Third Space focuses not only on Asian American history and ministry but it also has an academic side focusing on Asian American theology and biblical studies. Check out this page for our latest research and activities in the academic world.

IBR Research Group
Asian and Asian American Biblical Interpretation: Evangelical Voices

2025 Program
Boston
Friday, November 21, 2025, 3:30-5:30 pm
Location: Empire (7th Floor) Westin Copley Place
Program Description 
Now in our sixth year, the theme for our research group session in Boston will be “Asian, Asian American and Diasporic Biblical Interpretation.” What is Asian biblical interpretation, what is Asian American interpretation and is there a difference? Is that difference a matter of degree or kind and who gets to decide? In addition, we will explore a third line of interpretation which examines the Bible through a diasporic lens as reflected in Chloe Sun’s recent commentary on Exodus from Langham Press. Our session will consist of invited speakers, three main paper presentations with one person responding to each and time for discussion from both the panelists and audience. In happenstance with this year’s theme, we have changed our group name to “Asian and Asian American Biblical Interpretation.” The three main papers will be available after October 25th (contact Milton Eng for access) Attendees are encouraged to read the papers in advance though drop-ins are welcome. Non-IBR members are welcome to attend. Questions can be directed to Milton Eng ([email protected]) or Bo Lim ([email protected]).
 
Program Schedule
  • Bo Lim, Seattle Pacific University, Presiding (5 min)
  • Peter Hon Wan Lau, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia
    The Idealized King: A Confucian Critique of Solomon’s Wealth and Leadership in 2 Chronicles 9:13–10:4 (20 min)
  • Milton Eng, Third Space Asian America, Respondent (10 min)
  • Discussion (5 min)
  • Melissa Chia-Mei Tan, University of Aberdeen
    The Metaphor of 'Face' and its Social Capital in the New Testament (20 min)
  • Break (10 min)
  • Milton Eng, Third Space Asian America, Respondent (10 min)
  • Discussion (5 min)
  • Chloe T. Sun, Fuller Theological Seminary
    A Diasporic Reading of Exodus as a Journey of Becoming (20 min)
  • Milton Eng, Third Space Asian America, Respondent (10 min)
  • Discussion (5 min)
*Click here for access to papers (password protected)
    **As in previous years, Third Space is offering a complimentary dinner after our session for anyone interested. RSVP requested. Donations appreciated to help cover the cost. Contribute here or at the dinner. Details forthcoming after RSVP. 
Abstracts
  1. Peter Hon Wan Lau, Seminari Theoloji Malaysia
    The Idealized King: A Confucian Critique of Solomon’s Wealth and Leadership in 2 Chronicles 9:13–10:4
    This paper re-examines Solomon’s portrayal in 2 Chronicles 9:13–10:4 through the combined lenses of the Chronicler’s theological purpose and Confucian ethics. While many scholars interpret the Chronicler’s depiction of Solomon as an idealized, flawless figure—highlighting his cultic devotion and divinely granted wealth—this paper contends that Confucian principles expose underlying tensions within the narrative. By applying concepts such as dé 德 (virtuous leadership), rénzhèng仁政 (benevolent governance), and shēchǐ 奢侈 (extravagance), this analysis explores the tension between Solomon’s material prosperity and his moral responsibilities. This paper will suggest that the Chronicler upholds Solomon’s dedication to temple worship as exemplary, while still acknowledging the king’s flaws.
  2. Melissa Chia-Mei Tan, University of Aberdeen
    The Metaphor of 'Face' and its Social Capital in the New Testament
    This paper will observe the complex social capital dynamics observed in various NT texts which can be detected via the culturally embedded metaphor of “face,” or more broadly of appearance. This metaphor has been closely associated with Chinese culture, and in particular Confucianism. The use of this metaphor highlights the prevalence of status, reputation and honour in the social world of the biblical text, and by extension, descriptions of  social or symbolic capital as it pertains to one’s standing within the community or before God. This paper will also observe and reflect on the different levels of alertness in secondary scholarship to the collectivistic nuances of the descriptions.  
  3. Chloe T. Sun, Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena)
    A Diasporic Reading of Exodus as a Journey of Becoming
    Due to ongoing changes in the economic and political climate, migration, globalization, and various other factors, both the terms “diaspora” and “Chinese” have become umbrella terms, losing their expected distinction. The Chinese diaspora from different eras further complicates the current landscape of diasporic Chinese in relation to biblical interpretation. Can a diasporic approach to reading Exodus be done? What does it entail? What are its limitations? This paper explores the above issues with Exodus as a test case and proposes ways to move forward. 
2024 Program
San Diego
This year our research group focused on biblical interpretation from non-East Asian cultural contexts focusing in particular on South and Southeast Asia. The program was packed with four papers and two respondents. Max Lee chaired the session.
2023 Program
San Antonio
We had another successful program in 2023 on the theme of "Family, Kinship and Community" at the SBL and IBR meetings in San Antonio (November). Papers were presented by Michelle Lee-Barnewall of  Biola, Daniel Lee of Fuller, Esther Cen of Seattle Pacific and Xenia Chan of Toronto School of Theology. Respondents were Dan Wu of Moore Theological College and Elizabeth Sung of Regent.
2022 Program
Denver
Our 2022 meeting in Denver went beautifully. Theme was "Asian American Theology and Evangelicalism." Papers were engaging, discussion enlightening and dinner afterwards sweet.
Third Space Asian America
Livingston, NJ   07039
Email: [email protected]
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