Inerrancy Research Articles

The Barthian Revolt or the New Modernism: Karl Barth and the Limits of American Evangelical Theology

Throughout the twentieth century, U.S. American evangelicals engaged in an ongoing series of definitional debates over the contours and limits of a distinctly evangelical approach to theology. Developed as an explicit counter to theological liberalism—and often signaled by strict adherence to biblical inerrancy—American evangelical theology might conceivably have made common cause with Karl Barth, whose infamous rebellion against his liberal teachers became one of the founding events in the story of twentieth-century Christian theology. Despite Barth’s putative anti-liberalism, evangelical theologians never fully embraced Barthian theology, consistently vilifying it as un-evangelical and beyond the pale. In this essay, I recover the history of U.S. American evangelical theologians wrestling with Karl Barth and his legacy, highlighting how an enduring aversion to Barthianism became a key feature of evangelical theology.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans-Sexual: a Christian Ethics Perspective

This research analyzes ethical-theological responses to LGBT issues in Protestant context through in-depth study of key Biblical texts and related literature. Using a qualitative approach combining hermeneutical and contextual analysis, this research explores: interpretation of Biblical texts about LGBT, formulation of Christian ethical principles, development of theological-ethical responses, and pastoral care models. Research findings show that Biblical texts consistently and firmly reject LGBT practices as deviation from creation order. The research identifies seven fundamental ethical principles that should underlie church response: principles of creation, holiness, love, redemption, community, human dignity, and pastoral care. In implementation, churches need to develop a "convicted humility" approach that combines strong theological conviction with pastoral humility, distinguishing between behavior rejection and individual acceptance. Effective pastoral care models require integration of theological understanding with pastoral sensitivity, creating safe spaces for dialogue and healing while maintaining biblical truth. This research provides significant contribution in helping churches develop balanced responses between doctrinal firmness and pastoral love in handling LGBT issues.

ALKITAB DALAM PERSPEKTIF HOMILETIKA YANG BERTEOLOGI

A sermon serves as the platform through which a preacher conveys divine messages to the congregation. Thorough preparation and effective delivery constitute essential components of a sermon. The use of illustrations, testimonials, and the selection of Bible passages play a pivotal role in crafting a sermon. A preacher should strive to communicate a message that aligns with the will of God, rather than catering to the desires of the congregation or personal preferences. This research aims to explore the concept of the Bible from a theological homiletical perspective. The Bible is regarded as a divine revelation in which God manifests Himself. The Bible serves as the core source in sermon development. Unfortunately, not all preachers base their sermons on the Bible; at times, they rely more on personal thoughts or subjective experiences. This poses potential risks for the congregation since their faith should not be founded on the preacher's personal experiences. It is crucial for a preacher to comprehend the fundamental role of the Bible as a theological foundation in crafting sermons. The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative, with a focus on relevant literature and resources. The research findings affirm that sermons with theological depth should be anchored in the Bible. Such an approach is known as expository preaching. It can be concluded that as a preacher, the primary duty is to communicate God's message, not personal opinions. This is intended to build the congregation on the foundation of biblical truth and encourage transformation towards Christ.

Peran Gembala dalam Membentuk Karakter dan Iman Kristen pada Jemaat dalam Melawan Pengaruh LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, dan Transgender)

The role of the pastor is very important and has a big impact in shaping the character and Christian faith based on biblical truth. Many challenges arise that fade the value of Christianity today, one of which is LGBT, LGBT eats away from young to old and is no exception. The purpose of this study is to provide answers to the problems of Christianity in the face of LGBT threats, namely through character building and Christian faith that is true and based on the Bible. The method used in this research is a qualitative method, data collection is done through searching and selecting relevant articles from various scientific sources. The result of this research is to know the magnitude and impact of the Shepherd in building character and Christian Faith. Through appropriate strategies the formation of character and Christian Faith can be well formed.

SAINT FAUSTINA KOWALSKA – LONELINESS IN GOD

ABSTRACT: Aim: The purpose of the article is to present the life of Saint Sister Faustina Kowalska with particular attention on her loneliness in God. Methods: Analysis of dozen available biographies of Saint Faustina Kowalska and the „Diary” written by her. Results: Sister Faustina was gifted by God with many extraordinary graces, she experienced revelations, ecstasies, the gift of bilocation, great suffering, reading in human souls, mystical engagements and weddings. She was basically very lonely throughout her life, but it didn't bother her because God was always with her. This simple girl, who had only completed three grades of primary school, completely surrendered herself to God's will and, despite many problems she encountered on her way, fulfilled every task given to her by the Lord Jesus. Outside, Sister Faustina's life was very ordinary, every day was basically the same. She was a gardener, a cook, and in the last year of her life, as much as her health allowed, she served as a porter. Everything she did was dedicated completely to the Lord Jesus. Conclusion: The most important task of Saint Sister Faustina Kowalska was to convey the message of Mercy to the Church and the world, which is a reminder of the biblical truth about God's merciful love for every person, a call to entrust one's life to Him and actively love one's neighbors. It was the Savior who gave her the "vessels" thanks to which we can draw the graces of Divine Mercy. Sister Faustina is the author of the famous „Diary”, a bestseller translated into over 30 languages. By getting to know her notes, we see what a strong bond she had with the Lord Jesus. Today Saint Sister Faustina is one of the most popular saints of our time. Pilgrims from all continents make pilgrimages to her relics located in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Kraków-Łagiewniki. Originality: The article is the quintessence and at the same time a pleasant presentation of the life of Saint Faustina Kowalska, resulting from the review and analysis of several available studies and biographies of her life. Keywords: Helena Kowalska, Sister Faustina, Secretary of Merciful Jesus, Apostle of Divine Mercy, Prophet of our times, Great Mystic, Mistress of spiritual life, Feast of Divine Mercy, Chaplet, Hour of Mercy.

Learning Strategies Of Sunday School Teachers In Installing The Character Of Discipline

Sunday School means traditional church To train children in Biblical truth. However, Sunday Schools, and more broadly, children's ministry programs, are undergoing a change in identity. The aim of this research is to describe Sunday school teachers' strategies in instilling disciplined character in GBI Bassura Sunday School children. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review approach, which means through a study of various references. The research results show that Sunday School teachers should develop learning strategies that contain a disciplinary character. Possible strategies include: 1) Developing a learning curriculum based on discipline education, 2) Conducting regular meetings between parents and Sunday School children, 3) Determining punishments and rewards, 4) Carrying out group coaching, 5) Implementing habituation methods. In conclusion, by consistently implementing effective strategies, the Sunday Teachers' School will give birth to a generation of Christians who have disciplined character in accordance with Christian values.

A study on the Evil Eye from the perspective of young Jordanian Muslim women

This study among young Jordanian Muslim women considers modern perceptions of the Evil Eye and its impact on personal relationships as well as methods sought for protection. Qualitative research was conducted among participants in their 20s and 30s from September 2022 to February 2023. Findings reveal that most young Jordanian Muslim women believe the Evil Eye expresses envy, which arises from an unclean heart, discontentment, lack of faith in God, or perception of limited good. Participants shared how envious relatives and friends cause harm and damage relationships when they cast the Evil Eye. Respondents noted their use of invocation or incantation of Qur’anic verses to protect themselves. Missional implications include helping Muslim women discover the biblical truth of a God who blesses generously and protects them from the harm of the Evil Eye while boldly modeling generosity and prayer in Christ’s name.

Ecumenical Challenge in the Third Millennium

Ecumenical movement is a Christian attempt to unite the fragmented Christian denominations, which has not materialized. From this failure, this paper aimed at finding out the ecumenical challenge in the third millennium. This study followed a qualitative approach that employs content analysis of historical data. It described theological and hermeneutical themes in five sections. The first section gives a brief working definition of three theological terms, millennium, third millennium and filioque controversy. The second section focuses on the description of the ecumenical movement in the third millennium. The third section gives a hermeneutical understanding of biblical teaching on unity. The fourth section presents the contrast between the biblical teaching on unity and the concept of unity in the ecumenical movement in the third millennium. The last section presents the challenges that face the ecumenical movement in the third millennium. Base on the findings, the study concludes that the challenge that faces the ecumenical movement is disregarding the biblical concept of unity and neglecting doctrinal differences among Christian denominations. Therefore, the study recommends that unity should be sought in accordance with biblical truth; moreover, the quest for unity should focus on solving the doctrinal differences among Christian denominations.

Keteguhan Iman Dalam Era Tantangan Dari Perspektif Teologis Kristen

Firmness in faith is a human way of facing difficulties or challenges. Firmness of faith in difficult times is a concept from the perspective of Christian theology which focuses on the perseverance of individuals or Christian communities to maintain faith in the teachings of Christ amidst changing times. In this context, remaining strong in the faith requires a deep knowledge of Biblical truth, a commitment to following Christ's teachings, and a willingness to face trials and challenges that may arise. Through prayer, Bible reading, fellowship with fellow believers, and active participation in church, every Christian can strengthen their faith. The importance of unshakable faith in the perspective of Christian theology lies in its role as a solid spiritual foundation amidst current changes and temptations. By maintaining a strong faith, Christians can strengthen their relationship with God, find peace and strength in their faith, and become influential witnesses in society. Witnessing the strength of faith also inspires and strengthens the faith of fellow Christians and builds a strong community in faith and love for Christ. Therefore, from the perspective of Christian theology, strengthening faith in difficult times is not just an individual's effort to maintain faith, but also being a witness to Christ in the midst of an ever-changing world.

Assessing Ghanaian Primal Consciousness: A Key Factor in Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity

The article examined the influence of the Ghanaian primal consciousness on Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity. Although the primal religion seems to have lost its physical presence in the Ghanaian religious space, its ideologies and tenets continue to be alive in the lives of many Pentecostal-Charismatic Christians. Relying on the researcher’s pastoral experience, personal observations and by paying attention to some sayings and proverbs of some Pentecostals, the study identified the extent to which primal consciousness affects Pentecostal Christianity in Ghana. It discovered that while some elements of the primal religion are closely related to Christianity and may thus positively affect it, others appear to be in opposition to biblical truth and may thus affect it negatively. The study posits that a good knowledge of the reality of the effect of the primal consciousness by Pentecostal-Charismatic churches would advance the Christian mission in Africa. The article adds to existing literature on the impact of the primal religion on Christianity. Keywords: Primal consciousness, Pentecostal-Charismatic Christianity, Ghana, religion.

Transposition and Inspiration

Abstract Evangelicals have often considered C. S. Lewis’s view of scripture insufficient, viewing several of his statements as directly rejecting the inerrancy of scripture. However, this reading overlooks a foundational theological principle which frames Lewis’s view on scripture—his notion of ‘transposition’. When read in light of this principle, Lewis’s statements on the inspiration of scripture gain greater nuance and resist a strict reading of him as noninerrantist. More, Lewis’s principle of transposition, when applied to scripture, affords space for developing a thick account of inerrancy.

ОТРАЖЕНИЕ СОЦИОКУЛЬТУРНОГО КОНТЕКСТА В НАРРАТИВЕ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ПОВЕСТВОВАНИЙ ВИКТОРИАНСКОЙ ЭПОХИ)

The article considers the issue of narrative sociocultural orientation as a way of translating general cultural norms and values, mechanism of social interaction organization. The author substantiates relationship between narrative texts structural-content characteristics and the corresponding sociocultural context. A method of researching a narrative text is proposed. It involves study of narration event structure and reflected value and role models in social relations organization, correspondence of the narration main plot to traditional archetypical plots and presence of the storyline narrative transformations is revealed. Empirical material of the study is the Victorian era narrative texts. Analyzing narrative forms of that time, the author reveals sociocultural changes influence on textual characteristics. Compositional and plot construction of narratives represents the Victorian era heterogeneity. The narration reflects social contradictions between conservative system of values inculcated by church and the state and search for relevant spiritual guidelines by progressively thinking individuals. Rapid growth of science and new industrial relations undermined faith in the biblical truths stability, the Victorian system of values impeccability. These sociocultural tendencies find expression in the motifs of open or veiled satirical criticism of the Victorian society hypocritical morality, assertion of human rights to boldly express their own assessment of social issues through narrative storyline event blocks inversion.

Heidegger’s Existential Diagnosis and Bonaventure’s Positive Existential Remedy: Using Hermeneutics to Address the Problem of Anxiety over Intellectual Finitude

In today’s postcritical environment, the philosophical disciplines have at times acquired a negative reputation for abstraction, relativity and impracticability. While indispensable to the modern university curriculum, the meaning and utility of the philosophical enterprise continues to register ambivalently in modern popular consciousness. In this article, I challenge this popular assumption with a case study in philosophical interpretation, by applying the hermeneutics of German existentialist Martin Heidegger (1889–1976) to issues of practical religious life. Within a life-context of anxiety over intellectual finitude and its ensuing projections, I demonstrate how the innovative sapiential reading of Christ by medieval Franciscan theologian Bonaventure of Bagnoregio (c. 1217–1274) supplies a productive intervention to ensure a new state-of-mind. This new state-of-mind arising from a new mode of understanding and being-in-the-world, amounts to a transmutation of the Heideggerian hermeneutic mode in the light of biblical truth. Bonaventure’s threefold way of Christological exegesis serves as a requisite framework in which to practically redeploy the Heideggerian way of understanding towards a positive existential end.

THEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES ON INCEST FOR YOUTH CHRISTIAN

Incest is an iceberg phenomenon that is muted as it involves cultural, legal, economic, moral, psychological and human rights, where one and the other are interrelated, making it difficult to describe it. The purpose of this research is to observe the problem of incest from theological and cultural studies broadly concerning aspects of human life, both economic, social, educational, and biblical truth. The method used descriptive qualitative with theme analysis which will produce perspectives on incest broadly from cultural and theological studies based on Imago Dei's self-image, holiness and family according to God's design, the Creator of the household as a divine institution based on the Bible as the truth that absolute. The Old Testament records the emergence of cases of incest in the lives of the figures of faith which have the potential to cause ambiguity in adolescents, if Christian Education does not design the theme of incest in the curriculum as the context of teaching texts about holiness.

Forms of representation of “the spirit of times” in “The tale of Simeon the Prince of Suzdal” by N. Polevoy

Romantic historicism is defined by the combination of two basic ideas: the closedness of the historical past and the infinity of being. “The spirit of times” is a category characteristic of Romanticism, which determines the nature of text historicity. For N. Polevoy, it is significant to depict not only the material world, but also the ideological, mental level of comprehension of this world by the perceiving subject - the protagonist of the work (in the dialogues of the characters), as well as the “local flavor” of the characters’ images, largely based on the thinking forms characteristic of a certain time and society. The mental image of the world, formed by the man of the Middle Ages, presupposed the correlation of what was happening with biblical truths. Realizing the limitations of the characters’ idea of the true meaning of the events, the author makes them seek it in disputes. To create a “local flavor”, he also uses the forms of the characters’ names, which acquire a symbolic meaning in the context of the depicted events. All forms of representation of “the spirit of times”, used in the story, allow us to show the ambiguity, the incompleteness of the participants’ knowledge of the events happening around them. To this end, the narrator connects events belonging to the history of different peoples, showing that their participants cannot always even predict how they will interact over time. The “goal-setting” form of “the spirit of times” representation is an appeal to a chronicle source or a direct word of the narrator.

Liberty as a Cloak for Vice: Orientation and Order in the Southern Baptist Convention Sexual Abuse Scandal

ABSTRACT In 2019 a series of articles detailing decades of sexual abuse in Southern Baptist churches. Reports revealed that the convention and its congregants downplayed rather than confront the abuses by relying on two doctrinal components, congregational autonomy and scriptural inerrancy, to excuse inaction and silence survivors. Kenneth Burke argues that orientations such as the Southern Baptist Convention is governed by a moral order that is established, maintained, and enforced by a group of rhetors he terms “priests” who are granted ownership of the key rhetorical components. Building from Burke’s positions, I argue that when confronted by moral failings, priests will use their associations with the symbols of authority in an orientation to rationalize inaction. Priests will argue that to act would be to reject core terms in the orientation’s identity and rely on communal allegiance to bypass responsibility. This rhetorical maneuver is demonstrated in the Southern Baptist sexual abuse scandal. The leadership of the convention and local congregations relied on key denominational terms to champion inaction when confronted. However, a closer inspection of their rhetoric on other issues, such as women in ministry and LGBTQIA + issues shows that their operations are more complicated than advertised.

The Influence of Understanding About Imago Dei On To Change The Student’s Behavior

An understanding of Imago Dei is important to build the behavior of students at Sungai Hidup Junior High School, Pinoh Selatan District, West Kalimantan, which still has a bad record of violating school rules. This research provides benefits for educators to consistently live and teach the values ??of biblical truth contained in teaching about Imago Dei so that it can have a more significant impact on behavior change for students.The results showed, first, that the effect of understanding Imago Dei on changes in student behavior is still in the "moderate" category and needs to be improved by implementing it into a school curriculum based on Christian character education. Second, the understanding of being created in the image of God is still positively correlated with student behavior in the "moderate to high" category, although it is not a sub-variable (X1) that dominantly influences student behavior, it still needs to be considered and maintained. Third, the understanding of being created in the likeness of God is a sub-variable (X2) that dominantly influences student behavior. For this reason, educators need to put forward teaching attitudes and behavior toward students

Effective Curriculum Design Framework for Children's Educational Ministry in Kenya: Focus on the Anglican Church

The Ministry of Christian Education for children in the Anglican Church in Kenya has, over time, remained a challenge. Notably, one of the factors hindering its development is the lack of a proper, well-structured curriculum in the Church setting. The Church is mandated to teach and instruct its members on biblical truths. Therefore, there is a need to develop more effective Bible teaching programs so that the Christian faith will become an integral part of its members' lives. Hence, when teaching children, the Bible, one must encourage and assist them to engage, act upon, and interact with the Bible as much as possible. This paper examines an effective curriculum design framework for children's educational ministry in Kenya. The empirical study was undertaken in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Thus, the findings can be used to help in curriculum development for Sunday school in churches with a similar context.

Synergy of Pancasila Humanism and Theological Ethics: The Foundation for Building a Digital Culture towards the unity of the Indonesian Nation

Digital culture has become a hot topic to be discussed together, given its increasingly strong impact on the life of Indonesian society in this digital era. The fact that lifestyle is shaped by the influence of digital technology in this era illustrates the decline in human values. Overcoming this requires an expected order or culture as a binder and shaper of a social lifestyle in Indonesia based on ideology and the state ideology termed Pancasila, so that the essence of interacting and communicating returns to its substance. Pancasila Humanism does not conflict with Christian teachings because the Bible shows how much God loves humans created in His image. Many verses show that God commands humans to live in harmony and respect one another's rights. The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative with literature study techniques through books, journal articles, general articles on the internet, and manifold other relevant literature. This study aims to describe the importance of digital culture based on the values of Pancasila humanism. It also clarifies how to build this culture along with the challenges and impacts. The study's results concluded that a digital culture based on Pancasila humanism could be built through collaboration, literacy, and socialization, all of which are to be accelerated. The Lord Jesus commands us to carry out our role as the ‘salt’ and ‘light’ of the world (Matthew 5:13- 16). The church must thus be able to manifest Biblical truths amid society in diverse ways for the betterment of all of humanity.

Milton in China

Milton in China