I’ve been gracious invited by Dr. Larry Shinagawa to speak to his Introduction to Asian American Studies class this Thursday 11/16, based on the Asian American Youth Ministry book I had edited and published. I commend his openness to broaden the exposure of his class to a religious aspect of the Asian American community. I’ll be speaking to about 45 students in a secular college context; I plan to share highlights from the book along with my experiences & research of ethnic Asian churches.
Is there anything you can think of that I should include in my talk that would most help grow mutual understanding and develop common ground between Christian and non-Christian Asian Americans?
From the university class schedule:
AAST200 Introduction to Asian American Studies
The aggregate experience of Asian Pacific Americans, from developments in the countries of origin to their contemporary issues. The histories of Asian Pacific American groups as well as culture, politics, the media, and stereotypes, viewed from an interdisciplinary perspective.
0101(00244) Shinagawa, L.
TuTh 2:00pm- 3:15pm (COL 0101)
Wow, what a great opportunity! Congrats and may God bless you and use you during that time!
DJ, not having read your book yet (been meaning to buy a copy!), I’d still have to say that there are tons of issues I’m sure your book deals with that would be of relevance to an Asian-American Studies classroom. Speaking from personal experience, I’d go with:
1) how the generation/language/culture gap gets interwoven with the faith gap where your faith is different from that of your parents/elders — i.e. our worldviews are different not just because we believe in different religions but because we come from different life experiences
2) different perspectives/spheres/identities when it comes to ministry where your faith is the same as that of your parents/elders but your practical application of it might be markedly different — i.e. second generation more likely to have a pan-Asian, multi-cultural, “change the world” perspective on work and life, first generation more likely to have an allegiance to the home culture and to working hard to “make it” for your family
Hope that helps. Let me know how it goes, and I hope to dialogue with you again soon!
DJ, hope the class went well. Must admit I “Sped-read” the post the first time otherwise i would had offered some more ideas. My bad
On this that I think would be important is around why is seems that so many Asian Americans seems to be attracted to a more “conservative” style of faith. I have my own ideas regarding issues of work ethic, achievement issues, etc., but I would assume that there would be some “radicals” who questions the church’s ability to deal with issues of social justice and the public square.
I posted some random thoughts about this:
http://www.apaforprogress.org/drupal/node/107
Take care,
Bruce