Overcome Inferiority Complex! Prof. Jintae Kim, Ph.D. Alliance Theological Seminary Nyack, NY 10960

Tragedy at Virginia Tech Cho, Sungwoo. Source of his problem: Inferiority Complex of Korean minority in the culture of US. 왕따현상? 열등감으로 인해 스스로 초래한 왕따.

Data on young Korean American generation 49-60% divorce rate 이혼율 90% of 2nd generation K-A don’t like Korean culture. 한국인임을 싫어함 민족적 열등의식.

College data Least involved in American college activities Least involved in volunteer services and activities Least likely to see faculty Most dissatisfied after 4 years of college High drinking rate High depression rate Highest suicide rate 100 times higher than national average

College Korean American college students had the worst perception of campus environment compared to other Asian American students (Gloria & Ho, 2002).

American view of Koreans? Out of 53 ethnic groups, Koreans are considered 43rd in terms of social standing and distance (likability) (1989) Los Angeles Riot (1992) Ethnocentricity.

Source of Problems: Identity Problem Low self-esteem  Lack of confidence, alienation, marginal society syndrome.… Sources (1) Socio-economic: Minority immigrant, Relatively low income…. (2) Ethnic: Appearance…. (3) Cultural: Fatalism, Self-defeatism, Inferiority complex….Parents call them ….

Solution We must go back to where we all started. What is not our true identity: (1) what we think we are (2) what others think what we are. What is our true identity: (1) what God says what we are.

Gen 1:26-7 Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." 27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Part I: Meaning of the image of God: Two aspects

#1 Historical Context In Ancient Near-East, the image of God meant the true representative of God, in whom the spirit of God dwells (Gen 2:7) and who reigns over all creatures (Gen 1:26, 28)  Cultural mandate.

# 2 Hermeneutical key: the NT Jesus Christ is the image of God (Col 1:15): All authority in heaven and on the earth (Matt 28:18): Jesus  Believers. Great Commission & Great Commandment.

NRS Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; NRS Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Implication: Who am I? (1) You are God’s image created with God’s character and authority so that you may reign over all creation. (2) You are perfect as you are. (3) You are God’s precious one, for whom God sacrificed Jesus Christ on the Cross.

Part II: How shall I live as an image of God?

Gospel Atoning Death of Christ  Restoration of my true identity as an image of God; Life worthy and glorious as such.

Power of Gospel (Acts 26:18) “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Our standard must conform to God’s standard! Eph 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Goal of our lives: Jesus Christ Don’t settle for anything less! Rom 8:29 “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family.”

No compromise with sin (2 Pet 1:3-4). “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.”

You are responsible for this nation! Everything belongs to God. As his image, you have a right to claim ownership of this land. You are Americans with Korean heritage. You are blessed with double heritages instead of one. Think how you may reign over America with God-given talents and God-inspired vision. Enjoy your lives as representatives of God in this part of the world.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13). “If you are able!-- All things can be done for the one who believes.” (Mark 9:23).