Biblical Perspective Research Articles

Deconstruction as a Functional Tool in Decolonizing Nigerian Educational System: A Biblical Response.

The paper examines the role of deconstruction in the Nigerian educational system vis-à-vis its functionality to the growing needs and challenges be devilling the nation. Arguably, the content of the system has been commonly viewed sometimes as dysfunctional, tilted toward the needs of the colonial agenda. This phenomenon did only leave the endeavour handicapped but also totally reliant on foreign ideology; a system that estranged the people. The paper adopts hermeneutical, historical, and critical approaches to the phenomenon. From a biblical perspective, while searching for relevance, there has been the need to decolonize certain aspects which otherwise have alienated the people, with the aim of targeting functionality and acceptability among Africans. The need to contextualize a foreign curriculum that will bring about a total overhauling of the system to achieve a vibrant curriculum remains a necessity in order to service the needs of the people. As in the decolonisation exercise among biblical scholars, chances are that we can achieve a great feat in our nation’s education sector. It concludes by resounding that the present educational system is deconstructed with the aim of removing dysfunctional elements; with full integration of a rich indigenous knowledge base that serves the people’s uniqueness amidst conflicting curriculum, the government should be proud to introduce into the educational system a fresh idea that meets the needs as posited by biblical scholars.

Deconstruction as a Functional Tool in Decolonizing Nigerian Educational System: A Biblical Response

The paper examines the role of deconstruction in the Nigerian educational system vis-à-vis its functionality to the growing needs and challenges be devilling the nation. Arguably, the content of the system has been commonly viewed sometimes as dysfunctional, tilted toward the needs of the colonial agenda. This phenomenon did only leave the endeavour handicapped but also totally reliant on foreign ideology; a system that estranged the people. The paper adopts hermeneutical, historical, and critical approaches to the phenomenon. From a biblical perspective, while searching for relevance, there has been the need to decolonize certain aspects which otherwise have alienated the people, with the aim of targeting functionality and acceptability among Africans. The need to contextualize a foreign curriculum that will bring about a total overhauling of the system to achieve a vibrant curriculum remains a necessity in order to service the needs of the people. As in the decolonisation exercise among biblical scholars, chances are that we can achieve a great feat in our nation’s education sector. It concludes by resounding that the present educational system is deconstructed with the aim of removing dysfunctional elements; with full integration of a rich indigenous knowledge base that serves the people’s uniqueness amidst conflicting curriculum, the government should be proud to introduce into the educational system a fresh idea that meets the needs as posited by biblical scholars.

Re-writing Old Testament legends in La Queste del Saint Graal

In this paper, I intend to present the way in which the Biblical stories and medieval legends are re-written in the episode of the Miraculous Ship in La Queste del Saint Graal, and to identify several characteristics of this vessel, considered ideal for the questers’ preparation for the ecstatic life in the presence of the Grail. The multi-layered symbolism of this miraculous self-moving ship is constantly enriched with new connotations, and from being a sacred place that offers the successful knights the opportunity to meditate on their spiritual life before reaching Sarras and the Holy Grail, it may also be regarded as a connector between the Old-Testament legends, Christian traditions and Arthurian lore. In addition, the focus of the story shifts from Arthurian adventures to the creation of a story of origin and Galahad is presented not only as the quintessential Arthurian knight, but also the rightful heir of mythical ancestors. More importantly, analysing the way in which some medieval texts are recycled in this fragment, the reader is astonished to find a very progressive re-writing of the well-known literary tradition, as it reveals a very appreciative portrayal of women’s agency and a tolerant attitude towards Jews (represented by Solomon). Both these aspects differ not only from the biblical perspective or dogmatic theories, but also from other 13th-century legends. Moreover, this inclusive approach to non-Christians is unique in the economy of La Queste.

„tὴν ἀρχαίαν ἐπιζητοῦμεν πατρίδα”: Creștinii în căutarea patriei celei dintâi – încercări de definire a unei teologii a migrației

Migration, as the displacement of peoples, triggered throughout the centuries by wars, natural disasters, political oppression, poverty and famine, religious persecution is a profound human experience and an intimate part of the biblical saga from the beginning, along with the social, anthropological and spiritual issues it raises. The history of Israel is rooted in migration and the Jewish Diaspora is the most extensive and well documented migrations in antiquity. The wandering of the patriarchs, the Exodus, the exile, the dispersion and the return to Jerusalem are embedded in the consciousness of the people of Israel and helped define their character as a people and the nature of their relationship to God. For the Christian Church, migration was a phenomenon that configured its history and forced it to define itself and to specify the eschatological goal of its missionary. The patristic writings of the first centuries indicate that Christians have always considered themselves pilgrims to the heavenly homeland, not having a particular homeland here on earth, although they have always managed to adapt to the social and political conditions of the times. Starting from these historical, social and spiritual premises, the present study proposes a reflection both from a biblical and patristic perspective on the migration phenomenon, trying to offer the premises of a debate in the space of orthodox theology on this current topic.

A decolonial biblical perspective on Jesus inspired by Fanon and Biko

This paper makes an original contribution against the background of relevant postcolonial discourse by means of the methods of postcolonial and social-scientific biblical exegesis from the perspective of critical correlation. The main aim of the paper is to bring into dialogue the insights of Frantz Fanon and Steve Biko, with the latest insights in biblical scholarship on the parables. This study finds that the New Testament can be read critically through the lens of core ideas of Fanon and Biko in critical correlation with understandings of Jesus as reacting against Roman Imperial domination and exploitation. The paper concludes with the suggestion that postcolonial reading scenarios, like the ones we have suggested in this paper, be used in theological training to relate New Testament Exegesis to contemporary challenges around decoloniality in South Africa.Contribution: The main contribution of this paper is providing key insights into decolonial and postcolonial readings of Jesus as an agent of change reacting against Roman imperial domination and exploitation, addressing the agenda of the special HTS collection of essays focused on the reception of biblical discourse in Africa.

SUFFERING AND SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD ACCORDING TO JOHN PIPER AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR THE CHURCH TODAY

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the theology of suffering from a biblical perspective by using literature review as methodology.
 Methodology: One of the foundational evangelical presuppositions for theological research is that Scripture is divinely authored and is therefore without error, and authoritative for our faith and practice.
 Findings: The study found that suffering is biblical and should be expected by all Christians as they are not exempted from it, unlike prosperity teaching. Suffering has the purpose of refining and maturing our faith. Further, it is to display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God. 
 Unique Contribution to theory and practice: Therefore, it is recommended for Christians to depend on God at all seasons by asking for wisdom and grace from him. So in this paper, the relationship between suffering and the sovereignty of God and its implication to the church will be discussed with a particular focus on John Piper's work

Name It, Claim It, Grab It

Abstract Pentecostalism being a global phenomenon has become an interesting subject in Global Christianity and academic discourses. Numerous scholars have researched and published articles on it from various perspectives. This article discusses African Pentecostalism by bringing fresh discussion on the existing literature on ‘prosperity gospel’. The article argues that Pentecostal preachers are not prosperity gospel preachers but rather preachers of a faith and hope gospel. The article conceptualises the faith and hope gospel from a Biblical perspective as well as the theological perspective of the adherents and practitioners of Pentecostal theology. Although the article acknowledges the extremist approach of some of the adherents and practitioners in their interpretation of scriptures and sometimes the abuses, the article argues that the dynamic and contextual nature of theology should be considered while the abuses are also objectively condemned. The article discusses debates on Pentecostal hermeneutics as well as the characteristics of the three perspectives of the faith and hope gospel by using the terms ‘name it, claim it, grab it’.

A Study on Spiritual Resilience from the Bible Perspective: Focusing on Recovery from Spiritual Suffering.

This study's purpose is to consider the biblical perspective of spiritual resilience- i.e., the ability to recover from spiritual suffering-and to outline its components. To this end, the study examines the definitions and characteristics of spiritual distress that have already been identified and then proposed new components of spiritual resilience as the ability to recover from spiritual distress. The study found that spiritual suffering lies at the heart of all suffering, often including a sense of disconnection from God, meaninglessness. Spiritual resilience can be defined as the capacity required to alleviate spiritual suffering, an essential capacity that must be cultivated by saints existing in a corrupt world of depravity. Spiritual resilience is based on two forms of knowledge: knowledge of God and an understanding of the suffering from a biblical perspective. Knowledge of God includes the image of God in the Bible, God who knows our suffering, and God who comforts us on the last day. Understanding pain from a biblical point of view involves understanding pain through the doctrines of creation, depravity, and redemption, discovering the meaning of pain as a process of sanctification, and perceiving suffering as the process of full recovery to come. Based on these two forms of underlying knowledge, the capacity of spiritual resilience made up of intellectual, emotional, and willful internal competencies and the capacity of the faith community, external competency. Finally, this study recommends a specific application of the concept of spiritual resilience in Christian education and counseling.

Philosophy of Religion and Religious Pluralism from Biblical Perspective and Their Implications for Christian Education

Purpose: Students of Christian Religious Studies should be encouraged to learn about other religions in order to enhance their personal conviction and be tolerant and competent in engaging in meaningful negotiation when mediating in crises. It is an exploratory research that has deployed resources from documents, media and personal interaction and inquiries. Religion is a cause of disunity, tribal disparity, ethnic cleansing and wars in most parts of the world. Religion has empowered some individuals to kill, maim, rape, enslave and self-impose on others. It has been mingled with politics in some countries like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Middle East, most African countries and many others. The practice of religion has been used to discriminate against job seekers and in matters of welfare. It brings tremendous gains to some people while others are impoverished. Methodology: Real life occurrences as published by the media of people who have been victims of religious intolerance, violence, psychological and sexual slavery. For instance, in the Middle East entire communities are eliminated by murder and rape of children and youths who are abducted to be subjected to indoctrination or kept as hostages until some money is paid on them. These destructive tendencies forestall development. Findings: The findings are: A God-centered religion should emphasize divine qualities in the lives of believers. Compliance with the National Constitution of one’s country is more beneficial than man-made tenets and laws that are of the least benefits to the general public or human progress and which cause dissension and do not necessarily reflect the nature of God, the Creator but that of an invisible personality that only forms a part of human imagination. Faith in God should be a reason to love fellow humans 1John 4:20. Learning philosophy of religion is training in peaceful coexistence. Religion arouses intense emotions; therefore, it may not deploy rationality in fostering good human relations and respect of the rights of opponents. Unique Contribution To Theory, Practice And Policy: This article contributes to contemporary realities by proposing that democratic governments should institute peace and order by enabling equal rights of worship, freedom of religion, of choice and of self-expression. The research leans heavily on the Bible and the claims of Jesus Christ, a fact of history, whose moral perfection, peaceful lifestyle, teaching and philosophy express values that are worthy of emulation for human development, progress and peace. Key words: pluralism, philosophy of religion, Bible tenets, Islam, Ba’hai, Buddhism

Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah Pada SMA Kristen Kota Kotamobagu

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to determine how the leadership of the principal at Kotamobagu Christian Senior High School, the characteristics of serving leadership from the principal, the supporting factors for the implementation of the serving leadership of the principal, and the factors that constrain the principal as a serving leader. The method used in this research is a descriptive qualitative method which is carried out in Christian High School at Kota Kotamobagu. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation study. From the results of the analysis and interpretation of the data, it is then obtained (1) The leadership of the principal is leadership with a firm and tough figure, always based on the rules that apply in school, and is very concerned about the entire process of activities in the school. (2) Paying attention to all school activities, always prioritizing the welfare of teachers, not taking care of being a leader. (3) There is control from the foundation to attend school, there is supervision from the education office, and there is support from all school elements for the leadership of the school principal. (4) the principal's inability to control emotions, there is no dispensation for students who have not paid tuition fees, said the principal who often does not show an example. From these findings, it follows: The principal must know and understand how leadership serves according to the biblical perspective.

Corona, Theodicee en Job

Having a look at the public treatment of the corona pandemic, we can see reminiscents of the theodicy discussion in the Christian philosophical/theological tradition. The main treatments of the theodicy are Irenaean or Augustinian: either the evil was linked to some greater good, or the evil was linked to the human development. In the case of corona, both theodicies are present, although in a secular form. With the help of the book of job, the authors argue that both theodicees fail and a biblical perspective of fighting the evil (along with God) without links to scapegoats or education is more fruitful.

INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS IN MODERN AND BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES: PREVENTING FINANCIAL FRAUD AT THE X CHURCH IN EAST JAVA

This study aimed to determine the practice of internal control in modern and biblical perspectives in terms ofminimizing irregularities and financial abuse at the X Church in East Java. This study used a qualitative (nonpositivistic) approach by the type of case study research. Data collection was carried out by observation andinterviews with the church pastor, treasurer, the Treasury Supervisory Agency (BPP) team, and churchcongregations to get information about the control system in X church. Data analysis in this study used a single sitedata model. The results of this study indicate that the practice of internal control systems in a modern perspective(COSO) at X church has not fully implemented the five components of the internal control system according toCOSO because it assumes that the church is a religious organization that does not have rigid regulations such asprofit-seeking organizations. So that it becomes a reproach for the church treasurer to commit fraud against thechurch. In addition, the internal control system in the Biblical perspective of X church found that church had applieda dual custody system and organizational ethical values taken from the Bible to be used as a foundation in servingGod, but in reality, the church treasurers abuse their power or authority and act not in accordance with God's word.The theoretical contribution to this research is to contribute to strengthening and enriching the theory of trianglefraud and the practical contribution of this research can be used as knowledge so that the church can improve theexisting internal control system to minimize financial abuse in the church.

Christian Oughtness for Today: Biblical Perspectives for Christian Living

The world has traveled on a path that has presented inherent complexities and untold challenges as well as difficulties to the living of the ‘religious’ life in general and the Christian life in particular. Often, modern-day values offer a contradiction to traditional, religious, and biblical values which most of the time eclipses the Christian understanding of how one ought to live in the awareness of one’s Christian identity and vocation. This has culminated in the laxity of awareness in the Christian oughtness, in other words, of how the Christian ought to live in response to one’s identity and calling. This paper has sought to re-present the Christian oughtness anew situating it in its biblical-ethical perspectives. The paper used a narrative paradigm to reflect on biblical Christian ethics in the light of imperatives from the Old and New testaments. The paper envisages deepening a treatise on the awareness of the Christian oughtness from the biblical ethical perspective as a new paradigm through which Christians and people of goodwill would live as they ought to live, in promoting justice, progress and development of all people and their nations. Keywords: Christian Oughtness, Ethics, Biblico-imperatives

Die Algemene Sinode van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk van 1990 en die Gelofte van 1838

The General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church of 1990 and the Covenant of 1838. The Dutch Reformed Church as a church consisting of mainly Afrikaners, was confronted by a new societal dispensation and a new government in South Africa in and after 1994. The trend of the new constitution of 1996, as well as a new public discourse laid the emphasis on the individual and his rights in a society open to all. This discourse implicitly communicated negative tones on actions, activating minority groups for their own separate ideas. As if the General Synod expected this coming challenge, the Synod of 1990 already had a report of its Commission on Doctrine and Actual Affairs on the Dutch Reformed Church, keeping the Day of the Covenant of the Voortrekkers in 1838. This article investigated the stance of this General Synod on this issue with two, seemingly main objectives: an acceptable, grounded reason for people to keep the Day of the Covenant, and a positive link between the Covenant of 1838 and reconciliation in a modern South Africa. The method used was a study of literature and primary sources on these issues. The General Synod of 1990 made two relevant statements in its new environment. In the first place, it decided that individuals should associate with the Covenant on moral grounds and not because they are forced to do so. The core of the Covenant of 1838 was the request that God enable people taking the vow, to win the battle foreseen – the Battle of Blood River – and to promote Christian values for establishing a new Christian society. An issue which is still relevant in South Africa today. That is why the Voortrekkers promised to build a church as the focus point of their forseen society. The second statement of this Synod was that reconciliation as a catchword in the 1990s in Christian South Africa, is part of the promotion of a Christian society. Reconciliation in a biblical perspective remains relevant in South Africa.Contribution: Seen from the approach of this article as a Christian approach, these statements of the General Synod of 1990 help the Dutch Reformed Church as church to fulfil its tasks in Soutern Africa today.

Fight, flight or faith: A pastoral model for spiritual coping

This article is dedicated to Professor Gert Breed who had an indelible influence in the expansion of Pastoral Theology in South Africa: first as minister, and second as Professor in Practical Theology. In line with Professor Breed’s keen interest in the interdisciplinary approach between Theology and, for instance, Physiology and Psychology, the main aim of this article is to show how utilising spiritual coping strategies could help the Christian to cope with stress from a faith perspective. Spiritual coping was defined as an individual’s ability to utilise faith in God and Judeo-Christian religious beliefs, as well as active practices to appraise, understand and effectively cope with stressful life events. A literature study was conducted on human defence response and spiritual coping to demonstrate the adverse effects of chronic defensiveness and stress. Spiritual coping was assessed from a scriptural approach to determine what biblical perspectives regarding coping, defensiveness and spirituality may be revealed. Effective coping strategies were explored to indicate how positive spiritual coping skills could be utilised as an alternative to chronic defensives. The Believe-Belong-Behave pastoral model was proposed for the utilisation of spiritual coping methods and skills that could improve psychophysiological well-being. The Believe-Belong-Behave model consists of three categories that each highlight different individual skills, corporate practices, and practical action steps, which, when applied consistently, could all function in harmony to promote psychophysiological well-being. The components of the proposed pastoral model could offer a harmonious contribution towards spiritual coping and the Christian’s spiritual formation within the local church.Contribution: This article assessed theological perspectives and biblical practices within the basic tenets of Reformed theology to identify resemblances to stress appraisal and human defensiveness throughout the historical course of Scripture. This study in Practical Theology highlighted the importance of combining a strong scriptural or theological foundation with certain practical skills to respond to stressors from a faith-in-action perspective. The proposed pastoral model showed the modern-day Christian how faith in God could be used to cope with stress more effectively.

Marriage as a choice or duty: Considering Nigerian Christians’ attitude to singlehood from the biblical perspective

Of recent in Nigeria, there has been a considerable increase in the rate of involuntary singlehood, particularly among women. It constitutes a major constraint for Christians because of the general perception that the Bible commands everyone to marry – the belief which they derive from Genesis 1:28 and 2:18, 24. However, most people who have this notion, hardly take cognisance of Paul’s preference for celibacy as in 1 Corinthians 7. The situation is compounded by popular Christian preaching and an attitude which favour marriage against singlehood. The result is the frantic desperation among Nigerian Christian women to get married. Against this background, this article attempted to ascertain if marriage is necessarily an obligation for Christians, and appraised Nigerian Christian single women’s desperation for marriage against the understanding of the Genesis and 1 Corinthians passages as presented in this study. As the author of this article, I did exegeses of the texts and interacted with relevant material on singlehood and its constraints, especially in relation to Nigerian women. The work found that the Genesis passages from which is derived the perception that marriage is obligatory for all, are largely misunderstood. Hence, they are not in contention with 1 Corinthians 7 which views marriage and celibacy as equal. In view of this, the article considered Nigerian Christian single women’s desperation to get married as unnecessary. For this reason, it advised the church in Nigeria to imbibe the biblical perspective of equality of marriage and singlehood, and inculcate it in its members. Contribution: The article is a contribution in the context of the theology of marriage, and of particular relevance in Nigeria where most Christians still have the belief that marriage is a moral duty for all.

Dynamics of Relations between Christianity and Islam in Minahasa

This research is to analyze and describe the dynamics of Christian and Islamic relations in Minahasa by examining the phenomenon of conflict at Perum Agape Tumaluntung. Data collection was carried out through observation, document study, in-depth interviews. This research shows that there has been a change in Christian-Islamic relations in Minahasa. The beginning of the meeting between Christianity and Islam went well, but as time went on tensions began to occur and escalated and culminated in the destruction of the Mushola at Perum Agape Tumaluntung, also showing that social interaction between Christians and Muslims in Tumaluntung was not going well. This can be seen in the exclusive social actions of Muslim communities while Christians are slow to face social change. Social integration is not formed when there are differences of opinion between Christians and Muslims about the rules / norms of building mosques. This research also shows how Christians should interact socially with followers of other religions according to the biblical perspective.

Taking a holistic view of the biblical perspectives on childlessness: Implications for Nigerian Christians and the church in Nigeria

The belief amongst some Christians that it is God’s plan for everyone to have children, and that barrenness is a punishment from God is apparently derived from the Old Testament (OT). This article attempts a holistic study of the biblical perspectives on childlessness with a view to ascertain whether procreation is a moral responsibility of every individual. The target group includes Nigerian Christian couples suffering from infertility. The article employs the descriptive and exegetical methods. The study revealed that the belief that the OT views barrenness as caused by sin and a punishment from God was erroneous. A critical examination of the relevant texts revealed that infertility is a natural phenomenon, and God gives children as a blessing but not necessarily to every individual. In the New Testament (NT), the attitude towards childlessness is characterised by the concept of ‘alternative family models’, by which some Christians could adopt children whilst others might choose to be celibate, being satisfied with their membership of the community of believers. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 clearly mitigates natural childbearing, and thus negates any attitude of desperation for bearing children. In the Nigerian context, this interpretation necessitates a change of attitude towards infertility. The church has to develop a theological reconstruction with regard to procreation in marriage, in a manner that will assure Christians that a childless marriage is not lacking in any way. Contribution: The article is a contribution in the area of theology of marriage, and thus of high relevance in contemporary Africa, particularly Nigeria, where people, including Christians, still have the traditional belief that it is morally mandatory for everyone to have biological children.

Interreligious Relations: Biblical Perspectives. Proceedings from the Second Norwegian Summer Academy of Biblical Studies (NSABS), Ansgar University College, Kristiansand, Norway, August 2015 T&T Clark Biblical Studies Hallvard Hagelia and Markus Zehnder (eds)

Summary This volume consists of eleven contributions on biblical perspectives regarding non-Israelite or non-Christian cults and interaction with people adhering to such religions. There are also three contributions relating to reception history and a chapter with hermeneutical reflections. The theological positions of the authors are diverse and the degree to which they connect their observations to current issues varies considerably. The book can be recommended for informing the readers about diverging views and challenging them to draw their own conclusions. Zusammenfassung Der Band beinhaltet elf Beiträge zu biblischen Perspektiven über nichtisraelische oder nichtchristliche Religionen und den Dialog mit Anhängern solcher Religionen. Dazu gibt es auch drei Beiträge zur Rezeptionsgeschichte sowie ein Kapitel mit hermeneutischen Überlegungen. Die theologischen Positionen der Autoren sind vielfältig, wie auch das Ausmaß beträchtlich variiert, mit dem sie ihre Betrachtungen mit aktuellen Problemen in Verbindung bringen. Das Buch ist empfehlenswert in Bezug darauf, dass es seine Leserschaft über unterschiedliche Positionen informiert und sie herausfordert, ihre eigenen Schlußfolgerungen daraus zu ziehen. Résumé Ce volume rassemble onze contributions offrant des perspectives bibliques sur les cultes non israélite ou non chrétien et le dialogue avec leurs adeptes. On y trouve aussi trois contributions en rapport avec l’histoire de la réception et un chapitre de réflexions herméneutiques. Les auteurs ont des positions théologiques diverses, et leur aptitude à relier leurs observations aux questions actuellement débattues varie considérablement. On peut recommander ce livre dans la mesure où il permettra à ses lecteurs de découvrir des vues divergentes et les poussera à tirer leurs propres conclusions.

Humanistic Orientation of Religion and the Problem of Religious Violence: Biblical and African Perspectives

Humanistic Orientation of Religion and the Problem of Religious Violence: Biblical and African Perspectives