Dear Redeemer, Dayspring and Rise Prep Community,
My name is Jonathan Tran and I am a theologian at Baylor University in Waco, TX where I teach theology and ethics. I am currently writing an academic book called Yellow Christianity: Intervening on Antiracist Thought, where I examine the relationship between race, religion and class and Asian American Christianity. A significant part of the book looks at Redeemer and its partners, Dayspring and Rise Prep. I am particularly interested in how Redeemer/Dayspring/Rise Prep think about matters of race and class and what role Christianity plays in that thinking and its practices. Specific chapters deal with Redeemer’s presence within the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood, Dayspring’s particular business practices as expression of a different economic approach and Rise Prep as a service to local communities and a unique take on Asian American approaches to education. Research for the book will depend first on my own being around the church and its partners, and I have already benefited from being allowed to virtually visit through the various Zoom opportunities (Sunday service, bible studies, community groups, etc). Along with that broad familiarity, the book will depend significantly on interviews with people familiar with Redeemer, Dayspring and Rise Prep. I am hoping to do a number of recorded interviews with individuals who would be interested in talking with me about any of these or other relevant topics. Interviews (either by Zoom or by phone) will be recorded and interviewees will receive digital copies of recordings, and if quoted will be given opportunities to review quotes in order to check for accuracy. Interviewees will also be asked to sign consent forms. Scheduling interviews will involve interviewees setting up with me a 90 minute block during which the approx. 1 hour interview will be conducted. Group interviews can be scheduled if preferred by interviewees. I would be more than glad to interview those who do not identify as Asian American and/or Christian, and of course those who do. Interview questions/topics will involve a broad ranging conversation covering everything from one’s history of involvement, day-to-day life, questions about race and racism, political economic matters, racial and religious identity, the Bayview/Hunters Point community, and whatever else interviewees might want to talk about. If you would be interested in speaking with me (whether in an official recorded interview or off the record) I would be grateful for that. Please feel free to email me at jonathan_tran@baylor.eduand we can set up a time. Thanks so much for your time.
Peace,
Jonathan Tran
Baylor Religion Associate Professor