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How did a culturally diverse world church emerge in our local neighborhoods and backyards? Rather than an accidental coincidence, diversity in our country, neighborhoods and pews was intentionally brought about through the Spirit’s prompting of historical events. The jubilee of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) reminded us how the Catholic Church opened her doors to the world, while the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 revealed how the U.S. opened her shores to migrants around the world. Through both ecclesial and legislative reforms, the U.S. became home to many ethnically diverse people and allowed for the creation of a worship space incorporating their cultural backgrounds.
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.
