Doctrine Of God Research Articles

God of Nature and Grace: A Reading of Pannenberg’s Doctrine of God

God of Nature and Grace: A Reading of Pannenberg’s Doctrine of God

The Decline and Retrieval of Divine Incomprehensibility in Modern Reformed Theology

AbstractThis article explores the way in which two modern Reformed theologians, Charles Hodge and Herman Bavinck, articulate their theologies of divine incomprehensibility and the knowability of God in radically different ways, against the backdrop of post‐Kantian epistemology. This contrast will draw attention to why the doctrine of divine incomprehensibility has diminished in influence in modern Reformed theology, while also making some suggestions as to how it can be retrieved in order to supplement and strengthen contemporary discussions on the doctrine of God in the Reformed tradition.

‘“Be baptized now, and baptize us also”: Reframing the narrative of Andrew D. Urshan’s encounter with Russian Pentecostals’

ABSTRACT This essay reframes the narrative of Oneness Pentecostal origins in Russia, presenting a decentred perspective on the encounter between the Petrograd community and their missionary, Andrew Urshan. Though unaware of the so-called ‘New Issue’ dividing Pentecostals in North America in the 1910s, these Pentecostals convinced Urshan to embrace the untraditional ‘Jesus name’ baptismal formula. This decentring approach creates a narrative of mutuality that recognizes the agency of a people considered recipients of mission. Beginning with a brief overview of Pentecostal origins in Russia, the focus narrows to the emergence of Oneness Pentecostalism in Petrograd. Urshan’s embrace of the Oneness doctrine of God and a general history of the Community of Evangelical Christians in the Apostolic Spirit, which resulted from Urshan’s ministry, will follow. Finally, the essay explores how the double appeal to ‘be baptized now, and baptize us also,’ spoken by a subaltern group, reframes the narrative of Oneness Pentecostal origins in Russia.

Christian theology and the archetypal in religion: A reconciliation experience for the stances

The term “archetype” became ingrained in modern humanities. This was greatly due to the works of the founder of analytical psychology, C. G. Jung. Jung himself linked the idea of archetypes with the collective unconscious, the concept of which took shape in his mind under the influence of E. Durkheim and L. Levy-Bruhl’s works. Since, in the mind of the author and his closest followers, the term “archetype” had a connection with the spiritual and cultural heritage accumulated by humankind, it resulted in attempts to analyze pieces of artistic creativity in order to identify archetypal models and plots in them and to explain the logic of the creating and social functioning for works of art, primarily the verbal one (M. Bodkin, E. M. Meletinsky, A. Y. Bolshakova). Another focus of research is the application of the theory of archetypes to the problems of mythology and religious studies (E. Neumann, K. Kerenyi, J. Campbell, M. Eliade). The facts observed by researchers of different areas require serious reflection based on the stances of Orthodox theology. This can be done only based on a centuries-old church tradition. The Christian spiritual heritage includes, in particular, the texts of the Holy Fathers (Corpus Areopagiticum, St. Irenaeus of Lyon, Rev. St. John of Damascus, St. Augustine), who use both the term “archetype” alongside with the terms close to it in meaning (“prototypes”, “predestinations”, “predeterminations”). All of them correlate with the doctrine of God’s original plan for the world.

A Constructive Trinitarian Theology of the First Article for the Religiously Pluralistic and Secular World

Abstract Even laypersons, such as systematic theologians, who are not trained in law enforcement are familiar enough with crime investigation to know that the detective works circles around a few simple questions such as: Who committed the crime? What happened? How was the crime executed? Why did the criminal do what he or she did? In the first part of my essay, as a way of introducing the nature, “method,” and distinctive features as well as the motifs behind the five-volume constructive theology, I will follow that simple template. The second major part will zoom in on the given task of this essay, namely, the theology of the first article of the creed, the doctrine of God. As the distinctive Christian conception of God is trinitarian by its very nature, that discussion in its form and content is thoroughly triune. Consequently, my main argument comes in two successive steps. First, the first-article theology—similarly to the second- and third-article theologies, respectively—is trinitarian. Second, its distinctive feature in comparison to the second- and third-article theologies is that the works of the triune God are considered and investigated from the perspective of what the Father, alongside Son and Spirit, is doing in the world.

Speaking (about) Substance: The Metaphysics of Rowan Williams and some Russian Philosophers

AbstractRussian religious culture has been a constant and prominent element of Rowan Williams’ work. This article demonstrates the affinity of Williams’ metaphysics with the work of two Russian philosopher‐theologians, whose influence on Williams is explicit: Sergii Bulgakov and Aleksei Losev. This affinity is drawn out by a close attention to the significance of the concept of substance in Williams’ metaphysics. The concept of substance brings together language, metaphysics, and the doctrine of God in Williams’ work, in ways that converge strongly with the thought of Bulgakov and Losev. Via a scrutiny of language, these thinkers eschew an understanding of substance and transcendence that privileges isolated interiority, with substance instead taking a Trinitarian shape. To think metaphysically thus becomes a spiritual practice, as the metaphysician renounces an understanding of substance in the image of the isolated ego, conforming instead to the triune pattern of created being.

The Ground, Method, and Goal of Amandus Polanus’ (1561–1610) Doctrine of God: A Historical and Contextual Analysis , by Steven B. Tipton

The Ground, Method, and Goal of Amandus Polanus’ (1561–1610) Doctrine of God: A Historical and Contextual Analysis , by Steven B. Tipton

Relations in Ramon Llull’s Trinitarian Ontology

After his conversion in 1263, and following a vision on Mount Randa in 1273, Ramon Llull adopted a trinitarian view of the world. At the same time, he found his purpose in missionary activity, seeking to convert Christians, Muslims, and Jews to the Catholic faith. He also wanted to serve this purpose through his books. The trinitarian ontology that these books presuppose can be seen in his understanding of relations. Llull’s trinitarianism begins with the Augustinian tradition’s trinitarian understanding of the world. The basis of his trinitarian ontology lies in his understanding of correlatives, one of his most original contributions to the thought. Together with relative principles and the doctrine of God’s Dignities as absolute principles, these form the basis of his doctrine of Art, the art of combining elements. Trinitarian ontology also appears in his analysis of human’s relationship with God, in his dynamic definition of human being, and in the structure of the composition of human being. This article will show that trinitarian ontology is a presupposition of Ramon Llull’s vision of the world.

Idolatry and Mystery

Abstract This article contrasts the accounts of mystery used to combat idolatry found in the theology of Karl Barth and in contemporary apophatic theology. It describes Barth’s account of mystery as distinctly Protestant in its soteriological nature and basis in contrast to recent apophatic accounts of mystery based on the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo. These divergent theologies of mystery—as either light or darkness based on different dogmatic res—ultimately reveal contrasting commitments in the doctrine of God. For both, Jesus Christ is the light of God’s gracious revelation. However, the movement in apophatic theology is from the light of Christ to the mystery of divine darkness, while in Barth’s theology Jesus Christ is the luminous mystery of God that dispels the Deus absconditus. This article argues that idolatry is better counteracted by Barth’s positive concept that mystery is grace and filled with content in Jesus Christ.

Jesus the Teacher of truth

Many people try to historically dispute the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The aim of this paper is to find contrary claims in the Scriptures to prove that Jesus is the eternal Teacher. This implies that Jesus’ mission has not come to end with his mission on Earth. In the first part of the paper, we will explain the Old and New Testaments’ meanings of a teacher. This will be followed with stating the differences between Jesus’ teaching and the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees. The aim of this is to prove the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth. In the second part of the paper, we will deal with the consideration of truth and connect the concepts of authenticity and truth. The eternal teacher of the Truth with his teaching frees those who accept him and encourages them to change their hearts and lives. His teaching transcends time and space boundaries. In comparison to the teachers of this world, Jesus is an authentic teacher who lives all that he teaches as example for his disciples of his communion with his Father. The teaching of Jesus is different from the Jewish teaching, as well as from any other teaching. Jesus as teacher of teachers provides an example of learning, especially in situations of temptation. As a teacher, Jesus has a unique “educational plan” - the doctrine of God’s kingdom and His teaching methods have a strong effect on students.

A Study on the doctrine of the Trinity of Irenaeus of Lyon : Focusing on the ‘Doctrine of God’s Two Hands’

A Study on the doctrine of the Trinity of Irenaeus of Lyon : Focusing on the ‘Doctrine of God’s Two Hands’

The Destiny of Phenomenology: Gadamer on Value, Globalism, and the Growth of Being

The Destiny of Phenomenology: Gadamer on Value, Globalism, and the Growth of Being

Is Africa Godforsaken? Neo-Pentecostal prophetism on African human agency and transcendence

African neo-Pentecostal prophets (NPPs) use their prophetic rituals like deliverance services and anointed objects such as anointed oil, to bring God’s presence to people to empower their human agency (power to act) and transcendence (power to overcome). This use of prophetic systems prompts the question: What does the NPPs’ teaching that Africans need prophetic rituals and anointed objects for God to empower their agency and transcendence communicate about God’s presence in Africa? A further question that emerges is: How can Christian doctrines like God’s transcendence (divine beyondness) and immanence (divine nearness) address the African reliance on NPPs’ prophetic systems for God’s power to exercise their human agency and transcendence to confront their context of poverty? Consequently, this article uses the doctrine of God’s transcendence and immanence to evaluate the implications of NPPs’ prophetic systems to empower Africans to act and overcome their undesirable situations in Africa. The article challenges NPPs to realise that the transcendent God is fully immanent in poor Africa and that poverty in Africa is not caused by the lack of God’s presence but evil socioeconomic and political structures that hinder the poor from exercising their human agency and transcendence. The contribution of the article is challenging African NPPs to be informed by a sound doctrine of God in their attempts to empower poor Africans to deal with their poverty.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article uses insights from the doctrine of God and African traditional religious (ATR) view of God to critique the use of NPPs’ rituals and anointed objects to empower African human agency and transcendence.

God in Motion: A Critical Exploration of the Open Theism Debate, ManuelSchmid, Baylor University Press, 2021 (ISBN 978‐1‐4813‐1408‐4), viii + 208 pp., hb $24.99

God in Motion: A Critical Exploration of the Open Theism Debate, ManuelSchmid, Baylor University Press, 2021 (ISBN 978‐1‐4813‐1408‐4), viii + 208 pp., hb $24.99

Thiruvasagam's Literary Principles

In this article, the nature of literary principles in Thiruvasagam, the eighth of the Panniru Thirumurai has been highlighted. Moreover, devotional literature is an important milestone in the development of the Tamil language. The principle of devotional literature, along with the principles of divine consciousness, humanity, ethics of attaining God, principles of attaining God, and throughout the Thiruvasagam song, Manickavasagar's devotional principle of compassion, the compassion of love, humanity, compassion, metaphysics, suffering, etc., can be attained by crying, and Manickavasagar's interconnection with God as a culmination of the spiritual journey. Tamil is known to be so intertwined that it can be said to be the language of devotion. Tamil was very helpful in the promotion of religion. That's why literature grows. Religion also developed, and the two great religions, Saivism and Vaishnavism, created separate literature emphasizing their own doctrines and the doctrine of God. Saivism consists of Panniru Thirumuraikal and fourteen shastra books, which are holy shastra texts that propagate its ideology. Manickavasagar's Thiruvasagam and Thirukkovaiyar are praised as the eighth Thirumarai. The famous Thiruvasagam written by Manickavasagar, can be said to be a treasure trove of gracious tears. It can be said that all thiruvasagam songs are a collection of various kinds of literature, such as precious pearls.

Divine attributes in a trinitarian key

The traditional treatment of the divine attributes in theological discourse has been criticised for what some scholars regard as the influence of Greek philosophy, which they argue may result in distorted concepts of the divine. A further development in the doctrine of God is the renewed consciousness of the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity. The purpose of this article is to consider how these developments may impact the doctrine of the divine attributes. Can the doctrine of the Trinity enhance an articulation of the divine attributes? To illustrate the difference that a trinitarian approach to the divine attributes could make, divine omnipotence, as well as the possibility of discovering new attributes will be considered.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is an intra-disciplinary study with implications for dogmatics or systematic theology. It addresses the doctrine of the divine attributes from a trinitarian perspective. At stake is the impact of different approaches within the same discipline. In this case, the engagement is between a trinitarian versus a classical approach to the study of the divine attributes.

Strands in Packer’s Theological Influence: One Appreciation

This essay explores J. I. Packer’s theological influence through a con- sideration of his many writings. It classifies his input into six strands: Luther, Calvin, and the Puritans; Scripture; Anglicanism; universalism, revivals, and the Holy Spirit; Christ’s work; and the book Knowing God. This survey reveals that Packer used his exceptional theological mind to educate both Anglicans and other types of Protestants. KEYWORDS: John Calvin, Martin Luther, Puritans, Scripture, Anglicanism, Holy Spirit, atonement, doctrine of God, spirituality

A Farewell to All That

Like a love affair that has grown cold, Bruce Marshall has lost his affection and loyalty to Karl Barth. The reasons are complex, intellectual, and personal, and certainly, exceed the reasons proposed in this essay. Several are proposed all the same: that Marshall considers proper Nicene theology to consist in answers; that the reading of Holy Scripture that inspired Barth is not plausible or consistent with Marshall's doctrinal commitments; and that the Doctrines of God and of Salvation do not readily cohere with Catholic magisterial teaching. Barth can however be defended against these charges, drawing on his Doctrine of Justification as an epistemic as well as Soteriological teaching, and his strong notion of corporate existence in the redeeming work of Christ.

The Openness of God: Hasker on Eternity and Free Will

The understanding of God’s mode of existence as eternal makes a significant difference to a variety of issues in contemporary philosophy of religion, including, for instance, the apparent incompatibility of divine omniscience with human freedom. But the concept has come under attack in current philosophical discussion as inefficacious to solve the philosophical puzzles for which it seems so promising. Although Boethius in the early 6th century thought that the concept could resolve the apparent incompatibility between divine foreknowledge and human free will, some contemporary philosophers, such as William Hasker, have argued that whatever help the concept of eternity may give with that puzzle is more than vitiated by the religiously pernicious implications of the concept for notions of God’s providence and action in time. In this paper, I will examine and respond to Hasker’s arguments against the doctrine of God’s eternity.

The God who hates: The significance of Esau/Edom in the postexilic prophetic eschatology according to Malachi 1:2–5 with a systematic theological postscript

This research wants to clarify the significance of Esau/Edom in Malachi’s postexilic prophetic eschatology. Hence, its focus is on the declaration of divine hate for Esau/Edom in Malachi 1:3, applying the Deuteronomic covenant concept, predominant in Malachi, for a deeper understanding of its significance in the acrimonious dialogues between God and his people. As much as this declaration of divine hate is coordinated in Malachi 1:2–5 with the declaration of divine love for Jacob/Israel, nevertheless, it has a distinct communicative intent of its own in Malachi’s prophetic address. Postexilic Jacob/Israel is confronted with the possibility of a judgement such as Esau/Edom’s if return to God does not occur – ultimate judgement imagined as a burning furnace leaving nothing but ashes on the Day of the Lord. This article wants to contribute to a deeper understanding of the function of divine hate in the judgement prophecy of Malachi.Contribution: This article intends to contribute from a biblical-theological perspective to the systematic theological discussion about the doctrine of God within the Christian community of faith, focusing on the divine names and attributes in Malachi 1:2–5.