Discipline Of Theology Research Articles

Suicide as a sin and mental illness: A dialogue between Christianity and psychology

Christian doctrine has by and large held that suicide is morally wrong, however in psychology, suicidal tendencies and suicidal ideations are a major health problem, and for every suicide, there are many more who attempt suicide every year. In this article, we seek to advance the knowledge on suicide by identifying particular psychological characteristics and Christian spiritual controversies. This research proceeds to a transversal interdisciplinary conversation where practical theology and psychology reflect their voices about suicide. A transversal interdisciplinary approach articulates that theology and science can share concerns, and converge on commonly identified issues like suicide, although they differ in discipline. We aim to create a dialogue between psychology and the Christian faith concerning suicide. Christianity has always viewed suicide as a sinful act, and anyone who commits suicide would go straight to hell. Even though there are no direct scripture texts on suicide being a sin, biblical texts are used to prove that it is. However, God’s Word makes clear the sanctity of life, thou shall not murder. According to psychology, suicide is a highly complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and amongst others it can be a result of mental illness. We attempt to balance the non-theological interpretation with the theological discipline. This research challenges the Christian ideology of suicide as a sin; this perspective remains a challenge among our fellow ministers. This study is relevant for both theology and psychology because both the disciplines deal with the well-being of people.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The contextual perspective challenged by this research is the understanding of suicide according to theological and psychological perspectives. This research is done using a literature review on suicide according to both Christianity and psychology.

Diocesan advisers in women’s ministry in the Church of England: towards a theology of practice

ABSTRACT It is twenty-seven years since women were first ordained priests within the Church of England. At that time, it was suggested that each diocese should have an advisor in women’s ministry who would support and advocate on behalf of these new female priests. This paper explores the role of Diocesan Advisers in Women’s Ministry (DAWM) – what they do in practice and whether they are still necessary. The research is firmly rooted in the discipline of practical theology and uses qualitative research. A brief background to the research will be given as well as an explanation of the methodology. The findings of the research questions will be viewed through four lenses: ministerial pathways, mainstreaming, pastoral issues, and the Five Guiding Principles. The main aim of this paper, however, is to put forward a theology of practice of Diocesan advisors in women’s ministry, a practice which, it will be claimed, is rooted in advocating, attending, and embodying.

Book of the prophet Jeremiah in theological and philosophical reading

This article is devoted to the analysis of the Old Testament Book of the prophet Jeremiah. This man lived in Judea in VII–VI centuries BC. The article emphasizes that, in addition to prophecies about the future spread of Christianity, this Book touches on many aspects of the religious life of Jewish society. The purpose of the article is to identify in the book of the prophet Jeremiah those ideas that are characteristic of the Christian worldview. The book of Jeremiah vividly expresses the idea of repentance, and Jeremiah's prophecies are closely related to the New Testament book of Revelation. The book of Jeremiah vividly expresses the idea of the responsibility of human society. The article notes that not all biblical postulates are absolute. For example, the categories of blessing and curse of God are conditioned by the way people live and can change according to the development or regression of the spiritual life of the people. This article can be useful in the preparation of educational material on theological and philosophical disciplines.

An Exegetico-Theological Study of Romans 8:1-8: Toward a Pneumatological-Ecclesiology

This article focuses on Paul’s teachings on how the believer’s life in the Spirit contrasts the believer’s previous life of sin, with particular reference to Romans 8:1-8. It first employed the exegetical method—comprising contextual analysis, literary analysis, detailed analysis of lexicology (the meaning of words), morphology (the form of words), grammatical function of words (parts of speech), syntax (the relationships of words) and figures of speech—to explore the text. The next step was a systematic theological formulation of pneumatological-ecclesiology based on the results from the exegetical study of the text. The main argument is that the Spirit applies Christ’s salvific work to the believer in a way that does not only put the believer right forensically but also puts him/her right behaviorally. Thus, the believer walking in the Spirit is both justified by the cross and by good deeds performed through the enabling presence of the Spirit. The article contributes to the academic disciplines of systematic theology and biblical studies by exploring what pneumatological-ecclesiology is embedded in the text and applying this formulated theology to the life of the contemporary church, drawing attention to the fact that since the Holy Spirit breathes upon and through the church, the activities of the Spirit in the church should be the plumb line for assessing the nature and conduct of the church. This contribution serves as an effective tool for enhancing ethical and religious renewals in believers in a way that eventually enhances their relationship with God, other humans and the environment. Keywords: Death, Flesh, Law, Spirit

On Being a Thomist: Cornelius Ernst's Meta-Theology

AbstractThomism is a contested category that exhibits considerable plasticity in its application. An examination of the role played by such invocations of proper names in contemporary theological discourse indicates the importance of textual accessibility and engagement. The role played by texts is examined in terms of an often-elided distinction between ‘intelligibility’ and ‘readability’, with the former aligned with propositional contents and the latter a more expansive attentiveness to the text's performative operations. The historical remoteness of Aquinas coupled with the importation into theology of secularised reading strategies is seen to have alienated the full readability of Aquinas's texts. Acting against Cartesian modes of reading, Cornelius Ernst's re-performance of Thomistic pedagogy as ‘engaged contemplation’ is concerned to enact a horizon of meaning within which Aquinas's texts retain enduring readability. This article develops Ernst's Thomistic meta-theology into an account of Thomism as ‘meta-reading’. On this account, authentic Thomism involves the intentional cultivation of a total human culture, within which the inherently theological discipline of textual engagement exercises a quasi-liturgical function.

The concept of monotheism in the Book of Proverbs and an African (Yoruba) perspective

Verbum et Ecclesia is a theological research journal that challenges traditional discourses within and between the fields of biblical, religious, social and human sciences as well as the constructive engagement with the natural sciences. It is an instrument of engagement between theological disciplines, on the one hand, and theology and other disciplines, on the other.

The History of Protestant Youth Ministry; a Review

Abstract In the academic study of youth ministry, the disciplines of theology, sociology, and biblical studies are well represented, but not the discipline of history. This paper reviews what has been written about the history of Protestant youth ministry and attempts to synthesise changes over time. Then it highlights particular insights taken from the histories that could help those involved in youth ministry to be critical about their thinking and practice and to undertake practical theology. The insights identified are: the impact of historical context on youth ministry; the tension between nurture and conversion; the influence of theology; the relevance of class; and the importance of considering gender. This paper highlights the need for more research in this area and suggests that this research could assist youth ministers in considering their goals in ministry, their methodology, and the effectiveness of different kinds of youth organisations.

Doctrine as security? A systematic theological critique of the operational theological framework of the controversial South African neo-Pentecostal prophets

This research article uses the theoretical framework of doctrine as believer’s security to critique the theological framework behind the controversial activities reported amongst some South African neo-Pentecostal prophets (NPPs), which include feeding congregants with grass, spraying them with insecticides and sexual violation of women congregants. The framework of the article falls within the discipline of systematic theology by raising the importance for South African Christians to develop a critical doctrinal framework for protecting themselves from controversial NPPs. The following main question is answered by the article: from a systematic theological perspective, how can we evaluate the theological framework, which leads to the recent controversial activities reported amongst some NPPs in South Africa? Consequently, the article, firstly, describes the critical theological framework of the protective role of Christian doctrine. Secondly, it describes the South African NPPs and their controversial practices. Thirdly, this article analyses some of the theological problems in the current operative framework of NPPs. Fourthly, it argues for the need for doctrinally informed critical thinking as a safety measure against controversial NPPs. Finally, some steps that must be taken by NPPs to develop critical theological thinking in order to overcome doctrinally vacuous experientialism that promotes controversial religious activities are provided.Contribution: From a systematic theological approach, this article attempts to demonstrate the importance of critical doctrinal thinking as a defence mechanism for protecting Christians from falling prey to harmful religious practices, such as those recently reported amongst some NPPs in South Africa.

Acting Out The Shared Heritage: Towards A Pedagogical Model for Liberatory Education

There are many connections between Liberation Theology, critical pedagogy, and the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm (IPP). Each of these liberatory traditions can be applied to teaching practices in postsecondary education. Utilizing Thomas Oldenski's Integrative Model of Liberation Theology and Critical Pedagogy, I propose The Model of Spiritual Strategies for Postsecondary Teaching (SSM) as a practical teaching framework for postsecondary instructors. The purpose of the SSM is to provide an actionable tool for instructors to infuse their pedagogy and curricula with the values of liberatory education, derived from the disciplines of Liberation Theology, critical pedagogy, and the IPP. I begin by retracing the spiritual heritage and transformative values shared between these disciplines, and conclude with examples of teaching techniques through the SSM to facilitate liberatory education for spiritual transformation.

Towards a hermeneutics of sustainability in Africa: Engaging indigenous knowledge in dialogue with Christianity

Today there are a number of ecological hermeneutics, such as the Exeter project (UK), the Earth Bible project (Australia), the anti-ecological readings and the eco-feminist readings. Whilst these trends provide Christianity with valuable ecological insights, they tend to be more global than specific. The Exeter project claims even to search for the ‘universal’ eco-meaning of the scriptures. Thus, every community should learn from them and try to develop its ecological hermeneutical framework, which can sustainably address its contextual issues. This article explores whether elements of traditional Africa can be transformed into a valuable hermeneutical framework of ecological sustainability for Christianity in Africa. African traditional societies were built upon a threefold worldview, namely (1) the sacredness of all life (moral or spiritual dimension of nature), (2) the pre-eminence of the community over individual interests and (3) the cosmological dimension of the chieftaincy (governance). In the process of the Christianisation of Africa, this framework by which African people make sense of the world became so impaired that the Africans ceased to understand their world through their own cultural systems. With a proper re-configuration in dialogue with a sound biblical green theology, this triad can be turned into an effective hermeneutical vehicle of African churches’ engagement for a sustainable life in Africa.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article explores whether elements of traditional Africa can be transformed into a valuable hermeneutical framework of ecological sustainability for Christianity in Africa. It draws on ecological hermeneutics that exist in the theological disciplines. It involves the disciplines of biblical exegesis and ecological hermeneutics, African hermeneutics and insights from sustainability theories.

Thuma Mina: A critical discourse on the prospect of a Ramaphosa presidency through the lenses of Isaiah 6:8

This article explores the prospect of the Ramaphosa presidency and its success by reflecting on the ‘Thuma Mina’ concept. In his State of the Nations Address on 16 February 2018, President Ramaphosa cited the Thuma Mina song of Hugh Masekela to mobilise the resourcefulness of South Africans to volunteer their services to create a better future for all. In this article, it becomes clear that ‘Thuma Mina’ is more than just a song by Hugh Masekela and churches; it has deep roots in Isaiah 6:8 and the narrative of Isaiah’s calling by God to be a prophet. In embracing the ‘Thuma Mina’ concept, Ramaphosa’s presidency has a prospect of succeeding against all odds. The president must just remain rooted to its historical significance, its connectivity to Yahweh (YHWH) and the good will of the people of South Africa as engraved in Ubuntu and the spirit of volunteerism, servanthood and generosity.Interdisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article brings the disciplines of theology, leadership and politics in defining ‘Thuma Mina’ and the prospect of the Ramaphosa presidency. It proposes that the continued use of ‘Thuma Mina’ will remain a driver to mobilise South Africans to embrace the spirit of volunteerism, servanthood and sacrifice to bring about lasting solutions to challenges of decay that South Africa faces.

Faith and Evolution: A Grace Filled Naturalism

Faith and Evolution: A Grace Filled Naturalism

Latin American liberation theology: Does it fit in the schema of African theology of reconstruction?

Three decades after the proposal for a shift of theological paradigm, from liberation to reconstruction in an African context (1990-2020), it is worthwhile to ask: Was this proposal timely? Did the proposal speak for other related theologies of liberation in the majority-world such as Black theology of North America and more specifically, Latin American liberation theology? In this proposal, African theologies of liberation were urged to embrace this shift as the new norm. Such African theologies includes: African theology (the mother), Black theology of South Africa, and African women’s theology among others. Hence the proposal was contextual in that Africa was moving towards total independence from ‘Pharaohs’ who had colonised Africa since the Berlin conference of 1885/1886. With the African agenda appearing to have been taken care of, it is worthwhile to ask: Does this ‘well-taken care of’ African agenda mean anything to other liberationists theologians in the majority-world such as the Latin American liberation theology? This article sets on the premise that liberation theology can be done within reconstruction theology and vice versa, and as the situation and context demands. Hence, it is possible to cry for ‘liberation’ when in reality, it is liberation to reconstruct and/or liberation to consolidate the gains of previous liberation hence reconstruction. In its method and design, the article reviews the existing literature while making a critical analysis on matters under consideration.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article explores the notion of reconstruction in an African context and gives it a global dimension by drawing from other contemporary theologies of the Majority-World such as Latin American theology and Black theology of North America. It involves the disciplines of Systematic theology, Contemporary theology, Liberation and Reconstruction theologies, and Missiology.

Hindrance as a motivation in divine guidance: The example of Paul

A number of factors are at work as they relate to divine guidance in the life of a Christian. Examples of odegeology – the neologism given to this dimension of practical theology – are discussed in this article around the scriptural topos of hindrance as a motivation in Paul’s guidance. Four examples are considered that are drawn from the book of Acts and from his own letters. The circumstances related to these hindrances are discussed, and relevant applications are drawn from them. The article closes with a contemporary example of hindrance resulting from the coronavirus pandemic of 2019. It looks at lessons Christians are learning about the hindrances caused by this virus as they cope with restrictive stay-at-home orders. These are suggested as somewhat analogous to Paul’s two extended imprisonments.Contribution: This article is the first to explore systematically all the texts regarding hindrance as a motivation for guidance related to Paul in the book of Acts and his letters. Guidance in the Christian life remains an important dimension within Practical Theology, a theological discipline within the journal’s publishing tradition.

Walter J. Hollenweger: an (auto)biographical account of his ecumenical legacy

ABSTRACT Walter Hollenweger had a profound impact on a variety of theological disciplines that was nurtured by his personal story. This essay accounts for his ecumenical legacy beginning with the Pentecostal Church in Switzerland to the World Council of Churches in Geneva through an autobiographical account by one of his former students. The essay traces Hollenweger’s early career followed by personal reflections and insights that take Hollenweger’s ecumenical legacy from Birmingham to Geneva to Romania and beyond.

Philosophy and Eschatology: A Quest for Truth and Meaning

Do philosophy and eschatology have anything in common? In an age when philosophical naturalism is taken as a norm especially among some philosophers of the Anglo-American tradition, does it not seem out of place to put philosophy and eschatology side by side? Is eschatology not merely a utopic thinking? These are some of the questions that might come to mind when the notion of eschatology is raised within philosophical circles? <i>Prima facie</i>, it seems that philosophy and eschatology are two contradictory disciplines or outlooks on reality since philosophy primarily relies on the critical use of human intelligence and reason whereas eschatology has religious overtones and thus is a theological discipline. This would seem so in an age in which philosophical naturalism is on the rise. However, a critical consideration would show that philosophy and eschatology are not as distant from each other as they might seem from a superficial analysis. If philosophy and eschatology are not mutually exclusive, then where does their convergence lie? Ultimately, both philosophy and eschatology search for truth and meaning in human existence because, ultimately, both philosophy and eschatology examine the entire meaning of human existence or, as it is put in popular parlance, they are concerned with the question of human destiny. So it is not out of place to argue that philosophy ultimately is eschatological thinking. In this paper therefore, it is argued that there is a mutual complementarity between philosophy and eschatology and that the primary locus for an adequate understanding of the intrinsic relation between philosophy and eschatology is the question of the existential meaning of the human person. I will contend that it is because the ancients considered philosophy to be eschatological thinking that some ancient thinkers viewed philosophy as a spiritual exercise and preparation for one’s death. In fact, the understanding of philosophy as eschatological thinking is manifest at least implicitly from the ancient through the mediaeval to the modern era. Furthermore, I argue that it is because of the complementarity between philosophy and eschatology that philosophical theology or philosophy of religion is still relevant till today. Finally, whether eschatology is considered from a Christian point of view or from the viewpoint of African religions, it is must be understood as a search for the meaning of human existence by seeking the connection between two fundamental questions, namely, the question concerning the human person and that concerning God.

On Systematic Philosophical Theology

The disciplines of systematic theology, dogmatic theology, fundamental theology, philosophical theology, and philosophy of religion are characterized and their relations to one another are discussed.

Anselm of Canterbury and the Third Reich: Gottlieb Söhngen on Upholding the Humanum Amid the Inhumane

Gottlieb Söhngen (1892-1971) is a figure of no small significance: he directed both Joseph Ratzinger’s (now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI) dissertation and habilitation, and his writings on Anselm of Canterbury’s theological contri-butions illustrate the struggles of a then still nascent theological discipline: fundamental theology. Söhngen’s explorations occur within the context of National Socialist rule, while he teaches theology at Akademie Braunsberg in the eponymous city located in East Prussia (1937-45) during the dark years of the Third Reich. This investigation shows how very much Söhngen does justice to both Anselm’s oeuvre and the Roman Catholic statement, while nevertheless introducing pointers to pre-Christian, Germanic notions in order to flatter the Nazi rulers, but more importantly to underscore how pagan concepts ultimately indirectly prepare the ground for the implantation of the Gospel.

Reasoning God

In this Presidential Address I consider the vocation of the theologian. In the busy-ness of teaching, research and especially administrative work, our calling to the discipline of theology is easily overlooked. I offer examples of theologians and artists who speak of their vocation as more than career or even profession. Teaching the essential hard work of hope and theological diligence sets up our students to make constructive difference in their own fields. Maintaining a robust, encouraging, professional association in the Canadian Theological Society ensures the enhancement of our vocation. The occasion of this address, the sixty-fourth Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Theological Society (CTS), is an opportunity to honour this vocation.

Din Perspektifinden Obsesif-Kompulsif Bozukluklar: Modern Yaklaşımlar ve Ebû Zeyd El-Belhî’nin Katkıları

Ruhsal hastalıkların geçmişi insanlık tarihi kadar eskidir. Tarihsel süreç içinde değişen toplumsal, kültürel pek çok faktörden etkilenen ruhsal bozukluklar, kavramsal olarak sürekli yeniden yapılandırılarak tanımları ve sınıflandırmaları değişikliğe uğramıştır. Kökleri insanlık tarihi kadar eski bir geçmişe uzanan obsesif kompulsif bozuklukların (OKB) modern kavramlarına evrilmesi 19. yüzyılda gerçekleşmiştir. OKB’nin ruhsal kökeni hakkındaki ilk bilimsel görüşler S. Freud’a aittir. Freud, OKB’deki ruhsal nedenlerin diğer ruhsal bozukluklardan farklı olduğunu gözlemleyerek obsesyonu, ayrı ve özgün bir bozukluk olarak incelemiştir. Zamanla OKB’nin oldukça yaygın bir rahatsızlık olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Amerikan Psikiyatri Birliği (APA) yayımladığı Ruhsal Bozuklukların Tanısal ve İstatiksel El Kitabı’nın son sürümü (DSM-5)’de OKB’yi anksiyete bozuklukları kategorisi içinden çıkartarak bağımsız bir başlık altında tasnif etmiştir. OKB, takıntılı fikir ve düşünce gibi zihinsel eylemler (obsesyon) ve/veya yineleyici ve zorlantılı davranışlardan (kompulsiyon) meydana gelen ruhsal bir bozukluktur. Hasta çoğu kez bu türlü düşünce ve davranışlarının mantıksız ve saçma olduğunun bilincindedir. Bu nedenle inançlarına, görüşlerine, ahlaki değerlerine ve mantığına ters bulduğu obsesif düşünceleri zihinden uzaklaştırılmaya çalışır. Fakat o çabaladıkça obsesif düşünceler daha da çoğalır, sıklaşır ve kişide büyük bir bunaltı meydana getirir. Hasta hissettiği bunaltıyı hafifletmek veya ondan tamamen kurtulmak için bu kez kompulsiyonlara başvurur. Kompulsiyonları tekrar ettikçe de bunaltısı artar ve kısır bir döngü içine girer. Bireyin yaşam kalitesini ciddi şekilde düşüren OKB’nin pek çok semptom alt grubu bulunmaktadır. Bunlardan birisi ve hatta en bunaltıcı olanı dini obsesyonlardır. Psikoloji literatüründe din ve OKB arasında uzun zamandır bir ilişki olduğu düşünülmüş ve bu ilişkiyi açıklığa kavuşturmayı amaçlayan bazı dikkat çekici çalışmalar yapılmıştır. Bireyin ruhsal sağlık bütünlüğünün korunmasında dinin vazgeçilmez bir unsur olduğunu gösteren pek çok araştırma bulgusu bulunmakla birlikte bazı dini anlayış biçimleri ve dini deneyimler sonucu edinilen kimi tecrübeler OKB ile ilgili kaygıları etkileyebilmektedir. Dindarlığın bu aşaması, OKB’nin bazı alt semptom gruplarıyla yakından ilişkilidir. Psikanaliz yönteminin kurucusu Freud ve takipçilerinin açıklamaları, OKB’nin anlaşılmasına büyük katkı sağlamıştır. Ancak psikanalitik yöntemin kuramsal açıdan dine karşı indirgemeci bir yaklaşım sergilemesi nedeniyle kişinin dine olan bağlılığının daha başlangıçta bir patoloji ya da en azından önemli bir içgörü engeli olarak değerlendirilmesi söz konusudur. Günümüzde bilişsel davranışçı psikoterapiler, OKB üzerinde en etkili psikolojik tedavi yöntemi olarak kabul edilir fakat onların da dini OKB’lerin tedavisinde başarı oranları düşüktür. Dini OKB kaygıları, genellikle somut tekrarlanabilir durumlar yerine manevi konuları içerdiğinden davranışçı yöntemlerin dini OKB tedavisinde uygulanması oldukça zor olabilir. Dolayısıyla geleneksel psikoterapi yaklaşımları, açıkça dine karşı olmasalar bile genellikle dini boyutu ihmal ettiklerinden dini obsesyonları bulunan bireylerin hayatlarındaki ıztırabı dindirmede yetersiz kalmaktadırlar. Ruhsal tedavilerin seküler yaklaşımlarla sınırlı tutulmasından doğan boşluk nedeniyle dindar hastalar, dini duyguları istismar eden kişilerin illegal uygulamalarının tehdidiyle karşı karşıyadırlar. Klinik anlamda dini obsesyonlar daha kaygı verici ve bunaltıcıdır. Dolayısıyla tedavileri de diğerlerinkinden daha zordur. OKB’nin tedavisinde farklı bilim disiplinlerin bir arada kullanıldığı, dini inanç ve değerler etrafında esneyebilecek, seçmeci yaklaşımlar daha etkili tedavi modelleri ortaya çıkartabilir. Böylece dini OKB’nin tedavisindeki başarı oranı tıp, psikoloji ve ilahiyat disiplinlerinin uygun işbirliği sayesinde üst düzeylere taşınabilir. İlahiyat disiplinleri açısından bu işbirliğini destekleyebilecek zengin bir dini kültürel miras bulunmaktadır. Bir örnek olarak Ebû Zeyd el-Belhî (322/934), Mesalihu’l-Ebdan ve’l-Enfüs adlı eserinde, Freud’dan yaklaşık on asır önce, nevrozlar ve psikozlar arasında muhtemelen ilk defa açık bir ayrım yapmış ve nevrotik bozuklukları sınıflandırmıştır. Ayrıca eserinde, bu bozuklukların her birinin tedavisi için rasyonel ve manevi bilişsel terapilerin nasıl kullanılacağını ayrıntılı bir şekilde göstermiştir. Bu çalışmada dini obsesyonlara hem psikolojik bir rahatsızlık hem de teolojik bir problem olarak bütüncül bir yöntemle yaklaşılmasının önemi vurgulanmaktadır. Bu nedenle dini OKB’nin tedavisinde psikiyatrik ve psikolojik yaklaşımların manevi danışmanlık ve rehberlikle işbirliği önerilmektedir. Dindar bir kişide görülen belirtilerin dini yaşantıya ait normal, tabii dini düşünce ve davranışlar mı yoksa dini kılıfa bürünmüş anormal görünümler mi olduğunun ayrıştırılmasındaki güçlük disiplinler arası bu işbirliğini zorunlu kılmaktadır.