For many faculty with school-age children at home, it is a common dilemma that inevitably comes around a couple of times a year: our children’s school vacation dates (e.g., spring break) rarely align with ours. In the grand scheme of things that truly trouble our world, this is not a big source of angst; but […]

Abigail: Do you like your students? Do they like you? Yes, Abigail, I do like my students. I often find myself raving about how stellar they are to anyone who will listen. Of course, like in all meaningful relationships in this fallen world, there are times when conflicts or misunderstandings arise; certainly, there are moments

A Netflix’s docuseries on Korean cults offers an opportunity for self-reflection. KEY POINTS We gasp in horror, or let out a loaded, grieved sigh, every few minutes. My wife and I recently finished the Netflix documentary series, In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal. So far, the Korean docuseries has ranked in Netflix’s “Global Top 10

South Korea in its unique blend of traditional and modern aspects offers a rich array of activities that international visitors can experience, including those who want to broaden their understanding of cross-cultural psychology. So, for those visitors to Korea who want to engage cross-cultural themes beyond the typical “top 5 things to do in Korea” touristy lists, here are a few recommendations from a psychology professor.

Widespread use of White Jesus images in non-Western contexts is problematic. Like beauty products that favor whiteness, images of White Jesus promote whiteness as the “standard” in Korean culture. Belief that Jesus was White has been shown to be associated with problematic psychological and cultural outcomes. Concrete action steps can be taken to counter this White narrative.

The author shares their personal experiences coping with a family medical emergency in South Korea amidst COVID-19 restrictions. They explore the concepts of external locus of control and self-compassion, which they have taught to their students. The author reflects on the challenges of applying these concepts to their own life, and discusses how they are using prayer and self-kindness to navigate their difficult situation.

Not Korean enough: Experiences of imposter syndrome while leading a
study abroad, and a prayer in response.

I hope to live more deeply into my calling as a teacher in a Christian classroom: Doing “life together” with students, living out the reality of being part of one body in Christ (1st Corinthians 12:12-27), and demonstrating the deep, sacrificial love of Jesus in the flexibility in which I relate to my students.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. How might Christian scholars effectively engage AAPI topics during this month and beyond? I had the joy of interviewing author, speaker, and activist Dr. Michelle Ami Reyes. She is a co-founder and vice president of Asian American Christian Collective (AACC)and the Scholar in Residence at Hope Community Church in Austin, TX. Dr. Reyes is the author of Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead to Lasting Connections Across Cultures, and she has a forthcoming book co-authored with Helen Lee titled The Race-Wise Family: Ten Postures to Becoming Households of Healing and Hope. Follow Dr. Reyes here: https://michelleamireyes.com/

As an educator teaching students at a Christian liberal arts institution, I have asked this question to myself many times: How can I see my students’ recent infatuation with K-entertainment as an opportunity for deeper learning? More broadly, how might Christian communities respond to this obsession with K-entertainment?