Christianity Research Articles

Determinants of men’s perspectives on women contraceptive use in Ghana: an analysis of the 2022 Ghana demographic and health survey

BackgroundMale dominance in reproductive health decision-making, specifically regarding family planning and contraceptive use among women, has been argued to have a significant influence on Africa’s fertility transition. However, there is a paucity of research evidence on the extent to which men influence contraceptive adoption and the factors shaping their perspectives on contraceptive use among women in Ghana. This study aims to examine the factors influencing men’s perspectives on women’s contraceptive use in Ghana.MethodsData for this study was obtained from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) conducted between October 17, 2022 and January 14, 2023. A total weighted sample of 7,044 men aged 15–59 was extracted from the men’s data file. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 27, employing both descriptive and binary logistics regression modeling. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe results indicate that 63% of men disagreed with the opinion that contraception is solely a woman’s concern, while 59% agreed with the view that contraceptive use encourages promiscuity among women. With factors that significantly influence men’s opinion on contraception being solely a woman’s concern, men with secondary (aOR = 0.69; C.I: 0.57–0.82) and higher education, residing in urban areas, belonging to other Christian faiths, Ga/Dangme, Ewe, and Mole-Dagbani men were less likely to agree with such opinions. Conversely, men dwelling in the Coastal zones were more likely to agree with that view. Men exposure to FP messages on radio and during community durbars had higher odds of agreeing with that opinion. Regarding the factors influencing men’s perspective on the perception that contraceptive use by women encourages promiscuity, men who are 20–24 (aOR = 1.51; C.I:1.12–2.03) and 35–39 years in Coastal and Middle Belt zones, cohabiting and formerly married men were more likely to agree with such opinions. Conversely, men with higher educational levels, in urban areas and unemployed had lower odds to agreeing with such perception.ConclusionsThe study underscores the importance of men’s socio-demographic characteristics and their exposure to FP messages in shaping their perspectives on women’s contraceptive use. Policy implications highlight the need to involve men in promoting safe sexual and reproductive health practices.

The Birth of Hyperborea. Volynsky vs Blok

The article treats the historical discussion between A. L. Volynsky and A. A. Blok, which took place at several meetings of the editorial board of the publishing house “World Literature” in 1919. The reason for the discussion was Blok’s presentation on the translations of H. Heine where the poet discusses the fate of modern culture and the related problem of humanism. Blok understands humanism as a specific cultural and historical phenomenon, rooted in the Renaissance and asserting the perfect autonomy of the human person and total individualism. On the contrary, Volynsky considers humanism as a universal and timeless principle, as “the ideological core of every historical process.” The dispute soon spilled over into the field of comparative religion; its subject was Heine’s Judaism and, more broadly, Judaism as one of the sources of Christianity. In the course of this discussion Volynsky’s concept of the Hamitic basis of the Christian faith, which was therefore devoid of monic monolithicity, was developed. This concept will form the basis of his book “The Hyperborean Hymn,” which will become the final chord of his creative life. This book will reconsider the then fashionable hypothesis about the Arctic origin of the Aryan civilization. According to Volynsky, Hyperborea was a real northern country. Its inhabitants were a single people, their whole life was determined by the principle of monism. Due to climate change, several thousand years ago the Hyperboreans were forced to leave their land. Scattered throughout the southern lands, they lost their original monism — all except the Semites, who retained the features of their ancient ancestors and monotheistic religion. In the spirit of Russian cosmism, the author prophesies about the coming era of the “new Apollo”— a man of holistic consciousness and universal intelligence who will live forever.

Belonging, care, and support: findings from Ottawa’s healthy end of life project

ABSTRACT With a rapidly aging population, Canada has a growing need for public health palliative care services. End of life care, including palliative care, is holistic in nature, paying attention to the physical, psychological, social-cultural, and spiritual needs of the person who is dying and their networks of friends, family, and caregivers. Public health approaches to palliative care work to strengthen community capacities to provide care in tandem with medical and social services. This study reports on the findings of the Healthy End of Life Project (HELP Ottawa), a 4.5-year community-based research project, to demonstrate the importance of including faith communities in public health palliative care initiatives. Focusing on Christian faith communities, this article explores how faith communities can best build the capacity to offer, ask for, and accept support for members who are living with advanced illness, caregiving, or grieving.

Biblical Leadership Spirituality in Developing the Quality of Catholic Education

Catechists preach the Bible through the practice of catechesis. The proclamation is carried out in a methodical and organic manner. Catechist actors, in particular, focus on evangelizing the general public, both clergy and laity. In the real-world development of the Christian faith, laypeople who become catechists have a complicated responsibility. Because they are directly involved in the lives of the people, they are at the forefront of the ministry work. They are also, in another sense, among people who share God's word with others. The lay catechists' experiences in life have become so ingrained in people's lives. The realities of today are extremely diverse. Even though they live in a time of globalization and modernity, there are still a lot of areas in which civilization has not been particularly developed. Border areas are in many cases being ignored, like places that are sometimes still harder to get to than the development of government centers, like roads that are hard to get to. Catechists face difficulties in providing services due to the scattered location of their service stations. To continue serving under the most difficult circumstances, the catechists need a spiritual spirit to support their efforts in developing religious education in this global world.

Theological appraisal of the satisfaction theory of atonement

The doctrine of atonement is central to the logic of the Christian faith. As a core part of Christian theology, the subject of atonement has received much scholarly attention since the emergence of the Christian church. Different scholars have interpreted Christ’s atoning sacrifice in different ways based on their socio-political milieu. One of such interpretations is Anselm’s satisfaction theory which considers the atonement as a supererogatory act that provided satisfaction for humankind’s disobedience of God. Like any other model of atonement, Anselm’s model has its strengths and limitations. The lack of literature on the contextual application of Anselm’s satisfaction theory to the Ghanaian context has prompted this study which appraises the theory and then discusses how it might address selected challenges facing the contemporary Ghanaian society. The methodology used for the first task comprised a synchronic historical review and conceptual analysis of existing literature on the satisfaction theory. Among other things, the study found that the satisfaction theory rightly considers God as the receiver of the atonement but fails to address pertinent issues regarding God’s redemptive and covenantal nature. This was followed by a comparative study between Anselm’s socioeconomic and political contexts and those of contemporary Ghana. Based on this, contextual applications of the theory were deduced for contemporary Ghana. The article contributes to the contemporary Christian discourse on the doctrine of soteriology and its relevance for the human society.

Using Claude Romano’s ‘evential phenomenology’ to reflect on moments of grace and hope during the pandemic

ABSTRACT Drawn from a wider study investigating the way people in Christian faith communities in Melbourne Australia experienced hope, grace and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper utilises Claude Romano’s notion of evential phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of three focus group participants in 2022. The phenomenological interpretation found that grace and hope were experienced as events, the significance of which were understood only after they had occurred. These events offered possibilities and opened up new worlds for these participants that provided grace, and which gave them hope for the future. Some tentative recommendations are offered in light of the interpretation.

Eden, Arcadia, and the Death of Poetry in John Keats’s Ode on Indolence

This essay proposes an interpretation of Keats’s Odes of 1819 predicated on a reading of the Ode on Indolence. The Ode is shown to be articulating a crisis endemic to Keats’s perception of the foundations of his vocation as a poet. The crisis originates in the poet’s increasing self-doubt regarding his ability to achieve the virtue of `negative capability` he associated with the writers he strove to emulate. Keats’s representation of these anxieties was informed to a significant degree by a recognition that neither the Classical models he revered, nor the Christian faith he had been brought up in, and which played an important role in his formal education, provided a promise of the immortality he craved both for his poetry, and latterly for himself, as his health began to deteriorate. The composition of Ode on Indolence lies at the centre of a matrix of thought within which the other Odes of 1819 unite to become a thematically linked requiem lamenting the demise of Keats’s career as a poet, as well as the fragility of his own mortality.

Adrian Thatcher, Vile Bodies: The Body in Christian Teaching, Faith and Practice

Adrian Thatcher, <i>Vile Bodies: The Body in Christian Teaching, Faith and Practice</i>

Религия, милосердие и следование разуму, куда бы он ни вел: переосмысление концепции Фомы Аквинского

Scholars of Aquinas have usually focused on the intellectual aspect of the Christian faith, i.e., on the view that faith is a propositional belief. In this view, faith can be subjected to rational scrutiny, and at least in principle rejected, if this is required by contrary evidence. In this article, I intend to show that for Aquinas, faith is not only a propositional belief. Consequently, it cannot be limited to the intellectual dimension. A moral and a religious one should be included, since faith is also a matter of good choice and relationship with God. Because of this relationship – which is the religious dimension of faith – faith is caused by charity, which makes the faithful firmly believe the fundamental tenets of divine revelation, however convincing contrary evidence may appear to be. Furthermore, when it comes to the relationship between faith and rational arguments, such a firm faith leads the believer to promote intellectual virtues, among which, open-mindedness stands out. The believer is led to follow reason wherever it leads, which means that he is put in the optimum condition to conduct research and debates.

Protestant Mission and Russian Orthodoxy: Certain Aspects of YMCAQ Activities in Russia in the Beginning of the 20th Century

In the article the author analyzes the activities of YMCA American Protestant organization in the territory of the Russian empire before the revolution of 1917. Missionary activities were completed with the social aspects. YMCA activities were based on the social evangelism, “New Theology” and “muscular” Christianity trends. The ideas of Christian faith accommodation to the standards of modern life and culture were brought to the Orthodox grounds and contributed to the formation of views on the basis of modernism and liberalism. American Protestants activities were strongly supported by the Provisional Government and continued until the establishment of Soviet power in the territory of Russia. In the article the author pays special attention to the transition period with epoch destruction and to YMCA role in that process, as it primarily worked with the most active social segment – the youth.

Mental and Spiritual Accompaniment of Cancer Patients

This paper explores the mental and spiritual accompaniment of cancer patients from a theological and pastoral perspective. The author reflects on her early experiences as a hospital chaplain and the challenges of communicating hope and comfort to patients facing a life-threatening diagnosis. She reviews the current literature on the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of cancer and how they affect patients’ coping strategies, quality of life, and meaning making. She also discusses the role of the Church and its functionaries in providing support and guidance to cancer patients, as well as the potential benefits of what a theologically reflected service can offer in extension to other approaches. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the patients’ emotional, relational, and spiritual needs and of respecting their individuality and dignity. The paper also highlights the supreme relevance of the Christian faith as a source of hope for cancer patients. The paper concludes with some practical suggestions for pastoral care and spiritual accompaniment of cancer patients. Keywords: cancer patients, pastoral psychology, ecopsychology, mental and spiritual accompaniment, human sciences and theology, hope

Christian Witness and Proclamation through Migration

People are constantly on the move, more so now than ever before. Crossing international borders is defi-nitely a major characteristic of our present era. No countries or regions are immune from this worldwide migration phenomenon, certainly not Asia. Statistics indicate that Christian immigrants are the largest population on the move, totaling 49 percent of all inter-national migrants on the planet. When Christian immigrants travel, they take their religion with them, or more personally, their God literally migrates with them. If every Christian migrant is a potential mission-ary, migration then could have enormous prospects and opportunities for evangelism – a commu-nicative act that involves the transmission of beliefs, ideas, or messages regarding their religious worldview. Thus, the aim of this essay is to examine the impact of and contribution to Christian witness and proclamation through today’s global phenomenon of migration. Migrants are indeed a precious gift of the Church, especially Asian Christian migrants, who normally bring their faith with them and bear witness of the Christian faith wherever they are. The effects of their plight and emigration not only alter the demo-graphic landscape and the image of Christianity, but also enhance the theology and spirituality of its host country. Keywords: migration, Christian migrants, Asian migrants, witness, proclamation

Mendidik Anak-Anak Yang Bermoral Rohani di Era Teknologi Informasi Sesuai Dengan Iman Kristen

The development of technology has a great influence on the spiritual morals of children. In this case, the role of parents, churches, and Christian schools is enormous. Based on theoretical studies and practical experiences, this paper aims to explain how parents, churches, and schools can play a major role in developing children's spiritual morals amid the onslaught of information technology. The method used is literature research based on biblical studies and practical studies based on experiences from parents at GKT New Life Semarang and Kindergarten Bintang Nusantara Banyumanik. This study concludes that parents, churches, and schools can build children's belief in the Bible's value through storytelling. Furthermore, social communication through family altars, online meetings for worship and fellowship, or private conversations for evangelism is also good to do. In addition, parents must be role models for children in spiritual matters, and the church must play a role in equipping parents. Christian teachers also need to be equipped to educate the children they are educated. Meanwhile, for teaching about the impact of technology, parents must firmly set boundaries and be an example. In addition, the church can also give lectures on the use of technology by the principles of the Christian faith and use it to preach the gospel. In schools, teachers must also provide teaching about the impact of technology and utilize technology as an attractive learning medium for children.

Russian Orthodox Churches “Under the Bells”: Semantic Features and Origin of the Worldview

The religious foundations underlying the construction of Russian Orthodox churches “under the bells”, and the meaning and role of this notion, are analyzed with reference to the traditional worldview. Architectural features of such churches are described. They belong to a rare type, and have been constructed in Russia from the 14th century to the present time. Their multiple meanings, influenced by Byzantine and European traditions, related to the key Orthodox notions, are analyzed. The most basic of these was the idea of the ladder, symbolizing spiritual growth, as evidenced by dedication of churches “under the bells” to the Stylites, to preachers developing key Orthodox notions, and to converts engaged in spiritual maturation, as well as to miracles believed to influence human life in a profound way. Dedications to miracles and miraculous icons, associated with military glory, and to canonized warriors, patrons of the military, are based on the idea of the victorious and life-giving cross. The image of the bell as a divine messenger is embodied in the tradition of placing bells right above the liturgical space, making perception of the “voice of God” by the flock more direct. A conclusion is reached that the pillar-like edifices of churches “under the bells” represent the most meaningful elements of the Russian worldview, marking the Orthodox cultural landscape, whose central idea is that of spiritual maturation and triumphant Christian faith.

CITY-STATE IN THE TREATISE BY J. V. ANDREAE: A VISION OF HARMONY AND ORDER

The article highlights the features of the architecture and urban planning structure of the utopian city-state described by the German theologian Johannes Valentinus Andrea in the treatise «Description of the Republic of Christianopolis» which was written in 1619. The aim of this article is a detailed analysis and graphic reproduction of the urban planning and architectural features of the utopian city described by J. V. Andreae. One of the tasks is to compare the structure of the city-state he recreated with the layout of the utopian settlements of T. More, T. Campanella and A. F. Doni, as those written in approximately the same period and depicting utopian states located on remote islands. Republic of Christianopolis is built in the shape of a perfect square, symbolizing order and rationality. Each side of the city is of equal length, and all the streets are laid out to form a regular, neat grid. In the center of the city there is a large square with a temple. This temple serves as the spiritual and civic nucleus of the city, underscoring the significance of religion and communal life in a utopian society. The city-state is divided into different zones according to their functional purpose. There are separate plots for residential buildings, administrative buildings, scientific institutes and agricultural areas. Such planning reflects a desire for efficiency and organization. Residential buildings are organized in such a way that each family has adequate housing with sufficient space for comfortable living. Gardens are located around the houses, which helps to create a public space for communication and interaction between residents. Despite the utopian nature of the society, the city has defensive structures such as walls and towers, which indicate a desire to protect the city from external threats. The article depicts a schematic general plan of the city of Christianopolis, conventional plans and sections of buildings. A review of the urban design features in J.V. Andreae's utopia compared to those in the works by T. More, A. F. Doni, and T. Campanella reveals common tendencies typical for that era, such as the ideal city shape, a preference for symmetry and centralized planning. It should be highlighted that in the treatise «Description of the Republic of Christianopolis», there is a more distinct zoning of areas and division of the population. J. V. Andrea created a utopian society where scientific knowledge and Christian faith are harmoniously combined. Christianopolis is depicted as a place where education and spirituality are integrated, reflecting the ideals of its era and the pursuit of knowledge. Keywords: utopia, symmetrical planning, urban structure, city fortifications, residential buildings.

Serikat Sosial Vinsensius Merawat Iman Orang Muda Katolik dalam Dunia Modern

This research aims to find an organizational forum for Catholic Young People (OMK) to care for their faith. The focus of this study is on the SSV (Society of Saint Vincent) as a forum for the growth of catholic youth&amp;#39;s faith. SSV is an international social organisation that focuses on serving the poor and is a means of directing young people on the path of holiness that originates from the Christian faith. SSV is open to anyone of good will, inclined towards Christian spirituality. The method used is quantitative andqualitative methods, namely through interviews with 6 members of the Saint Mary SSV Conference (Saint Mary Senior High School), several children outside SSV and found out from various literature research. This research found that SSV is able to become a forum for the growth of faith in young people who are under pressure from developments that are difficult to control. SSV is able to become a forum for the growth of young people's faith because it is engaged in social work that encourages youngpeople to meet other people and maintain the faith of both clients and members in the spirit of Christian faith. The findings in this research provide a contribution to the local and universal Church, that SSV is able to become a forum for the process of nurturing the faith of young people in facing the onslaught of secularization and the progress of the times.

A Christian Leadership Review on Youth Self-Leadership and Self-Efficacy Relations:

Abstract: Youth have self-leadership in their leadership spirit. They have efficacy regarding their belief in themselves as leaders to work. If leadership indicates a role model, then Timothy and Titus were two role models who represent the position and role of youth from the perspective of the Christian faith. In this regard, the aim of this research was to analyze the relationship between self-leadership and self-efficacy in youth by learning from Timothy and Titus from a Christian leadership perspective. This research used a literature review approach as part of a qualitative method. Researchers found that self-leadership and self-efficacy in young people were related to reflecting the qualities of leaders and their leadership, as in Timothy and Titus. Charismatic leaders are those who exercise their leadership by focusing on God. Leadership means the ability to be selfless but to have an interest in implementing goodness. In principle, the effort to lead essentially contains Christian values, which include an emphasis on God's grace for humans. Keywords: Christian leadership, self-efficacy, self-leadership, youth

THE EXERCISE OF TEACHING POWER AND ITS CANONICAL BASES

Since the participation of the two constituent elements of the Church, clergy and laity, in the administration of her teaching power, through acts of preaching, spreading, defending the Christian faith, formulating the truths of faith, etc., has both a scriptural and a canonical basis, in the pages of this canonical study we have examined both texts, to which we have given the necessary doctrinal clarifications. In order to show the canonical basis for the exercise of this teaching power, I have referred to the text of some canons (apostolic, ecumenical and local), which I have explained taking into account the canonical doctrine of the Eastern Church, which also confirms that the power of the Church comes from its Founder, that is, from our Lord Jesus Christ, and has been transmitted through His Holy Apostles and their successors, that is, through the bishops of the Ecumenical Orthodox Church (Universal/Catholic). According to this canonical doctrine, only the bishops of the Church are the "de jure" administrators of this power. Priests and laity can and do carry out acts of administration of ecclesiastical power, including teaching power, but only with the approval of the local hierarch, and within the limits of the power they have received through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism or through the Holy Sacrament of Ordination, as both the texts of the holy canons and the commentaries of some reputed canonists of ecumenical Orthodoxy show

Christian faith and multiculturalism in Indonesia: an effort to develop harmony based on religion

&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Indonesia is known as a country that has a pluralistic society. Diversity and diversity in a plural society can lead to many problems such as discrimination, violence, injustice. One feature is the diversity of religions, there are six religions recognized in Indonesia. Religious pluralism can be a trigger for disharmony in society. Disharmony because religion is not single because it is often accompanied by various interests such as politics, culture, and others. The writing of this article explains that the Christian faith as one of the religions in Indonesia can work in the same direction with the concept of multiculturalism to produce harmony in a pluralistic and pluralistic society like Indonesia. This writing uses qualitative interpretative and descriptive methods of understanding the Christian faith and multiculturalism. The explanation in this paper shows the real phenomenon that religion is often considered the cause of disharmony and multiculturalism can be a solution in a pluralistic and pluralistic society. This writing will be interesting when religion, especially the Christian faith can work together / in the same direction with multiculturalism to produce harmony in society. The results of this study are very useful to explain that religion (Christian faith) is not a cause of disharmony if done correctly. Christian faith does not conflict with multiculturalism which together can build harmony in the life of a pluralistic and pluralist society.&lt;/span&gt;

The Challenges of Migration: Xenophobia and Discrimination from the Perspective of Orthodox Christian Theology

Although our country has so far been bypassed by an aggressive phenomenon of migration, as has been happening for several decades in the West, nevertheless, in recent years, more and more emigrants from various countries with severe economic problems (Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Syria, Afghanistan, etc.) emigrated or were brought under employment contracts, to work in different fields of activity: construction, delivery, sanitation and others. The lack of local labour force, the majority of which emigrated, in turn, to the countries of the European Union, contributed significantly. This phenomenon comes with a series of challenges related to xenophobia, discrimination, racism, exploitation, abuse or even violence, generated by differences in mentality, culture, national identity or religion. From the perspective of the Orthodox Christian faith, we must address these challenges, referring to the landmarks we find in the Holy Scriptures and in patristic literature, trying to find those bridges of communication that could solve these problems.