What do you think?
Rate this book
These Are The Generations
The Story Of How One North Korean family living out the Great Commission for more than 50 years.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
45 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 22, 2013
I know of no other book like this--a rare glimpse at Christianity in North Korea. In 1907 missionary Jonathan Goforth experienced a great revival in Korea. Even Pyongyang experienced a "Pyongyang Pentecost." But with the rise Kim Il Sung, who styled himself a god, Christians were hunted down, thrown into concentration camps, and exterminated. But Christianity has survived. Here is the story of several generations in one family who defied the North Korean regime and practiced their faith in the darkest country in the world. The story is told by defectors now living in South Korea. The text is not especially well written, but nevertheless intriguing.
February 3, 2018
Read this book from cover to cover in one sitting. Could not put it down!!! This book highlights the courageous and audacious faith of one family who lives boldly for Christ in the midst of constant overt persecution for decades in North Korea. Their lives call into question the reader’s response to Jesus’ “Who do YOU say that I am?” question, with the way you live being the answer. The transference of genuine faith over generations of the Bae family is so inspiring to behold, but also convicting!! Would I be able to stand up for Christ in the way that they did? Do I cultivate intimacy with God to be able to hear him audibly as they did? Am I willing to die or go to prison for the truth of Christ to be preserved in my family as they did? These are just some of the questions that I pondered while reading this book, but also I received a genuine heart to pray for revival in North Korea. That North Korea would be restored to the Christian nation that it once was, that the darkness would cease in its appearance of overcoming the Light and that freedom to the captives there will materialize here on earth as it is in heaven. A must read that will leave you inspired to “continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourself were suffering” Hebrews 13:3
April 14, 2022
This is an excellent short book on three generations of one family faithfully following after God in North Korea. It also gives glimpses into how difficult life is for the ordinary person in that area and how Kim Il Sung intentionally warped Christianity into something where the state religion now demands that everyone worship him as god. Juche is something I have never really heard about until now and I am curious to learn more from what other sources might say.
May 18, 2022
Short little story on Chinese born North Koreans who have to escape from NK because of their Christian faith. They could no longer worship the little fat tyrannical liars who think they are gods: the Kims. This is their story of finding truth and trusting God, and how it all began with a Christian grandfather.
This story coincides with the story of Yeonmi Park (In Order to Live). She describes NK the same way, only she escaped NK bc she was starving.
This story coincides with the story of Yeonmi Park (In Order to Live). She describes NK the same way, only she escaped NK bc she was starving.
August 27, 2024
On the positive side, I did get brief glimpses into life in North Korea, which was part of what I was hoping for. However, that’s where the positives end. I was also looking to see how Christ and the gospel were exalted, but sadly, there was none of that here.
The writing feels rough, though I attribute much of that to poor translation efforts. Yet, the biggest issues with this book are twofold.
First, it’s self-exalting rather than God-exalting. The narrative seems to focus on “look what we and my family have done” in North Korea, rather than glorifying Him. I understand the pride in one’s family history and accomplishments, but it becomes a bit too much and uncomfortable, overshadowing what should be the central message of exalting God. There was some adjusted focus in the last chapter during their escape, but even then, we run into another issue.
Second, and by far most importantly, the message is overwhelmingly law-heavy. There’s little, if any, gospel present. Life as a Christian is portrayed as simply following the Ten Commandments and telling others to do the same.
Take this quote as an example:
“I could not help but to tell him the truth. ‘There are Ten Commandments,’ I told him. ‘And heaven is always watching. When you break them, you ask heaven for forgiveness. And when you receive food, you give thanks.’”
This is law without hope, pointing to a vague spiritual “heaven” rather than to Christ. I understand that bringing the Gospel to North Korea is incredibly challenging, and I had hoped this book would provide an example of that effort. Unfortunately, it did not.
However, I do find some value in reading books like this. In a way, encountering a flawed or incomplete gospel message serves as a reminder of the true Gospel. It almost strengthens my own faith by reinforcing the importance of the real message of Christ.
As Galatians 2:16 (ESV) reminds us: “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”
For these reasons, I’m giving this book two stars instead of one. While the theological shortcomings are significant, I did at least get a peek into some aspects of the lifestyle in North Korea, which I was looking for.
Finally, it’s worth reflecting on what could happen if the true Gospel were planted and spread in that country. Imagining the impact it could have is both sobering and hopeful.
The writing feels rough, though I attribute much of that to poor translation efforts. Yet, the biggest issues with this book are twofold.
First, it’s self-exalting rather than God-exalting. The narrative seems to focus on “look what we and my family have done” in North Korea, rather than glorifying Him. I understand the pride in one’s family history and accomplishments, but it becomes a bit too much and uncomfortable, overshadowing what should be the central message of exalting God. There was some adjusted focus in the last chapter during their escape, but even then, we run into another issue.
Second, and by far most importantly, the message is overwhelmingly law-heavy. There’s little, if any, gospel present. Life as a Christian is portrayed as simply following the Ten Commandments and telling others to do the same.
Take this quote as an example:
“I could not help but to tell him the truth. ‘There are Ten Commandments,’ I told him. ‘And heaven is always watching. When you break them, you ask heaven for forgiveness. And when you receive food, you give thanks.’”
This is law without hope, pointing to a vague spiritual “heaven” rather than to Christ. I understand that bringing the Gospel to North Korea is incredibly challenging, and I had hoped this book would provide an example of that effort. Unfortunately, it did not.
However, I do find some value in reading books like this. In a way, encountering a flawed or incomplete gospel message serves as a reminder of the true Gospel. It almost strengthens my own faith by reinforcing the importance of the real message of Christ.
As Galatians 2:16 (ESV) reminds us: “Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”
For these reasons, I’m giving this book two stars instead of one. While the theological shortcomings are significant, I did at least get a peek into some aspects of the lifestyle in North Korea, which I was looking for.
Finally, it’s worth reflecting on what could happen if the true Gospel were planted and spread in that country. Imagining the impact it could have is both sobering and hopeful.
May 27, 2025
Oh my goodness. I read most of this book on a bus on the way from Seoul to the North Korean boarder (the DMZ). I am so deeply moved by the stories in this book. Everyone should read it. Everyone has something to learn from our brothers and sisters from the persecuted church in North Korea.
February 8, 2022
This is a sobering account of life in North Korea, especially for Christians. I learned a lot about the history of North Korea and specifics of its government's brutality. This book is the autobiographical account of three generations of a family who lived as Christians in North Korea. It provides many snapshots of the harsh (and to me unimaginable) conditions for so many living there. North Korea is not a godless country like many assume; it was built as an "intentional distortion of Christianity" (7), which is why Christians are so strongly persecuted. It has a national religion called Juche, which is all about veneration of the Kim dynasty. For North Koreans, all of life revolves around those leaders.
Halfway through the book I noticed something that I haven't quite been sure how to evaluate. For all of the talk about God by Mr. and Mrs. Bae in their narrative, there was very little mention of Jesus. While describing how more laws were added by the North Korean government to curb dissent, Mr. Bae writes, "How could we worship God and obey the Ten Commandments in that environment?" (67). From what I gathered, this seems to be the essence of their faith as they lived in North Korea. Mrs. Bae, who writes the last two chapters, uses the word "evangelism" a few times, by which she means practical acts of love toward neighbors (not explicit mention of Jesus). I mention all of this not to criticize or cast doubt upon the faith of the Bae family. From these accounts it is clearly portrayed how any audible mention of God puts one at risk of being quickly sent to concentration camps and even being executed. How much more fierce would the punishment be against one who uttered the name of Jesus. I can hardly even begin to imagine the difficulties of believers bearing the name of Jesus in such an environment. Yet, I kept wondering: by the time this book has been written, Mr. and Mrs. Bae and their children have escaped North Korea and now live in South Korea. They are free to write whatever they want. Why so little mention of Jesus as they reflect back? What were their internal beliefs about Jesus while living in North Korea?
As I have pondered all of this, I wonder if the little mention of Jesus is maybe the point I am to take away. What do I mean? There is so much need for the believers in North Korea to be strengthened in the gospel. They do not have free access to the Scriptures, to teachers of the Word, to fellowship with other believers, for many to even a single other believer with whom they can talk. Like other Christians in the West, I have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to biblical resources. North Korean Christians have not. And yet, how challenging are these opening lines of the book in the foreword:
"When my wife and I speak about North Korea at events in the West, people always ask us, 'How can we pray for North Korean Christians?' So we asked a group of North Korean underground Christians that question. They answered, 'Pray for us? We pray for you!' When we asked why, they replied, 'Because Christians in the West still have some wealth and freedom and power. Most have not yet experienced what it is like when all you have in life is God." (7).
Halfway through the book I noticed something that I haven't quite been sure how to evaluate. For all of the talk about God by Mr. and Mrs. Bae in their narrative, there was very little mention of Jesus. While describing how more laws were added by the North Korean government to curb dissent, Mr. Bae writes, "How could we worship God and obey the Ten Commandments in that environment?" (67). From what I gathered, this seems to be the essence of their faith as they lived in North Korea. Mrs. Bae, who writes the last two chapters, uses the word "evangelism" a few times, by which she means practical acts of love toward neighbors (not explicit mention of Jesus). I mention all of this not to criticize or cast doubt upon the faith of the Bae family. From these accounts it is clearly portrayed how any audible mention of God puts one at risk of being quickly sent to concentration camps and even being executed. How much more fierce would the punishment be against one who uttered the name of Jesus. I can hardly even begin to imagine the difficulties of believers bearing the name of Jesus in such an environment. Yet, I kept wondering: by the time this book has been written, Mr. and Mrs. Bae and their children have escaped North Korea and now live in South Korea. They are free to write whatever they want. Why so little mention of Jesus as they reflect back? What were their internal beliefs about Jesus while living in North Korea?
As I have pondered all of this, I wonder if the little mention of Jesus is maybe the point I am to take away. What do I mean? There is so much need for the believers in North Korea to be strengthened in the gospel. They do not have free access to the Scriptures, to teachers of the Word, to fellowship with other believers, for many to even a single other believer with whom they can talk. Like other Christians in the West, I have been blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to biblical resources. North Korean Christians have not. And yet, how challenging are these opening lines of the book in the foreword:
"When my wife and I speak about North Korea at events in the West, people always ask us, 'How can we pray for North Korean Christians?' So we asked a group of North Korean underground Christians that question. They answered, 'Pray for us? We pray for you!' When we asked why, they replied, 'Because Christians in the West still have some wealth and freedom and power. Most have not yet experienced what it is like when all you have in life is God." (7).
August 20, 2015
Very good. A very quick read. It has been particularly interesting to get a peek into life in North Korea over the course of three generations and eras within North Korean history. And as there is so little evidence of Christians even living in North Korea, this truly is unique.
I have read stories about the Church in China and the persecution believers undergo there, but the author is right, the North Korean Church is a whole different animal!
Again, worth the read. I am glad to have stumbled across this story.
I have read stories about the Church in China and the persecution believers undergo there, but the author is right, the North Korean Church is a whole different animal!
Again, worth the read. I am glad to have stumbled across this story.
November 24, 2021
Such an inspiring book! I love how they shared their family experiences from grandparents all the way to present times of what it takes to live out Christianity in North Korea. Throughout their journey, they never gave up on faith, only grew stronger. I admire how they share their perspectives on it all
January 21, 2018
"Somewhere in a concentration camp in North Korea, a prisoner is hearing for the first time about Noah's Ark, Sodom & Gomorrah, & the way people were created, all because God loves people so much that He will even send His short, stoop-shouldered, eighty-year-old messenger into a concentration camp to tell them the good news. 'The light shines in the darkness, & the darkness has not- cannot- overcome it.' -John 1:5...
'Remember those who are in prison,' we are admonished in Hebrews 13:3, 'as though in prison with them.' If we are not careful , we will misread this verse as a call to pity Christians like Mr. Bae's parents. But if we are careful, we will read it as a call to imitate them...
The Lord granted Mr. Bae's mother's prayer for faith as deep as her father's. There are few well-lit & comfortable paths to such a place. May the almighty God of the Baes bless them with continued faithful service across all their generations until He returns. And may we imitate them as they continue to imitate Him, even in the darkest place in the darkest country on earth."
'Remember those who are in prison,' we are admonished in Hebrews 13:3, 'as though in prison with them.' If we are not careful , we will misread this verse as a call to pity Christians like Mr. Bae's parents. But if we are careful, we will read it as a call to imitate them...
The Lord granted Mr. Bae's mother's prayer for faith as deep as her father's. There are few well-lit & comfortable paths to such a place. May the almighty God of the Baes bless them with continued faithful service across all their generations until He returns. And may we imitate them as they continue to imitate Him, even in the darkest place in the darkest country on earth."
October 20, 2024
I give it a 2.5. it was a glimpse into North Korea and what Christians have to deal with. Unfortunately there is never a definition given of what the Gospel is, who Jesus is or Salvation. The authors are a couple who learned about God from his parents and he his grandfather. But even they didn't understand who God really is, just a vague idea of the ten commandments. They never share about what they learned and God and if they found Salvation in Jesus one they made it to South Korea. I how they did find the truth of the Gospel and Salvation in Jesus, but the book never shares that part of their journey.
my ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will probably read it again and it has a place in my library.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Good characters, great story. if nonfiction, great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: okay, I won't read it again, it will not be kept for my library.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it.
my ratings:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Loved it. Couldn't put it down. I will probably read it again and it has a place in my library.
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Enjoyed it. Good characters, great story. if nonfiction, great information, interesting topic.
⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Glad I read it, but won't read again.
⭐⭐: okay, I won't read it again, it will not be kept for my library.
⭐: I didn't like it, don't recommend it.
December 22, 2025
A short book on the incredible faith of one family of North Koreans who endured much hardship and persecution for their Christian beliefs. I've heard stories of how difficult it is to be a Christian in many countries around the world, but the situation in North Korea so much more oppressive. So much so that while the members of this family were Christians, their understanding of the basic claims of Christianity and the gospel were lacking depth, not because of their lack of effort, belief or faith, but because of a deep lack of resources, including even a Bible to read. Praise God for the ways he sustained them, even without such resources.
May 24, 2025
Simply Undone
Wow. I feel as if I do not have the right to describe this book or provide a review. It displays the reality of the narrow road and of a life with Jesus in its purest, rawest form. It shows that submitting to Jesus Lordship does not mean hardship will be excluded and comfort will reign. It is quite the opposite. This book tells of the heartbeat of sacrifice and devotion to the Lord. I am undone.
Wow. I feel as if I do not have the right to describe this book or provide a review. It displays the reality of the narrow road and of a life with Jesus in its purest, rawest form. It shows that submitting to Jesus Lordship does not mean hardship will be excluded and comfort will reign. It is quite the opposite. This book tells of the heartbeat of sacrifice and devotion to the Lord. I am undone.
October 2, 2022
Great story, but a little fast paced. I felt like the characters and their situation was distant because events just seemed to happen. There was little relatable emotion in the characters, and I didn't feel the familiar excitement of living someone's story alongside them as I read.
Still, the facts were interesting and I learned a great deal about Christians in North Korea.
Still, the facts were interesting and I learned a great deal about Christians in North Korea.
January 5, 2024
This is a short book published by the Voice of the Martyrs. It gives a first hand account of the courageous faith in the lives of a three generation family living in North Korea, a country extremely hostile to Christianity. Informative. Sobering. Humbling. Inspirational. This account, as told to Rev. Eric Foley, might have benefited from more careful editing to enhance the flow of the story.
January 26, 2024
This book fills in the generational story of one family of faith that spans from the Korean revival of 1907 through about 2010. Great wisdom on hearing God, shining the light of Jesus, and discipling others amidst great persecution. God is glorified, Emmanuel, God is with us displayed. Excellent, encouraging primer for these days we are living in.
August 25, 2017
An autobiography by Mr and Mrs Bae. A short book published by Voice of the Martyrs. This book is different than most books by defectors, as it focused on what it is/was like to try to be a Christian in such a hostile environment.
March 10, 2018
This book gives a first hand account of the lives of 3 generations of Christians living in North Korea. It documents the most challenging circumstances to live as a Christian in a country that wants to wipe out all traces of Christianity.
July 15, 2020
Compelling and fascinating, "These Are the Generations" provides a vivid, first-person account of North Korean Christianity through short biographical sketches. The book is very colloquial, but not poorly written.
March 12, 2022
I loved this book. An intensely personal take on what it’s like to follow Jesus in the most closed country on earth. The tone reminded me of the book Silence by S. Endo - challenging in a very good way. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2022
Inspiring
I've always wanted to read a book like this; I wanted to hear about the faith of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted. Truly inspiring!
I love testimonies; it brings me joy to see what our God is doing with other believers.
I've always wanted to read a book like this; I wanted to hear about the faith of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted. Truly inspiring!
I love testimonies; it brings me joy to see what our God is doing with other believers.
April 20, 2018
Like reading Foxe's Book of Martyrs set in present times.
January 31, 2019
A very quick read - only a little over a hundred pages. Great first hand account of North Korean defection and the hidden faith of the North Korean people.
April 10, 2020
Western Christianity lifestyle cannot comprehend helplesness and blessings of this family!
February 18, 2022
Profoundly Moving!
A story of astounding faithfulness In wretched circumstances. Profoundly humbling and moving. Encourage every Western Christian to read this and grow.
A story of astounding faithfulness In wretched circumstances. Profoundly humbling and moving. Encourage every Western Christian to read this and grow.
February 12, 2024
A very important account of life in North Korea told by those who were there. This family tells of the amazing ways God leads and takes care of His own. It’s heartbreaking, beautiful and inspiring.
September 12, 2025
The story of a North Korean Christian family through the years. Thought provoking and sobering but not graphic.
September 11, 2016
For nearly a century now, Christians have been hunted and exterminated in North Korea. It is said that there are only about 100,000 Christians in North Korea today, and that 1/3 of them are living out their remaining days in concentration camps with no hope of release. This book is a first-hand story of how one believing family has survived.
I loved the subject matter of this book -- it is so helpful to get a rare glimpse into how God is working in such a closed nation. But the writing and organization of the book left something to be desired. All-in-all, definitely well-worth the read.
"Somewhere in a concentration camp in North Korea today, a prisoner is hearing for the first time about Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the way people were created, all because God loves people so much that he will even send his short, stoop-shouldered eighty-year-old messenger into a concentration camp to tell them the good news. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not -- cannot -- overcome it' John 1:5."
This book left me with a desire to hear God's voice more, to have a bold faith, to shine brightly for Christ, and to pray for my North Korean brothers and sisters.
I loved the subject matter of this book -- it is so helpful to get a rare glimpse into how God is working in such a closed nation. But the writing and organization of the book left something to be desired. All-in-all, definitely well-worth the read.
"Somewhere in a concentration camp in North Korea today, a prisoner is hearing for the first time about Noah's Ark, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the way people were created, all because God loves people so much that he will even send his short, stoop-shouldered eighty-year-old messenger into a concentration camp to tell them the good news. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not -- cannot -- overcome it' John 1:5."
This book left me with a desire to hear God's voice more, to have a bold faith, to shine brightly for Christ, and to pray for my North Korean brothers and sisters.
May 10, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), a non-profit Christian organization that seeks to aid Christians in the world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ and make their plight known to Christians in America and around the world. And though this book is relatively short (117 pages if you include the introduction and afterword by Rev. Eric Foley), it is an incredible read. As the title implies, this short book follows the generations of the Bae family (their real names have been changed to protect their identity from North Korean spies) starting with their Grandfather's amazing faith in the face of persecution the Japanese imperialists and then the North Korean Communists and ending with Mr. Bae and his wife's escape from North Korea so they can freely worship Jesus Christ. It is a powerful story of deep faith in a place where any outward signs of faith could find you thrown into a concentration camp or executed (or both) and where your neighbors would turn you in in order to save their own necks. This tale also points out how the Kim regime of Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il, and Kim Jong Un (a tale of the generations of oppression for the North Korean people) system of Juche was created in open imitation of Christianity, where Kim Il Sung and his descendants take the place of the the Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It is an incredibly sickening system and makes the Bae's faith story all the more remarkable. I wish Mr. Bae and his wife had written more about their life in and escape from North Korea and it does end on a sad note, but it does end with a hopeful note as well: "this may be where the book ends, but the story of the generations will continue until Emmanuel returns." I highly recommend this book to all of my Christian friends whether they are new to the faith or have been faithful Children of God for a while now.
February 3, 2016
A close, heartfelt account of a family of North Koreans who hold onto faith in Jesus. There is heroism and humor and sadness and frustration. North Korea tries to squash the power of Christ, but this family tries to release it. The leaders of North Korea even try to twist the story of Christ into their own narrative, so as to take his status for their own. But this family tries to glorify God. At the end, the family escapes from North Korea, but not all make it. And though some were trapped inside and persecuted, making me detest the North Korean government and leaders, by the book's end I am also made aware of the humanity and common destiny of the North Korean people. There is so little I or others know about the lives of people inside North Korea. I liked this perspective of those lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews