Christianity Research Articles

Andrew Walls, the Pandemic, and the Reinterpretation of Christian Faith

The recent Covid pandemic may well be introducing historic changes to Christian faith that we cannot yet see. Looking back, we can see religious shifts that occurred in response to the influenza pandemic of 1918, including the rise of new forms of Christian community in Africa. Christian faith, Andrew Walls (1928–2021) saw, is not just something you receive; faith remakes you, and you remake it. Walls urged the Western theological academy to embrace the changes taking place as a result of the shift in the centre of Christian gravity. Going forward, we may be seeing the seeds of change from the pandemic in a more holistic Christian faith, one that emphasizes the evangel for all of creation.

Cultural Conflicts In Christian Conversion: The Talensi Perspective

This paper focuses on the conflicts between the Christian faith and African traditional religion with particular reference to the Talensi of northern Ghana. It examines the religious and cultural experiences of Talensi Christian converts. Through interviews and participation of participants, the study set out to examine the phenomenon of religious conversion and Christian expression among the Talensi. African scholars believe that whenever a new religion comes into contact with African cultures there is always conflict. Christian evangelization involves the propagation of the Christian faith and the establishment of churches. The study revealed that wherever the gospel is proclaimed, it engages local cultures, and the result has always been conflict or accommodation. Critical to this encounter is the way the new faith is propagated and appropriated in the traditional society. The study concludes that since African traditional religion is part of the African ethos, an understanding of it should be considered in Christian evangelization. Ignoring the traditional beliefs, attitudes and practices of traditional people has implications for the way the Christian faith can be transmitted, accepted and appropriated in traditional societies. For Christianity to gain deep roots in traditional contexts such as the Talensi, the study recommends that proper bridges be built between the Christian faith and traditional cultures. Keywords: Culture, Gospel, Evangelization, Conversion, Syncretism, Discipleship.

Analysis of Patristic Interpretation of the “Shema” in Deuteronomy 6:4-5

The Patristic period stands as a pivotal era in the development of Christian doctrine, marked by profound theological and philosophical debates. Amidst these discussions, the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 retains its central importance for both Jewish and Christian faith traditions, offering insights into the nature of God. This paper explored the Patristic interpretation of the Shema, highlighting the perspectives of the Alexandrian and Antiochene Schools of thought. Key theological issues addressed include the monotheistic concept of God, the symbolic significance of Israel, the unity of God, and the Trinitarian debate. A historical approach was used where the views of selected theologians were explored within their socio-cultural and political settings. Drawing from African perspectives, the study reflected on the enduring relevance of these theological inquiries for contemporary society. Ultimately, the theological insights garnered from Patristic interpretations continue to inform and enrich modern theological discourse, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding. Keywords: God, Patristic Era, Shema, Trinity

John of St. Thomas (Poinsot) on the Role of Miracles and Wonders in Preaching the Gospel

Abstract This article considers the claim that miraculous healings are essential to present-day evangelization. I contrast this perspective with that of the Baroque scholastic theologian John Poinsot. Like his contemporaries, Poinsot is concerned with offering a robust defense of the Christian faith but is rather circumspect with respect to the role that the miraculous should play. I argue that Poinsot’s reasons are not only valid, but the positive framework he develops for defending the articles of the faith helps contemporary evangelists successfully navigate the pitfalls of postmodernity.

Classical Theism, Interpersonal Relations, and the Receptivity of God

A central tenet of classical theism is that God is Pure Act. Among other things, this indicates that while God can act on creatures, he cannot be acted on by those creatures, for there is no receptivity in God. Yet this seems to imply that God cannot enter into interpersonal relationships with human persons, for such relationships are intrinsically reciprocal and therefore require activity and receptivity from all participants. Since the Christian faith is ostensibly committed to the claim that God can and does engage humans in interpersonal relationship, classical theism appears to be incompatible with Christianity. Nevertheless, in this paper I propose a Thomistic version of classical theism that avoids this apparent tension. Drawing on a Thomistic philosophical anthropology, as well as recent work on the second-person relation, I suggest that there is, in fact, receptivity in God. However, I argue that God’s receptivity is a feature of his Pure Activity, and thus the claim that God engages humans in interpersonal relationship proves to be consistent with the doctrines of classical theism.

Zakonšpirované Slovensko 1938 – 1945. Niekoľko úvah nad tvárami neviditeľného spiritus movens ľudáckeho režimu

The paradigm of Hlinka’s Slovak People’s Party (HSĽS) regime, as well as the persecutory measures implemented against fabricated “enemies of the nation” during its reign (October 1938 – April 1945), were based on conspiracy theories. This essay identifies the main ones, pointing out their genesis, intentionality, and ways of operating with them in political practice. The analysis shows that although many conspiracy frames used in wartime Slovakia correlated with narratives in other countries of the fascist Axis, they cannot be considered copypastes of rhetoric popularized mostly by Nazi Germany. The text promotes the idea that the conspiratorial thinking of the HSĽS already formed in the late Habsburg monarchy at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the changes in international politics in the 1930s only had an effect on their firmer establishment in the political culture of the party and political preferences of its supporters. The basis of this conspiratorial thinking was the fear of liberalism, of the threat to the Christian faith and the Slovak nation by a group of highly sophisticated interconnected “pests” with destructive intentions. Until 1918, it primarily included the Marxist left, capitalists, freemasons, and liberals in general, and after the creation of Czechoslovakia, Czechs, and Jews to an increased extent. The essay emphasizes that precisely the argumentation of conspiracy theories (“imperialism of Prague against Slovakia/Slovaks”, “Jewish Bolshevism”) provided the legitimizing platform for the repressive policy of the HSĽS regime and authorized violence against entire groups of the population that did not belong to the “ingroup”.

Inculturation of Luhya Birth and Naming Rituals in Christian Worship: A Study of The Baptist Church in Vihiga County, Kenya

African Christians are in a dilemma of whether to fully embrace western-prejudiced Christianity or to stick to their traditional forms of faith. Influenced by the fear of syncretic worship, the Baptist church in Vihiga County, which is out rightly committed to Western Christianity condemns and opposes Africans who embrace their traditional religious rituals and rites. Despite this, the Luhya community who profess the Christian faith secretly are adamant in practicing their birth and naming religious rituals in worship. The paper argues that inculturation of Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals in Christian worship in the Baptist church in Vihiga County, Kenya has a significant impact on the survival of Christian message among its membership. The faith that does not become culture is not a lived faith. The study was informed by animism and sociological theories. Descriptive research design was employed with qualitative approaches of analysis. The sample size of the study was 221 participants comprising 183 Lay Christian and 38 Key informants (16 Pastors and 22 Church Leaders). The findings revealed that many Baptist Christians are resistant to inculturate Luhya rites and rituals of birth and naming into their worship, instead they condemn them and those that perform such rituals. This resistance makes them live inauthentic Christian life within their cultural context. The study recommended the Church leadership, theologians, and scholars to advocate for values in Luhya birth and naming rites and rituals that are consistent with Christian worship

Kebangkitan sebagai Manifestasi Kuasa Allah: Pendekatan Historis-Kritis terhadap Matius 22:23-33 dalam Kontras Keyakinan Yudaisme Reformasi dan Kristen

This study aims to analyze the concept of resurrection in Christian and Reform Judaism beliefs, emphasizing that resurrection is a manifestation of God's power over life and death. The study contrasts the Christian belief, which regards resurrection as an integral part of faith, with the Reform Judaism view, which generally rejects resurrection as a literal fact. Using the Historical-Critical interpretation method and a qualitative approach, this research analyzes Matthew 22:23-33 through inner-text and inter-text approaches to reveal its theological meaning and context. The findings show that resurrection is not merely a theological doctrine in the Christian faith, but also serves as evidence of God's power over life and death, aligning with the belief that those who die in faith in God will be resurrected. In conclusion, this research makes a significant contribution to the theological understanding of resurrection, highlights its distinction from Reform Judaism beliefs, and reinforces the role of resurrection as a key element in Christian faith.

Africa’s Aquifers

While John S. Mbiti (1931–2019) is highly acclaimed for his scholarly contributions to the fields of African religion and philosophy, little attention has been paid to his reflections on African Christian spirituality. Arguing vehemently against “imported Christianity,” he contends that only a genuine encounter between African religiosity and the Christian faith will quench the spiritual thirst of African peoples. This essay identifies and explores a few key contributions Mbiti offers in this regard and outlines certain critiques of his work. The central argument is that like the tremendous resource of Africa’s vast aquifers, African religiosity is a deep, enduring reservoir for enriching the understanding and experience of African Christian spirituality. Examples of the wellsprings of African religiosity that African Christian spirituality draws from include prayer, a unified worldview that does not erect dichotomies between the physical and spiritual realms, and a deeply communal orientation. Mbiti also underlines that certain elements within African religion require discernment in light of the gospel, so that Africans’ prior religious experience might be transposed into the fullness of life in Christ. Thus, African Christian spirituality can enhance not only the faith experience of African believers, but also followers of Jesus throughout the world who seek to deepen their spiritual lives.

Exploring New Dimensions of Christian Faith from Traditionto Digital Transmission in Cyberspace

Exploring New Dimensions of Christian Faith from Traditionto Digital Transmission in Cyberspace

Biblical Study: The Proper Name of יהוה(Yahweh) that his People Forgot Based on Jeremia 23:23–24

This research aims to open the insight of Christian believers and leaders in Indonesia regarding (YAHWEH), the name of the Biblical God or Elohim, whom Christianity has forgotten in Indonesia. Whereas הוהי(YAHWEH) is the Omnipresent God of the Covenant. He is present not only in the New Testament but also in the Old Testament. The fact of His omnipresence is written in the Old Testament Scriptures through several of His self-revelations, which are the same or similar to the self-revelation uttered by YESHUA HaMashiakh. This study was conducted based on Jeremiah 23:23–24, which contains an incident where YAHWEH as the proper name of the God of Israel/Judah, was forgotten by the people of Israel/Judah because of the actions of their prophets at that time who planned to make YAHWEH’s people forget the name of YAHWEH through their leadership. Their dreams lie, just as their ancestors forgot the Name of YAHWEH because of Baal. The text of Jeremiah 23:23–32 was deliberately chosen and used as primary data by researchers because the cases contained in it are similar to what is a reality in the life of faith of Indonesian Christians today. It is hoped that the selection of the text of Jeremiah 23:23–24 is truly relevant to obtain findings that will be very useful for transforming the worship of a truly Biblical God. In this qualitative literature study, the methods used by researchers are exegesis, interpretation, and comparison both with primary data from Jeremiah 23:23–32 and with several secondary data in the form of literature and texts considered parallel. It is hoped that the research results and their implications can be implemented in the faith life of Christians in Indonesia who still use the Name of Allah so that in the future it is hoped that the Bible will truly contain the name YAHWEH. YAHWEH is no longer replaced by the title LORD or the name ALLAH. Also, the terms Elohim (~yhla) in the Old Testament and Theos (Qeoj) in the original New Testament are no longer translated as the Name of God.

PERSPEKTIF PANDANGAN IMAN KRISTIANI TERHADAP FILSAFAT OKULTISME: HERMITISISME DAN KABBALAH

Kabbalah and Hermitism are often unwittingly adopted into the practice of Christian theology due to the clergy's ignorance of this occult philosophical knowledge. The practice of occult philosophy sometimes unconsciously enters into the social practice of Christian society, especially those that are thick with local culture. The concept of cultural inculturation is a legitimization that is often used as an excuse to announce the practice. The purpose of this writing is to provide theological thinking insights into the philosophical practices of the Kabbalah occult and Hermitism so that the church returns to the true teachings and is based on the principles of the Christian faith. This research method uses a qualitative method based on literature research, observation of social conditions, community culture, and history. The results of the study show that the practices of Philosophy, Kabbalah Occultism and Hermitism inadvertently inculturate the socio-pastoral conditions of the Christian faith, which also has an impact on legalized religious ritual actions.

Can Systematic Theology Be Saved? Doctrine and Its Discontents

This paper explores recent discussions on the nature and character of Christian doctrine and doctrinal arrangement within leading accounts of systematic theology, that is, the attempt to offer an integrated and cohesive account of the central commitments of the Christian faith. Through such discussion, I argue that the perennial epistemological problem systematic theology faces in its attempts to speak about a (divine) object who definitionally exceeds such speech is related to the specific ethical problem of systematic theology’s performances as a hegemonic discipline, one which often functions to exclude non-white, non-male perspectives. In light of these challenges, I contend that “positive” reasons for continuing systematic theology remain remote; systematic theology cannot be saved. Yet neither can it be avoided, lest such problems are willfully repeated and because of the ways systematic theology continues to be a leading site of doctrinal reflection within Christian education and intellectual reflection. I therefore conclude this paper by exploring two apocalyptic responses to the crises facing systematic theology which advocate for its continuation precisely by calling for its “end”.

Секта христововеров в Украинской ССР

The article is devoted to the history of the oldest Russian sect of Hristovovery or Khlysty on the territory of Ukraine during Soviet times. The purpose of the work is to explore the existence of the Khlysty sect in the Ukrainian SSR, to consider some of the features of the spread of the sect and the details of its rituals. The source base of the research was unpublished operational documents of Ukrainian archives. Special studies devoted to the sect of Christ-believers in Ukraine during the Soviet period were not found. The article applies a materialistic understanding of history, which requires consideration of historical phenomena in development, in the unity of the logical and historical, i.e. in the unity of material and spiritual factors. In the course of the work, it was established that the Khlysty sect was recorded on the territory of the future Ukraine from the first half of the 18th century and spreads across those regions where the Great Russian population lived compactly: in Old Believer settlements in Starodubye (the future Chernigov region), in the Azov region. West of the Dnieper, the sect of Christian believers is not fixed. In Soviet times, state security agencies regularly reported the existence of Christian believers in the same areas where they existed in the pre-revolutionary period. A feature of the Christian faith in Soviet times was the merger of the sect with Orthodox movements that were in opposition to both the Soviet regime and the official Russian Orthodox Church.

Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in North-Central Nigeria

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a major challenge to global efforts to control the pandemic, particularly in Nigeria, where hesitancy to other effective vaccines such as polio and measles has been widely reported. Several individual, societal, and structural factors contribute to this behaviour and prevent the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention efforts. Objectives This study sought to identify the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the seven states of North-Central, Nigeria. Methods A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted among residents using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO SAGE vaccine hesitancy scale and distributed via social media networks over 8-weeks. Results A total of 1,429 responses met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Among the respondents, 60.7% were males, 47.5% were between the ages of 26 and 45, and 80.1% had postsecondary education. A total of 421 respondents (29.5%) were hesitant and unwilling to receive the vaccine. The reasons for hesitancy were concerns about side effects (37.1%), doubt about the existence of COVID-19 (11.0%), and the perception of time required to receive the vaccine (9.6%). Post-secondary education (AOR: 0.49, 0.36-0.66) and people of the Islamic faith (AOR: 0.68, 0.52-0.90) were found to be associated with lower levels of hesitancy. Conclusion The study found that vaccine hesitancy is a complex problem that is linked with multiple social determinants of health as lower educational attainment, lower income and Christian faith were found to be predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Confidence, Complacency and Convenience factors were expressed by respondents as concerns about side effects, doubt about the existence of COVID-19 and time required to receive the vaccines were the most prominent reasons for unwillingness to receive the vaccine. In order to protect the public health of communities, targeted interventions are required to increase vaccine acceptance by cultivating trust in vaccines, disseminating accurate information, and engaging with community stakeholders including religious groups.

Beyond Empathy; Love. Person and Otherness in the Thought of Edith Stein

Debating the nature of social cognition, there has been an upsurge in studies on empathy since the turn of the century. The contribution of Edith Stein’s doctoral dissertation On Empathy has also been brought to the forefront. In her philosophy, there is a continuous concern for the questions of social relations and human community, the explorations of the human person and its unfolding in the encounter with otherness being a leading thread in her work. Still, after her dissertation, the notion of empathy is no longer in use. What does this signify? I propose that the notion of ‘empathy’ proved to be too restrained for what Stein discovers and wants to phenomenologically describe. After her conversion to the Christian faith, working in the intersection of philosophy and theology, she expands and transforms her notion of what it means to be a person and, correspondingly, her intuition of the social relation. In the interpretative readings of this article, I show how Edith Stein’s early intuitions on empathy, alterity, and personhood come to full development in her later writings, where the relation to otherness and the unfolding of the person are conceived as inseparable from the experience of a loving God.

Covenantal Care: Nursing with God's Love and Justice.

With resources stretched thin and the growing risk of compassion fatigue, faith beliefs can offer enriching perspectives for nurses. Covenantal care is a nursing approach rooted in theological insights about humanity's inherent purpose to engage in relationship with God and actively participate in acts of love and justice. Based upon interpretations of Judeo-Christian teachings of imago Dei and God's covenant with humankind, this approach provides guidance for the nurse to care for self, patients, and the wider community. This exploration of theology-in-practice provides an orientating ethos for nurses that reflects the loving, restorative, and dignified care that is at the heart of the Christian faith.

“I need to be strong”: Refugee women embody resilience within personal, host, and faith communities

This basic qualitative study sought to understand resilience from the perspective of women refugees. In June 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 women refugees from Ukraine living in Teplice, Czech Republic. Findings demonstrated that participants embodied resilience within the context of their personal, host, and faith communities. First, family members were motivation to make the journey out of Ukraine and friends were helpful resources of information and meeting practical needs. Host communities included volunteers at international borders, churches on the journey, the Czech government, and various strangers as factors in their resilience. Finally, within faith communities, participants described their own personal Christian faith, “miracles,” and churches that were place to belong. This study is situated in the broad academic literature about resilience and refugees studies. Yet, the research findings add empirical data to corroborate conceptual and theoretical literature. Additionally, this research relies on data from refugee women themselves.

Factors Leading Young Christian Adults to Elope in the Anglican Church of Kenya, Taveta East Archdeaconry

This study sought to establish factors leading young Christian adults to the practice of eloping among youth in the Anglican Church, Taveta East Archdeaconry. It was guided by the Human Psychosocial Development Theory, Ecological Model Theory, and Moral Development Theory. It adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was eloping aged 20 - 40 years, 5 clergies, and 61 parents. The study used a purposive sampling method. The study’s sample size was 176. Face-to-face interviews were used for the clergy. Focus group discussions were used for the parents. The questionnaires' accuracy and reliability were verified by the inter-rater method. The analyses made use of the statistical package for social sciences version 28. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, mean, and percentages. Qualitative data was organized into themes for analysis. The study findings include; factors such as; peer influence, financial difficulties in a family, little guidance and counseling in church; parents’ support for eloping practice; phone; youth failing to embrace the Christian faith, which contribute to the practice of eloping among the Christian youth in Taveta East Archdeaconry. Language barrier posed a challenge to some respondents. Some were more conversant with Kiswahili than English prompting the translation of questionnaires from English to Kiswahili. Questionnaires require more time to reach the respondents, filling and returning them. This was solved by early communication to clergy and timely distribution. The number of respondents per focus group in some parishes was less than expected. This was solved by increasing the number of respondents in another station.

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.