Christian Tradition Research Articles

Book Review: A Media Ecology of Theology: Communicating Faith throughout the Christian Tradition, by Paul A. Soukup, SJ

Book Review: <i>A Media Ecology of Theology: Communicating Faith throughout the Christian Tradition</i>, by Paul A. Soukup, SJ

Book Review: In the Image of Her: Recovering Motherhood in the Christian Tradition, by Amy E. Marga

Book Review: <i>In the Image of Her: Recovering Motherhood in the Christian Tradition</i>, by Amy E. Marga

Establishing a female intellectual identity in early modern Denmark

AbstractThis article explores Birgitte Thott's (1610–1662) intellectual identity by investigating the paratexts to her translation of Seneca's philosophical works (1658) in a European context. Written partly by Thott herself and partly by other scholars, these texts assisted in creating Thott's public persona and in establishing Thott as a female intellectual in early modern Denmark. As there was a certain tension for female intellectuals between participating in the public sphere and living up to the gender norms of their times, it was difficult for them to become recognised as public figures. While Thott is praised by others as an exception, Thott herself developed different strategies to address the tensions between traditional gender roles and her intellectual activities. In an unconventional way, Thott dedicated her work to women, aiming at a broad consent in society for female learning and encouraging other women to follow her example. She presented her own work as a serious contribution to the Christian tradition of engaging with Stoic philosophy. This article contributes to mapping the development of a female intellectual identity during the early modern period by focusing on a geographical region that is often overlooked in research about the topic.

Book Review: Christian Tradition in Global Perspective

Book Review: Christian Tradition in Global Perspective

Wisdom in Christian Tradition: The Patristic Roots of Modern Russian Sophiology. By Marcus Plested

Wisdom in Christian Tradition: The Patristic Roots of Modern Russian Sophiology. By Marcus Plested

Christianity and the negotiation of citizenship in Hong Kong: an account of faith-based active citizenship

ABSTRACT Cultural traditions, including religions, are central to understanding and practising citizenship. The complex relationships between religion and citizenship should be explored in depth. Both citizenship and Christianity were transplanted from the West to Hong Kong during the colonial era, and Christianity still occupies an important place in public life and civil society today. In the specific context of state – civil society, we discuss the development of citizenship and Christianity in Hong Kong and illustrate how some Christian organisations and leaders exercise their cultural agency in social activism through a wide range of social and political events. Their work creates a strong civic culture of Hong Kong Chinese Christians, advances citizenship and supports a vibrant civil society. By examining the roles of individual and collective agents in the formation and contextualisation of a Christian tradition, we develop a framework for faith-based active citizenship and expand the discussion of Chinese citizenship.

Speaking with Us, Not for Us: Neurodiversity, Theology and Justice

To belong in the Christian tradition, we must be able to contribute to it. Yet neurodivergent Christians have rarely been enabled to tell our own stories about ourselves as a vital part of God’s (neuro)diverse creation. In common with other autism research, academic theology is framed by pathologizing clinical paradigms of autism; neurodivergent people’s situated knowledge about ourselves has not always been valued in the field. In this aut-ethnography, I use reflections from a decade of engaging with autism theology – often a painful experience of Othering – to frame a response informed by critical autism and neurodiversity studies. Drawing on lived theology from autistic research participants, I consider what our neurodiversity theologies have to offer to academic theology. Finally, I ask how theologians can do justly by speaking with, not for, neurodivergent people.

“God” in Augustine’s Confessions

Abstract When reading through Augustine’s Confessions, one notices a striking variety of descriptions of God. The aim of this paper is to discern and – as far as possible – to interpret these various descriptions. Our main focus will be on pivotal texts from Books 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7. They document how much Manichaean views played a part in Augustine’s quest, and how closely this quest was linked to his ideas about evil. Briefly stated, Augustine’s search went from anthropomorphic-spatial thinking about God to corporeal/material-spatial and even panentheistic ideas and then (mainly under the inspiration of Neoplatonic philosophy, i.e., in all likelihood Plotinus’s Enneads) to a strictly spiritual and non-spatial understanding. But in all this, Manichaean ways of thought and even concepts remained present until the end. A final conclusion draws out the significance of this study for conceptualising the formation of God/gods in the Christian tradition as well as in other religious formations.

R. Ward Holder, Calvin and the Christian Tradition: Scripture, Memory and the Western Mind (Cambridge, CUP, 2022), pp. xv + 296. £75.00/$99.99.

R. Ward Holder, Calvin and the Christian Tradition: Scripture, Memory and the Western Mind (Cambridge, CUP, 2022), pp. xv + 296. £75.00/$99.99.

THE ARTISTIC WORLD OF I. S. SHMELEV’S WORKS AS VIEWED BY LITERARY CRITICS IN CHINA

The aim of the study is to determine the value of the artistic heritage of I. S. Shmelev in the eyes of Chinese critics in the process of creating spiritual realism as part of the literature of the Russian emigration. The article presents analysis of the current state of the study of I. S. Shmelev’s heritage in China. The authors identify possible directions of research on this writer among Chinese literary scholars. The scientifi c novelty of the work is due to the fact that studying of I. S. Shmelev’s works in the context of Christian traditions still remains on the periphery of the interests of researchers, and is practically not represented from the standpoint of Chinese literary scholars in terms of spiritual realism. For the fi rst time, a scientifi c rationale is given and a research development is carried out on the state of the study of the writer’s heritage at the moment in China. As a result, it is proved that the interest in research on Shmelev and his work is gradually changing in China.

Marcus Plested, Wisdom in Christian Tradition: The Patristic Roots of Modern Russian Sophiology (Oxford: OUP, 2022), pp. xiv + 274. £75.00/$100.00.†

Marcus Plested, Wisdom in Christian Tradition: The Patristic Roots of Modern Russian Sophiology (Oxford: OUP, 2022), pp. xiv + 274. £75.00/$100.00.†

A word about . . . The freedom loophole and the baptist takeover of the world: Jeremiah 34:8-22 and Galatians 5:1,13-16a

What happens when the fundamental “baptist”1 interpretation of freedom, once thought to be a radical notion, becomes largely mainstreamed and included in the constitutions of most Western democracies? What happens when, in relation to the church and the state, free-church baptist polity largely dictates the worldview of most, if not all, other Christian traditions, even if it has not yet influenced the very doctrinal and theological structures of those mainstream denominations? What happens when the four “fragile freedoms” of baptist life (soul freedom, Bible freedom, church freedom and religious freedom) are undermined by fellow-baptists and others who decry such freedom as too radical, “a figment of some infidel’s imagination,” or an ungodly paean to a “woke” culture gone mad? This article addresses those questions in the context of two “emancipation proclamations” in Scripture, that of the prophet Jeremiah (34:8-9) to King Zedekiah and of Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5:1,13-16a). Still other historical moments of the “baptist” faith-heritage underscore such biblical liberties further undoing any notion that being “woke” in the current cultural and political setting is a new concept at all. Indeed, it is this very old, already “woke,” biblical “baptist” worldview that holds out the greatest promise for Christian witness in the twenty-first century and beyond.

Book Review Essay: “The Drama of Atheist Humanism” by Henri de Lubac

In “The Drama of Atheist Humanism”, Henri de Lubac meticulously explores 19th-century efforts to overcome the limits of the divine and create a humanism. The book looks at the roots of modern atheism, focusing particularly on the influential contributions of figures such as Feuerbach, Nietzsche, and Comte. These figures were instrumental in shaping the path of contemporary humanism. De Lubac masterfully weaves together historical and philosophical currents with modern perspectives to expose the prevailing ideology that views Christianity as antiquated, a perspective that resonates throughout Eastern and Western societies. A unique aspect of the book lies in its harmonious interplay with literary and philosophical works, providing the reader with a deep insight into the philosophical underpinnings of contemporary atheism. This analysis is enriched by an examination of the theological foundations of humanism that incorporates perspectives from Islamic and Christian traditions.

A Bridge Too Far? Ludovico Marracci's Translation of the Qurʾan and the Persistence of Medieval Biblicism

Abstract The medieval tendency to view Islam as a Christian heresy continues to influence Qurʾanic studies in the Western academy due to the academy's origins as a religious institution and the absence of systematic reckoning by contemporary scholars. Ludovico Marracci's 1698 Qurʾan commentary was both the culmination of the medieval polemic tradition and the blueprint for subsequent Western engagement with the Qurʾan. Though few Qurʾanic scholars have the proficiency in Latin necessary to read Marracci's work, Western Qurʾanic studies continues to overemphasize biblical “sources” for the Qurʾan because the field originated in a methodology that was fundamentally polemical rather than exegetical. This essay proposes models from within the Christian and Muslim traditions that can pave the way toward a break from Biblicist tropes toward an interfaith understanding based on the rich tradition of Muslim exegesis.

Book Review: Looking East in Winter: Contemporary Thought and the Eastern Christian Tradition by Rowan Williams

Book Review: <i>Looking East in Winter: Contemporary Thought and the Eastern Christian Tradition</i> by Rowan Williams

The works of M. Y. Lermontov in the religious and philosophical criticism of V. S. Solovyov, D. S. Merezhkovsky and V. V. Rozanov

The article discusses literary and critical articles by representatives of religious and philosophical criticism dedicated to M. Y. Lermontov. The works are united not only by the subject of analysis and the commonality of methodology, but also by the internal controversy that unfolded against the background of increased interest in the personality and creativity of the poet at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. The author analyzes how the ethical work of V. S. Solovyov influenced his idea of Lermontov's "three demons", how the religion of the Third Testament of D. S. Merezhkovsky determined his search for Sophia, Eternal Femininity in Lermontov's work and how pantheism and anti-Christian sentiments of V. V. Rozanov were reflected in his analysis of the poet's God-fighting and demonic motives. The main conclusions of the study are the following: each of the three interpretations is based on the philosophical beliefs of each of the critics. All three are united by the desire to actualize Lermontov's work in the context of his modern era, moreover, they all view Lermontov's personality and work from neo-Christian positions. V. S. Solovyov interprets Lermontov negatively, due to the fact that he sees in him the ancestor of Nietzscheanism, which spread at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, including in Russia. Merezhkovsky, on the contrary, sees Lermontov as a model for inspiration when creating a renewed, "improved" Church of the Third Testament – with attention to the issue of gender, to the ontological equivalence of Good and Evil. Rozanov also assesses Lermontov positively from the point of view of the need to turn to the pagan-Jewish foundations of religion, as opposed to traditional Christianity.

PHILOSOPHY OF THE HEART: KAINONIA OF THE UKRAINIAN TRADITION

The research interest is focused on the examination of the kainonia nature of Ukrainian philosophy. It is most deeply revealed within the framework of cordocentrism. As a direction of religious philosophy, cordocentrism most prominently affects epistemological resources and the potential of philosophical knowledge. Cordocentrism reveals itself most fully in the philosophical views of H.Skovoroda. The philosopher successfully combines the Christian tradition with the Ukrainian ethnic identity. Therefore, revealing its potential from the principle of worldview, cordognosia turns into an epistemological platform of philosophical science. This is precisely what is emphasized in the concept of the heart of H.Skovoroda, who examines the fundamental principles of human knowledge of the world.The author focuses on the close connection of the Ukrainian philosophical tradition with the philosophy of Christianity itself. It is this synthesis that becomes an interesting prospect for solving the issue of methodological diversity of modern philosophy (the problem of the methodological crisis). Since it is the cordocentric tradition that lays the foundations of scientific synthesis as a fundamental principle of philosophical knowledge. The latter in the modern epistemological tradition is replaced by analytical research. The practices of “heart synthesis” are aimed at the search for knowledge deeper than logical-evidential epistema or doxa. Thus, in the context of the methodological imperfection of the epistemological problem of modern philosophy, turning to the philosophical heritage of cardocentrism, and directly to the philosophy of the heart of H.Skovoroda, is a promising direction of philosophical knowledge.

Transition from the Opium of Religion to Religion as Opioids: Abuse of Religious Teachings in the New Prophetic Churches in South Africa

The New Prophetic Churches is a religion in the mix, demonstrated by their points of contact with classical Pentecostalism, the prosperity gospel, African independent churches, and African traditional religion. New Prophetic Churches have points of contact with classical Pentecostalism with reference to the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. They are also influenced by the African traditional religions with reference to their connection with the spirit world. In addition, they have points of contact with the African independent churches concerning the use of healing and deliverance products. Furthermore, they have points of contact with the prosperity gospel in teaching the message of material blessing. The original form of these influences is presented in this article as opium religion, whereas the corrupted form of these influences is presented as opioid forms of religion. The latter refers to a somewhat dangerous mix of religious teachings, advocated by self-appointed spiritual leaders within the New Prophetic Churches. These spiritual leaders have concocted this mixture contrary to the original purpose of such teachings with the intention to satisfy their commercial desires to the detriment of the spiritual wellbeing of their followers and the sa-credness of religious teachings, particularly Christian teachings. Relying on a literary analysis, this article challenges the religious teachings of opioid religions that undermine the original good intentions with which these teachings are mixed. It suggests that any religious teaching in the Christian tradition should be consistent with the eternal purpose of God's mission, identity in Christ, and the fundamental tenets of the Christian tradition. There are neo-Pentecostal churches that are consistent with the mission of God, bringing solutions to various challenges in Africa. However, the focus here is on the New Prophetic Churches that have transited from the opium of religion to religion as opioids.

Duchowość młodych ludzi na tle przeobrażeń i uwarunkowań współczesnej rzeczywistości – komunikat z badań

Human spirituality is currently undergoing radical transformations. Changes among younger generations in this area are particularly interesting and important. The purpose of this article is to show the determinants and the type of spirituality manifested by young Poles nowadays. Paying attention to these matters is well justified. Eventually, they will be the ones to make laws, establish traditions, set the directions of social development, the quality of which will depend on their spiritual condition – mindset and manifested values. The research material included in the study, gathered in the form of diagnostic survey from 443 people aged 14-25 living in the Opole Voivodeship, shows that young people do not attach much importance to spiritual life. The so-called new spirituality, the features of which they manifest, is associated with a wide variety of activities, including only few based on traditional Christian values. Furthermore, the results indicate extremely significant impact (positive and negative) of the media environment on this area of their personality. The author believes that the findings will allow a better understanding of the processes taking place and will contribute to taking measures to prevent further unfavourable (dangerous) social transformations. Keywords: spirituality, new spirituality, determinants of spirituality, electronic media

Exploring the Fusion of Magic and Realism in Harris's Chocolat: A Beacon of Hope for Liberation

With an emphasis on the novel's description of magical realism and social reformation, this research paper seeks to study Joanne Harris's Chocolat and its depiction of a society in which the residents strongly regard the so-called Christian orthodoxy. The researcher used a qualitative research method, such as literary analysis, to analyze the novel and explore its themes and motifs. For this, the novel is examined in detail, themes and motifs are identified, and the characters and their interactions are analyzed in detail. The researcher used quotes from the novel to support his claim. The female protagonist, Vianne, challenges this orthodoxy through her chocolate boutique in front of the church and initiates social reformation. The novel explores the negative portrayal of Vianne by the townspeople as a witch, outsider, and atheist, but she overcomes these issues by exposing the hypocrisy of the Christian orthodoxy and advocating for humanity, freedom, and social change through her chocolate shop. The author strikes a balance between magical and realist explanations in her writing. At the same time, the main character possesses a magical ability to intuit her customers' preferences and artfully win their affections. The novel encourages readers to accept the mystical elements of everyday life and scientific rationality. The findings and conclusion of this research is that Harris's Chocolat is a unique blend of magical realism and social reformation, challenging traditional Christian orthodoxy and advocating for a more humane, free, and accepting society.