Grace Ji-Sun Kim: Jumping Vatican Barriers and Chasing the Spirit

Homebrewed Christianity

In this kickoff live session for our new class on the Holy Spirit, I'm joined by Grace Ji-Sun Kim—author of the Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the Holy Spirit (and about 24 other spirit-focused books by her count!). We dive into some fascinating early questions about the nature of the spirit: Is it a person, principle, or energy? Grace reminds us that confusion is actually a good starting place, since certainty is where problems arise. We explore how her unique background—growing up Korean Presbyterian but exposed to Baptist, Pentecostal, and many other traditions—gave her a perspective that transcends denominational boundaries. Grace shares incredible stories about her unexpected adventure in Rome during the papal conclave (including jumping barriers to chase Pope Leo XIV!), reflecting on how the Spirit moves in ways that challenge patriarchal structures while still working within them. We discuss embodied spirituality, vibrations as divine creation, and how studying the Spirit has transformed Grace's own prayer life. Whether you're Presbyterian, Pentecostal, or somewhere in between, join us as we journey through this four-part exploration of the Holy Spirit leading up to Pentecost! And if you're in North Carolina, come see us live at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill at 7pm on June 8th!

Get access to all 4 of Grace's lectures by joining our class, Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube

Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion and host of the Madang podcast.

Previous Episodes with Grace

• Feminist Christology
• When God Became White
• Surviving God
• Godly QnA
• a Theology of Visibility
• What is Intersectional Theology
• The Prophetic Life of the Spirit
• Embracing the Other and Reading the Bible
• Keeping Hope Alive

Upcoming Online Class:⁠⁠⁠ Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, & the Holy Ghost⁠⁠⁠

"⁠⁠⁠Rediscovering the Spirit: Hand-Raisers, Han, and the Holy Ghost⁠⁠⁠" is an open-online course exploring the dynamic, often overlooked third person of the Trinity. Based on Grace Ji-Sun Kim's groundbreaking work on the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), this class takes participants on a journey through biblical foundations, historical developments, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical applications of Spirit theology. Moving beyond traditional Western theological frameworks, we'll explore feminist interpretations, global perspectives, and innovative approaches to understanding the Spirit in today's world. Whether you've felt the Spirit was missing from your faith journey or are simply curious to deepen your understanding, this class creates space for thoughtful discussion, personal reflection, and spiritual growth.

⁠⁠⁠As always, this class is donation-based, including 0. To get class info and sign up, head over here. ⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hang with 40+ Scholars & Podcasts and 600 people at Theology Beer Camp 2025 (Oct. 16-18) in St. Paul, MN. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 45 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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