Contemporary Christian Research Articles

Faith over fear? Christian nationalism and cultural fears in the United States

AbstractRecent research demonstrates strong connections between Americans' embrace of Christian nationalism and their beliefs and attitudes towards a host of salient social and cultural issues. Implicit in these explanations is that a stronger embrace of Christian nationalism signals an underlying fear of changes to the broader culture, which are perceived as leading the nation further away from a preferred, mythic past. To date, however, empirical studies have not focused explicitly on the relationship between social fears and Christian nationalism. Using a nationally representative sample of American adults, we examine the relationship between Christian nationalism and Americans' fears about immigrants, Muslims, communism, white racial replacement and gun control. We find that Christian nationalism is strongly associated with fears about ethnoracial ‘others’, as well as fears about losing economic autonomy and access to guns. Overall, our study shows that contemporary Christian nationalism in the United States is situated in a constellation of social fears about ethnoracial purity, as well as about the perceived loss of individual autonomy.

Basic religious certainty and the new testament

AbstractAre there basic religious certainties? That is, are there any beliefs which religious people legitimately hold without the need for rational justification? The question has been tackled, in different ways, by both Hinge Epistemologists and by Reformed Epistemologists. For the former, discussion has revolved around very general religious beliefs such as ‘God exists’ (e.g. Pritchard, 2000; Helm, 2001; Hoyt, 2007; Ariso, 2020). Reformed Epistemologists, like Alvin Plantinga, argue that Christian theism and particular Christian beliefs are ‘properly basic’ in that ‘I don’t believe them on the basis of any other propositions’ (Plantinga, 1981, p. 42). In this paper I want to do two things. First, I give an account of what basic religious certainty is from a Wittgensteinian, Hinge Epistemology point of view. On this account I will argue that the clearest examples of basic religious certainties are found in local, historical and more narrow expressions of religious belief, as opposed to the very general acontextual religious beliefs usually discussed. Secondly, I challenge the Reformed Epistemological notion that Christian doctrine can be ‘properly basic’, mainly by showing that the New Testament writers did not treat very general religious beliefs, such as ‘God exists’ or God is good’, as properly basic in either the Hinge or Reformed Epistemological ways. I will conclude by drawing out some implications for contemporary Christian epistemology.

TRANSFIGURED LEADERSHIP: KEPEMIMPINAN ALKITABIAH SEBAGAI FONDASI MITIGASI RISIKO DIGITAL

In an increasingly digital era, Christian leaders face new challenges in managing digital risks. To face these challenges, Christian leadership needs to be based on the spiritual values ​​contained in the event of Christ's transfiguration. This article explores the meaning of Christ's transfiguration and its implications for contemporary Christian leadership. The concept of "Transfigured Leadership" can be a valuable approach for Christian leaders to face these challenges from the perspective of Christian spirituality. The method used is a descriptive qualitative analysis of the Bible and literature with related themes. The research results show that the transfiguration of Christ reveals the character of Christ as a sanctified Messiah, a leader whose life is pleasing to the Father, and a role model for His followers. Christian leadership values ​​that originate from the transfiguration of Christ require leaders who live in holiness, have a close relationship with God, humility, willingness to make sacrifices, obedience to their calling, and continuous self-transformation. By focusing on the example of Christ's leadership, Christian leaders are expected to implement leadership that is oriented toward spiritual transformation.

Implementasi Doktrin Kristus (Kristologi) Dalam Pendidikan Agama Kristen

This article examines the implementation of the doctrine of Christ (christology) in the context of contemporary Christian religious education. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature and pedagogical perspectives, this research explores the challenges and strategies in integrating Christological understanding into the Christian religious education curriculum. Using a qualitative approach and content analysis, this article identifies three main areas: 1) the theological foundations for Christology-based education, 2) contemporary challenges in the implementation of Christ's doctrine, and 3) pedagogical strategies for effective integration. The research results show that effective implementation of Christology requires a balance between doctrinal fidelity and contextual relevance, supported by a transformative learning methodology.

Un enseignement biblique avec les arts plastiques en milieu catholique

This research in practical theology examines the impact of biblical teaching offered since 1998 to youth aged 5 to 14 using artwork to create a personal Bible. Volunteers initiated this activity in a Catholic church in Quebec City in response to the deconfessionalization of schools, hoping to offer a biblical culture to young people. The research method includes a detailed description of this “religious practice” with data collection, a critical correlation with the Bible and Church Tradition, and a reinvestment of the practice. During the period 2005-2022, the practice called “Bible illustrée” (Illustrated Bible) reached 144 youth, mostly from Quebec but also from African and Latin American immigrant communities. In 2022, 26 people completed a questionnaire on their motivation to participate, artistic creativity, and contemporary Christian witness. A critical correlation showed that Illustrated Bible is an activity that allows participants to reflect on relationships with others, God and existence, a reflection often taboo in a secular society. The all-volunteer support has contributed to the sustainability of a joyful, reflective, and creative community. The concept of Illustrated Bible could be integrated into other places (parishes, camps, etc.) and would benefit from a future guidebook for its dissemination.

Less Power to Ya: Materiality and Sublation in Early Christian Rock Music

In studies of the important contemporary Christian music (CCM) subculture within American evangelicalism, scholars have developed an increasingly robust body of sociological analysis; this article bridges from that scholarship to offer a cultural history of how a decentralized group of ex-hippies coalesced to establish a multimillion-dollar industry. Centring the concept of sublation as used by David Morgan, the article adopts a multimethod approach to study how More Power to Ya by Petra—one of the most popular albums from one of the industry’s most influential bands—exemplified the strategy Christian rock artists employed to move from a place of marginalization within evangelical Christianity to one of acceptance.

Jesus and Prophets like Jonah: A Message for Womanists and White Christian Nationalists

This essay explores the prophetic vocation vis-a-vis the challenge of contemporary Christian nationalism by reading the book of Jonah in the Hebrew Bible in conversation with what Jesus says about the sign of Jonah in Matthew 12. This essay puts two readings of Jonah into dialog—one for womanist prophets and one addressed to White Christian nationalists. These texts reveal God's relentless mercy for the outsider and God's unwavering love for the prophet of the oppressed. The essay considers what the sign of Jonah means for race relations and the troubling rise of White Christian nationalism in the United States today.

The Educational Significance of Feminist Theology in Contemporary Christian Education: Possibilities for a New Reading of Bible - Through the Examples of Biblical Interpretation by Berg, Moltmann, Moltmann-Wendel

The Educational Significance of Feminist Theology in Contemporary Christian Education: Possibilities for a New Reading of Bible - Through the Examples of Biblical Interpretation by Berg, Moltmann, Moltmann-Wendel

Growing a Healthy Church: A Theological Reflection on Disability Inclusivity in Ghana

The interplay of medical, social, cultural and religious factors has led to stigma and marginalization of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the Ghanaian context. Observable church beliefs and practices render the relations between so-called abled-bodied people and people with disabilities (PWDs) as an ‘us and them’ relationship. Ironically, the church is supposed to be a place of welcome, restoration and integration. However, with its emphasis on ‘healing before integration,’ the church space has become a place of exclusion for many PWDs. The study argues that the various ways of modelling disability, and the contemporary Ghanaian Christian response to disability are inadequate and lead to the exclusion of PWDs. The study being a qualitative one used both primary and secondary sources. Observations were made at traditional healing centres and healing and revival church services of some churches in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA) where PWDs were present. Also, journal articles, books, unpublished dissertations, and church documents on the subject matter were consulted. The study points to the fact that a disability-friendly theology must be constructed in order to guide the church to be disability inclusive and hence engender full participation of PWDs in the various ministries of the church in Ghana. The study recommends ways of constructing a disability-inclusive theology in view of the intersection between Akan traditional religion and contemporary Christian response to disability. This article seeks to contribute to the debate on disability inclusivity in the contemporary Ghanaian church, focusing on its importance in promoting comprehensive healing and inclusion for PWDs. Keywords: PWDs (Persons With Disability), Pentecostalism/neo-Pentecostalism, Exclusivity, Inclusivity, Theology of Disabilty.

Požehnání v biblické a prakticko-teologické perspektivě: Příspěvek k diskuzi o žehnání párů stejného pohlaví

The study examines the concept and practice of blessing in contemporary Christian churches and reflects on the possibilities of blessing same-sex couples. It emphasises the need to distinguish the blessing of a same-sex couple from the legal act of entering into a civil partnership. The purpose of the blessing is not to affirm or sanctify a particular life form but to bring a couple committed to an enduring relationship of love, respect and fidelity before God, promising his favour, grace and gifts. The study consists of three parts. First, it introduces the concept of blessing in the Old and New Testament. The second part discusses blessing from a contemporary practical theological perspective. It presents blessing as a gift and a task of the church community and as a key motif of casual services. It points to the specific linguistic form of blessing as opposed to prayer, wish and proclamation, presents blessing as an act of communication and reflects on the question of its content and effects. The third part deals with the question of who or what can be blessed and whether it is theologically legitimate to bless same-sex couples. It reflects on the possibility of blessing in the pastoral practice of the Roman Catholic Church, anchored in the declaration Fiducia supplicans, and in the liturgical practice of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. It concludes with a summary of the findings.

God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music, by Leah Payne

God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music, by Leah Payne

Multicultural Worship in the Song of Zechariah and Contemporary Christian Worship

This article explores the ethics of “speaking” the artistic languages or idioms of diverse cultures in the earliest Christian communities. This article presents a key New Testament text, the Song of Zechariah (the Benedictus in Luke 1:68–79), as a poetic text meant for communal performance and examines that cultural phenomenon through the lens of “musical caring” to examine the meaning such a poetic phenomenon has for modern Christian life and worship. First, I will briefly summarize the evidence for the Song of Zechariah as a lyrical poem containing the artistic “multilingualism” of both Hebrew and Greek poetic idioms. Then, I will assess such an artistic communal expression in its first-century context with Myrick’s concept of musical caring, broadened to allow for uncertainty of the Song of Zechariah’s first-century performance methods. Finally, I will consider the twenty-first-century implications or lessons from such care and inclusivity in the first century.

CHRISTUS SALVATOR

Considering the many diverse religious traditions coexisting in the same societies across the globe, the issue of how Christianity relates to other religions has become increasingly important. Theologians have developed three main approaches that address this issue: exclusivism, inclusivism, and religious pluralism. This article offers a critical examination of these approaches using a literature study. It also delves into the truth claim about Christ’s finality and salvific role in the world, exploring its implications for Christian missions. It argues that while adhering to Christ’s finality in the religiously pluralistic world is still relevant for contemporary Christians, it is necessary to engage respectfully and sensitively when approaching missions among people of other faiths. The article advocates a P-H-D model for missions, demonstrating the significance of three missional attitudes: Perseverance, Humility, and Dialogue.

Refusing Change Invites Failure: The Most Stubborn Figures in Biblical History and Their Implications for Contemporary Christian Thought and Practice

Refusing Change Invites Failure: The Most Stubborn Figures in Biblical History and Their Implications for Contemporary Christian Thought and Practice

Shaping our bodies to our shape our selves: A theological remedy to the discontented pursuit of the body I want to be

AbstractThe late modern person has a complicated relationship with the body: despite a contemporary “return to the body,” the body is still conceived as a project which the person must advance and revise in order to both express and shape their sense of self‐identity. For all people this project is destined to failure at some point, and it has a range of concerning implications along the way. In thrall to the prevailing cultural ideologies that idolize projection, progress, and proficiency, our approach to the body is more likely to be characterized by manipulation and striving than the divine affirmation that “it is good” (Gen 1). This dynamic underlies the modern epidemic of ill health, eating disorders, disordered eating, “obesity,” and body‐shaming. Contemporary Christians are poorly insulated from the perils of a culture that is simultaneously body‐obsessed and body‐denying. A barely perceptible Gnosticism undergirds much of the popular theology of the body in practice, and the church has done little to address these ills, instead becoming mired in other body issues centered around sexuality and reproduction. The church has even absorbed the aims of the “wellness” industry and diet culture, sprinkling them Christianese and Christian celebrity endorsements. What can a biblical Christian thought and practice offer as a remedy? Ultimately, the human person need not strive to establish his or her identity, instead it is held secure in Christ. Both beauty and health, theologically defined, emerge from the integration of self and body, and the participation of the whole person in the divine life.

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.

Building Christian Leadership According to the Book of Esther Based on Mordecai's Inspirational Mentor Model in Esther

Abstract: The implementation of secular leadership values ​​in church ministry can give rise to various problems that impact its integrity and effectiveness. The tendency to pursue quantitative growth and financial success as primary indicators of success can shift the focus away from essential Christian values. In addition, leadership that is not rooted in Christian principles can cause conflict and division within the church body. This research aims to explore the dynamics of Christian leadership that radiate from the story of Mordecai and Esther. This research uses the library research method by analyzing sources relevant to the topics of mentoring, Christian leadership, and the story of Mordecai and Esther. Data were analyzed qualitatively with a focus on Mordecai's role as a mentor, Esther's leadership, and the implications for contemporary Christian leadership. This research produces a 5P mentoring model, based on Mordecai's mentor role to Esther through five main aspects: adoption, care, protection, enlightenment, and strengthening. This is proven to form Esther's leadership character who is brave, wise, faithful and obedient. It is hoped that the findings of this research will help build a Christian leadership model that is effective and relevant to various organizational and community contexts today. Keywords: Esther, Leadership, Mentor, Mordecai

The Reliant (2019) and the rhetoric of necropolitical Christianity

ABSTRACT This essay examines the manufactured controversy over the independent Christian film The Reliant (2019), a film advertised as a pro-gun action-adventure. Despite receiving virtually no attention from the political left, the filmmakers’ engaged in a public relations campaign to spotlight the putative opposition to the film as evidence of a broader effort by secular progressives to persecute Christian ideas and values. In this essay, we argue that such manufactured controversies are a rhetorical strategy of contemporary Christian nationalists to construct progressive secularism as a mortal threat to the survival of Christianity. Analyzing the promotional materials and staged events surrounding this film, we illustrate how Christian nationalism increasingly relies on contrived public controversies and faux outrage against its products, policies, and discourses to craft a warped impression that Christians face violent enmity and persecution at every turn. We advance the concept of necropolitical Christianity to name how Christian nationalists mimic forms of state sovereignty premised on the right to kill or maim in the name of collective self-defense. We conclude that manufactured enmity conjures a violent Other who despises and persecutes conservative Christians to bolster the case for more radical measures to ensure the defense and survival of the Christian nation.

가스펠 음악이 엘비스 프레슬리(Elvis Presley)의 음악에 끼친 영향과 의미

Elvis Presley’s Grammy Awards, all three of which were won in the Gospel category, highlight a lesser-known facet of his musical legacy. His unwavering commitment to gospel music led to his posthumous induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. This study explores the impact of gospel music on Presley’s musical career and the significance it held for him. Presley grew up in the Southern United States, where gospel music culture was not significantly differentiated from secular music, allowing for a seamless integration of various gospel music styles. Even after achieving rock and roll stardom, he continued releasing gospel records and incorporated gospel songs in movies and various other shows. He used gospel music as a key element in shaping his musical style, structuring his backup vocals around gospel quartets throughout his career. By infusing traditional gospel music with contemporary sounds, he crafted his own musical identity, presenting it with unwavering confidence to the general public and the music industry. Gospel music was indeed an integral part of his artistic persona. He introduced gospel music to the world of rock and roll, reserving a prominent place for it on his stage. This approach underscored the significance of gospel music in the broader music scene. Elvis Presley’s gospel music can be re-evaluated as having emerged as a pioneering force during the formative phase of contemporary Christian music.

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.