Highly recommended: Jackson Wu’s new article on objective and subjective shame according to the Bible

Gospel of Jesus, Honor and shame, objective shame

I want to point you to what I believe is an extremely significant article from Jackson Wu. The article appears in the current issue of Themelios, which is the online theology journal of The Gospel Coalition.

Jackson Wu’s article adds much biblically-based nuance to the conversation about sin-and-shame

The article is titled, “Have Theologians No Sense of Shame? How the Bible Reconciles Objective and Subjective Shame.” (FYI: Jackson is the book review editor of the Mission and Culture section of Themelios.) 

Some things I particularly value in this article:

  • The article is highly readable—and organized in an ordered, logical manner.
  • The article classifies shame in the Bible into three types: 1) psychological, 2) social/cultural, and 3) sacred.
  • The article classifies not only the kinds of shame in the Bible, but also whether it is objective, subjective, or both.
  • Through wide-ranging biblical support, the article critiques the view that guilt is objective (humanity’s main problem) and shame is merely subjective (a secondary problem).

This article makes a big contribution to the conversation about honor-shame in the Bible and its implications for the gospel.

Why is this article so significant? Two reasons.

First of all, the article appears in the online theology journal of The Gospel Coalition, called Themelios. This gives the content an extra degree of credibility among evangelical and “broadly Reformed” pastors, theologians, and other Christian leaders. (Note: Jackson Wu is the Book Review Editor of the “Mission and Culture” section of Themelios.)

Second, as already stated: The article critiques the conventional view that guilt is objective (humanity’s main problem) whereas shame is merely subjective (a secondary problem). This is not a small issue. Why?

  • Because if we believe that sin-and-guilt is the sole core issue, the solitary basic problem of humanity according to the Bible, the very crux of humanity’s disease …
  • then the gospel that we preach and teach (and train others to preach and teach) by default will ignore the problem of sin-and-shame …
  • and the enormous problems of humanity that are caused primarily by shame (both objective and subjective) remain largely unaddressed in the preaching of the gospel.

I heartily encourage you to read this 15-page article by Dr. Jackson Wu. Better yet, slowly digest it as you look up the myriad verses in your own Bible. Discuss it, critique it with your friends and colleagues. And consider the implications for your life and ministry.

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