What does identity have to do with theology? In Doing Asian American Theology, Daniel D. Lee discusses a contextual framework for faith and practice, focusing especially on Asian American identity and its relationship to Christianity.
Lee, who is the academic dean of the Center for Asian American Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary, begins the book by stating that he did not always believe his Asian American identity mattered for his faith. While studying in the Reformed tradition, he slowly saw the importance of his own vocation as an Asian American theologian. But what does it even mean to be Asian American?
The Intersection of Asian American Identity
This question actually sets up the beginning of the book, in which Lee shows how Jesus’ identity as a Jew is crucial to our faith. This point caused me to reassess my own views of Jesus, convicting me to preach and teach Christ’s inheritance of the covenants and our inheritance of grace. It’s a rich theological point that will impact my faith moving forward. In addition, Lee’s argument showed that our Asian American identity also impacts our faith.
The main feature of this book is Lee’s Asian American quadrilateral. In this framework, he identifies Asian heritage, migration experience, American culture, and racialization as the intersection of Asian American identity. Understanding and integrating this framework can help Asian American churches and ministries better serve their people and worship God.
Integrate Your Faith
I was most interested to see Lee present a quick theology of cultural representation and why it is important for the Asian American Christian. Cultural representation is a way to honor the image of God and the people around us. But while we want to see ourselves in the culture, we also don’t want to be stereotyped. This reduces and dehumanizes, distorting the image of the glory of God. I found this to be a compelling point to make with those who navigate Asian American media, entertainment, and culture.
Lee ends with a call to integrate the whole self in our ministries, along with warnings for multiethnic churches as well as Asian American churches. This is an academic book that will be an anchor for Christians in Asian American studies. Lee writes that “All Asian American Christians are doing Asian American theology.” This book will help you do it well and in worship.
I received a media copy of Doing Asian American Theology and this is my honest review.
Editor’s Note: Check back tomorrow for an interview with Daniel D. Lee about Doing Asian American Theology.