theologian & missiologist, author of books on theology, missions, contextualization, honor, shame, etc. *Stated opinions are mine alone
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Articles by Jackson Wu
No King forgets his crown. Why do we?
No king forgets his position or crown. He could lose it. Someone may seize it, or he may surrender it under threat. At the same time, a king does not simply wake up, glance in the mirror, and forget that he is a king. His position shapes self-perception. It also shapes how others approach him and what he expects the moment he walks into a room. However, Christians forget their position constantly. License CC0 In Psalm 103, David opens by talking to himself.
Recovering Moral Vision Between Shame and Shamelessness
We tend to imagine moral growth as a kind of escape: getting out from under shame. This is for good reason. Many people are formed in environments where failure didn’t just mean, “you did something wrong,” but “you are something wrong.” In those contexts, shame doesn’t function as a helpful signal; it becomes a totalizing force that shapes identity itself. So it makes sense that many instinctively move to reject shame altogether.
The Real Crisis Beneath America’s Social Crises (Part 2)
In the previous post, I argued that America’s deepest crisis is not merely political. It is moral and spiritual. That is why our ordinary fixes so often fail. We keep reaching for better laws, better leaders, better messaging, and better strategies, while leaving untouched the deeper disorders of the heart. Solzhenitsyn, author of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovitch, saw this with unusual clarity.
Seeking God’s Face: Practical Reflections on Honor and Shame in Scripture
Written by Jackson Wu and Ryan Jensen Reviewed By Chris Flanders In Seeking God’s Face, two able scholars have provided the church with a practical resource for considering the biblical concepts of honor and shame. Jackson Wu is a former cross-cultural servant and instructor in China and author of many books related to issues of honor and shame. Ryan Jensen is also a writer and scholar with several years of his own experience in East Asia.
It’s Time to Change My Pseudonym
Note: I wrote this letter early Monday before my face and real name were linked on Twitter. The most disturbing part about the past days’ firestorm has nothing to do with me. What’s most grieving is this: my attackers do not know my ongoing travel schedule, ministry connections, or work. So, these Christians are completely unaware or indifferent to the potential risk they could put on Chinese brothers and sisters.
Does Burning or Blood Effect Atonement? You Sure?
When speaking of Christ and the OT sacrifices, we typically focus on blood. This is not without good reason.
Atonement - Defining a Misunderstood Term
With Easter approaching, we do well to consider the meaning of atonement, a concept that people too often assume they grasp. That’s a bold claim, but the coming posts in this series will highlight a few reasons why we need to rethink our understanding. NOTE: This series draws from select insights found in The Cross in Context, where I elaborate further on each topic. How Do We Define Atonement? Teachers frequently confuse the meaning of atonement with its effects.
The Fundamental Flaws in Josh Butler’s Argument
This post will not throw Josh Butler under the bus for his article. Josh is a friend of mine and one of my pastors. I have nothing but respect for his character and heart. This post is not primarily written for Josh, but rather for those who read and are affected by arguments like his. I’m also not going to focus primarily on his conclusions, as disagreeable as they are. Instead, we’ll consider the interpretive approach that led to his conclusions.
Bathsheba, #MeToo, and Eisegesis
For the past few years, a question has incensed readers of the Bible: Did David rape Bathsheba? Or did they commit adultery? It’s clear that David sins, but people have debated how he sins. Contextualizing David’s sin This post does more than rehash arguments from both sides.
The Poor are Honored through Exile
For ancient Israel, few things were as horrific and shameful as the exile. However, this was not equally true for all the people. The Lord used the exile to honor the poor. When God Doesn’t Forgive Before we get to that, a few observations from 2 Kings are worth noting. By 2 Kings 23, Israel has filled its cup with widespread unfaithfulness and idolatry. The infamous reigns of kings like Manasseh and Amon had provoked the Lord.
Why Victoria’s Secret is Shameful
I’ve really come to enjoy the singer-songwriter, Jax, who released Victoria’s Secret last year. I immediately loved it. Like songs of all eras, the music of our day is filled with rhythms of love and romance. Others are fun and meaningless. But every now and then, a song comes along that is both fresh in its candor and constructive in its message. Victoria’s Secret is one of those gems. Shame and Body Image Jax shines a light on one of the most shame-inducing aspects of modern-day America.
Listening, Lived Experience, and Mutuality in a Just Mission
Admittedly, my review of A Just Mission might be my most provocative post. But it was necessary. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve received encouragement from both men and women, Westerners and Majority-World Christians. My post raised issues worthy of comment.
This is the Most Dangerous Mission Book in a Generation. Seriously.
I began reading Mekdes Haddis’ A Just Mission with hopeful curiosity. Although nominated recently for an award, a missions pastor from the Global South told me the book is so problematic that he can’t recommend it to others. Another person said it has a good underlying objective but is a “rant.” Having looked at it myself, here’s my take. At best, A Just Mission is a missed opportunity.
Affirming Penal Substitution But Not Its Logic
It is possible to affirm penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) but not the logic that most PSA advocates use to support the theory. While writing The Cross in Context, I noticed several consistent assumptions and leaps in logic that are problematic. For example, some authors presume the meaning of words and phrases that simply do not reflect the ways that biblical writers spoke and used concepts.
I’m launching 3 online courses!
I’m excited to announce the creation and launch of three different online courses! Books can help a lot, but there’s something to be said about hearing directly from a teacher. In these classes, I develop many of the ideas I’ve presented in various articles, books, and talks. In this format, you can go at your own pace while also engaging in exercises that reinforce the content of the online course. While I hope to release more in the future, here are the classes you can enroll in today.
Stripping with Honor or Shame?
No, the title is not entirely clickbait. You’ll soon see why. In 1 Samuel 18, we read about when Jonathan binds himself to David. The account follows David’s famous victory over Goliath the Philistine. Exactly what draws Jonathan to David is unclear. First Samuel 18 is utterly thin on details.
How Thailand Honors the Disabled
People are shamed because they are different in ways that society finds unacceptable or uncomfortable. No one knows this better than the disabled community. Shame among the Disabled They endure social shame in several ways. For example, it’s quite common for people to look away when they see someone with a disability. Abled persons often are simply too uncomfortable to know what to say. This “othering” response is a shaming one.
So here’s a big life update
Want some fun news and a big life update? I’ve accepted an offer from Frontier Ventures (formerly US Center for World Missions) to serve as their Marketing Manager, where I’ll oversee marketing for William Carey Publishing (WCP), Joshua Project, and Mission Frontiers! I will start this role on January 1st! This is a paid position andI get to work remotely. Wahoo! How? What? Huh? While this might seem to depart from what I’ve done, it’s not entirely so.
How Support Raising Honors God and His People
“What is your theology of support raising?” Ugh. Why did my friend have to ask that question? Didn’t he know I’m a theologian? But the truth was this: he wasn’t asking whether I thought the Bible said anything relevant to support raising. He was asking what I had internalized about the Bible’s teaching. My friend wanted to know my practical theology of support raising. To wrestle with this question, we do well to reflect on important works such as Henri Nouwen’s A Spirituality of Fundraising.
How Raising Support Raises Shame
I had no idea that support raising can evoke so much shame in people, me included. Therefore, this post is part confession, part testimonial. It explains how shame sometimes plays a role in the support-raising process. I’m writing with two people in mind––those who raise funds for their ministry and those who support said ministers. To rid shame of its power, we have to name it and face it in community.
Defending Shame from Individualism
In Defending Shame, Te-Li Lau presents shame as a solution, not a problem. Lau defines shame as “the painful emotion that arises from an awareness that one has fallen short of some standard, ideal, or goal” (p. 29). A brilliant contribution of his book is Lau’s careful nuancing of terms.
The Atonement Has a Few Main Ingredients
Chinese parents are consumed with worry about their children’s grades.[1] By the time a child is two years old, parents have planned that child’s path to successfully passing the gaokao, the test that students take in their final year of high school. It is the single most significant factor determining whether students attend college. In a country with well over a billion people, competition is fierce. A Chinese idiom explains these parents’ anxiety.
The Atonement in Biblical and Cultural Context
In The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement, I divide the chapters into three major parts.[1] The Contexts of Biblical Atonement Section one has five chapters. The first chapter explains why all atonement theories are contextualized. We are often ignorant of the role that context plays in shaping our theories of atonement. Our cultural context narrows the focus and scope of our theological questions.
The Cross in Context is Published Today!!
Today is finally here! After years of labor, The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement is officially published!! (This is the second book that I’ve released this fall. Seeking God’s Face was published in September.) As a way of introducing the book to you, it’s fitting that I post an adapted excerpt from the Introduction.
The Atonement is a Shibboleth
I’m honored that Joshua McNall accepted my request to write the foreword to my forthcoming book The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement. You might have read his book The Mosaic of Atonement: An Integrated Approach to Christ’s Work (2019). In this post, I share his Foreword and the book’s Table of Contents. See my previous post for an introduction to the book, several endorsements, and an excerpt.
The Cross in Context is Coming Soon!
For years, I wanted to write a book about the atonement. In just a few weeks, it’ll finally be published. It’s titled The Cross in Context: Reconsidering Biblical Metaphors for Atonement and you can pre-order it today! This post includes four things. First, I share a book trailer of the book. Second, you’ll find the summary shown on the book’s back cover. Third, I include a few early reviews. Finally, I offer an excerpt from the introduction.
Think Broadly on Contextualization and Biblical Theology
We previously considered several studies that highlight the benefits of “broad thinking” on creativity. Scholars note how a “broad perceptual scope” of attention fosters original thinking. Non-Western cultures often have broader “perceptual scopes” but other cultural factors inhibit certain types of creativity. How might such observations impact contextualization? What do these findings suggest about the value and use of biblical theology? I’ll briefly touch on two points worth discussing.
Why did China Humiliate Hu Jintao?
My jaw dropped. I have never seen Chinese leaders act in such a way. However, last week, Xi Jinping gave a full demonstration (against Hu Jintao) of the tactics used during the cultural revolution. At the recent Chinese Communist Party’s twice-a-decade meeting, the congress convened to anoint President Xi to a third term, an unprecedented since the death of Mao Zedong. The move was made possible because Xi removed term limits several years back in preparation for this year’s gathering.
The Psychology of Broad and Eastern Thinking
Have you ever thought about the link between cognitive psychology, Eastern thinking, and biblical theology? Yeah, me too. For everyone else, let me share with you how psychological studies yield significant insights that can help us think through contextualization, whether for missions or theology. Broad versus Narrow Focus I’ll begin by summarizing a study that has since been replicated several times by others. Researchers gave participants one of two maps.
How do we bridge theology and missions?
People who want to address this split between theology and missions will be questioned. Missionaries will think you are “too theological” and theoretical. Some theology lovers will accuse you of “just being a practitioner.” (My previous post identified 3 reasons why we frequently see a split between theologians and mission practitioners.) It is my ambition to help bridge this gap in whatever way possible.
Why Don’t Theologians and Missionaries Talk?
Everyone is familiar with the perceived chasm that can exist between pastors and laypersons. Specifically, many congregants feel like their pastors’ teaching can be too heady or abstract, not touching on the day-in-day-out realities of life. Believe it or not, the disconnect between theologians and missionaries can be even greater. How so? For one thing, it’s rather uncommon for theologians and biblical scholars to read up on books and articles written by missiologists and missionaries.
Treating People Like Objects (an excerpt from SGF)
Today’s post offers an excerpt adapted from our new book, Seeking God’s Face: Practical Reflection on Honor and Shame in Scripture, which is now available! I introduced it first here and then here. I previously posted an adapted excerpt. Then Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good dowry; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons”; so she named him Zebulun. (Genesis 30:20) Imagine being sold to a man by your father. For Leah and Rachel, this was their reality.
Reading Romans with Eastern Eyes: Honor and Shame in Paul's Message and Mission
What does it mean to 'read Romans with Eastern eyes'? Combining research from Asian scholars with his many years of experience living and working in East Asia, Jackson directs our attention to Paul's letter to the Romans. He argues that some traditional East Asian cultural values are closer to those of the first-century biblical world than common Western cultural values.
Seeking God’s Face releases today!
It’s official! Seeking God’s Face: Practical Reflection on Honor and Shame in Scripture is released today! I previously introduced the book and noted some of the endorsements. Last time, I posted an excerpt from it. Today, I will elaborate further concerning why we wrote the book and how it can prove useful to readers. First of all, it’s neither a typical academic nor a popular-level work. It’s a true hybrid. Reasons for Seeking God’s Face The book has 101 practical reflections. Why so many?
What’s your political denomination?
In light of the coming political election, I think it’s worth reposting this. NOTE: If we rewrote the CT article, we’d probably make one adjustment to the chart. Rather than “equality,” we’d probably use the word “identity.” Today, Christianity Today was kind enough to publish an article I co-wrote with my good friend Jim Mullins, lead pastor at Redemption Tempe. Alongside Michael Goheen, he co-authored The Symphony of Mission, which I previously reviewed on this site.
Is re-kin-ciliation a Prerequisite for Biblical Interpretation?
Today’s guest post comes from Kristin Caynor, Ph.D. student at Trinity College Bristol/University of Aberdeen, TCK from Thailand, and a global theological educator. For her full bio, see below. In the first post, we dealt with the concept of re-kin-ciliation and explained key ways that it is distinct from “reconciliation.” Then, in the second post, we looked specifically at how re-kin-ciliation deals with human evil.
Re-kin-ciliation Does Not Begin with Brokenness
Today’s guest post comes from Kristin Caynor, Ph.D. student at Trinity College Bristol/University of Aberdeen, TCK from Thailand, and a global theological educator. For her full bio, see below. In the previous post, I offered re-kin-ciliation as an alternative to the discourse around “reconciliation” more broadly.
3 Upcoming Webinars on Honor and Shame
Over the next 3 weeks, each Sunday evening, I will lead a series of webinars that address a range of topics related to honor and shame. And they’re all free! Below are descriptions for each of the webinars. At the bottom, you’ll find information for joining the webinar and my bio, in case you’d be so kind as to let others know about these webinars. A limited number of participants can join the webinar, so it’s first come first serve.
An Excerpt from Seeking God’s Face
Today’s post offers an excerpt adapted from our new book, Seeking God’s Face: Practical Reflection on Honor and Shame in Scripture, which is available for pre-order. I introduced it last week. Touching the Ark of God Uzzah put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.
My newest book is coming soon!
How does one show the pervasive influence of honor and shame in Scripture? At the same time, how can people see their practical implications? After all, honor and shame are dynamics that affect every sphere of life, not just “ministry strategy.” Is it also possible to write something that challenges both the intellect and the heart? I hope so because that’s what my coauthor, Ryan Jensen, and I try to do in Seeking God’s Face: Practical Reflections on Honor and Shame in Scripture.
What is “Re-kin-ciliation”?
Today’s guest post comes from Kristin Caynor, PhD student at Trinity College Bristol/University of Aberdeen, TCK from Thailand, and a global theological educator. For her full bio, see below. The word “reconciliation” is a fraught term. For some, it implies that what was once a good relationship has been troubled, and simply needs to be restored, when in fact many relationships between people groups have never been good.
A Former Missionary Asks for Help
A Former Missionary Asks for Help August 16, 2022 Jackson Wu A former missionary sent me the following email asking for counsel. With his permission, I have adjusted identifying details and posted the message below so we can crowdsource advice on his behalf. ** Please leave your suggestions and advice for him in the comments. ** First, I’ll give you a 10,000-foot summary. Then, I’ll paste an edited version of the message.
What’s the meaning of “blood is thicker than water”?
What is the meaning of the phrase “blood is thicker than water”? We’ve all heard this idiom, but are you sure you understand it? Search the internet for a while, and you’ll find out very quickly that its origins are anything but clear. The Origins of an Idiom Most people “know” that the phrase “blood is thicker than water” means that family relationships are more important than any other relationship.
Two Bad Strategies for Dealing with Shame
No one likes to feel shame. No one enjoys being publicly shamed. And shame can often linger. This is why we create strategies for dealing with it. However, not all of them are equally beneficial. In fact, some are patently harmful. Blame shifting and hiding are among the most well-known of these destructive responses. Today’s post will highlight two common strategies that have grown increasingly popular in recent years.
Why do we have lingering shame?
I recall sitting in my car one day, pondering the question, “Why do I continue to struggle with lingering shame?” I’ve read widely concerning shame, whether from a psychological, social, theological, or moral perspective. Some might think that I personally would not struggle with shame. (In fact, many people are motivated to enter Ph.D. studies precisely because the topic matters to them personally.) Identifying Sources of Lingering Shame At that moment, a realization crystallized in my mind.
Preaching Judgment Without Being a Jerk
I previously asked, “Do we always have to talk about hell when we evangelize?” We looked at texts in which Jesus appeals to hell in his teaching. We identified three situations, and none of them resemble the ways that people talk about hell today in evangelistic conversations. In this follow-up post, I’ll direct our attention to texts that directly concern evangelism, places where biblical writers clearly present the gospel.
Must we always talk about hell in evangelism?
Must we always talk about hell when we evangelize? No. Before you cancel me or spread false rumors about my theology, you should know that I do believe in hell, and I do think it’s something worth discussing. It’s simply not something that people need to emphasize every time they share the gospel. When did Jesus talk about hell? It’s noteworthy that neither Jesus nor Paul routinely appeals to hell when teaching about the gospel. Whether they ever do so is a different question.
Will you pray to change the world?
Last week, I announced my decision to become the theologian-in-residence for GTN. In that post, I said this: If we want to change the world, … people have to pray for it. people have to pay for it. Today, I’m only focusing on the first line: prayer. To accomplish what we (my partners and I) want to do, we need a lot of prayers because the enemy does not want us to succeed. This means recruiting a prayer support team. If you’re on this page, then I know you want to change the world.
Chinese Christians Have Faith in the Wilderness. Will We?
Today’s guest post is from Elizabeth Raleigh. She and her family spent twenty years in ministry in China. They’ve recently relocated to Central Asia. She shares her experience leaving China in light of a great new book Faith in the Wilderness, a collection of sermons from Chinese house church pastors. I feel a bit sheepish admitting this, but it always seemed to me that the Beatitudes took things a few verses too far.
I was laid off, but not by God (a personal update)
Public Domain A little over a month ago, I was unexpectedly laid off. Completely surprised, I even laughed and asked if they were joking. They weren’t. It was a financial decision. Over the past year, several people in the organization also left. Our children had a rough transition back to the States. As full-blown TCKs (Third Culture Kids) who grew up in East Asia, America doesn’t feel like home.
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