Timothy Isaiah Cho
@tisaiahcho.bsky.social
Gathering a healing and just church community with City of Refuge in Columbus, OH. Owner and Roaster of Mosaic Coffee. Editorial Manager.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
I'm happy to announce that my new website is up!
If you (or someone you know!) is looking for writing and editing services, a speaker for an event, or a racial justice coach/consultant, I've got some of my work samples on my website and some further details about what
timothyisaiahcho.com
If you (or someone you know!) is looking for writing and editing services, a speaker for an event, or a racial justice coach/consultant, I've got some of my work samples on my website and some further details about what
timothyisaiahcho.com
Timothy Isaiah Cho: Writer, Editor, Speaker Services
Timothy Isaiah Cho: Professional writer, editor, and speaker. Enhance your projects with expert writing, precise editing, and engaging speaking services.
timothyisaiahcho.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:17 AM
I'm happy to announce that my new website is up!
If you (or someone you know!) is looking for writing and editing services, a speaker for an event, or a racial justice coach/consultant, I've got some of my work samples on my website and some further details about what
timothyisaiahcho.com
If you (or someone you know!) is looking for writing and editing services, a speaker for an event, or a racial justice coach/consultant, I've got some of my work samples on my website and some further details about what
timothyisaiahcho.com
Much of what gets passed around as "Christian masculinity" swirls around a fear of being seen as "unmasculine" by others. This is often over-compensated by leaning into cultural stereotypes, misogyny, homophobia, or authoritarian gender hierarchies. This is why "weak," "effeminate," "gay,"
November 20, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Much of what gets passed around as "Christian masculinity" swirls around a fear of being seen as "unmasculine" by others. This is often over-compensated by leaning into cultural stereotypes, misogyny, homophobia, or authoritarian gender hierarchies. This is why "weak," "effeminate," "gay,"
"there is a growing stream of Evangelical Christians (or former Evangelical, depending on who you ask) that, while disentangling their faith from conservative politics talking points and ideals, have come to realize that concern for the environment
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/caring-abo...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/caring-abo...
Caring about the environment is a Christian responsibility
One of the most puzzling sentiments that I became familiar with as I became introduced to the (White) Evangelical Christian subculture and landscape was a shirking away from any semblance of environme...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:13 AM
"there is a growing stream of Evangelical Christians (or former Evangelical, depending on who you ask) that, while disentangling their faith from conservative politics talking points and ideals, have come to realize that concern for the environment
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/caring-abo...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/caring-abo...
Welp. Gonna make some folks upset.
Here I address several common arguments by Christians who claim that a) taxes are wrong because they are "coercive"; b) taxes are Socialist; and c) caring for the poor is the church's job only.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-taxman...
Here I address several common arguments by Christians who claim that a) taxes are wrong because they are "coercive"; b) taxes are Socialist; and c) caring for the poor is the church's job only.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-taxman...
The Taxman Cometh: Addressing Christian Anti-Taxation
I’ve always found it amusing that the same folks who say things like, “Submit to the government,” “law and order,” and “follow the law” are often the same ones who will “Now, hold your horses, buster”...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Welp. Gonna make some folks upset.
Here I address several common arguments by Christians who claim that a) taxes are wrong because they are "coercive"; b) taxes are Socialist; and c) caring for the poor is the church's job only.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-taxman...
Here I address several common arguments by Christians who claim that a) taxes are wrong because they are "coercive"; b) taxes are Socialist; and c) caring for the poor is the church's job only.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-taxman...
I originally wrote this piece back in 2019. Back then, I was a part of church circles that regularly looked down on people who were on any sort of government services, so I decided to share the fact that many of my classmates in seminary had been on
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/seminarian...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/seminarian...
Seminarians are on Food Stamps, too
Note: I originally wrote this piece back in 2019.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:08 AM
I originally wrote this piece back in 2019. Back then, I was a part of church circles that regularly looked down on people who were on any sort of government services, so I decided to share the fact that many of my classmates in seminary had been on
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/seminarian...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/seminarian...
I wrote about how the 6-7 meme from Generation Alpha can teach us a lot about shibboleths, spiritual bypassing, and superficial spirituality.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/6-7-and-sp...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/6-7-and-sp...
6-7 and Spiritual Bypassing
How a brain rot shibboleth can teach us about superficial spirituality
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
I wrote about how the 6-7 meme from Generation Alpha can teach us a lot about shibboleths, spiritual bypassing, and superficial spirituality.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/6-7-and-sp...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/6-7-and-sp...
As folks head into the No Kings protests around the nation, those who follow Jesus should reflect on this painting by James B. Janknegt called "Scourging at the Pillar." The artist's depiction of the soldiers who flogged Jesus as contemporary military and law enforcement reminds us that our
October 18, 2025 at 1:47 AM
As folks head into the No Kings protests around the nation, those who follow Jesus should reflect on this painting by James B. Janknegt called "Scourging at the Pillar." The artist's depiction of the soldiers who flogged Jesus as contemporary military and law enforcement reminds us that our
I've written down some scattered thoughts on the difficulty of understanding hell and break down why I don't think that retributive justice, penal substitution, and eternal conscious torment are a package deal.
Read more: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-diffic...
Read more: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-diffic...
The Difficulty of Hell
Hell is a very difficult subject to talk about, and yet Christians seem to really like talking debating about it.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I've written down some scattered thoughts on the difficulty of understanding hell and break down why I don't think that retributive justice, penal substitution, and eternal conscious torment are a package deal.
Read more: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-diffic...
Read more: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/the-diffic...
What is happening across the country with these ICE raids is neither "more strict" immigration policy nor "finally being serious about immigration" after the previous administration's purported lenience.
It's cruelty. It's inhumanity. It's demonic. It's evil. Plain and simple.
It's cruelty. It's inhumanity. It's demonic. It's evil. Plain and simple.
October 10, 2025 at 5:53 PM
What is happening across the country with these ICE raids is neither "more strict" immigration policy nor "finally being serious about immigration" after the previous administration's purported lenience.
It's cruelty. It's inhumanity. It's demonic. It's evil. Plain and simple.
It's cruelty. It's inhumanity. It's demonic. It's evil. Plain and simple.
I've been thinking about vacations lately.
"You can’t put forth vacation as a practical application of sabbath if there are people in your church who simply can’t afford it. Frowning upon working on Sundays as sabbath-
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/thinking-a...
"You can’t put forth vacation as a practical application of sabbath if there are people in your church who simply can’t afford it. Frowning upon working on Sundays as sabbath-
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/thinking-a...
Thinking about vacations
Did you grow up going on vacations (or holidays as our other English-speaking friends would say) regularly with your family?
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I've been thinking about vacations lately.
"You can’t put forth vacation as a practical application of sabbath if there are people in your church who simply can’t afford it. Frowning upon working on Sundays as sabbath-
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/thinking-a...
"You can’t put forth vacation as a practical application of sabbath if there are people in your church who simply can’t afford it. Frowning upon working on Sundays as sabbath-
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/thinking-a...
For Christians standing against fascism in the U.S. -
Be ready to be accused of being anti-American, Antifa, anti-Christian, domestic terrorists, etc.
We're seeing the modern day Machtergreifung and Führerprinzip (look them up), and to make basic Christian theological declarations about the
Be ready to be accused of being anti-American, Antifa, anti-Christian, domestic terrorists, etc.
We're seeing the modern day Machtergreifung and Führerprinzip (look them up), and to make basic Christian theological declarations about the
October 2, 2025 at 3:40 PM
For Christians standing against fascism in the U.S. -
Be ready to be accused of being anti-American, Antifa, anti-Christian, domestic terrorists, etc.
We're seeing the modern day Machtergreifung and Führerprinzip (look them up), and to make basic Christian theological declarations about the
Be ready to be accused of being anti-American, Antifa, anti-Christian, domestic terrorists, etc.
We're seeing the modern day Machtergreifung and Führerprinzip (look them up), and to make basic Christian theological declarations about the
"I have never heard anyone to date try to convince me that AI is a wonderful tool because it will enable workers to be able to have more margin, work-life balance, and the ability to stop, rest, and reflect regularly at work...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/aint-no-re...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/aint-no-re...
Ain't no rest for the... workers
Why we need the Sabbath to inform our use of AI
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:46 PM
"I have never heard anyone to date try to convince me that AI is a wonderful tool because it will enable workers to be able to have more margin, work-life balance, and the ability to stop, rest, and reflect regularly at work...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/aint-no-re...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/aint-no-re...
I’ve seen quite a few pastors talk about how they feel it is unfair that they are expected to speak up on flashpoint current events. However, I think there are a few things they need to understand
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/how-a-past...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/how-a-past...
How a pastor should speak up
Not perfection but a pattern of trust
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I’ve seen quite a few pastors talk about how they feel it is unfair that they are expected to speak up on flashpoint current events. However, I think there are a few things they need to understand
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/how-a-past...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/how-a-past...
The church is the place where I've experienced the most fairweather friends.
It's where I have seen otherwise thoughtful, intelligent, and wise people completely shut their brains off for the sake of institutional reputation and cult of personality.
It's where I've been ghosted the most.
It's where I have seen otherwise thoughtful, intelligent, and wise people completely shut their brains off for the sake of institutional reputation and cult of personality.
It's where I've been ghosted the most.
September 21, 2025 at 1:28 AM
The church is the place where I've experienced the most fairweather friends.
It's where I have seen otherwise thoughtful, intelligent, and wise people completely shut their brains off for the sake of institutional reputation and cult of personality.
It's where I've been ghosted the most.
It's where I have seen otherwise thoughtful, intelligent, and wise people completely shut their brains off for the sake of institutional reputation and cult of personality.
It's where I've been ghosted the most.
This Sunday morning at City of Refuge, we'll be talking about the kingdom of God - what is it? when and where are we supposed to see it? and how should we live it out?
The upside-down nature of Jesus' kingdom is one of our nine Guiding Principles that shape our community in Christlikeness.
The upside-down nature of Jesus' kingdom is one of our nine Guiding Principles that shape our community in Christlikeness.
September 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
This Sunday morning at City of Refuge, we'll be talking about the kingdom of God - what is it? when and where are we supposed to see it? and how should we live it out?
The upside-down nature of Jesus' kingdom is one of our nine Guiding Principles that shape our community in Christlikeness.
The upside-down nature of Jesus' kingdom is one of our nine Guiding Principles that shape our community in Christlikeness.
Equity must precede diversity. Diversity without a commitment to equity will reveal itself to be a bought and cheap diversity. Slaveholding churches were thoroughly diverse and thoroughly inequitable. This is why the New Testament frequently treats the topic of diversity w/in the context of equity.
September 18, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Equity must precede diversity. Diversity without a commitment to equity will reveal itself to be a bought and cheap diversity. Slaveholding churches were thoroughly diverse and thoroughly inequitable. This is why the New Testament frequently treats the topic of diversity w/in the context of equity.
So in the Presbyterian Church in America, you can lose your job if you don't respond off the cuff in the way those in power want you to when someone publicly announces they are joining the Roman Catholic Church...
But you get off scot free when you get caught stealing money from your church,
But you get off scot free when you get caught stealing money from your church,
September 16, 2025 at 3:09 AM
So in the Presbyterian Church in America, you can lose your job if you don't respond off the cuff in the way those in power want you to when someone publicly announces they are joining the Roman Catholic Church...
But you get off scot free when you get caught stealing money from your church,
But you get off scot free when you get caught stealing money from your church,
Resorting to violence - both of rhetoric and of action - is none other than an expression of cowardice. To be so full of ignoble fear that you believe your only choice is to cut down your opponents is a lack of courage.
We can mourn the death of those we vehemently disagree with.
We can mourn the death of those we vehemently disagree with.
September 11, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Resorting to violence - both of rhetoric and of action - is none other than an expression of cowardice. To be so full of ignoble fear that you believe your only choice is to cut down your opponents is a lack of courage.
We can mourn the death of those we vehemently disagree with.
We can mourn the death of those we vehemently disagree with.
Is your church community a space where you are able to freely express strong emotions and reactions, such as anger, lament, complaints, despair, and fear? Or is there an expectation (unspoken or otherwise) to censor, hide, or limit your true feelings, or to cover it up with a spiritual bandaid?
September 7, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Is your church community a space where you are able to freely express strong emotions and reactions, such as anger, lament, complaints, despair, and fear? Or is there an expectation (unspoken or otherwise) to censor, hide, or limit your true feelings, or to cover it up with a spiritual bandaid?
Those of us who are following the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount and His care for justice for the poor and oppressed should prepare ourselves for being called "anti-American" by this administration for our convictions and lifestyle.
September 3, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Those of us who are following the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount and His care for justice for the poor and oppressed should prepare ourselves for being called "anti-American" by this administration for our convictions and lifestyle.
Today I gave a message on 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 on Healing from Shame in the Body of Christ.
youtu.be/YXdzlu3VIFg?...
youtu.be/YXdzlu3VIFg?...
Healing from Shame in the Body of Christ
YouTube video by City of Refuge Columbus
youtu.be
September 1, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Today I gave a message on 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 on Healing from Shame in the Body of Christ.
youtu.be/YXdzlu3VIFg?...
youtu.be/YXdzlu3VIFg?...
Let’s face it: Even if the second amendment was originally intended by our founders to mean that American citizens have the right to bear weapons that have the ability to kill and/or horrendously injure multiple people in quick succession
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/second-gre...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/second-gre...
Second Greatest Commandment > Second Amendment
Another mass shooting.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
August 28, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Let’s face it: Even if the second amendment was originally intended by our founders to mean that American citizens have the right to bear weapons that have the ability to kill and/or horrendously injure multiple people in quick succession
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/second-gre...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/second-gre...
If ICE doesn't have the correct warrant, you have every right to tell them to get off private property. This includes sections of church buildings designated as private.
No matter what, you can demand they identify themselves and which agency they are a part of. You can record them.
No matter what, you can demand they identify themselves and which agency they are a part of. You can record them.
August 22, 2025 at 2:19 AM
If ICE doesn't have the correct warrant, you have every right to tell them to get off private property. This includes sections of church buildings designated as private.
No matter what, you can demand they identify themselves and which agency they are a part of. You can record them.
No matter what, you can demand they identify themselves and which agency they are a part of. You can record them.
Yes, I watched KPop Demon Hunters. Yes, I enjoyed it. In fact, it made me think about a lot of existential things like shame, identity, and culture.
Read my latest article here: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/kpop-demon...
Read my latest article here: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/kpop-demon...
KPop Demon Hunters slays
Anyone who knows me well is readily familiar with the fact that I am terribly picky when it comes to movies.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
August 16, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Yes, I watched KPop Demon Hunters. Yes, I enjoyed it. In fact, it made me think about a lot of existential things like shame, identity, and culture.
Read my latest article here: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/kpop-demon...
Read my latest article here: timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/kpop-demon...
Admitting we are all antiheroes that need one another is the only way that the church can truly be the people of God. Whether you are Yelena, Alexei, Ava, John, Bucky, or Bob, there is no past and present that’s too catastrophic for other
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/antiheroes...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/antiheroes...
Antiheroes are the best of us
We may have entered into a new age of the antihero.
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Admitting we are all antiheroes that need one another is the only way that the church can truly be the people of God. Whether you are Yelena, Alexei, Ava, John, Bucky, or Bob, there is no past and present that’s too catastrophic for other
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/antiheroes...
timothyisaiahcho.substack.com/p/antiheroes...