Small Records within the Great Current

A Description of "Small Records within the Great Current"

This profound and moving collection is a work of literary nonfiction and philosophical memoir. Written by author and thinker Mukmyeong Jinoh Kwon, the book is a series of deeply personal, yet universally resonant, essays that explore the weight of history, the nature of faith, and the search for meaning in a fractured world.

What is this book about?

At its core, the book asks one piercing question: "What must we remember, what must we resist, and how then shall we live?"

The author, a Korean-born permanent resident of the United States and former pastor, positions himself as an observer standing within the "great current" of history. Rather than focusing on grand narratives, he offers "small records"—intimate, honest accounts that examine how large forces like imperialism, nationalism, and dogma impact individual lives and souls.

Key Themes You Will Encounter:

Memory & History: The essay grapples with the duty to remember historical injustices, offering a poignant and unflinching examination of the "Comfort Women" of WWII and the shadows of denialism that persist today. Faith Deconstructed: The author journeys beyond institutional religion, critiquing rigid theology while searching for a genuine "spirituality of the border" that draws from Christianity, Buddhism, and other wisdom traditions. Personal Legacy: Heartrending chapters are devoted to the author's parents—his mother's quiet, sacrificial love and his father's heroic yet tragic decline—exploring how family trauma and resilience shape our identity. The American Promise, Lost?: With the sorrow of a disillusioned lover, one essay critiques the "parasitic" influences and internal stagnation the author sees eroding the United States, challenging the nation to choose "bridges over bombs." Consciousness & Being: From Buddha's enlightenment to dialogues with AI, the work questions the very nature of consciousness, privilege, and what it means to be a "self" in a world of algorithms and ancient instincts. Empathy Across Boundaries: Beautiful passages reflect on a transformative bond with a cat named Kkaebi, revealing lessons about dignity, consent, and the pure connection that often surpasses human relationships.