Back
Memory and Honor, reprinted in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of Korean American Catholics (1966-2016), is a theological reflection on the American experience of the people of Korean descent. It is a reflection on the heritage of rupture, displacement, and resettlement as the key to identity and hope for those continuing to live in between the cultures, languages, and belief systems of Korea and the United States.
This book gives voice to the first generation of immigrants and their children. Since the majority of Korean immigrants are Protestants, the first- and second-generation Catholic community is a minority of minorities, an ethnic minority as well as a religious minority. Thus, as a minority group and as a minority of minorities, Korean American Catholics may have more to contribute to church and society since this country was founded, developed, and maintained by immigrants such as these. Readers will come away with a deeper appreciation of the Korean immigrant contribution and more readily see the Korean American Catholic community as an authentic expression of church.
As a theologian of culture, Simon C. Kim focuses on doing theology within a particular context. His own experience of church and identity is the impetus for his theological reflections as he strives to make faith generationally and culturally relevant. His stories, experiences, and theological reflection resonate both with initial immigrants and with the next generation and have won high praise from both groups as they draw on their Catholic faith to navigate their way in Church and society. His publications reveal his level of academia and illustrate the bridging of his theological endeavors and pastoral engagements.
