Theological Foundations Research Articles

ANALOGY AND HARMONY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ADOPTED CHILDREN IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF INHERITANCE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

This study examines an important comparative legal and religious issue regarding the rights of adopted children in inheritance distribution from Islamic and Christian perspectives. While the abstract summarises key findings, there is a risk of oversimplifying the complexities of religious doctrines and national legal systems governing inheritance laws. Although adopted children's rights are limited in Islamic law, the possibility of making a will can mitigate these restrictions; however, additional nuances arise from various schools of thought and interpretations that influence the scope of inheritance. Conversely, the Christian perspective is often generalised as uniformly granting equal rights to adopted children, which may only hold across some Christian denominations or legal systems influenced by Christian principles. The abstract would benefit from a more detailed analysis of internal variations within each religion and consideration of how different national laws operationalise religious principles. Furthermore, the notion of "harmony" between these two religious traditions in addressing justice for adopted children may be overstated, as the theological foundations guiding inheritance distribution differ fundamentally. A more critical engagement with potential conflicts or limitations in achieving harmonious legal frameworks would add depth to the analysis.

ALKITAB DALAM PERSPEKTIF HOMILETIKA YANG BERTEOLOGI

A sermon serves as the platform through which a preacher conveys divine messages to the congregation. Thorough preparation and effective delivery constitute essential components of a sermon. The use of illustrations, testimonials, and the selection of Bible passages play a pivotal role in crafting a sermon. A preacher should strive to communicate a message that aligns with the will of God, rather than catering to the desires of the congregation or personal preferences. This research aims to explore the concept of the Bible from a theological homiletical perspective. The Bible is regarded as a divine revelation in which God manifests Himself. The Bible serves as the core source in sermon development. Unfortunately, not all preachers base their sermons on the Bible; at times, they rely more on personal thoughts or subjective experiences. This poses potential risks for the congregation since their faith should not be founded on the preacher's personal experiences. It is crucial for a preacher to comprehend the fundamental role of the Bible as a theological foundation in crafting sermons. The research methodology employed in this study is qualitative, with a focus on relevant literature and resources. The research findings affirm that sermons with theological depth should be anchored in the Bible. Such an approach is known as expository preaching. It can be concluded that as a preacher, the primary duty is to communicate God's message, not personal opinions. This is intended to build the congregation on the foundation of biblical truth and encourage transformation towards Christ.

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.

Pentecostalism and Covenantalism: Towards a Pneumatological Covenant Theology of Dealing with Adversity

Covenant theology seeks to explore the connection between deity and humanity which spans from the time of creation to the time when God sent his son to redeem the world from sin. The main tenets of the covenant theology also known as covenantalism are the covenant of works mainly found in the creation story. Second, it is the covenant of grace based on the promises of eternal life through faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and embracement of the Holy Spirit. The third component of covenant theology is the covenant of redemption which recognizes the sending of the Son of God into the world to die for the sins of the people. This article argued that covenantalism in the Pentecostal movement is not a mere doctrine based on these three tenets but rather is pneumatologically defined as a way of dealing with adversity. This is demonstrated through the theoretical framework of the pneumatological imagination in illustrating how Pentecostals in Africa are rooted in the covenant between them and their God through the Holy Spirit. Thus pneumatology in Pentecostalism becomes the foundation for the Pentecostal pneumatological covenant theology of dealing with adversity. This changes how we study covenant theolog., It is not only about religious doctrine but also a means of dealing with adversity. The study is a literature review within qualitative methodology. The study makes an important contribution to covenant theology by suggesting a theology of dealing with adversity beyond doctrinal issues. Therefore, covenant theology should be studied by taking into cognizance the role of the Holy Spirit within the framework of pneumatological imagination in helping believers overcome adversity. Keywords: Pentecostalism, Covenantalism, Covenant Theology, Pneumatology, Pneumatological Imagination, Adversity, Pentecostal

The theological vindication of resistance against enforced motherhood

For the suffragists of the 19th century, women’s enfranchisement was a central goal. Yet the right to vote was not nearly as vital to the suffragists as the right to one’s own bodily freedom. Furthermore, as they saw it, bodily autonomy was a ‘sacred’ right: it was grounded theologically. Most concerning to the suffragists were the ways in which women of their time were forced against their will to become mothers. This article presents the suffragists’ theological grounds for resisting enforced motherhood. As I argue, doing so serves three purposes. First, it helps pro-choice Christians understand the ways in which their faith might support the defense of abortion access. Second, it foregrounds the political theological insights of the all too often overlooked suffragists. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it gives the lie to a widespread mischaracterization of the suffragists as would-be advocates of the contemporary anti-abortion movement.

Islam Nusantara vs Progressive Islam: Dynamics and Transformation in the Modern Context of Indonesia

This journal explores the comparative dynamics and transformative processes of Islam Nusantara and Progressive Islam within the modern Indonesian context. Islam Nusantara, rooted in local traditions and cultural syncretism, emphasizes moderation, tolerance, and integration with indigenous practices. In contrast, Progressive Islam focuses on rationalism, reform, and socio-political activism, drawing from contemporary interpretations of Islamic teachings. This study examines the historical evolution, theological foundations, and socio-political implications of both movements, highlighting their respective responses to global challenges and local contexts. By analyzing primary sources, field studies, and interviews with key figures, this research elucidates the complexities and intersections between these two paradigms. The findings reveal how Islam Nusantara and Progressive Islam shape Indonesian Muslim identity, influence public discourse, and contribute to the broader narrative of Islamic thought in the 21st century. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the ongoing negotiation between tradition and modernity in Indonesian Islam, offering insights into the future trajectories of these influential movements.

Ulasan Teologis dari Kalimat “Bumi Belum Berbentuk dan Kosong, Gelap Gulita Menutupi Samudera Raya” dalam Kejadian 1:1-2

This journal discusses the meaning and implications of Genesis 1:1-2 in the context of the creation narrative. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before God’s act of creation. Analysis was carried out on the biblical text and various theologians. The findings show that Genesis 1:1-2 describes an unstructured and empety initial state, which later became the foundation for the creation process. The creation narrative in Genesis 1:1-2 is one of the main foundations of Cristian theology. This research aims to dig deeper into the theological meaning of the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” in Genesis 1:1-2. The main focus is on the primitive condition of the earth before creation, and its implications for understanding God’s power and creativity. This research seeks to clarify various existing interpretations, especially regarding the concept of “tohu wabohu” and its relationship with other creation theories. A close analysis of Genesis 1:1-2 shows that the phrase “the earth was formless and empty” describes an intial state that was unstructured and without form. This condition is not the result of previous destruction, but is a “blank canvas” for God’s creative work. Thorugh His words, God transforms chaos into order, brings light into darkness, and creates everything from nothing. This research provides new contributions, namely: presenting a comprehensive review of various theological views regarding Genesis 1:1-2 including comparisons with other creation theories such as the gap theory, providing a deeper interpretation of the concept of “tohu wabohu” and clarifyng misunderstandings that often occur, highlights the implications of understanding the early conditions of the earth for our understanding of God’s power and creativity and the relationship between creator and creation.

Cristo Rey Schools and the Preferential Option for the Poor

Cristo Rey schools are a unique and distinctive form of Jesuit education. They have been very successful since the mid 1990s and are deemed to be coherent with Jesuit educational principles and the preferential option for the poor. They are only available to young people from low-income homes and are open to young people of all faiths and none. The Cristo Rey schools offer an intense and supportive environment for the students and prepare them for admission to college and university. Nevertheless, there are critiques of these schools that focus on: the financial model that means that the students must work one day a week; the nature of this work and questions about the ethical perspectives of the employers. There are further questions about cultural dissonance between the students and staff of the schools. This article explores the sociological and theological foundations of the Cristo Ray schools, evaluates their effectiveness and success and analyses the various points that are raised in the critique of these schools.

Ritual Dynamics and Spiritual Practices in the Teaching of Tarekat Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah

This study explores the intricate dynamics of rituals and spiritual practices within the Tarekat Qadiriyah wa Naqsyabandiyah, a prominent Sufi order in Indonesia. Through a comprehensive literature analysis, in-depth interviews, and participant observation, the research delves into the historical evolution, theological foundations, and the multifaceted role of rituals and spiritual exercises in shaping the followers' spiritual journey. The findings reveal that the integration of Qadiriyah and Naqsyabandiyah traditions fosters a unique spiritual path that balances exoteric religious observance with esoteric contemplation. Key themes include the transformative impact of rituals, the pivotal role of the sheikh, the significance of communal practices, and the holistic pedagogical approaches employed within the Tarekat. The study concludes that these rituals and practices are central to individual and collective spirituality, providing a cohesive and supportive spiritual community. This research contributes to the broader understanding of Indonesian Sufism and the enduring relevance of Sufi practices in contemporary Islamic spirituality.

Pope Francis’ Vision and Whole Child Education, Part II: Exploring the Foundational Beliefs of Imago Dei, Magis, and Dios en Todo

This paper expands the response to Pope Francis’ invitation to dialogue on how educators can help shape the future of the planet by focusing on integral human development. This paper expands on the thinking of Warner, Wyttenbach, and McMahon [2023. “Pope Francis’ Vision and Whole Child Education: Exploring the Foundational Beliefs of Cura Personalis and Accompaniment.” The Review of Faith & International Affairs 21 (1): 15–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/15570274.2023.2177453], who offered a theological examination of two primary beliefs of whole child education—accompaniment and cura personalis. Adding to the theological foundations of whole child education, in this paper we offer further discussion on three additional beliefs of whole child education—Imago Dei (we are all made in the image and likeness of God), magis (striving for more, and seeing God in all things), and Dios en todo (God in all things). These two papers advance Pope Francis’ vision for integral human development and a framework for whole child education that practitioners and scholars can attend to in their practice and research.

Between Mathematics, Theology,And The City

These days, urban expansion and its associated social and ecological challenges are unavoidable. The clever yet morally upright people who create changes in this circumstance are one of the answers. I argued that a K–12 education can aid in the formation of morally upright and competent individuals. My argument is that, in order for students to eventually transform the city, a theological foundation for mathematics instruction can help them improve their character and cognitive abilities. Because of this, a theological perspective on mathematics education can help students grow as individuals and advance society by enhancing their knowledge. In line with the assertion, I think that the definition of mathematics and theology, their shared goal, and the ways in which they might help students become more morally upright constitute the intersection of these two fields. Trust, direction, and articulation are the end results. Trust is an invitation to consider and devise solutions for ecological and social issues. Direction is an invitation to map out the answer based on completed reflection. Finally, articulation is the attempt to carry out a decision in light of reflection.

삼위일체 친교의 예표로서의 친교적 교회론과 친교의 교회적 실천으로서의 시노달리타스

The modern era has seen a fundamental shift in the way we think about individuals and communities, with globalized social communications permeating every aspect of human life. Despite the omnipresence of social media in our lives, many people suffer from interpersonal disorders caused by social isolation and lack of relationship. In order to restore a sense of human relation and community, we see it as our mission to implement the “ecclesiology of communion” that led to the Second Vatican Council. I think it is the theme of the 16th Synod, “Synodality,” that spurred the slow improvement in ecclesiology of communion after the Council. In order to fulfill this Synod, it is necessary to reflect on the Council's ecclesiology of communion. Therefore, chapter 1 will first examine the communion of the Three Divine Persons through the concept of perichoresis, and then the communion of God with humanity and the communion among human beings. Chapter 2 explores the concept of the “communion of the churches” through two themes, by rereading the Council documents that provided the theological foundation for the church to begin anew, as K. Rahner said it. The first theme, “hierarchical communion” (communio hierarchica) from Lumen Gentium chapter 3, presents the relationship between the Roman Pontiff and the Apostolic College, thus becoming a symbol in the Church's communion theory. The second theme will consider how the pneumatology of Lumen Gentium provides the theological basis for the people of God to move together toward a “Communion of the church”. The final chapter considers the Synodality proposed by the 16th Synod as an opportunity for the people of God to experience and embody communion, the very essence of the Church. This embodiment takes places through the inductive and cyclic process of the Synod and in order to realize an ecclesiology of communion.

What Is Beyond Conversion? 2. Practical Theological Approaches to Spiritual Formation

Following the theological grounding of spiritual formation in a previous study, this paper explores how we can approach the topic of faith growth in a way that maintains both human responsibility and the divine supremacy of grace. To this end, the threefold path of via purgativa – via illuminativa – via unitiva will be explored in a new way, rather than the stair-step paths of the mystical tradition. Further on, the spiritual and religious dimensions of spiritual formation will be presented, integrating Diana J. Chandler’s model with the trinity of the Great Commandment. According to the Great Commandment, the triune unity of God–man–fellow man is the space of spiritual formation. It is based on a personal intimate relationship with God, in which God has the priority. A fruitful, ethical life lived towards one’s neighbour comes from this personal, spiritual formation based on a spiritual relationship with God. Keywords: spiritual formation, via purgativa, via illuminativa, via unitiva, the Great Commandment

NASAKOM DILEMMA AND THE POLITICS OF ISLAMIC ORGANIZATIONS

The political opinions of Islamic organizations throughout the Guided Democracy (1959- 66) era are diverse. For some, this is a dismal period. The rest saw this era as an opportunity to preserve Islamic dominance. Cooperative and non-cooperative politics with power are strategic options for the long-term political power of Islamic mass groups like Nahdhatul 'Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah. This study seeks to understand the political perspectives of Indonesia's two largest Islamic organizations in the face of the imposition of Nasakom (religious nationalist and communist) ideology during the Soekarno era. This study takes a qualitative descriptive comparative method. The study's findings suggest that, in terms of character, numerous NU figures found theological grounds to reconcile with Nasakom politics. Meanwhile, Muhammadiyah, whose members include numerous senior Masyumi officials, leans toward the opposition. An accommodating mindset helps the organization to breathe for longer. Meanwhile, the opposition faces the possibility of political stunting. In terms of impact, the two Islamic mass organizations failed to arrest the flow of authoritarianism. They attempted to survive by honoring the Great Leader of the Revolution.

Early Biblical Fundamentalism’s Xenophobic Rejection of the Subject in European Philosophy: How Rejecting the Knowing Subject Formed Fundamentalism’s Way of Thinking

This article is part of a wider project that addresses gaps in the scholarly knowledge of the philosophical and theological foundations of the Biblical Fundamentalism that originated in North America. Through exploring the relevant literature, including primary sources from within Fundamentalism, the article examines the anti-European sentiment in early Fundamentalism and how this sentiment led to a rejection of philosophical values associated with Europe, especially with Germany. The article will show that anti-European, especially anti-German, sentiment bolstered Fundamentalism’s rejection of subjectivity in thinking, and even its rejection of human subjects themselves. In the place of subjectivity associated with European philosophy, Fundamentalism embraced an extreme objectivity that claimed the heritage of Reid and Bacon but eliminated subjectivity from the Fundamentalist horizon. This article thus shows how Fundamentalism radically opposes God and human beings, and faith and philosophy, with the resulting way of thinking that can be characterised as “naïve realism”, an approach to thinking that excludes the active thinking subject and does not allow for critical judgement or personal understanding.

Understanding Religious Pluralism through Existential Phenomenology and Historical Contexts. Phenomenological Pluralism – an alternative to Hick and Eck’s theories

Phenomenological Pluralism (PP), grounded in the existential phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, offers a novel approach to religious pluralism by emphasizing the unique and irreducible experiences individuals and communities have with the divine. Central to PP is the concept of "My (personal) God," which acknowledges that each person's encounter with the divine is uniquely personal and contextually grounded without a genuinely polytheistic implication. Unlike Universalist Pluralism (UP), which seeks common theological ground, and Particularist Pluralism (PaP), which focuses on cultural context, PP asserts that each religion operates within its own distinct reality. This approach fosters deeper interfaith dialogue by appreciating the diversity of spiritual narratives and promoting empathy and inclusivity. PP's practical implications extend to conflict resolution, social integration, and educational advancement, making it a robust framework for understanding and managing religious diversity. By validating the unique spiritual experiences of all participants, PP creates an inclusive environment conducive to genuine interfaith dialogue and societal cohesion.

Inhabiting the Kingdom: Theologies of Nonviolence in the Catholic Worker Movement

This article considers understandings of nonviolence within the Catholic Worker movement and their embodiment. The aim is to make the Worker's position theologically understandable, demonstrating how this drives their methods for action. The article argues that a particular ethic of nonviolence can be found within the movement, grounded within the aims of its founders and the current practices of the movement today, drawing on the example of the Jubilee Ploughshares 2000 from which the London Catholic Worker was founded to illustrate this. By exploring the movement's theological foundations for the practice of grassroots, active nonviolence, it will seek to present an important example of Catholic nonviolent practice questioning how this may challenge contemporary Catholic thinking on war and peace.

Landasan Filosofis-Teologis dalam Pengembangan Kurikulum PAI pada Mata Pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Budi Pekerti Tingkat Sekolah Dasar

This study explores the philosophical and theological foundations in the development of the Islamic Religious Education (PAI) curriculum for elementary schools. The study aims to synthesize a holistic approach that integrates religious, moral, and academic dimensions to strengthen students' character and faith. The research methodology employed is a qualitative approach, utilizing an extensive literature review to analyze relevant principles in Islamic philosophy and theology. The study focuses on developing the PAI curriculum based on a philosophical-theological framework derived from the Qur'an and Hadith. The main findings indicate that integrating these foundations supports a comprehensive learning experience, which not only encourages students' moral development but also enhances their understanding of Islamic teachings. The results highlight the significant role of philosophical and theological foundations in shaping an educational environment aligned with religious and educational goals. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of continuous curriculum evaluation to ensure its relevance in addressing modern educational challenges. This research contributes to the literature on curriculum development by offering a framework applicable in various educational contexts while emphasizing a balanced approach to religious education.

Corporate Embodiment as the Pedagogical Foundation of the Pentecostal Tradition

Abstract This article examines the pedagogical foundations of Pentecostal theology that are responsible for shaping and sustaining this theological tradition. The formative mechanisms of the Pentecostal tradition are found in the embodied logic of corporately embedded patterns of spiritual practices formed around the “full gospel” of Jesus Christ. The article traces how the Pentecostal tradition emerges from and yields practices associated with the apostolic experience of Jesus intensified with Pentecost by categorizing the dominant corporate forms of embodying the doctrines of salvation, sanctification, Spirit baptism, divine healing, and the expectation of God’s kingdom. This typology suggests that the corporate embodiment of faith identifies most closely the particular contribution of the Pentecostal movement to the Christian life.

Inescapable "absurdity": Rethinking Luther and Calvin’s view of “presence of the body of Christ” in the Lord’s Supper

Given the general lack of understanding among Chinese Protestant churches regarding the " Eucharistic theology" in the tradition of the Reformation, as well as the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic to administration of the sacrament, this article comparatively analyzes Martin Luther and John Calvin's understanding of the "presence of the body of Christ" in the Lord's Supper. This not only involves differences in their respective views on the sacrament but also the underlying theological debates regarding "Christology" and hermeneutics, particularly concerning the relationship between "faith" and "reason." The article emphasizes the necessity of re-focusing the "presence of the body of Christ," which not only clarifies orthodox Christological thoughts, but also concerns the realistic practice of "communion and unity in Christ." Through examining the theological expositions of Luther and Calvin, this article offers new insights into the understanding of the "presence of the body of Christ" in the Lord's Supper and provides a theological foundation for the contemporary church to administrate the sacrament during extraordinary times. This will help Chinese Protestant churches better understand the core significance of the Lord's Supper and promote the ecumenical movement of the universal Church.