Learning Our Names

Sabrina S. Chan, Linson Daniel, E. David de Leon, and La Thao

Asian American Christians on Identity, Relationships, and Vocation

Asian Americans know the pain of being called names that deny our humanity. We may toggle back and forth between different names as a survival strategy. But it's a challenge to discern what names reflect our true identities as Asian Americans and as Christians. In an era when Asians face ongoing discrimination and marginalization, it can be hard to live into God's calling for our lives.

Asian American Christians need to hear and own our diverse stories beyond the cultural expectations of the model minority or perpetual foreigner. A team from East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian backgrounds explores what it means to learn our names and be seen by God. They encourage us to know our history, telling diverse stories of the Asian diaspora in America who have been shaped and misshaped by migration, culture, and faith. As we live in the multiple tensions of being Asian American Christians, we can discover who we are and what God may have in store for us and our communities.

"Learning Our Names is written by seasoned and talented ministers who address issues facing this generation of young Asian Americans: self-identity, dealing with anti-Asian racialization, family relationships, vocation, and more. I know and respect these writers. They communicate with deep understanding and compassion but don't pull punches on the hard stuff most Asian American Christians face. It's one that deserves a slow, thoughtful read . . . and re-read."

Paul Tokunaga, Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents writing team

"This book was so encouraging to me as an Asian American continuing to explore how my identity shapes my faith. May we continue to find who we are and how much our unique voices add to the body of Christ. Sabrina, Linson, David, and La share honestly and thoughtfully about what this could look like."

Jeremy Lin, professional basketball player for the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association

"Many people have both a public and an intimate relationship with their names. This book, through the lens of names, invites us into the particular experiences of a diverse Asian American community. Learning Our Names provides a thoughtful investigation of the intersection of culture and race that mixes careful biblical engagement with vivid stories. It's a timely and expansive exploration for both Asian Americans and those who want to learn by entering into the stories and experiences of Asian Americans."

Nikki Toyama-Szeto, executive director of Christians for Social Action

"Warning: this book will awaken you to better understand a dynamic and growing population of Jesus followers. You may end up longing to participate in the good work that God is doing in the AAPI community. Learning Our Names provides inside stories that evoke both laughter and tears and give insight into the unique identity and social-cultural reality of AAPI Christians. You will need this book for impactful ministry in the twenty-first-century North American context."

Soong-Chan Rah, Robert Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of The Next Evangelicalism

"Whether you're Asian American or not, Learning Our Names will helpfully guide you through an insightful and redemptive journey of our names, our histories, our families, our backgrounds, and our gifts in light of God's larger story. It's a great primer that shows how Asian Americans can embrace where we've come from and who we're made to be in faith, life, and love."

James Choung, author of True Story and Real Life

Learning Our Names