Dialogues in Asian American Theology and Ministry Podcast

In this episode, David Chao, director of the Center for Asian American Christianity, welcomes back psychotherapist Sangeetha Thomas, owner of Nepsis Counseling in Dallas, Texas. David and Sangeetha revisit key themes from their earlier conversation, including the challenging topic of death and loss, and expand on how individuals and communities can navigate mental well-being within a faith-centered framework. Join us as we dive deep into the intersections of mental health, faith, and the Asian American Christian experience.

Sangeetha Thomas will be a plenary speaker at the 2025 Mental Health Conference "Navigating Transitions with Faith & Resilience: Asian American Mental Health Across Life Stages" on January 17–18, 2025.

TW: brief allusions to suicidal ideation, pregnancy loss

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In this episode, Dr. Jeff Liou joins David Chao to explore the complexities of ministry to Asian American Gen Z Christians. Reflecting on generational shifts, Jeff examines how cultural, vocational, and racial dynamics shape the faith journeys of young Asian Americans today. The conversation ranges from the evolving challenges of ethnic-specific ministry to the pressures of racial capitalism and the pursuit of well-being in a fractured world. With wisdom and candor, Jeff offers a call for churches to invest deeply in the local and embrace a posture of discernment, challenging faith leaders to rethink discipleship, vocation, and community in light of the Spirit's leading.

The podcast, featuring Dr. Jonathan Tran and Dr. David Chao, examines recent developments in Asian American theology, highlighting its growing visibility alongside persistent challenges in penetrating mainstream theological discourse. Dr. Tran underscores the need to shift focus from dominant institutions to community-centered initiatives, recognizing the decline of interest in systematic theology and the importance of addressing generational dynamics within Asian American churches. He argues for a theology that integrates difference with shared foundations, using linguistic philosophy to illustrate the relational and contextual nature of faith. The discussion concludes with optimism about the creativity of Asian American Christians in shaping their faith journeys and the hope rooted in Jesus as an active agent of reconciliation and renewal.

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Dr. KC Choi, Kyungchik Han Chair Professor of Asian American Theology at Princeton Seminary, discusses his groundbreaking book Disciplined by Race: Theological Ethics and the Problem of Asian American Identity. Hosted by David Chao and Yanan Melo from the Center for Asian American Christianity, this dialogue explores the intersections of theology, ethics, and race, offering profound insights into the challenges and opportunities of understanding Asian American identity within a theological framework.

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This panel discussion is a part of the October 7 event “Asian Americans and the Presidential Election,” hosted by the Center for Asian American Christianity. The panelists, moderated by director of the CAAC David Chao, are Jerry Park (Baylor University), Khyati Joshi (Fairleigh Dickinson University), and Hyepin Im (Faith and Community Empowerment). The panelists delve into how Asian American leaders can build thriving ministries and politically engaged communities by focusing on culturally relevant theology, community support, and strong partnerships.

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Dr. Khyati Joshi, co-founder of the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice, delves into themes of race, religion, and immigration in the U.S. She brings expertise in diversity, equity, and social justice, guiding educators, policymakers, and community leaders on recognizing and addressing systemic biases. Her talk emphasizes the importance of inclusive education and the tools necessary to foster understanding and meaningful engagement across diverse communities, especially within ecclesial contexts. Through her work, Dr. Joshi aims to provide actionable strategies to improve organizational inclusivity and promote social justice within a multicultural framework. This lecture sheds light on the experiences of Asian American communities and their complex relationship with mainstream religious and cultural narratives in the U.S., aiming to equip listeners with insights and resources for inclusive ministry.

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Lecture description: This lecture by Dr. Khyati Joshi, "Patriotism or Nationalism: What’s It Going to Be for Asian American Religious Communities," was recorded as part of the CAAC event "Asian Americans and the Presidential Election" on October 7, 2024. Lecture description: The contrast between Trump’s divisive approach and Harris’s inclusive, multicultural message highlights the ongoing tension between those who seek to maintain the status quo and those who advocate for progressive, equitable change. While Asian American religious communities have long been overlooked, the Asian American community is the fastest growing voter group in America. This presentation will discuss factors influencing the vote in Asian American religious communities.

Dr. Jerry Park’s presentation examines Asian American political views through the lens of religion and White Christian Nationalism (WCN). His findings reveal that Asian American conservative Protestants show moderate support for WCN, which influenced their preference for Trump in the 2020 election. However, WCN support is not limited to conservative Christians, as Asian American Muslims, atheists, and agnostics also display varying levels. Park argues that religious affiliation, beyond ethnicity, is a significant predictor of Asian American political behavior, underscoring the need for more nuanced data collection to capture ideological diversity.

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Lecture description: With the 2024 election just ahead, record numbers of Asian Americans are registering to participate in this very close election. What insights can we glean, especially with regard to the role of religion, from Asian Americans political participation in 2020? We will examine voting preferences, white Christian nationalism attitudes and other social issues that do not receive much attention in the American mainstream media.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. David Chao sits down with Dr. Justin Tse, Assistant Professor of Religion and Culture at Singapore Management University, to delve into his new book, Sheets of Scattered Sand: Cantonese Protestants and the Secular Dream of the Pacific Rim. Together, they explore the complex intersections of faith, identity, and politics in transpacific Chinese Christian communities. Dr. Tse shares personal insights and research findings on how Cantonese-speaking Protestants navigate secular civil societies across Vancouver, San Francisco, and Hong Kong, challenging both mainstream narratives and assumptions about political identity. Tune in to learn more about the historical and cultural influences shaping Chinese Christian communities and discover why Dr. Tse describes his book as a "love letter" to Cantonese Protestants. Don't miss this deep dive into transpacific Christianities, political identities, and the power of storytelling!

In this episode, Jeff Liou joins David Chao and Yanan Rahim Melo to delve into the intersections of race, critical theory, and faith within the church. Jeff reflects on his personal journey from racial reconciliation work to deeper power analysis, unpacking how critical race theory (CRT) can reshape the church’s approach to justice. He shares insights on navigating the often-controversial terrain of race and CRT in Christian communities, offering practical ways to address racial bias and foster inclusivity. Together, they discuss how examining church structures through a CRT lens can reveal hidden biases, challenging conventional approaches to faith, culture, and identity.

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In this episode David Chao sits down with Jonathan Tran, Associate Dean for Faculty and Associate Professor of Theology and Great Texts at the Honors College, Baylor University, to explore themes from his book, Asian Americans and the Spirit of Racial Capitalism. Together, they dive into the complexities of racial capitalism, Asian American identity, and the role of faith in navigating these systemic realities. Dr. Tran shares insights on how racial and economic systems intersect, the challenges of Christian discipleship in capitalist structures, and how communities can imagine and live out alternative paths rooted in justice and mercy.