— A Community’s Transformative Approach to Reading Scripture —**

Rev. Wontae Cha—who served as senior pastor of the New York Korean Methodist Church for over ten years and now teaches at New York Theological Seminary—has recently published a book titled From Interpretation to Action. The gems he has gathered from more than forty years of ministry since seminary graduation greet the reader with a trembling heart: profound faith refined over a lifetime, sharp insight, humility, and the beauty and depth of Scripture‑centered meditation. His interpretations open new perspectives for reading the Bible, offering not only understanding but also joy and delight.

When I first encountered the title, I assumed—perhaps as any layperson might—that the book would be difficult. But just as one cannot judge a book by its cover, my curiosity led me deeper into its pages, and soon I found myself absorbed in wonder and fascination. It felt as though I were appearing in the grand biblical drama itself. By the time I finished the book, Scripture no longer felt distant, difficult, or locked away in untouchable holiness. Instead, it guided me—clearly and honestly—toward discovering how to live out the Word in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.

This book is the fruit of a thirty‑minute Bible study Rev. Cha led each Sunday before worship. In the introduction, he writes that he wished to share these “interpretations” with those who read Scripture. The book is organized into five major sections—Genesis, Exodus, Acts, the Johannine Letters, and the Parables. Under each heading, the subtopics explore key biblical events and their interpretations, revealing with striking clarity God’s struggles and love, much like the struggles of humanity.

On page 248, in the chapter “Faith That Overcomes the World,” he writes: “Christians respond to the world with resistance and transformation, and answer it with transcendence. Therefore, for us, the struggle in the world is inevitable; escape from the world has never been permitted… If we were to grade levels of faith in Paul’s manner, there would be ‘beginner faith’ and ‘advanced faith.’ Beginner faith remains in comfort and the maintenance of the status quo, while advanced faith places high value on risk and transformation. From the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus declared war on the ‘traditions He did not wish to inherit.’”

Such concise and penetrating sentences help establish our Christian value system, awaken us to the meaning of true piety, and offer us the opportunity to read Scripture with the heart and live it out through action. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. Each copy is $10.00 plus postage and may be ordered through the New York Korean Methodist Church Bookstore.

Address: Korean Methodist Church & Institute 633 W. 115th St., New York, NY 10025 (212) 662‑1422, 9407 Fax: (212) 662‑9696

Wanhee Yoon, June 6, 1999