Aizaiah G Yong Head shot

Aizaiah G Yong

Adjunct Instructor

Wisdom Traditions Department

EDUCATION:

PhD, Practical Theology (Claremont School of Theology)

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

BA Religious Studies, Master of Divinity

COURSES TAUGHT:

Contemplative Christianity

Aizaiah G. Yong (he/him) is an ordained Pentecostal Christian minister, practical theologian, and healing companion who has served in religious and higher education leadership for over 15 years devoting his energy to personally and socially transformationally work that centers QTBIPOC communities. He is a distinguished international speaker and his background includes keynote presentations, guest sermons at a diverse range of ecumenical ministries, psychospiritual private and community based practice, organizational consulting, faculty teaching experience, and higher educational administrative leadership. His first book, Multiracial Cosmotheadrism: a Practical Theology of Multiracial Experiences (Orbis Books, 2023), received the internationally acclaimed 2022 Raimon Panikkar Prize for the English language and critically explores how multiracial people transform efforts towards racial and planetary justice. Additional research interests of his include: contemplative spirituality, spiritual care, critical mixed race studies, internal family systems, as well as interreligious/intercultural community facilitation. Aizaiah loves being in a devoted partnership to his spouse of 12 years and considers being a parent to his four children one of the highest honors of his life. He also enjoys meeting diverse people, engaging and embracing intercultural communities, facilitating spiritual retreats, and is a sought out scholar-practitioner on issues at the intersection of spirituality, leadership, and social healing. Aizaiah believes that healing is a collective and creative work that is received when we relate to ourselves, one another, and the world from authenticity, curiosity, and perseverance.

PUBLICATIONS:

  • 1) Multiracial Cosmotheandrism: A Practical Theology of Multiracial Experiences. Orbis Books, 2023. Received the 2022 International Raimon Panikkar Prize for the English Language. Endorsed by Javier Melloni, Ruben Habito, Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, Soong-Chan Rah, Teddy Hickman-Maynard, and Robert Chao Romero. Book also featured in a special Orbis Books/Homebrewed Christianity giveaway entitled “Theology After Deconstruction” (fall of 2023) and special HTI En Conjunto showcase at their Professional Development Conference (summer 2023). Published reviews:
    • i) Robert D. Cornwall, “Review: Multiracial Cosmotheandrism.” (August 15, 2023) [https://wordandway.org/2023/08/15/review-multiracial-cosmotheandrism/]
    • ii) Julie Davis, “Review: Multiracial Cosmotheandrism.” (February 15, 2024) [https://spiritualityandpractice.com]
    • iii) “Review: Multiracial Cosmotheandrism.” (February 15, 2024) [https://sdicompanions.org]
  • 2) The Pulse of Life– Exploring the Power of Compassion in Transforming the World: Essays in Honor of Frank Rogers Jr. Claremont Press, 2023. (co-edited with Eric Kyle). Book featured by Global Compassion Coalition. “Introduction” (pp. 1-4) “‘Everything Is An Invitation’: How the Compassion Practice Invites a Transformation of Contemporary Christian Spirituality” (pp. 58-76)

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Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.