Christian Belief Research Articles

A Marxist Approach to Bostonian Missionaries in Hawaii

For centuries, the United States has euphemized their imperial endeavours across the North American continent as they have continued to rely on providential rhetoric to justify their means of colonial expansion. This research critiques beliefs of American exceptionalism in an attempt to expose the hidden ills of America’s colonial efforts. It looks at the activities of Boston’s missionaries in Honolulu, Hawaii, in the nineteenth century and examines the way American identity and understandings of their own exceptionalism manifested on the ground via imperial pursuits. Sponsored by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM), Boston’s missionaries entered Hawaii in 1819 with the intent to civilize what they perceived as an uncivilized nation. In colonial Hawaii, we will see the extensive blurring of lines between informal and formal empire, which this paper positions as a deliberate transition pivotal for the archipelago’s 1898 annexation. These actions will be observed through a Marxists-based approach to examine how the gradual subjugation of Hawaii’s Indigenous population occurred through religious and educational institutions. Religion and education will therefore be observed as tools used for grander imperial pursuits in colonial Hawaii. As this paper attempts to deconstruct beliefs associated with American exceptionalism, it will look at its origins—that is, Christian belief structures that informed ideas of America’s superiority—and its practical workings on behalf of Bostonian missionaries.

Globalization Authority: Fragmentation of Self and Disturbance of Religious Identity from Distortion to Extremism in Amin Ben Batta’s “Overdrive”

Globalization stands as a pivotal reality deeply ingrained within diverse ideologies, exerting significant influence across political, social, and cultural dimensions. Central to its impact is the concept of religion, pivotal for its role in reshaping societal identity structures. This study seeks to investigate the implications and consequences of globalization on the religious landscape, employing a descriptive-analytical approach to the novel Overdrive by Amin Ben Battha. The research critically examines the narratives of Jewish and Christian believers before and after the alteration of sacred texts, explores the proliferation of discourses centered on violence, extremism, and the rejection of moderation within Muslim communities, and ultimately considers globalization’s objective of eroding religious distinctiveness in favor of a unified global identity ideology. Furthermore, the study critiques the condemnation of unfettered public freedoms by transforming monotheism into a mere ideological belief.Haut du formulaire

Nietzsche, Nishitani, and Laruelle on Faith and Immanence

Abstract This article explores the use of the concept of “faith” in three non-Christian philosophers. The study begins with Nietzsche, who, while deeply critical of Christian belief throughout his work, offers a positive reformulation of the term in a few key texts. From here, the discussion proceeds to two authors who are deeply influenced by Nietzsche, François Laruelle, and Nishitani Keiji. Laruelle’s recent turn to non-theology sees him engaging directly with Christian theological material and presenting a distinction between a positive form of “faith” in contrast from standard religious “belief,” a distinction I suggest bears close resemblance to Nietzsche’s approach, especially in relation to the Apostle Paul. Finally, Nishitani offers his own account of faith, one inspired primarily by the Buddhist notion of faith, but also referencing Christian theology and specifically the practice of Paul, while also connecting with Nietzsche. The connecting theme for all three thinkers is rooted in Zarathustra’s encouragement to be “faithful to the earth,” a non-transcendent, immanent formulation of faith. Faith, in Nishitani and Laruelle especially, is non-doctrinal, non-dogmatic, and non-intellectual; it is, instead, practical, an immanent existence, a way of life resulting in a different form of connection with the world around us.

The Christian Trinity in the Writings of Quranic Exegetes: A Comparison with Islamic Polemicists

Objectives: This paper compares the perspectives of sixteen Quranic exegetes with those of Islamic polemicists specialised in Christian studies, particularly in their treatment of the Christian concept of the Trinity. Methodology: The paper employs an inductive approach to uncover the views of various Quranic interpreters and Islamic polemicists regarding the Trinity. Besides, it utilises a comparative method to discuss and contrast their opinions on the subject matter. Findings: Comparing the polemicists’ views with those of the exegetes reveals the precision and consistency of the former in conveying the Christian understanding of the Trinity. In contrast, the exegetes' interpretations vary, with some describing it as three hypostases, others as three gods, and occasionally an exegete may mention both interpretations. There is also a distinction in addressing the third entity of the Trinity. While the polemicists identify it as the Holy Spirit, some exegetes alternatively mention Mary, and others refer to both views. Originality: The paper underscores the importance of cautiously conveying Christian beliefs about the Trinity based on certain exegetes, highlighting the specialisation of polemicists in religious studies.

Book review: Jason Bruner, Imagining Persecution: Why American Christians Believe There Is a Global War against Their Faith

Book review: Jason Bruner, <i>Imagining Persecution: Why American Christians Believe There Is a Global War against Their Faith</i>

Особливості прояву адиктивної поведінки вірян Церкви Адвентистів сьомого дня в умовах війни в Україні

The study is dedicated to analyzing addictive behavior among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the context of war in Ukraine. The paper establishes a connection between religious identity and survival strategies in conflict conditions, and also examines the role of church practices in overcoming addictions. Specifically, it explores how religious beliefs can prevent or, conversely, contribute to the development of addictions, what forms of addictive behavior are typical for this religious group during war, and how psychosocial support from the church community can influence the overcoming of stress and anxiety. The research findings show that Adventists have certain advantages in managing addictive behavior during war, but they are also susceptible to the influence of stress and traumatic events. In conclusion, the paper proposes practical measures aimed at protecting believers of this denomination from addictions, particularly through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and active support from spiritual leadership and the community. Special attention is paid to the strategies Adventists use to overcome stress and maintain psychological balance. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which war affects the manifestation of addictive behavior and is important for developing strategies of mental support for Christian believers in conditions of prolonged conflict. Key words: addictive behavior, believers, Seventh-day Adventist Church, war, Ukraine.

The Impact of “Kekweimet” on Christian Beliefs and Practices Among the Keiyo Community of Kenya

African religious practice constitutes an important component of the social and religious makeup and the cycle of harmony in the community. Despite the introduction of Christianity, most African communities have sustained cultural practices, some of which contrast with Christian beliefs. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the persistence of the cleansing ritual of Kekweimet among the Keiyo people of Kenya. This inquiry also sought to understand the social and religious implications of this cleansing ritual on the Keiyo Christians. A qualitative ethnographic approach was used for the study with a target sample size of 95 participants in Kapkei village on the Keiyo Border. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data and a thematic strategy was adopted for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that Kekweimet was an important collective cleansing ritual still practiced by Keiyo Christians. The ritual process was meant to cleanse, remove bitterness in the grieving family, and repair the relationship between the clan of the deceased and the one who had committed murder. From the setting, there was a strong interaction between the Keiyo Christians and the cleansing ritual because of the involvement of church elders and the use of Christian-based prayer. The researcher determined that despite the constructive outcomes of Kekweimet the practice among Keiyo Christians surmounted syncretism and risked leading the faithful away from the Christian Faith.

Analyzing Professions of Faith in the Fourth Gospel: is Everyone Who Believes Saved?

Abstract This study will examine the different formulae used in the Fourth Gospel to see if they are the key indicator to whether a character being described has adequate or inadequate belief in Jesus. First, the Greek verb for believe in connection to prepositions will be examined. The two main categories are believing in Jesus and believing the correct content about Jesus. Verb tenses and moods in connection to the Greek verb for believe will also be studied. All of this examination concludes that the most important factor is the portrayal of the character in the narrative context. It is not the nuance of the Greek that is most important, but how characters are actually portrayed by the author of the Fourth Gospel. Johannine belief will be defined and two examples of application to characters in the Fourth Gospel will be given.

Pastoral Therapy on Euthanasia: Christian Humanism and Ubuntu Embracing Openness

The debate over practices of physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia and other end-of-life questions is still ongoing in many countries around the world. At least, as of 2024, only 15 countries had varyingly legalised it under very specific, regulated conditions, while many more still view it as an extremely complex issue that, amongst other things, conflicts with their deeply held religious beliefs. Premised on their belief in the image of God as the source of human life, most monotheistic religions, but Christians in particular believe in the preservation of human life to its natural end. However, the unquestionable reality of this traditionally-held Christian belief does not preclude the rare reality where terminally ill Christians themselves, upon suffering excruciating pain, begin either to desire some form of a hastened death overtly or covertly. Under such conditions, however, pastoral therapists in particular lack the aptitude to openly initiate practical dialogues with patients, be it in the spirit of Ubuntu or to concretise the Christian position. That being said, the purpose of this article is to prepare Christian pastoral therapists in particular and the counselling profession in general to openly handle cases where agonising human suffering leads to suicidal thoughts or actions. In order to achieve this, the paper, through the use of literature reviews and desktop studies, draws on literature encompassing specific biblical instances in which not only physical suffering, but also mental suffering somehow led to suicidal events. The African concept of Ubuntu is then integrated into Christian humanism to promote pastoral therapeutic dialogue which may enrich Christian self-knowledge about the sacredness of human life, despite the urge of suicide or euthanasia. As per Christian humanism framework, Christian self-knowledge is inspired by the excruciating suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. All things considered, pastoral therapy is endowed with the ability to present the image of God in human suffering while rejecting the urge for euthanasia or suicide.

Revisiting the Institution of Bnay and Bnoth Qyōmo in the Syriac Tradition

A group of Syriac Christian believers existed during the fourth century called the Bnay Qyōmo (with their female counterparts known as the Bnoth Qyōmo): the Sons and Daughters of the Covenant. There has been considerable controversy about the nature of this archaic Syrian monastic movement or, as it is known to some scholars, the Syriac “Proto-Monastic Tradition”. The controversy has not only been about the name, but also the origin, habits, and ascetic way of life of the Bnay Qyōmo. The intention of the present article is not to elaborate on the various terminology used to describe the Bnay Qyōmo or the nature of their vows and expected duties as introduced by Aphrahat and other Syrian Fathers, for these have been studied by many scholars. Rather, the intention of this article is to review some of the material discussing this group by key Syriac Fathers to present a fresh reading of the historical record to better apprize the order’s regulations and its social and ecclesiastical roles within the Syriac-speaking Church during the fourth and fifth centuries AD. The main Syriac writers who dealt with this topic were Aphrahat, known as “the Persian Sage” (ca. 260–345), and Rabūla, Bishop of Edessa (flor. 420s). Whilst the order appears to have declined by about the eighth century, understanding the roles of the Bnay Qyōmo during the earlier period (the focus of this writing) is crucial for explaining the development of the Syriac Tradition.

Muhammad's Prophecy in Christianity and Islam: Debate and Controversy

The cross-religious debate that is most often discussed is about the claim of the apostle as the final Prophets, which is believed in Christianity that it never happened. The apostle was Muhammad Pbuh, an ordinary human being given advantages and privileges and elevated above all creatures. Contrary to the Christian belief that Isa or Jesus in the Christian belief is their greatest human being, the Bible is written about the arrival of a great figure that was promised. Therefore, this paper seeks to reveal the truth in Christian teachings regarding Muhammad as the complement of previous teachings. By including evidence from several figures from these two heavenly religions, namely Christianity and Islam, supported by evidence found in the Bible and al-Qur’an. The descriptive analysis method is used in this research to analyze the understanding of the two major religions of the world and related cross-religious teachings and doctrines. It’s supported by comparative methods that make it easier to see and know the comparisons found in both Islam and Christianity. A theological approach is used in this qualitative literature review, where the perspective of this writing is taken from studies that analyze scripts from holy books, discussing interfaith concepts and matters related to doctrine in religion. With this research it is hoped that further researchers will be able to take the value if necessary to be refined with an explanation broader and complete the deficiencies contained in this writing.

Redemption of Sins in Christianity: Analysis of the Holy Bible Texts

Sin has been a frequently discussed topic in the context of Christianity. The concept of inherited sin is viewed as a barrier between humans and God. Christians believe in the redemption of this sin through the sacred blood of Jesus Christ. This concept was prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. This research focuses on the fundamental question regarding the forgiveness of sins through the blood of Jesus, which, over time, evolved from the practice of redemption through priests to the inclusion of indulgences. The objective of this study is to examine and comprehend the sacredness of Jesus Christ's blood, which is the centerpiece of Christian belief, where His blood is seen as the means of sin redemption. A critical descriptive analysis method is employed to explore these the means of sin redemption. A critical descriptive analysis method is employed to explore these viewpoints, revealing various dilemmas arising from Paul's interpretation of this concept. The research findings indicate that the concept of sin in Christianity is a core element of Christian faith, wherein inherited sin can only be absolved through the sacrificial blood of Jesus. However, contemporary Christian teachings have undergone transformations that alter original aspects of the doctrine, where Paul's interpretations, seen as introductions to Christian teachings, influence the original meanings and give rise to the practice of indulgences, which have become part of the evolving Christian doctrine.

Cultural Revival Among Kikuyu Christians: Impact and Implications in the 21st Century

The Kikuyu people were exposed to Christianity in the year 1900 following the arrival of Reverend McGregor. Subsequently, an overwhelming majority of individuals have adopted Christianity, with more than 90% identifying themselves as Christians. Nevertheless, the amalgamation of Western and Christian cultures throughout history has posed difficulties for the revival of Kikuyu traditional rituals. However, Anglican Christians have observed a revival of Kikuyu cultural traditions in Murang'a County, Kenya, during the twenty-first century. This return signifies a deliberate embrace of traditions that were previously forsaken. The objective of this study is to discover and examine the revived cultural traditions within the Anglican community, such as the reverence of ancestors, the categorization of individuals by age, the act of sacrificing animals, traditional marriage ceremonies, and the use of traditional brew. The study investigates the impact of cultural revival on Kikuyu Christianity through qualitative methodologies, including observation and interviews. The primary findings indicate that cultural revitalization entails both benefits and drawbacks. On one side, it assists in resolving identity challenges and enhances relationships with the community and family. Nevertheless, it also cultivates duplicity, undermines the Christian belief system, and engenders discord within the Christian community. These findings emphasize the necessity for dialogue among Kikuyu Christians to reconcile traditional behaviors with Christian principles. This will promote an authentic African Christianity that embraces Christian values while recognizing and integrating indigenous heritage. This study adds to the current discussion on the relationship between culture and religion in modern African settings by examining the intricacies and impacts of cultural resurgence in Christian communities.

Embodied grace: The implications of the incarnation to public practical theology in Sub-Saharan Africa

Christian incarnation, illustrated through the example of Jesus Christ, involves the embodiment of God, the guardian of all creation and the manifestation of Christian beliefs. This divine incarnation operates through boundless love and concern, as demonstrated in God’s choice to intimately connect with humanity, as noted in John 3:16. Although global challenges abound, it is evident that sub-Saharan Africa faces unique difficulties, hindering its inhabitants from experiencing the fullness of life intended by God. There is a need to find solutions to the challenges faced by the African continent. In the context of sub-Saharan Africa, the question is: How can practical public theology, informed by the incarnation, be practised in tackling the challenges people face in Africa? The study addresses this inquiry, presenting the implications of the incarnation doctrine as a means to tackle African challenges. It posits incarnation as a foundation for comprehending God’s love for Africans and proposes practical ways for resiliently confronting their adversities. The article draws upon existing literature in the field of public practical theology to underpin the core argument of its thesis.Contribution: This article contributes to the discussion on how theology should be used to address people’s concrete challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. The doctrine of incarnation is a unique example whose implications can help the enhancement of addressing people’s challenges in Africa.

The Role of Black Christian Beliefs in the Civil Rights Movement: A Paradigm for a Better Understanding of Religious Freedom

This paper builds upon and extends Christian and legal scholarship on the civil rights movement by illuminating a climate of religious freedom that served as a catalyst for and was integral to the success of the spirited activism of the civil rights movement. To date, scholars have not extensively considered how the expansion of religious freedom in church and state jurisprudence both directly and indirectly created a climate that contributed to the success of the CRM, and how advancements in civil rights impacted the broader revolution occurring in constitutional rights. The climate of religious freedom included court support for evangelizing in residentially exclusive areas, exemptions for conscientious opposers from participating in oath swearing and other ceremonies, and exemptions from other general laws that unduly inhibited the free exercise of religious rights.

The Impact of Culture on the Demand for Non-life Insurance Penetration in Developing Countries: Panel Data Analysis

Purpose: The impact of insurance market activity within financial development is gaining more attention in academia, as the sector experiences growth within emerging markets. The paper aims to understand which macro-economic and social variables impact the growth or decline of the non-life insurance sector broadly across European countries with a view to provide recommendations to drive increased penetration across the region.&#x0D; Methodology: Using Fixed Effects Panel Data Regression and annual data from 1990 to 2021 on 10 countries, the study examines the explanatory factors of non-life insurance demand in European countries (Australia, France, Austria, Italy, Canada, Luxemburg, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Portugal).&#x0D; Findings: The study found that GDP, and urbanization and education rates have a significant negative impact on non-life insurance penetration and density; urbanization, religion, education level and rule of law can explain positively variation in non-life insurance density and penetration across countries. Countries with higher urbanization levels, higher education level, Christian or Buddhist beliefs and more effective rule of law spend more on non- life insurance than other countries. The control of corruption and government effectiveness explain negatively variance in non-life insurance.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Notably, governments can develop the non-life insurance sector through policies that support urbanization.Similarly, ensuring an environment that promotes economic freedom (such as low tariff, high personal choice, low government spending and high security of property rights) could be an effective way of promoting non-life insurance demand. In contrast, policies that help to reduce the rate of urbanization may yield a double dividend: less population and congestion in cities and better opportunities for the development of non-life insurance markets. Also, countries with high level of education, can develop the development of non- life insurance demand. Among many socio-economic factors such as income, urbanization and education level, our analysis suggests that cultural dimensions such as beliefs and rule of law play a role.

Reflecting on Evil and the Devil in Pentecostal Theodicy

Most Pentecostals, at least in the global South, believe that Satan and his demonic forces are responsible for much of the carnage and suffering that characterise life on earth. The broader context of the discourse is the challenge theodicy poses to Christian believers: if God is almighty and good, why do believers, just like unbelievers, suffer while living on earth? This paper aims to discuss Pentecostals’ response: they blame evil as Satan’s strategy to oppose God. They reason that his main goal is to handicap and double-cross creation because God threw him and his followers from heaven following his rebellion against the divine order. Thus, Satan is portrayed as the instigator of the first human couple, tempting them to sin, with all future generations implied by their choice and cursing human beings with a sinful nature at birth. Demonic forces employ human sinful nature to realise their ultimate goal, to separate humankind from the Creator by tempting them to sin while also threatening the rest of creation. This article investigates the Pentecostal theology of demonic forces in explaining the challenges posed by theodicy by comparing it to biblical data, using grammatical-historical exegesis and a comparative literature survey to evaluate their biblical grounding. It concludes that Pentecostals’ belief in such forces are justified if the the New Testament narratives are accepted as divine revelation. However, some Pentecostal speculations about demons’ origins, scope and reach are not biblically justified and complicates the response to theodicy, such as the origin of evil and its relation to human beings.

Achieving Unity amidst Diversity in Christian Doctrines Beliefs and Practices: An In-Depth Analysis

Pursuing unity within the diverse landscape of Christian doctrines, beliefs, and practices is a perpetual challenge that has marked the history of Christianity. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics of fostering unity amidst theological diversity, doctrinal traditions, and varied expressions of faith within the Christian community. By analyzing the theological underpinnings of unity in Christianity, including core doctrines like the divinity of Christ and the authority of Scripture, the paper underscores the foundational principles that bind believers together. Despite these shared tenets, divergent interpretations, emphases, and nuances have given rise to doctrinal variations across Christian denominations. Moreover, the paper delves into the historical evolution of doctrinal discrepancies in Christianity, examining the origins of significant schisms, theological disputes, and doctrinal contentions that have influenced the multifaceted tapestry of Christian beliefs and practices. These historical fractures continue to shape interdenominational relations and interactions among Christians. Practical strategies for promoting unity amid doctrinal diversity are also explored, emphasizing the significance of ecumenical dialogues, interfaith collaborations, and initiatives to foster reconciliation and mutual comprehension. Recognizing and honouring the diverse spectrum of beliefs and practices while seeking common ground is pivotal in nurturing unity within the Christian community. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of balancing unity and diversity in Christian traditions, celebrating the richness and complexity that diversity engenders while upholding the shared faith that unites believers across doctrinal boundaries. Through respectful dialogue, humility, and an embrace of the diverse facets of the body of Christ, Christians can endeavour towards a more profound unity that transcends doctrinal discrepancies, fostering a spirit of love and fellowship within the Church. Keywords: Divergent, Christian Doctrines, Beliefs, Practices, Unity, Coherence, Christian, Christian Faith, Implications

The image of the taiga in the ballads of Leonid Zaval’nyuk

The article is devoted to the study of the ballad genre in the lyrics of the poet Leonid Zaval’nyuk (1930-2010). The study focuses on the analysis of “The Taiga Ballad” and “The Ballad of Melting Snow,” which were included in the collection “Beyond the Receding Horizon” (1956). These ballads open and end the ballad cycle, consisting of five works. The plot of both ballads develops in the artistic space of the taiga, which becomes a place of moral testing for the heroes. Leonid Zaval’nyuk was the first to introduce the image of the taiga into the ballad. The decanonisation of the ballad genre occurs in the 19th century. Leonid Zaval’nyuk’s works not only preserve ballad traditions (third-person narration, appeal to archetypal plots, mixing Christian and pagan beliefs, personification of natural forces, the special role of the season and time of day in the development of the plot), but also the evolution of the genre takes place (refusal of the mystical component, increasing the realism of the narrative, first-person narration). The decanonisation of the ballad genre occurs in the 19th century. Leonid Zaval’nyuk turned to the ballad genre throughout his entire career. The motif of moral testing became one of the leading ones for the poet.

Inspired anatomy education: Might God be relevant?

Anatomy education is essential for developing healthcare professionals, and discussion continues about factors that impact and improve the anatomy learning environment. Neglected in this discussion is a consideration of the diverse religious assumptions and beliefs that college students bring to anatomy learning. Surveys of religion among United States college students indicate that many identify as religious and Christian. This viewpoint commentary summarizes main elements of Christian theology and anthropology, discusses the holistic and positive view of the body presented in Christian scripture, and outlines how these Christian beliefs inform and impact student preparation for anatomy education and human body dissection, address ethical issues in body donation, and support professionalism for future career practice.