Evangelical Pilgrims from the East

"In this engaging analysis, Sunggu Yang explores the rich soil of identity and vocation that nurtures the preaching of a faithful pilgrim people. Examining several socio-ecclesial codes and styles that shape Korean American preaching, Yang not only provides insights into this important homiletical tradition, but also makes a significant contribution to multi-cultural homiletical reflection. An innovative, accessible study punctuated by numerous sermonic examples, this book represents the cutting edge of future homiletical research. Everyone interested in preaching can learn from it." (Charles L. Campbell, Professor of Homiletics, Duke University Divinity School, USA ) "For those of us who want to understand, listen to, and learn from Korean American Evangelical Protestantism, I know of no better guide than this book by Sunggu Yang. Yang's analysis helpfully cautions us against an overly simplistic reading of Korean American church culture, and invites us into a much richer and deeper appreciation for it." (Leonora Tubbs Tisdale, Clement-Muehl Professor of Homiletics, Yale University Divinity School, USA) "This book promises to become a vanguard work among scholars studying the Korean immigrant experience in North American churches. For those interested in the socio-linguistic and semiotic aspects of Korean American congregations this is a very important scholarly contribution." (John S. McClure, Charles G. Finney Professor of Preaching and Worship, Vanderbilt University Divinity School, USA)

Drawing from rigorous research and years of ecclesial experience, Yang names the codes as follows: the Wilderness Pilgrimage code, the Diasporic Mission Code, the Confucian Egalitarian code, the Buddhist Shamanistic code, and the Pentecostal Liberation code.In this book Sunggu Yang proposes five socio-ecclesial codes as unique faith fundamentals of Korean American Christianity. Drawing from rigorous research and years of ecclesial experience, Yang names the codes as follows: the Wilderness Pilgrimage code, the Diasporic Mission Code, the Confucian Egalitarian code, the Buddhist Shamanistic code, and the Pentecostal Liberation code. These five codes, he asserts, help Korean Americans sustain their lives, culture, faith, and evangelical mission as aliens or “pilgrims” in the American “wilderness.” Yang outlines how his five proposed codes serve as liberative and prophetic mechanisms of faith through which Korean Americans can contribute to racial harmony and cultural diversity in North America. In this sense, Korean American Christianity—its theology and spirituality—works not only on behalf of Korean Americans, but also for the sake of all Americans. Yang shows how the Korean American pulpit is the locus where these five codes appear most vividly.