Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry Podcast

In this episode, Dr. David Chao welcomes Dr. Rachel Robertson, Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of digital technology, family life, and Asian American Christianity. Dr. Robertson examines how emerging technologies shape virtues, habits, and educational environments. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and social media, with particular attention to their influence on intergenerational relationships, mental health, and spiritual formation. The discussion also offers rich reflections on communal discernment and the vital role churches can play in helping communities navigate today’s digital landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:50 Rachel Robertson's Background and Interests02:53 Historical Analogy and Digital Technology07:44 Anxiety and Digital Technology13:09 Generational Differences in Technology Use21:29 Digital Rituals and Emotional Impact26:46 Techno Optimism vs. Techno Pessimism30:00 Communal Discernment in Technology Use37:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Photo by Maria Oswalt on Unsplash

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, welcomes back Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary and director of the Asian American Center's Wellbeing Collaboratory. Together, they explore the parallels between medical training and mental health awareness within an Asian American context, with particular attention to spirituality and communal life.Dr. ChenFeng shares insights from her own medical training experience, reflecting on the impact of unresolved trauma, the necessity of self-work, and the role of relational dynamics in Asian American Christian communities. The conversation also offers thoughtful strategies for addressing relational ruptures in ways that integrate mental well-being, cultural awareness, and spiritual practice. Join us for a deep dive into the integration of mental well-being and spiritual practice.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:56 Medical Training and Mental Health04:20 Relational Health in Medical Training08:19 Ruptured Relationships and Repair2:47 Story Collecting as a Spiritual Exercise17:41 Self-Work and Narrative in Therapy33:36 Parenting, Power, and Communication43:30 Final Thoughts on Relational Freedom

Content Warning Mention of su****e at 6:04 and 24:15-27. In this episode, David C. Chao, Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, hosts Professor Ann Gillian Chu from Hong Kong Baptist University. They delve into Professor Chu’s research on lived theology, exploring how social environments shape theological reflection, and discuss the 2021 political unrest in Hong Kong and its theological implications. The conversation also covers the UK’s BN(O) visa route, its effects on Hong Kong families, and the resulting mental health and community dynamics. Join us for a deep dive into migration trends, the role of digital technology in maintaining transnational connections, and the evolving landscape of Christian communities in Hong Kong and the UK.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:45 Exploring BN[O] Migration Policy

04:15 Impact of Migration on Families

07:27 Research Project and Findings

09:56 Historical Context and Migration Trends

17:33 Challenges and Support for Older Adults

33:18 Role of Technology in Migration

46:54 Evolving Church and Community Support

53:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This panel discussion was recorded on October 7, 2025 and presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

The panelists are Alex Chang (pastor of Princeton Alliance Church in Princeton, NJ), Marie Chan (author of Mamie Takes a Stand: The True Story of Mamie Tape, a Chinese American Girl’s Fight for School Rights), Chrislyn Choo (Emmy-winning creative storyteller), and Peter Li (pastor of Chinese Christian Church and Center in Philadelphia, PA). Moderators are Dr. Lisa Cleath (Old Testament) and Dr. David Chao (Center for Asian American Christianity) of Princeton Theological Seminary.

01:22 Introducing the Panelists

02:31 How Are You Adapting the Ideas from BTIAA 2025 to Your Ministry Context?

07:58 Exploring Intergenerational Connections

10:32 The Role of Storytelling in Faith

13:48 How Do You Negotiate the Challenges of Intergenerational Connection in Your Asian American Ministries?

13:59 Challenges and Reflections on Identity

29:14 How Do You Think About the Multi-Valence Within Asian American Stories in Your Context?

30:24 Peter’s Journey: From Hong Kong to America

33:04 Chrislyn’s Malaysian Chinese American Experience

36:40 Navigating Intergenerational and Intercultural Tensions

38:00 Alex on Church Leadership and Family Dynamics

41:14 Marie on Storytelling and Faith

44:28 How Can We Pass Along Our Families’ Stories as Asian American Christians?

50:27 The Importance of Oral Histories

56:39 Chrislyn’s Reflections on Story Living

59:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Content Warning: Mention of su****e attempt at 58:27 to 58:43

Photo image by David Chao

Akshay John is an aspiring South Asian hip-hop artist who creates music that powerfully addresses real-life questions about the struggles that Indian Americans—especially other Gen Z Christians like himself—may experience. In sharing his journey from Kerala, India to the Middle East, and eventually to the United States, Akshay delves into how his South Asian background, Christian faith, and personal experiences shape his music— and how that same music became a creative outlet. Akshay discusses his struggle with traditional career expectations and his passion for authentically addressing the genuine experiences surrounding mental health and the immigrant experience through his art. Embedded with excerpts of his songs, this is a deep and candid conversation about music, faith, and cultural identity that you won’t want to miss!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:04 Akshay John’s Musical Journey

04:14 Early Life and Hip-Hop Influences

06:45 Faith and Music Intertwined

10:10 Music as Therapy and Creative Outlet

15:22 Biographical Journey: From Middle East to the US

23:12 Exploring Themes of Success and Faith

26:38 Challenges and Reflections on South Asian Identity

34:59 Vulnerability, Honesty, and Faith

43:39 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Photo used with permission by Akshay John.

Welcome to the CAAC podcast! In this episode, David Chao, Director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, and co-host Josh Livingston, Program Manager at CAAC, sit down with Dr. Chloe Sun, Professor of Old Testament and Program Director of the Chinese Study Center at Fuller Seminary. They discuss Chloe’s book, Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora, exploring the significance of diaspora in theological education, Chloe’s personal migration story, and the necessity of diverse voices in enriching theological discourse. Delve into this thought-provoking conversation about the significance of using one’s heart language to study theology and how migration shapes faith and education!

Photo by Bundo Kim on Unsplash

This presentation by Dr. Daniel Lee, titled “Family and the Bible,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

This lecture is a response to Dr. Roger Nam’s lecture “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?,” Dr. Chloe Sun’s lecture “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” and Jessica ChenFeng’s lecture “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context.” You can find the recordings here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxGLEaf5FKyHCuImKVmKQRkjPTC67D5gK&si=KJWHpK74BbUmyAKk

Time Stamps

00:49 Introducing Dr. Daniel D. Lee

02:35 Reading Scripture with an Asian American Lens

04:11 The Role of Family in Theology

06:13 The Doctrine of Scripture and Illumination

08:09 Wrestling with God: A Covenantal Relationship

12:00 Empathy and Understanding in Asian American Context

22:02 Family and Migration: The Asian American Experience

25:42 Racialization and Family Values

38:13 Critical Awareness in Reading Scripture

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

This presentation by Dr. Jessica ChenFeng, LMFT, titled “Relating to the Internal and Relational Wrestlings of Bible Characters: Jacob’s Family in Context,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

Description: “We each grew up with a relationship to characters of the Bible: which character was someone to emulate? Who was not the ideal model for a leader, a parent, or spouse? These assessments can sometimes parallel the way our families talked about relatives or community members: the good daughter who takes care of her parents, the terrible church elder who squandered money or the faithful pastor who sacrifices so much. In this presentation, we consider Jacob’s family system: intergenerational and gendered hopes, betrayal, alignment and rejection that allow us opportunities to connect with their contextual realities and curiosities for our own Asian American Christian lives today. We will consider the complex nuances of Bible characters beyond the one-dimensional individual perspectives of their personhood and behaviors.

“This presentation will invite attendees to reconsider our assessments (judgements) of Bible characters and increase our empathy (of others and self) through understanding Jacob’s family with a sociocontextual and relational lens. It will highlight relationships in context, reflecting on dynamics of rupture and opportunities for repair.”

Jessica ChenFeng, PhD, LMFT is an associate professor of marriage and family therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has been a practicing MFT for almost 20 years and consults with academic, healthcare and church organizations to improve the well-being of people within their relationships and communities. She is the director of Fuller’s Asian American Well-being Collaboratory. Her research, clinical and community work center around Asian American identities/relationships, generation, trauma, and Christian spirituality. She resides in the greater Los Angeles area with her spouse and two children. Whenever she gets the chance, she loves reconnecting with her love for analogue: paper planners and stationery, baking, and sewing.

Time Stamps:

00:51 Introducing Dr. Jessica ChenFeng

02:11 Dr. ChenFeng’s Personal Journey and Calling

04:24 Exploring Wellbeing and Belonging

06:11 Engaging with Bible Characters in Context

12:25 Intergenerational Impacts and Personal Stories

19:44 Understanding Relationships and Systems

23:57 Empathy and Complexity in Relationships

35:17 Conclusion: Pursuing Fullness of Life

Photo by Dilip Poddar on Unsplash

This presentation by Dr. Chloe Sun, titled “Between Wrestling and Blessing: Jacob and his Messy Family,” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

Description: This presentation examines Jacob’s family dynamics, including his experience as a migrant and its impact on his social location as an ethnic minority within a dominant culture, his ongoing struggles with his brother, his relationships with his elder sons, and his daughter Dinah. It also explores generational patterns such as parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, barrenness, and fatherly passivity. Additionally, it highlights how God’s election of Jacob and Jacob’s mediation of God’s blessings show that even amidst family chaos, grace and purpose can be found. The presentation aims to illustrate that despite the complexity of many Asian American families, there is hope for reconciliation and for God’s purposes to be fulfilled.

Chloe T. Sun is Professor of Old Testament and the Program Director of the Chinese Studies Center at Fuller Seminary. She previously taught at Logos Evangelical Seminary in Los Angeles. She publishes in both Chinese and English and conducts Bible seminars locally and internationally in Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Europe. Her recent English publications include Attempt Great Things for God: Theological Education in Diaspora (Eerdmans, 2020), Conspicuous in His Absence: Studies in the Song of Songs and Esther (IVP Academic, 2021), and Exodus, A Pastoral and Contextual Commentary (Langham, 2024).

Time Stamps

00:37 Introducing Dr. Chloe Sun

01:44 Jacob’s Family in Genesis

03:10 Sibling Rivalry and Divine Favoritism

04:47 Migration and Identity

05:02 Jacob’s Identity

10:16 Jacob’s Migration Experiences

18:25 Jacob as a Father

28:04 Divine Blessing and Reconciliation

35:49 Conclusion: Family Dynamics and Divine Presence

Photo by Salah Regouane on Unsplash

This presentation by Dr. Roger Nam, titled “Family, Migration, and Economic Survival in the Hebrew Bible: What If ‘Honor Your Father’ Isn’t the Whole Story?” was recorded on October 7, 2025. The lecture is part of the 2025 conference “Biblical Theology in Asian America: Family, Migration, and Divine Presence,” presented by the Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary and co-hosted with Fuller Theological Seminary’s Chinese Studies Center. You can learn more about this conference here: https://ptsem.edu/academics/centers/center-for-asian-american-christianity/btiaa2025/.

Description: “This opening talk situates the Hebrew Bible’s complex family stories—sibling rivalries, migration journeys, and household economies—within their ancient Near Eastern context. These narratives emerged not from abstract theology but from lived realities of cultural displacement. For Asian American communities navigating filial expectations, generational rifts, and economic pressure, these biblical dynamics feel strikingly familiar—and at times, deeply subversive. This session frames the day’s conversations by offering historical grounding and interpretive tools for reading family and faith with greater depth.”

Roger S. Nam, PhD is Professor of Hebrew Bible and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Emory University/Candler School of Theology. His scholarship bridges Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern history, with a focus on how economic and social realities shaped biblical texts and communities. He is the author of multiple books, most recently, The Theology of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (Cambridge University Press, 2024). Before entering academia, he served as a pastor in Seoul, Korea and worked as a financial analyst in the Silicon Valley. This year marks his 18th year as a professor in theological education.

Time Stamps:

00:37 Introducing Dr. Roger Nam

01:39 Dr. Nam’s Unconventional Journey

02:38 Family and Migration in Ancient Israel

04:44 Parallels Between Ancient Israel and Asian America

08:00 The Migration Experience of Abraham

24:12 Economic Survival in Ancient Israel

30:15 Family Life and Honor in Ancient Israel

31:55 The Bible Through an Asian American Lens

35:57 Conclusion: Let the Bible Read You

Photo by David McLenachan on Unsplash