and Peter Li (pastor of Chinese Christian Church and Center in Philadelphia, PA). Moderators are Dr. Lisa Cleath (Old Testament) and Dr. David Chao (Center for Asian American Christianity) of Princeton Theological Seminary.

01:22 Introducing the Panelists

02:31 How Are You Adapting the Ideas from BTIAA 2025 to Your Ministry Context?

07:58 Exploring Intergenerational Connections

10:32 The Role of Storytelling in Faith

13:48 How Do You Negotiate the Challenges of Intergenerational Connection in Your Asian American Ministries?

13:59 Challenges and Reflections on Identity

29:14 How Do You Think About the Multi-Valence Within Asian American Stories in Your Context?

30:24 Peter’s Journey: From Hong Kong to America

33:04 Chrislyn’s Malaysian Chinese American Experience

36:40 Navigating Intergenerational and Intercultural Tensions

38:00 Alex on Church Leadership and Family Dynamics

41:14 Marie on Storytelling and Faith

44:28 How Can We Pass Along Our Families’ Stories as Asian American Christians?

50:27 The Importance of Oral Histories

56:39 Chrislyn’s Reflections on Story Living

59:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Content Warning: Mention of su****e attempt at 58:27 to 58:43

Photo image by David Chao

]]><![CDATA[Navigating Faith and Beats feat. Akshay John | Dialogues Podcast]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/navigating-faith-and-beats-feat-akshayhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/navigating-faith-and-beats-feat-akshayFri, 19 Dec 2025 11:03:08 GMTAkshay John is an aspiring South Asian hip-hop artist who creates music that powerfully addresses real-life questions about the struggles that Indian Americans—especially other Gen Z Christians like himself—may experience. In sharing his journey from Kerala, India to the Middle East, and eventually to the United States, Akshay delves into how his South Asian background, Christian faith, and personal experiences shape his music— and how that same music became a creative outlet. Akshay discusses his struggle with traditional career expectations and his passion for authentically addressing the genuine experiences surrounding mental health and the immigrant experience through his art. Embedded with excerpts of his songs, this is a deep and candid conversation about music, faith, and cultural identity that you won’t want to miss!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 Akshay John’s Musical Journey
04:14 Early Life and Hip-Hop Influences
06:45 Faith and Music Intertwined
10:10 Music as Therapy and Creative Outlet
15:22 Biographical Journey: From Middle East to the US
23:12 Exploring Themes of Success and Faith
26:38 Challenges and Reflections on South Asian Identity
34:59 Vulnerability, Honesty, and Faith
43:39 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Photo used with permission by Akshay John.

]]><![CDATA[Rethinking Theological Education Through Diaspora feat. Chloe Sun | Dialogues Podcast]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/rethinking-theological-educationhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/rethinking-theological-educationFri, 05 Dec 2025 11:02:14 GMTWelcome to the CAAC podcast! In this episode, David Chao, Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, and co-host Josh Livingston, Program Manager at CAAC, sit down with Dr. Chloe Sun, Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of the Chinese Study Center at Fuller Seminary. They discuss Chloe’s book, Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora, exploring the significance of diaspora in theological education, Chloe’s personal migration story, and the necessity of diverse voices in enriching theological discourse. Delve into this thought-provoking conversation about the significance of using one’s heart language to study theology and how migration shapes faith and education!

Photo by Bundo Kim on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Family and the Bible: A Theological Response | Daniel Lee | BTIAA 2025]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/family-and-the-bible-a-theologicalhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/family-and-the-bible-a-theologicalSat, 29 Nov 2025 11:02:56 GMTThis presentation by Dr. Daniel Lee, titled “Family and the Bible,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

This lecture is a response to Dr. Roger Nam’s lecture “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?,” Dr. Chloe Sun’s lecture “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” and Jessica ChenFeng’s lecture “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context.” You can find the recordings here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxGLEaf5FKyHCuImKVmKQRkjPTC67D5gK&si=KJWHpK74BbUmyAKk

Time Stamps

00:49 Introducing Dr. Daniel D. Lee

02:35 Reading Scripture with an Asian American Lens

04:11 The Role of Family in Theology

06:13 The Doctrine of Scripture and Illumination

08:09 Wrestling with God: A Covenantal Relationship

12:00 Empathy and Understanding in Asian American Context

22:02 Family and Migration: The Asian American Experience

25:42 Racialization and Family Values

38:13 Critical Awareness in Reading Scripture

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Relating to the Internal & Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters | Jessica ChenFeng | BTIAA 2025]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/relating-to-the-internal-and-relationalhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/relating-to-the-internal-and-relationalSat, 22 Nov 2025 07:59:42 GMTThis presentation by Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, LMFT, titled “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

Description: “We each grew up with a relationship to characters of the Bible: which character was someone to emulate? Who was not the ideal model for a leader, a parent, or spouse? These assessments can sometimes parallel the way our families talked about relatives or community members: the good daughter who takes care of her parents, the terrible church elder who squandered money or the faithful pastor who sacrifices so much. In this presentation, we consider Jacob’s family system: intergenerational and gendered hopes, betrayal, alignment and rejection that allow us opportunities to connect with their contextual realities and curiosities for our own Asian American Christian lives today. We will consider the complex nuances of Bible characters beyond the one-dimensional individual perspectives of their personhood and behaviors.

“This presentation will invite attendees to reconsider our assessments (judgements) of Bible characters and increase our empathy (of others and self) through understanding Jacob’s family with a sociocontextual and relational lens. It will highlight relationships in context, reflecting on dynamics of rupture and opportunities for repair.”

Jessica ChenFeng, PhD, LMFT is an associate professor of marriage and family therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has been a practicing MFT for almost 20 years and consults with academic, healthcare and church organizations to improve the well-being of people within their relationships and communities. She is the director of Fuller’s Asian American Well-being Collaboratory. Her research, clinical and community work center around Asian American identities/relationships, generation, trauma, and Christian spirituality. She resides in the greater Los Angeles area with her spouse and two children. Whenever she gets the chance, she loves reconnecting with her love for analogue: paper planners and stationery, baking, and sewing.

Time Stamps:

00:51 Introducing Dr. Jessica ChenFeng

02:11 Dr. ChenFeng’s Personal Journey and Calling

04:24 Exploring Wellbeing and Belonging

06:11 Engaging with Bible Characters in Context

12:25 Intergenerational Impacts and Personal Stories

19:44 Understanding Relationships and Systems

23:57 Empathy and Complexity in Relationships

35:17 Conclusion: Pursuing Fullness of Life

Photo by Dilip Poddar on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family | Chloe Sun | BTIAA 2025]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/between-wrestling-and-blessing-jacobhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/between-wrestling-and-blessing-jacobFri, 14 Nov 2025 11:03:32 GMTThis presentation by Dr. Chloe Sun, titled “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

Description: This presentation examines Jacob’s family dynamics, including his experience as a migrant and its impact on his social location as an ethnic minority within a dominant culture, his ongoing struggles with his brother, his relationships with his elder sons, and his daughter Dinah. It also explores generational patterns such as parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, barrenness, and fatherly passivity. Additionally, it highlights how God’s election of Jacob and Jacob’s mediation of God’s blessings show that even amidst family chaos, grace and purpose can be found. The presentation aims to illustrate that despite the complexity of many Asian American families, there is hope for reconciliation and for God’s purposes to be fulfilled.

Chloe T. Sun is Professor of Old Testament and the Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center at Fuller Seminary. She previously taught at Logos Evangelical Seminary in Los Angeles. She publishes in both Chinese and English and conducts Bible seminars locally and internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Europe. Her recent English publications include Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora (Eerdmans, 2020), Conspicuous in His Absence: Studies in the Song of Songs and Esther (IVP Academic, 2021), and Exodus, A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary (Langham, 2024).

Time Stamps

00:37 Introducing Dr. Chloe Sun

01:44 Jacob’s Family in Genesis

03:10 Sibling Rivalry and Divine Favoritism

04:47 Migration and Identity

05:02 Jacob’s Identity

10:16 Jacob’s Migration Experiences

18:25 Jacob as a Father

28:04 Divine Blessing and Reconciliation

35:49 Conclusion: Family Dynamics and Divine Presence

Photo by Salah Regouane on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible | Roger Nam | BTIAA 2025 ]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/family-migration-and-economic-survivalhttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/family-migration-and-economic-survivalFri, 14 Nov 2025 11:03:31 GMTThis presentation by Dr. Roger Nam, titled “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

Description: “This opening talk situates the Hebrew Bible’s complex family stories—sibling rivalries, migration journeys, and household economies—within their ancient Near Eastern context. These narratives emerged not from abstract theology but from lived realities of cultural displacement. For Asian American communities navigating filial expectations, generational rifts, and economic pressure, these biblical dynamics feel strikingly familiar—and at times, deeply subversive. This session frames the day’s conversations by offering historical grounding and interpretive tools for reading family and faith with greater depth.”

Roger S. Nam, PhD is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Emory University/Candler School of Theology. His scholarship bridges Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern history, with a focus on how economic and social realities shaped biblical texts and communities. He is the author of multiple books, most recently, The Theology of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (Cambridge University Press, 2024). Before entering academia, he served as a pastor in Seoul, Korea and worked as a financial analyst in the Silicon Valley. This year marks his 18th year as a professor in theological education.

Time Stamps:

00:37 Introducing Dr. Roger Nam

01:39 Dr. Nam’s Unconventional Journey

02:38 Family and Migration in Ancient Israel

04:44 Parallels Between Ancient Israel and Asian America

08:00 The Migration Experience of Abraham

24:12 Economic Survival in Ancient Israel

30:15 Family Life and Honor in Ancient Israel

31:55 The Bible Through an Asian American Lens

35:57 Conclusion: Let the Bible Read You

Photo by David McLenachan on Unsplash

]]><![CDATA[Embracing Holistic Formation feat. Dave Wang | Dialogues Podcast]]>https://caacptsem.substack.com/p/embracing-holistic-formation-feathttps://caacptsem.substack.com/p/embracing-holistic-formation-featFri, 31 Oct 2025 10:03:47 GMTIn this episode of the Center for Asian American Christianity Podcast, host David Chao sits down with Dr. David C. Wang (ThM, PhD), the Cliff and Joyce Penner Chair for the Formation of Emotionally Healthy Leaders at Fuller Theological Seminary. Dr. Wang discusses the Global Formation Project, a multi-phase research initiative on spiritual maturity and formation that started in 2015. The conversation delves into the relationship between theological education and spiritual maturity, the impact of knowing oneself in spiritual growth, and the integration of psychological insights into spiritual practices. They also explore innovative practices in theological pedagogy, particularly the use of intergenerational panels and mapping of family trees in church settings to address intergenerational trauma and promote holistic formation. The episode highlights the importance of acknowledging both beauty and brokenness in the journey towards spiritual maturity.

]]>