Christianity Research Articles

The Faith of Nicaea, the Hierarchy of Truths, and the Restoration of Eucharistic Communion between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches

AbstractThe paper discusses the problem of Orthodox‐Catholic disunity by naming non‐theological and discussing theological issues behind the issues in bilateral dialogues between the Churches. The main theological issue is the absence of agreement on which doctrinal differences should or should not count as church‐dividing. The author argues that the concept of the ‘hierarchy of truths’, introduced by Vatican II's Unitatis Redintegratio is a promising heuristic tool for distinguishing the doctrines that pertain to the ‘fundamental Christian faith’ and other important doctrines that do not have the same authoritative status. The author proposes that the agreement on the ‘Nicene faith’ could function as a sufficient condition for the Eucharistic communion between the two Churches on two grounds of the use of the Creed in the rites of initiation and the liturgy. The author subsequently articulates three potential objections to his proposal, responds to these objections, and finishes the paper with what could be called a ‘Nicene Formula of Reunion’. The proposed Formula includes a commitment to seeking an increasingly greater convergence on doctrinal and ecclesiastical issues on which there is continuing, although not church‐dividing disagreement.

“Is It Roast Lamb for Dinner?” Reflections on Love, Loss and a Living God

This essay is a personal response to the questions that arose to confront my Christian faith as I attempted to navigate a way forward amidst the impact and consequences of a cancer diagnosis for, firstly, my sister and then my husband. It is a navigation that is still, and in some respects will always be, ongoing, but in reflecting on how the ‘wrong’ questions might be replaced by the ‘right’ ones, this essay seeks to retain hope as a guiding principle to light the way ahead.

Semantics and Religion: Christian Themes, the nsm Approach

Abstract This introduction to Cognitive Semantics and Religion provides an overview of the contributions to this special issue. It explains how nsm, and its more recent development Minimal Languages (e.g. Minimal English) can shed light on problems of translation in biblical linguistics, and in understanding Christian concepts and ideas. The paper points to the long nsm tradition of exploring Christianity through universal human concepts and discusses how this tradition seeks to bring a new clarity to the understanding of Christian faith.

Embodying God: ritual, value, and secular‐sacred entanglements in Norwegian folk high school education

This paper explores the role of Lutheran ritual in value formations in Norwegian folk high school education. Folk high schools, subsidized by the state, offer gap year programs that are meant to instil values in young adult students before they attend higher education or enter the workforce. Drawing upon fifteen months of ethnographic fieldwork at a Christian folk high school in south‐eastern Norway, I assess how the school's Lutheran masses were designed to develop values relating to community, experience, and equality by inviting all students and staff, irrespective of their personal relationships with the Christian faith, to participate. I argue that despite prevailing stereotypes of Norway being predominantly secular, the ‘hidden sacrality’ of Norwegian political and social life was made visible through these masses at the state‐sponsored Christian folk high school. I take the body as an analytic, arguing that the school's rituals, designed to encourage students to ‘embody God’, were situated in students’ bodies in such a way that sameness and difference, secularity and sacrality, and faith and doubt could co‐exist.

Handbook for the Christian Faith: Essential Beliefs and Practices for Twenty-First-Century American Methodists and Like-Minded Protestants. A Book about Extraordinary People

Handbook for the Christian Faith: Essential Beliefs and Practices for Twenty-First-Century American Methodists and Like-Minded Protestants. A Book about Extraordinary People

PASTOR NAMJU BYUN AND THE GWANGJU DEMOCRATIZATION MOVEMENT: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS

Although scholars have carried out comprehensive research on the 1980 "Gwangju Democratization Movement" (GDM) and the 1987 "June Democratic Struggle," they have notably overlooked exploring the role of Protestant leaders throughout these crucial times in South Korea's modern era. The lack of this data in the academic literature extremely limits our knowledge of the greater sociopolitical aspects that influenced these movements. Hence, the major goal of this research is to address this lack of knowledge by assessing Pastor Namju Byun's stewardship and highlighting the significant contribution of Christian leaders as well as Christian communities to South Korea's political movement. It is evident that Pastor Byun's social and religious principles not only significantly contributed to the progress of the democratic movement but also provided steadfast leadership to his fellow believers. This research underscores the integral connection between political activism and Christian faith, focusing on how leaders like Pastor Byun exemplified faith-driven initiatives. By doing so, it seeks to demonstrate the transformative impact of Christian leadership on shaping social and political change.

LORD as the Foundation of Christian Marriage According to Deuteronomy 7:1-11

Nowadays, the problem that occurs in the context of marriage is the occurrence of interfaith marriage. Interfaith marriage in question is a marriage between a man and a woman of different religions and each maintains the religion they adhere to. Therefore, the question of how the Christian faith actually responds to the pros and cons of interfaith marriage is important to review again. Furthermore, who or what is the basis for the continuation of marriage according to the biblical context will be traced through Deuteronomy 7:1-11. The biblical search was carried out hermeneutically-exegegetically using various related literature. This question then became the main problem to be studied in this paper. The findings from the biblical search of Deuteronomy 7:1-11 show that LORD is the basis and key to the continuation of an ideal marriage in order to respond to the pros and cons of interfaith marriage.

Exploring the Doctrine of Salvation in Evangelical Theology and Its Relevance in the Postmodern Era.

Humans are fragile beings, and even the knowledge they possess may not save them from eternal punishment. Humanity needs God for salvation, once and for all, a salvation that cannot be lost, as outlined in the doctrine of salvation in Evangelical Theology. This paper aims to historically elaborate on the concept of salvation in Evangelical theology and the biblical foundations of Evangelical beliefs, where it is not salvation that is lost, but rather humans themselves who are lost from God's presence for not accepting Christ as their Savior. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative method with a literature study approach, it gathers sources as evidence of the long journey of the Christian faith. Ultimately, through Evangelical doctrinal perspectives, it can open doors to proclaim salvation for everyone amid the challenges of the times.

Kwame Bediako: A Decolonial Quest to Recover Spirituality of the Wholeness of Life in Theological Education

This article contends that Kwame Bediako’s theology promotes a decolonial approach to theological education, aimed at restoring an African sense of life’s wholeness. This perspective emphasizes integrating a transformative spirituality centered on the fullness of life by fostering global networks of decolonial friendships and empowering local communities to embrace their cultural identities within the Christian faith. Consequently, Bediako provides a decolonial vision and pathway for renewing and transforming theological education in African contexts.

THE EXPRESSION OF THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE AS THE CARRIER OF THE CHRISTIAN VALUE SYSTEM IN THE "METS MHER" BRANCH OF THE ARMENIAN FOLK EPIC

The Armenian epic embodies the collective consciousness and values of the people, which, transcending space and time, have been distilled to retain only what is true, valuable, and intrinsic to their identity. At the core of these moral principles lies the Christian value system, which has evolved over centuries to form a stable and enduring foundation. This system is prominently reflected throughout the Armenian epic, including its "Mets Mher" branch, illustrating that the Armenian People, as the earliest adopters of Christianity as a state religion, were the primary custodians of these Christian beliefs and values. In the Armenian epic, God is subtly present in all aspects of the Armenian people's lives. Their deep faith is reflected not only in the actions and events involving the heroes and the nation as a whole but also in their speech, behavior, and interpretations of various occurrences. The Armenian epic stands as one of humanity's most brilliant artistic creations, highlighting the essential characteristics of the Armenian people. Their Christian faith is an inseparable part of their worldview and understanding of life. Therefore, to foster national self-awareness in the younger generation, it is important to develop a special program for a deeper and more comprehensive study of the Armenian epic in modern schools.

John Calvin’s Theological Reflection on the Necessity of Prayer: How to Promote a Covenantal Relationship of God and Humanity in Christ

This article explores the perceived tension in John Calvin’s teachings regarding human prayer within the broader theological context of predestination and the bondage of the human will to sin. Contrary to claims of a logical contradiction, I argue that Calvin’s doctrine of prayer aligns with his soteriology, serving as a practical expression of Christian faith. Calvin places prayer within his theological anthropology, emphasizing the renewed human nature post-salvation, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Framed as a dialogue with God, prayer becomes a believer’s responsibility involving discernment, gratitude, and petitionary prayers—a simultaneous response to requests and a discipline of faith. Calvin examines the harmonious interplay of divine and human will in Christ’s prayer for believers, justifying and sanctifying imperfect human petitions through Christ’s mediation. His theological reflection suggests God’s personal response to His children’s requests, elevating them to covenantal partners in realizing his eternal salvific will in Christ.

The Authenticity of Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death: A Legal and Theological Review in Response to Polemical Allegation

Abstract: The rise of interpretations from non-Christian religious leaders about Christian teachings is the highlight of the researcher in this study, especially the wrong interpretation of the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. Non-Christian figures interpret that Jesus was never crucified, but it was someone else who was crucified because Jesus could disappear, besides that the opinions of the interpreters do not agree with each other, some say, Yudah Iscariot, Simon the Cyrenian, Simon the Arab, Barsabas and others. This interpretation contradicts the Christian Faith and the testimony of the Bible, so researchers want to prove with this research to prove that Jesus was really crucified and died on the cross. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods through literature studies supported by historical documents. From the results of the research, it was found that the undeniable fact according to the law that Jesus was crucified on the hill of Golgotha and died, and rose on the third day, as witnessed by eyewitnesses, also reinforced by the testimony of philosophers and early church fathers, as well as testimony from non-Christians that Jesus Christ was really crucified and died on the cross, was buried and rose on the third day.

LANGKAH BERSAMA : PERAN MAHASISWA TEOLOGI DALAM MEWUJUDKAN KEESAAN GEREJA

This article is titled "Joint Steps: The Role of Theology Students in Realizing Church Unity." Church unity is a fundamental concept in the Christian faith that emphasizes the importance of unity among various denominations. In an increasingly complex global context, divisions and the emergence of new sects threaten dialogue and cooperation between churches. Therefore, theology students have a crucial role in fighting for unity through the Ecumenical movement. Using a qualitative research method that relies on library data collection, this article investigates how theology students can contribute to organizing seminars, interdenominational worship, and social service projects. Their active participation in the Ecumenical movement is expected to overcome skepticism and strengthen cooperation between churches. Through these steps, theology students not only understand the unity of the church but can also become agents of transformation that bring to life the values ??of unity. Thus, the church can become a stronger witness in the world, reflecting the universal love of Christ.

Strategies in Education Christian Morals for Children with Intellectual Disabilities A Guide for Parents

Christian moral education strategies for children with intellectual disabilities play an important role in the formation of solid character and spiritual values. This guide is designed to assist parents in effectively implementing the principles of Christian moral education at home. The main focus of these strategies is on developing a loving environment, a deep understanding of the child's special needs, and the use of creative and adaptive learning methods. Parents are encouraged to incorporate Bible stories, prayer, and other spiritual activities in the child's daily routine. In addition, the importance of parental example in applying Christian values is also emphasized, as children tend to learn through observation and imitation. Involving children in church communities and social activities can help them feel a sense of community and strengthen their sense of spiritual identity. An emphasis on patience, understanding, and emotional support is essential in dealing with the challenges that arise in this moral education process. The guide also includes practical tips for dealing with difficult behavior, as well as ways to motivate children to continue learning and growing in their Christian faith. With a loving and inclusive approach, it is hoped that children with intellectual disabilities can develop strong Christian morals and grow into individuals of integrity and faith. This guide aims to provide comprehensive support and guidance for parents, so that they can be effective primary educators of their children on their spiritual and moral journey.

MISTERUL ȘI SENSUL MORȚII ÎN CREȘTINISM

The Mistery and Meaning of Death in Christianity. What is our hope as Christians? What are we looking forward to? What future does God have in store for us after we die? Will it involve this beautiful earth as well as all of creation? To raise these kinds of questions is to ask ourselves questions about eschatology, about realities and the end times. Given that, as we said above, the Christian faith is essentially eschatological, we eagerly await the coming of the Eschaton, having the hope of the coming of the age of salvation, of the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven. Eschatology should occupy a central place in our Christian faith, because without a belief in the realities of the future, we have no hope.

“Giving the best of yourself“ – a sport from a Christian perspective

For many, it may seem strange to speak about sport from a Christian perspective. The question we may ask should be: Are you a Christian who plays sport, or are you a Christian in sport? In 2018, the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life published a new document, entitled “Giving the Best of Yourself“. This document gives a panoramic Christian vision of sport and the human person. As the same document says: “Giving one’s very best is a fundamental theme in sports, as athletes both individually and collectively strive to achieve their goals in the game. When a person gives his very best, he experiences satisfaction and the joy of accomplishment. The same is true in human life in general and in living out the Christian faith“ (Giving the best of yourself, Motives and purpose). This document attempts to better understand the relationship between giving our very best in sports and living the Christian faith in every aspect of our lives. The author explains here the various sections of the Document to show how sport and Christian life can be related.

NORMALITATEA ÎNTRE REALUL ȘI VIRTUALUL RELAȚIILOR SOCIALE POSTMODERNE ÎN RAPORT CU VOCAȚIA CREȘTINĂ

Normality between the Real and Virtual of Postmodern Social Relations in Relations to the Christian Vocation. The period of the last years, wich marked the world through the SarsCovid-19 virus pandemic, had a strong impact on the harmonious development of all those who transmuted the physical reality into the virtual one. Since isolation imposed for the purpose of the common good also had various negative effects, we can bring into question the normality between the real and the virtual of postmodern social relations in relation to the Christian vocation. In postmodern society, due to globalization, individual autonomy, the relativity of interpersonal relationships, and criticism of religion, moral life is eclipsed by economic primacy and the status it provides. Ethics does not appear as an unconditional ideal but as a response in liberal societies to fears related to the uncontrolled growth of economic, technological, scientific, media etc. powers of these, placing them in relation to the moral values of the Christian faith.

Pembinaan Pemuda kristen tentang Pemuda, Teknologi dan Hamil diluar Nikah

Youth are the backbone of a nation as well as a church, therefore as youth they should do many things in life, and be the controllers of the rapid technological advances that are currently developing. However, in reality, with the advancement of existing technology, many young people fall into promiscuity (extramarital sex) which causes pregnancy. Because young people in the era of introducing technology, are still unable to control themselves well, they actually fall into habits that are detrimental to themselves, others, and society. The purpose of this community service activity is to provide education and encouragement for young people in Siloam Humone so that they can know and understand the benefits and impacts of using technology, and be wise in using technology, so that they do not fall into promiscuity. The method of implementing PKM "guidance for young people of the Siloam Humone congregation regarding youth, sex and premarital pregnancy" is divided into the following stages: 1). The implementation of community service is preceded by initial observation with the pastor and the Humone community online, 2). Implementation of community service activities for young people in Siloam Humone. The importance of implementing this activity is to provide education so that we can act wisely in the technological era so that we do not fall into free association, but must hold on to the Christian faith, so that we are not easily influenced by technological advances and bad associations.

Gruntowna edukacja a perspektywa uczestnictwa w życiu publicznym w ocenie Ojców Kapadockich

A thorough education of the young was highly valued by parents, who saw it as a foundation for their sons’ success in public life in ancient Rome, both in the Republican and Imperial periods. Every young Roman, through physical training, moral and intellectual education, was prepared from childhood to hold office in both the army and the imperial administration. In the 4th century AD, when the Cappadocian Fathers lived and worked, both in the East and in the West of the Empire there was always a need for people well-prepared for public service, who formed the backbone of the civil and military administration. In home education, not only was the art of reading and writing taught, but – especially in the case of boys – their physical development and skills useful in a future military career were taken care of. Parents were primarily responsible for such education, although the skills of slaves, grandparents from both sides and older siblings were often used, who supported the parents in their educational activities. The next two stages of education were first in public schools at primary and secondary levels, and then able young men were sent to the main schools run by recognized teachers, where they completed their education useful for taking up duties in the public life of the Empire. For young Christians who did not have a well-ordered educational system, the only possibility of obtaining a thorough education was to use the system that had been functioning for centuries in ancient Rome. The Cappadocian Fathers, obedient to the will of their parents, acquired a thorough education by attending lectures by famous representatives of the so-called Second Sophistic with the intention of engaging in the public life of the Empire. However, in a short time, their lives changed and they used their knowledge and skills in the service of the Church, combating heterodox teaching and strengthening the faithful in their fidelity to orthodoxy. They recommended that young people acquire a thorough education, in which they should avoid mythological content that was the content of readings recommended by teachers in public schools. That which ennobled the spirit and supported a virtuous life should be accepted, but everything that was immoral and incompatible with the teachings of Christ should be rejected. The Cappadocian Fathers did not oppose young people studying secular sciences and engaging in public life, but concern for preserving the faith in Christ had to be in the first place.

Влияние христианского вероучения на осмысление феномена социального статуса в проповедях Иоанна Златоуста

The article examines the influence of Christian doctrine on the understanding of the phenomenon of social status in the sermons of John Chrysostom (between 344 and 354 – 407) on the example of the relationship between generations and between spouses. It is demonstrated that, according to the philosopher, a high social status of the elderly compared to the young and of husbands compared to wives is not an inevitable and natural property of collective human existence, but rather depends on specific conditions. The basis for the saint’s high status is success in a virtuous life, which in the Christian faith is thought of as the main means of salvation and deification. Both the older generation and husbands have certain natural advantages that allow them to achieve success in a virtuous life with less difficulty and, accordingly, to have a high status. However, if a person in a subordinate position begins to surpass their superior in virtue, they can and even should change places in the social hierarchy. This understanding of social status is rooted in Christian doctrine, which emphasizes the importance of moral character and spiritual growth over external factors such as age, sex, or social position.