Christianity Research Articles

Peningkatan Pemahaman Mengenai Kasih Allah Dan Iman Kristiani Kepada Persekutuan Pemuda-Pemudi GMI Manna Balige

A deep understanding of God's love and Christian faith is an important aspect in the spiritual life of every individual, especially the younger generation in the church. This article discusses efforts to increase understanding of God's love and Christian faith among the GMI Manna Balige youth association. The research method used is a quantitative approach through holding seminars which include material delivery, question and answer sessions, and interactive discussions. Evaluation is carried out through interview sessions to measure participant understanding. The results showed positive changes in participants' understanding and awareness of these concepts. It is hoped that this article can contribute to strengthening faith and love in the church community, as well as being a guide for developing similar programs in other churches.

Keaktifan Orang Muda Katolik Dalam Tugas Liturgi Di Gereja Santo Yosep Stasi Lubuk Mantuk

Young Catholics have an important role to play in the Church as the next generation and agents of change. This was affirmed by Saint Yoanes Paul II who called them the future of the Church and a source of hope for society. The Church sees the importance of the physical and spiritual development of young Catholics so that they are ready to take part in the service of the Church. The active participation of the faithful, especially the youth, is essential in realizing the expectations of all Church members in seeing the Church flourish. Young Catholics are encouraged to participate in various church activities, which aim to awaken their enthusiasm in knowing and deepening the Christian faith. The Church is expected to give attention and care in the apostolic task so that young people can live their faith. Liturgy as a work or service for the nation and a celebration of the mystery of salvation from God through Jesus Christ, plays an important role in shaping the faith and positive values of young people. This study aims to find out the participation of Catholic Youth in liturgical duties at St. Joseph's Church Stasi Lubuk Mantuk and identify the factors that cause their lack of participation. This study confirms that the responsibility of building the spirit of youth is the duty of the Church and the whole community

Prespektif Filsafat Kristen Tentang Eksistensi Allah

The existence of God is something that humans have always questioned. Humans rely on reason and knowledge to find out about the existence of God, even though humans have never found certainty about the existence of God. So various human assumptions about God arose, that God never existed, and some people denied and denied the existence of God. Even though humans engage in various studies, it is impossible for humans to fully understand and know the existence of God, because God is transcendent and unlimited, while humans are immanent or limited. Therefore, in writing this article, the author looked at it from a philosophical perspective based on Christian faith to answer several questions: Is it true that God does not exist? Is God just a human imagination? Many people, especially certain groups who do not believe in the existence of God, think that anyone who believes in the existence of God is a fool. This article discusses theological concepts and Christian philosophical thought, using arguments used to prove the inseparable existence of God from the perspective of Christian faith. Philosophy has long been a means of understanding and exploring the existence of God in various Christian traditions. The author presents several philosophical arguments used by Christian theologians to support belief in the existence of God, and also discusses the contribution of thought leadership of Christian philosophers in forming views on the existence of God. From a philosophical perspective, this article offers a deeper understanding of how the Christian faith views the existence of God and how philosophy can play a role in strengthening those beliefs. Finally, this article provides an overview of how to study philosophy to understand and reflect on the existence of God, especially within the framework of Christianity.

Creation, Thomas Berry, and the Church in Africa

The ecological crisis is a sign of the times, demanding adequate understanding, appropriate interpretation, and pastoral action in light of the Christian faith. Scholarly discourse on the ecological crisis continues to inspire partnership and collaborative actions in Africa. Sometimes, these efforts have yielded significant results, though amid uncharted territories. Scholars appeal for humans to embrace a mutually enhancing relationship with creation to build a common home for all creatures. A suitable and sustainable ecological vision that supports a communitarian approach to resolving the ecological crisis is Thomas Berry’s cosmology. Berry’s cosmological vision reclaims a creation theology that fosters a mutual relationship between humans and other creatures. Humans are beings in communion and beings in relationships created by God and thus from a common origin and moving toward a common destiny. This cosmological presupposition of Berry aligns with the ecological vision of Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’. The Pope calls humanity to a new cosmic relationship that would foster interdependency of the ecosystem and respect the intrinsic value of every creature. Given the unprecedented ecological challenges, humans have a unique role as intelligent beings toward other creatures, for future generations and the common good of the earth. This human responsibility toward the earth can be realized through an ecological ethics that fosters interdependence, interconnection, and mutuality in the human–earth relationship. Berry’s insights and Catholic ecological teachings merit consideration for African Catholicism.

Establishing Faith – The Close Relationships, the Early Influences and the Aspect of Integrity and Trust

Abstract This study examines the establishment of Christian faith amongst Norwegians aged 30–40, with focus on the impact and nature of early religious influences. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research synthesizes quantitative data from 585 participants, complemented by qualitative follow-ups with 10 respondents from the initial cohort. The tripartite investigation probes into the dynamics of Christian faith formation in this demographic. It particularly scrutinizes the synergy between personal relationships and engagement in Christian practices. The findings suggest a composite of activities that collectively underscore their significance. While youth ministry and parental influence during adolescence play notable roles, the qualities embodied in personal relationships – characterized by warmth, trustworthiness, and integrity – may be more crucial than the structural aspects of the relationships themselves. These insights contest conventional views of predominant influences on faith formation and religious acculturation, underscoring the salience of authentic interpersonal connections in navigating one’s spiritual trajectory.

The Seven Sleepers Tradition (Ashab-ı Kehf) in Afşin, Tarsus and Lice: Comparative Analysis of their Intangible Heritage

The present article analyses the Ashab al-Kahf tale and sites in Turkey and my analyses intersects the diciplines of the History of Religions and Religious Anthropology. The tale is a shared hagiographic tradition amongst Christians and Muslims which is widespread in many countries. The primordial Christian tale of Seven Sleepers which arose in the mid 5th century CE Asia Minor, flowed later into Islamic religion (Koran, sura al-Kahf: 9-26) but with some relevant differences. It is based on a historical episode occurred in the city of Ephesus during the reign of the Roman emperor Decius (mid 3rd century CE). Seven young Ephesians refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods according to the Decian edict, because of their Christian faith. To avoid the persecution, they escaped in a cave on the mountain Penayir Daghi. According to the Christian tale about two hundred years later God resuscitated them during the kingdom of Teodosius II. This miracle confirms the doctrine of the resurrection and the victory of monotheism upon idolatry. Beyond the Ephesian site which pertains to the Christian lore, we find three other existent caves concerning Ashab al- Kahf, the Islamic tale in Turkey. The ziyaret (visits) to Tarsus, Afşin and Lice caves highlight the Turkish Muslims’ popular religiosity since the Eshab i-Kehf sites encompass a variety of devotional rituals and traditions. Keywords: Seven Sleepers, Ashab al-Kahf, Sura XVIII, Afşin, Tarsus, Lice Caves.

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.

Pergumulan Iman Lanjut Usia Jemaat HKI Partangga Pasca Gempa di Tapanuli Utara, 01 Oktober 2022 Berdasarkan Perspektif Teologi Bencana

This study aims to determine how the elderly congregation responded to the earthquake disaster, and the faith struggles of the elderly of the HKI Partangga church congregation after the earthquake based on the perspective of disaster theology. The theory used in this study is to use expert theories related to disaster theology, the theory of Zakaria J. Ngelow which emphasizes that natural disasters occur not as punishment from God, but as normal events in nature and there is no biblical record that says that God punishes sinful humans, but loves and forgives, redeems and saves humans from the wrapping of sin. The study in this research uses a qualitative method, with a descriptive analysis approach, which aims to describe the actual situation. Data collection techniques are carried out by observation, in-depth interviews. The findings of this study are that the elderly of the HKI Partangga congregation responded to the earthquake with: the emergence of fear, feeling the presence of God. In addition to responding, the elderly also provide perspectives that are different from the perspective of disaster theology on natural disasters. The elderly provide a perspective that is different from the Christian faith, which understands that earthquakes are God's punishment for sin, questions arise to God about what sins are committed, earthquakes are God's plan.

An encounter with God’s honored partner: Karl Barth’s Christ-centered philosophy of education

Karl Barth is regarded as one of the most preeminent theologians of the 20th century. While much attention has been given to Barth’s theological writings, little attention has been paid to his teaching practices. However, analyzing a historical narrative of Barth’s teaching career—culled from two highly regarded biographies on Barth—through the lens of Barth’s theology yields a robustly Christian philosophy of teaching that is theologically rooted and practically demonstrated. Viewed in this way, the narrative of Barth’s teaching provides a model for contemporary teachers on how they might connect their Christian faith with their pedagogical practice.

Hybridisation as a Normal Process of Life: A Contribution to the “Ukuthwasa” Conversation within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa

The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) is currently engaged in a conversation on ukuthwasa (initiation into an ancestral calling). The conversation has sparked different reactions within the Church. Some are uncomfortable engaging in this conversation as it is seen as an unnecessary and unChristian conversation to have within the Church. There are also some who have gone through the ukuthwasa and feel that the conversation is long overdue within the MCSA. Furthermore, some believe in sangomas and are happy about this conversation. While this conversation is taking place within the MCSA, it is shrouded in suspicion and fear. There is fear that it might lead to the conversion of the Church to African traditional religion, which many feel is the opposite of Christianity. This paper is intended as a contribution to this conversation by using secondary or desk research as a methodology. Firstly, the paper defines the African worldview in which ukuthwasa is embedded. Secondly, it explores the meaning of hybridisation. Thirdly, it indicates areas within the Christian faith where hybridisation has become part of worship and belief. Finally, the paper concludes by recommending openness in this conversation as a likely solution that could lead to the Methodist vision of a “Christ healed Africa for the healing of nations.”

The 1517 Project and World Christianity: Migration and the Uses of Doctrine

This article examines the dynamic relationship between Christian doctrine, migration, and social circumstances, tracing how the uses of Christian doctrines have evolved and interacted with different socio-political conditions from the Protestant Reformation to present-day Christianity in Asia. It delves into pivotal historical moments, such as the Protestant Reformation, symbolized as the “1517 Project,” and the Modernist-Fundamentalist Controversy in the United States, to show that Christian doctrines have shaped and been shaped by cultural and socio-political landscapes. This work particularly contrasts the uses of doctrine in Anglo-European Christendom contexts with post-Christendom situations relating to Asia. The study emphasizes the significant role of migration in spreading Christianity globally and in the development of doctrine, focusing on the Christian faith of Dalits in India and Taiwanese Americans. It calls for a holistic understanding of how Christian doctrine’s universal character interacts with diverse racial and ethnic formations. The article argues for and imagines a more expansive view of the catholicity and contextual embodiment of the Christian discursive tradition for the twenty-first century.

Engaging Story-Linking Through Conversations Between Mother and Daughter: Explorations in the Hermeneutics of Experience and Christian Religious Education

This article seeks to engage the often-overlooked voices of mothers and daughters in the face of patriarchal dominance. Conversations between mothers and daughters are important spaces for the exploration of faith experiences and provide transformative power. Through these conversations, the practice of story-linking comes to life, enabling re-listening to and re-telling Christian faith stories in the Bible entrenched in church tradition. This endeavor promotes a life-affirming approach to transformative learning. Reflecting on these conversations, this study contributes to Christian religious education within the family context, casting ripples of transformation throughout the church and society.

Will the children have faith in the post-pandemic era? Investigating models of children’s faith formation in a world changed by pandemic experiences

ABSTRACT In a world significantly marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, we examine the modes of contemporary children’s faith formation and ask why these have not altered in light of so much societal change. What is the role and function of faith communities in nurturing a child’s faith in contemporary times? Almost fifty years ago, John Westerhoff first asked the question: ‘Will our children have faith?’ critiquing processes of children’s faith formation. This paper seeks to examine this same question, now in the context of widespread pandemic prompted self-evaluation of religious perspectives and practices. This study examines parental and church perspectives on modern-day children’s Christian faith formation, investigating the effectiveness of established paradigms. The tentative findings reveal significant disconnections regarding perceptions, expectations and roles of key players and an urgent need for revising of the established and dominant methods of the global church in their efforts to effectively nurture the faith of younger generations.

Korelasi Sains Dan Teknologi Dengan Alkitab Dan Iman Kristen Di Tengah Kehidupan Orang Percaya

Science and technology are often opposed to the Bible and faith, both by Christians and non-Christians. Many people think that the Bible and Christian faith have no correlation. Even more so, secular people tend to despise the values ​​contained in the Bible and the Christian faith. Various methods and methods were developed and carried out to doubt and discredit the Bible and the Christian faith. Moreover, in the current context, the Bible and the Christian faith are seen as outdated and no longer relevant to the current context of human life. They think that the Bible and the Christian faith cannot answer human needs today because they have no correlation at all. To answer the view above, the researcher attempts to show that in the real world, both in the past and in the present, the Bible and the Christian faith remain relevant to the context of human life in all times. That the Bible and Christian faith have a close correlation with science and technology. The truth of science and technology is not only supported by the Bible, but the Bible can also be used as a foundation in efforts to think and search for truth in science and technology.This research was conducted using qualitative methods and literature study, namely research with descriptive analytical presentation. Data was compiled and obtained through literature studies sourced from research results, books and journals which were then analyzed descriptively and presented in writing in the form of a scientific journal about The Correlation Of Science And Technology With The Bible And Christian Faith In The Lives Of Believers.

Perkembangan Teologi Di Era Moderenisme Dan Dampak Bagi Iman Kristen Masa Kini

In the era of information that continues to develop, someone can be influenced by hoax information that has no basis. Social media makes it easy to access information and establish communication (Rohmadi, 2016). A crucial problem that is currently troubling in the digital era is the increasing prevalence of hoax information. Kasperek & Messersmith (2015) stated that hoax information spreads quickly. Hoaxes can mislead and influence public perception so that the information is considered the truth. but also in the understanding that Jesus is not seen as God (Allah) because He had human form and also carried out activities like an ordinary human being (Skepticism) because a wrong understanding of the truth of God's word has fatal consequences in the growth of faith of believers today, including in believing in everything text of God's word. For researchers, it is very important to review the movement and way of thinking of Modernism and a certain picture of the world that was originally inspired by Descartes, which emphasized the concept of "doubt" so that humans must use their minds to answer their doubts. The method used in this research is a qualitative research method using the method of tracing history and its development. Where these developments start from the birth of modernism, the impact and handling of it in today's Christian faith. So that today's Christians will not be influenced by the wrong theological understanding in the era of modernism. The Bible remains the main standard of faith in Christianity.

The Christian Faith as Knowledge of the Truth and Love

God’s truth is not at odds with love. 1 Corinthians 13:6 tells us that love rejoices in the truth. Most people would say that truths about God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness are loving. But they do not always understand that God’s commands summaries what love is. The knowledge of the truth and love is indispensable to the Christian faith. As it were, the Christian faith is not just a function of an intellectual assent to some set of doctrines about particular religious beliefs. Instead, it is a personal encounter with God, who is truthful and loving. In Jesus, we have the full manifestation of God. Jesus Christ, as God, is truth and love personified in this wise. Thus, the Christian faith becomes that personal conviction of an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ, himself, the truth and love of God. In this article, we shall explain the concepts of truth and love. In doing this, the concept of knowledge, the hermeneutics of truth- the logical truth and the revealed truth; the hermeneutics of love, love as a theological virtue, and the Christian faith as knowledge of the truth and love shall be considered.

KAKANG KAWAH DAN ADHI ARI-ARI: SAUDARA SPIRITUAL ORANG JAWA (TINJAUAN ANGELOLOGI KRISTIANI)

Javanese people believe that babies are not born alone. Babies are born with two spiritual siblings: kakang kawah (the amniotic fluid) and adhi ari-ari (the placenta). These two figures accompany humans in early life and become guardians until the end of someone’s life. It seems that the concept of kakang kawah and adhi ari-ari is also found in the concept of the Christian faith, namely the Guardian Angel, who is believed to be God's messenger, a guardian for everyone. Christian Javanese people who want to preserve Javanese culture will undoubtedly find some difficulties applying tradition and faith, even though the two concepts are similar. This paper will discuss the concepts of kakang kawah and adhi ari-ari from a Christian angelology perspective. The aim is to discover how far the concepts and rituals of kakang kawah and adhi ari-ari in the Javanese tradition are acceptable in the Christian faith. The methodology used in this paper is a literature study, and the methods used here are descriptive and comparative studies. The results of this study are the findings of the relationship between the two concepts, namely that the concepts of kakang kawah and adhi ari-ari are similar and do not conflict with the concept of guardian angels in the Christian faith. Thus, the concepts of kakang kawah and adhi ari-ari can be used to inculturation the Indonesian Catholic Church. This research also attempts to systematize the concepts of kakang kawah and adhi ari-ari. In addition, this research will be very useful for the catechesis of faith to the Javanese within the framework of the inculturation of the Catholic Church in Nusantara.

The Reception History of The Seven Victories and the Localization of The Seven Victories Spiritual Cultivation

The Seven Victories is one of the most influential works in Catholic literature from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The seven victories spiritual cultivation contained therein is the result of the localization of the practice of the Christian faith in the West. It is still a living tradition in the Christian religion and even in Western culture. Since the end of the Ming Dynasty, The Seven Victories has aroused significant repercussions in the ecclesiastical and academic worlds. Some scholars converted to Catholicism because of The Seven Victories and wrote preambles in response to it; some scholars wrote essays criticizing the ethical ideas of The Seven Victories; and some scholars were inspired by The Seven Victories to write about Confucian ideas of sin, the work of reform, and the liturgy of repentance. Together, these constitute the history of the reception of The Seven Victories in China. Through Confucian culture integration, Chinese Christian scholars have developed a localized interpretation of the seven victories spiritual cultivation, resulting in a localized Chinese spiritual cultivation of sin.

Faith in a Troubled Church and a Fragmented World

In this article, I discuss faith in a troubled Church and a fragmented world. I begin by asking how faith works, in general terms, before exploring the potential of a critical faith praxis in the Church and the world of today. Finally, I shall propose to relocate Christian faith praxis in the orbit of a theology of love.

DOSA ASAL DALAM TRADISI KRISTEN DAN RELEVANSINYA TERHADAP SAKRAMEN BAPTISAN

This writing attempts to explore the concept of original sin in Christian theology, which believes that every human inherits a spiritual flaw from the fall of Adam and Eve. The research highlights its impact on the relationship between humans and God, emphasizing the need for salvation through Jesus Christ as the Savior. The main focus is on the sacrament of baptism as a means of forgiveness of sins and spiritual restoration through a new birth in the Christian faith. Through theological analysis, this article discusses the role of emergency baptism, especially in restoring the relationship between humans and God. The author employs a qualitative approach to delve into the concept of original sin and its connection to Baptism. Based on the research findings, salvation through baptism is seen as liberation from original sin and an experience of a new birth. Therefore, emergency baptism in the HKBP church is deemed highly necessary.