Asian American Christianity: Unlearning Harm & Finding Liberation

The fractures within faith, particularly for those navigating immigrant experiences and cultural expectations, are the focus of a new book, We Mend with Gold: An Immigrant Daughter’s Reckoning with American Christianity, by Kristin T. Lee. Released April 7th by Broadleaf Books, the work delves into the complexities of Asian and Asian American Christian communities, examining how well-intentioned spaces can inadvertently perpetuate harm through the internalization of Western perspectives. Lee’s exploration isn’t simply a personal reckoning; it’s an invitation to unlearn ingrained assumptions and forge a more liberating path for both individuals, and communities.

The Weight of Expectations

Lee, a physician serving Boston’s Chinatown community, highlights a common dynamic within many Asian immigrant churches: the intense pressure placed on youth to achieve academic and extracurricular success. While driven by a desire to provide stability and opportunity in a new land, this emphasis can inadvertently equate worldly achievement with spiritual virtue. As Lee explains in an interview with Paul Youngbin Kim, published on Psychology Today, celebrating those who excel while overlooking others sends a damaging message – that God values success as defined by conventional standards, and that those who struggle are somehow less cherished.

This dynamic isn’t about malice, Lee emphasizes, but rather the influence of societal pressures and a misapplication of Gospel principles. The core message of Christianity, she argues, is one of universal welcome and unconditional love, a stark contrast to a system that implicitly ranks individuals based on their accomplishments. This tension, she notes, is heartbreaking, and requires a conscious effort to re-center faith around grace and inclusivity.

Navigating Racism and Microaggressions with Faith

Lee’s work also tackles the challenging issue of responding to racism and microaggressions within a Christian framework. She acknowledges the difficulty of navigating these situations, emphasizing that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Though, she outlines guiding principles rooted in honoring the humanity of all involved, even those perpetrating harm.

“The best way to respond to microaggressions and overt racism is so situation dependent,” Lee writes. “But there are some guiding principles to consider. First, any response must honor the humanity and the image of God in each party…Second, any response ought to be relational and invitational. We keep the door open for repentance in the perpetrator by showing them the harm they’ve caused and inviting them to make things right.” She cautions against seeking “cheap rhetorical points” and emphasizes that lasting change comes from transforming hearts, not winning arguments.

Importantly, Lee acknowledges the privilege inherent in offering such a response, recognizing that those who have experienced severe and ongoing racism may discover it impossible or even damaging to extend grace. She stresses the importance of self-care and allowing others to carry the burden of fighting for justice when necessary, always remaining rooted in love. This nuanced perspective is a key strength of her work, acknowledging the complexities of lived experience.

The Burden of Indebtedness

Beyond external pressures, Lee also critiques certain cultural values within Asian communities that can hinder healthy relationships. She specifically addresses the concept of indebtedness – the sense of owing something to another person and repaying that debt through acts of service. While acknowledging the importance of interdependence and mutuality, Lee argues that a rigid system of indebtedness can turn into legalistic and undermine the freely-given grace at the heart of Christian faith.

She describes observing exchanges of gifts motivated more by a desire to “save face” or alleviate a sense of obligation than by genuine affection. Acts of service, when driven by duty rather than love, lose their power to deepen connection. Lee clarifies that a sense of obligation can sometimes lead to admirable actions, such as caring for elderly parents, but the underlying motivation – resentment versus joyful purpose – makes all the difference.

Reclaiming History and Contextualizing Faith

For those grappling with their immigrant experiences and their connection to Christian faith, Lee offers a concrete step: learning Asian American history. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context that shapes individual experiences and societal structures.

“Learning Asian American history is so important for contextualizing our individual immigrant experiences,” Lee states. “It helps us question and critique the power structures that were responsible for things like the Chinese Exclusion Act and Japanese American internment during WWII–forces that continue to inform unjust policies today.” She argues that understanding this history is not merely an academic exercise, but a crucial step towards transforming relationships with others and advocating for a more just world. This historical awareness, she believes, is essential for a faith that is both personally meaningful and socially engaged.

What Comes Next: A Call for Continued Dialogue

Lee’s book isn’t intended as a definitive answer, but rather as a catalyst for ongoing conversation and self-reflection. Her work encourages readers to critically examine their own assumptions, challenge ingrained cultural norms, and seek a more authentic and liberating expression of faith. The release of We Mend with Gold, coupled with Lee’s book tour and online engagement via Instagram, signals a broader movement within Asian American Christianity to address these complex issues openly and honestly.

The book’s impact will likely extend beyond the Asian American community, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking to navigate the intersection of faith, culture, and identity. It’s a timely and important contribution to the ongoing conversation about inclusivity, justice, and the transformative power of grace. You can preorder the book at Amazon and Broadleaf Books.

Kristin T. Lee’s work has also appeared in Christianity Today and Sojourners.