Christian Theology Research Articles

God made me this way: same-sex attraction through the lens of evolutionary creation in Christian theology

God made me this way: same-sex attraction through the lens of evolutionary creation in Christian theology

Beyond the Spirit of Gravity: a constructive Nietzschean critique of Christian theology

ABSTRACT This paper argues that Friedrich Nietzsche presents a relatively new and thought-provoking challenge to Christian theologians, urging them to avoid committing what I call ‘gravitolatry’ – an idolatrous commitment to unconditional seriousness. Drawing upon his vivid metaphor of the Spirit of Gravity, the first section of this paper will analyze how and why Nietzsche suspects this form of idolatry is deeply embedded within Christian thought. The second section outlines the intellectual sources of this idolatrous tendency, examining interpretations of Plato, Jesus, and select patristic theologians. The third section shows how gravitolatry illuminates Nietzsche’s suspicion that Christianity is a religion of ressentiment. The final section proposes a critical appropriation of Nietzsche’s insights along the lines of theological methodology and Christology. The conclusion is a plea for Christian theologians to heed the constructive challenge Nietzsche poses, which has not yet received sufficient recognition among theologians, by finding ways to reconcile levity with the gravity of theological discourse. By embracing the constructive dilemma Nietzsche presents here, theologians can pave the way for a more nuanced theological landscape that promotes laughter, strengthens joy, overcomes resentment, and fully affirms human life.

God and Evil in Process Theism

If a good and almighty God exists, why do we register genuine evil? Whiteheadian process theology wants to assist Christian theology with philosophical theism that interprets God’s sovereignty and God’s creative and providential activity as being more in accord with both our everyday experience and God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ than in the case of either traditional theism or “free will” theism.

Artificial Intelligence and Analytic Theology in Chinese Context

Abstract The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing quickly in China, and it has challenged our understanding of human nature and personhood. These challenges underlie some of the negative views which some Christians have towards AI, and these negative views have contributed to the resistance to the development of AI among some segments of global society. This article proposes various ways in which the resources of Analytic Theology (the application of analytic philosophy to Christian theology) can help theologians in China address a list of research questions that AI poses for Christian theology, in engagement with Chinese philosophy. These include developing the arguments for substance dualism, which can potentially offer a metaphysical ground for affirming the distinctiveness of human nature and human rights in comparison with AI, an issue which has been debated by secular ethicists and which has significant implications on societal considerations concerning AI.

Technology and Humanity in Chinese Christian Perspective

Abstract The ideas of transhumanism and Anthropocene supported by contemporary technological developments seem to contradict the Christian understanding of humanity. Based on a review of the relationship between the interpretations of the doctrine of imago Dei and the developments of technology in the Western world, this essay reinterprets the concept of imago Dei in connection with the concept of the “garment of skin” by making references to the Orthodox tradition represented by Maximus the Confessor (579–662). After spelling out its implications for the understanding of the relationship between humanity and technology, this essay explains further how the Confucian understanding of humanity and technology is compatible with and can enrich the Christian understanding. The resultant Chinese Christian understanding of humanity, integrating the traditions of Christian theology and Chinese culture, supports an affirmative and yet critical view of technology and challenges transhumanism and Anthropocene by offering a more adequate and balanced view of technology and humanity.

MEMAHAMI KONSEP KESELAMATAN DI LUAR KRISTEN BERDASARKAN 1 TIMOTIUS 2:5-6

One of the issues in Christianity that has become a problem and debate among Christian theologians to this day is the rejection of salvation outside of Christianity. They claim salvation can only be obtained through Christianity. Non-Christians do not get salvation to enter heaven, they automatically enter hellfire. The purpose of this study is to understand the concept of salvation outside Christianity correctly based on the analysis of 1 Timothy 2:5-6. The researcher used a qualitative method with a literature study approach through various relevant sources, such as the Bible, books, journal articles and credible documents. The results of this study found that salvation is not only obtained by believers (Christians), while non-Christians go to hell. Rather, non-Christians also obtain salvation for those who live based on good morals and ethics and live according to the law. They are welcomed into heaven as members of society. In contrast to Christians who are centered on Jesus Christ and wear the life of Jesus on this earth, later they will reign with God in the new heavens and new earth. Salvation is not determined by one's religion, but faith expressed through concrete actions every day. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, the salvation that Jesus worked out 2000 years ago through the redemption of the sins of all mankind is universal salvation or all mankind.

PLACES OF HOPE: A CINEMATIC AND THEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION

Christian theology distinguishes between cardinal virtues and theological virtues. Hope (spes) is one of the three theological virtues, along with faith (fidei) and love (caritas). Contrary to cardinal virtues, theological virtues are not humanly acquired, but divinely infused. This article considers the representation of the theological virtue of hope in contemporary cinema. It argues that the theological virtue of hope is represented in film through its placement in the daily existence of film characters. This is a way for hope to become a virtue that allows human life to partake in divine life. Yet this raises a generic question: what links exist between a virtue and a place? More specifically: what connections does cinema explore between the virtue of hope and places or spaces? I develop this reflection through the analysis of two films with significant differences: Silent Light (Stellet Licht, 2007), directed by Mexican Carlos Reygadas, with strong religious references, and the more secular Fire at Sea (Fuocoammare, 2016), directed by Italian Gianfranco Rosi.

Kemerdekaan Berfikir dan Berteologi Kristen

This research discusses freedom of thought as an important element in the development of Christian theology and how the church responds to modern social challenges. Freedom of thought, although it often faces obstacles from church authority and attachment to tradition, provides opportunities for a more inclusive and progressive theological dialogue. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method, which involves in-depth interviews with church leaders and document analysis. The results show that freedom of thought contributes to enriching Christian theology and strengthens its relevance in responding to social issues, such as gender equality and social justice. This study concludes that freedom of thought plays an important role in maintaining the relevance of Christian theology in the midst of changing times without ignoring the teachings of the core faith.

The Relationship between the Gospel and Culture: A Theological Analysis and Social Perspective in a Contemporary Context

In today's era of globalization and cultural pluralism, the relationship between the Gospel and culture has become an increasingly complex issue. Various theological perspectives have developed to understand how the message of the Gospel interacts with diverse cultural values and practices. The debate surrounding accommodation or resistance to local and global cultures requires a deeper examination within the context of Christian theology. This study aims to explore the relationship between the Gospel and culture from theological and social perspectives, as well as how this relationship influences the practice of Christian faith in contemporary multicultural and dynamic societies. The approach used in this research is qualitative theological analysis, with a literature review of contextual theology texts and cultural studies. The collected data were critically analyzed to identify patterns of interaction between the Gospel and culture in the modern social context. The research finds that the Gospel can interact with culture through a dialectical process involving acceptance, adaptation, and transformation of cultural values. In some cases, culture enriches religious practices, but in other situations, there are tensions that require deep theological reflection to ensure that Gospel values are not compromised by certain cultural practices. The relationship between the Gospel and culture is dynamic and contextual. It is important for Christian theology to develop a flexible approach while adhering to the core teachings of the Gospel in the face of cultural changes. In this way, the Gospel can remain relevant and significant in the lives of contemporary societies without losing its integrity.

Comparative Studies of the Oral and Literary Culture in the First Century and Its Implications for African Christianity Today

This study explores the interplay between oral and literary traditions in early Christianity and contemporary African Christian practices. While early Christian communities relied heavily on oral traditions, the transition to written texts significantly shaped the formation of Christian theology and scripture. However, contemporary African Christianity continues to preserve oral traditions, particularly in worship and evangelism. By comparing these two contexts, the study highlights how Reader-Response Theory helps bridge historical and modern interpretive practices. Methodologically, the study employs textual analysis of early Christian writings and fieldwork observations of African Christian communities. Key findings show that oral traditions remain crucial for biblical engagement and theological discourse in low-literacy settings. The study recommends incorporating oral traditions into African Christian theological education to enhance faith practice.

Exploring Ethical Potentials of Christian Narrative Testimonies

Abstract Over the last decades, the role of narratives in Christian theology and ethics has been debated controversially. In light of this, this article explores the ethical potential of Christian narrative testimonies. First, it shows that the mode of Christian testimony to God’s incarnation in Jesus Christ is narratively structured. Second, it unfolds a threefold hermeneutic of these narratives: a hermeneutic of the simultaneous presence and absence of God in these testimonies, a hermeneutic of commentary and criticism, and a hermeneutic of attentive humility in the face of other narratives. Last but not least, ethical potentials of Christian narrative testimonies come into view: These narratives can bear witness to God’s absent presence, especially when they reveal themselves as radical contingent, when they are open to transformation by narratives of the other and when they motivate people to question the status quo of any given society in order to act for a more just future.

Missio Dei and Missio Hominum: Top-Down-up Christology in Mission

In Christian theology, Christology remains a distinct branch of knowledge offering articulation of the hypostatic union or relationship between the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ. Its exploration of Christ’s nature and identity moves from the pre-incarnation to post-ascension as enclosing Christ’s birth, earthly mission, resurrection, and ascension. Consequently, or in attempting to streamline such a complex knowledge, Christological theologians developed two categorization frameworks in the form of ‘top-down Christology’ and ‘bottom-up Christology’. When sketchily integrated into missiological frameworks, the missio Dei conforms to top-down Christology, whereas missio hominum conforms more to bottom-up Christology. In their transient articulation of Jesus Christ’s identity, the missio Dei on the one hand embraces the top-down Christology while the missio hominum on the other hand or correspondingly embraces the bottom-up Christology. Accordingly, or given the lack of missiological scholarship deriving the unique understanding of the missio Dei and consequently missio hominum through Christology, this article draws on literature to weave their novel understanding as anchored by Christ’s hypostatic union. Consequently, it first rationalizes the Missio Dei within top-down Christology before anchoring the Missio Hominum within bottom-up Christology. Determinedly, further studies will be required to test the novelty of this approach, as there appears to be no existential science that interprets Missio Dei and Missio Hominum through top-down-up Christology. Keywords: Missiology; Missio Dei; missio hominum; Top-down Christology; Bottom-up Christology.

The theodicies of Hans Jonas and Jürgen Moltmann: Proposing an alternative reformed angle

Auschwitz had a profound impact on the theological landscape. It led to God’s lordship, goodness and power being put on trial. If God exists and if he is a good and powerful God, why did he not intervene to stop the atrocities committed during the Holocaust? The theologies of the Jewish philosopher Hans Jonas and the Christian theologian Jürgen Moltmann were decisively structured by these questions.Contribution: This article compares the theodicies of these two influential thinkers within the Jewish and Christian traditions by analysing their concepts of God, the nature of the cosmos and human history as well as their respective views on God’s response to suffering. Despite showing appreciation for profound insights, this article points out impasses in their arguments. Drawing on a reformed approach to the question, the article concludes that the anthropodicy question is the real elephant in the room, not the theodicy question. Instead of asking questions about God’s goodness, Reformed theology posits the incomprehensibility of human beings turning against God. We must ask: How does it happen that a self-conscious being possessing innate moral capacities, such as moral emotions and vicarious intersubjective capabilities, rebels against God and engage in atrocious acts? Seen from this perspective, the theodicy question seems to be undergirded by the human propensity to moral disengagement and blame-shifting. Perhaps, instead of putting God on trial, humans must resort to introspection.

Toward a Theology of Trans Opacity: Trans Studies’ Critique of Queer Theory in Conversation with Karl Barth’s Doctrine of Revelation

While it is generally known that the disciplinary origins of feminist and queer religious studies are enmeshed with the production of anti-trans feminisms, theological legacies of this historical entanglement remain largely unaddressed. Although later feminist and queer theologies might not explicitly take up these anti-trans positions, trans identity is still often instrumentalized in its incorporation into queer and feminist theological discourse for rhetorical and methodological gain without attention to the subjectivity and self-understanding of trans people themselves. This article argues that the theology of Karl Barth, when read with his feminist and queer critics, provides resources for critiquing this kind of trans instrumentalization in his doctrine of revelation and critique of natural theology. Moving beyond either reactionary dismissal or instrumentalized incorporation, this article instead argues for a right to opacity for trans people in Christian theology and practice resourced from Barth’s theology.

The Church in the Public Space: Lessons from the Exodus Church in Jürgen Moltmann’s Theology of Hope

The ecclesial community's call to duty and ability to carry out its mission is centered on how relevant it must become to the existential realities of those living in the public sphere. Jürgen Moltmann makes what can only be considered as a concise statement when he states that, to make Christianity accessible to the masses, theology must openly uphold the universal concerns of God's coming Kingdom. The church, following its own faith principles, must demonstrate "general concern in the light of hope in Christ for the kingdom of God" by becoming "political in the name of the poor and the marginalized in a given society, by thinking critically about the religious and moral values of the societies in which it exists." Christian theology continues to be the mouthpiece of the church. This article's goal is to discuss Jürgen Moltmann's straightforward explanation of the church's public relevance in helping people remember why it exists in all forms of human sociality. This article's reflections aim to highlight the fact that the Christian church can only be seen to be fulfilling its mission when it is perceived as the voice of the voiceless, bringing God's fullness to human flourishing, and providing true meaning to human tranquillity in a difficult and uncertain world.

Men Shall Be Lovers of Self, Money and Pleasure (II Timothy 3:2, 4): A Contemporary Discourse on the Apostle Paul's Prophecy of the End Times

<p><em>The present time in Nigeria and globally has been more perilous than ever, characterized with bizarre occurrences within the church and the larger society. This study explores the Pauline eschatological prediction of the perilous times when men will become lovers of self, lovers of money, and lovers of pleasure more than God (II Timothy 3:1, 2 & 5). Experiential and theological methodologies were adopted for generating qualitative primary and secondary data. The theological aspect of the research employed the tools of biblical exegesis, textual analysis, and literatures. The experiential aspect involved in-depth interviews (IDIs), observations, social media contents and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) to access current events and personalized experiences of respondents who were purposively selected from within and outside the church. The results were discussed in the light of Christian theology, social ethics and Pastoral ministry. The Nigerian society is evidently witnessing the perilous times when love of self, money and pleasure will become the untoward defining features of human society and sadly too, of men that profess the faith. Transactional gospel, gimmickry, merchandize of holy things, and self-indulgent love of money are rife in the contemporary church. Ostentatious lifestyles, lack of support for the minister at the local church, and false messages on material blessings are what trap church ministers and laypersons in this end-time evil. The context and practice of ‘full time’ ministry when the local assembly is not able to support its minister is a challenge that predisposes some to ‘Simoniacal’ presentations, offering the gifts of God for monetary gain. Sound biblical teachings to protect the people of God and expose the mercenary spirit in sacred function is the local church most potent weaponry.</em></p><strong> </strong>

Michel de Certeau: a Jesuit Apologist

Abstract While recognizing that Michel de Certeau is not a Christian theologian, this essay argues for a way in which we might read his oeuvre as a mode of Jesuit apologetics. The basis for reading him as such is twofold. First, Certeau pays attention to the various movements of desire beneath the signs composing the discourses in the various fields of his enquiry. In tracing that transgressive desire, he is always to listening for the voice of the Other; an Other that transcends and subtends human language, but resists capture by it. Secondly, the style in which he writes allows for the ambiguities and ironies that must necessarily attend any attempt to give definitive voice to the Other. Examining these two aspects of Certeau’s oeuvre reveals a way, this essay argues, his work bears witness to the Unnamed in the secular world in which he works and the secular studies in which he engages.

State of the Field Report XV: Contemporary Chinese Studies of the Scholastic-Aristotelian Soul in Late-Ming and Early-Qing China

AbstractThe Jesuit China mission coincided with a sophisticated attempt to place Chinese and Western concepts of human nature in dialogue with Confucianism. The Jesuits believed that they could facilitate evangelization by drawing upon Confucian concepts to explain the soul. In so doing, they and their Chinese collaborators also pioneered a genre of hybrid philosophical texts, which used Aristotelian conceptions of the soul to critique and supplement autochthonous Chinese conceptions of human nature. These texts are not just of significance for Chinese Christian theology, but also anthropology, psychology, and even medicine, given the role played by the soul in both Chinese and Western conceptions of human physiology at the time. Until recently these texts have been little studied except by missiologists who were more interested in their relevance for mission history than for comparative philosophy. Scholarship has perhaps also been hampered by the immense linguistic demands of studying texts that sit between the Chinese and Western intellectual traditions. Recently, however, a number of Chinese scholars have turned their attention to these texts, intrigued by novel philosophical ideas contained therein and their complex relationship to both the Western and Chinese intellectual and religious traditions. Since many of these Chinese-language contributions are published in volumes which are not easily accessible outside of China, they have not enjoyed great visibility in Western-language scholarship. This article will review the major developments in Chinese scholarship and will conclude with suggestions for future research.

Preaching the pandemic: COVID-19 specific theodicies among Iranian evangelical Christians in the diaspora

ABSTRACT Given its roots in Christian theology, the usage of theodicy as an analytical tool in the study of religions can easily become controversial. This notwithstanding, several scholars in the field have instructively drawn upon the term to conceptually frame reactions to human suffering among religious actors in diverse contexts. This article aligns with this strand of scholarship and studies Persian-language sermons delivered in Iranian evangelical exile churches during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It discusses four major theodicic interpretations advanced by Iranian evangelical pastors, who viewed the pandemic either as divine retribution, a ‘wake-up call’ for humankind, an opportunity for spiritual growth, or a theological lesson. Arguing that theodicies are shaped by the immediate context they emerge in, rather than by static theological paradigms, this article highlights the ex-Muslim identity and the exilic status of Iranian evangelicals in the diaspora as key factors shaping theodicy-making among them.

«Теология боли Господа» Китамори Кадзо: основные идеи

Kitamori Kazoh (1916–1998) is considered to be one of the most prominent Ja­panese theologists, whose ideas had a wide response from abroad. His main work, “Theology of the Pain of God” (Kami no Itami no Shingaku), became a spiritual breakthrough for the Japanese after the WWII, signifying a new way of development of Christianity in Japan in the postwar period. Kitamori’s idea that people feeling pain and suffering can get closer to understanding God and His pain of loving the unlovable, i.e. sinners deserving His wrath, not love, re­flected the sentiments characteristic of the Japanese who had experienced atomic bombings and defeat in the war. “Theology of the Pain of God” gained much at­tention in the 1970-s with the spread of the so-termed genitive theology, on one hand, and the rise of the interest of theologians in the reevaluation of suffering, on the other. The article aims at analyzing the key statements of “the theology of the pain of God” by Kitamori Kazoh, and the historical and cultural context of its emergence. The author focuses on Kitamori’s idea of the pain of God as emerging on the joint of God’s wrath and God’s love, being the essence of God and the keypoint upon which Christian theology should be built; on the idea of the suffering of the mankind as a symbol of God’s pain, and on Kitamori’s supposition that the Japanese, as a people that has experienced great suffering and sorrow, is chosen by God and is much closer to the understanding of the pain of God and, consequently, of the essence of God