History Of Christianity Research Articles

Robert Morrison's Missionary Work in the Qing Empire

The subject of the study is the activity of Robert Morrison and his role in Protestant missionary activity. The author offers a description of the beginning of this missionary activity in the 19th century in the person of Robert Morrison. The study attempts to determine the characteristics of Morrison in this field and his motivation. When writing the article, the following sources were used: an article by Russian historian Vladimir Grigoryevich Datsyshen about the history of Christianity in China, a biography of Morrison authored by William John Townsend, the head of the Methodist Church, the work of James Alexander, a professor of rhetoric at the College of New Jersey, a contemporary of the missionary, as well as a retrospective by William Milne describing the activities of Protestant missionaries in that time period. The novelty of the article is to familiarize Russian-speaking readers with the problems of Protestant missionary activity in the 19th century through works that have not been translated into Russian. A small practical result in the spread of Christianity in China is confirmed, despite the accumulated theoretical base. The study confirmed the role of the opium trade as an activity that harmed missionaries, and therefore criticized by Morrison because it became one of the reasons for the rejection of Christianity by the Chinese. It also describes a huge amount of work in the translation of literature carried out by missionaries in order to familiarize the Chinese with the fruits of Western culture.

Secessionist Movement in Church History: A Critical Analysis of the Protestant Churches’ Separation from the Anglican Communion in Nigeria.

The secessionist movement, particularly evident in the Protestant Churches’ separation from the Anglican Communion, was a critical period in the history and development of Christianity in Nigeria. The schism within the Anglican Church led to the proliferation of churches and the expansion of denominations in Nigeria. Thus, this paper critically delves into the historical, social, and theological factors that engendered the separation of ‘Protestant Churches’ from the Anglican Church in Nigeria, while assessing its theological and ecclesiastical implications, the objective being to provide a comprehensive account of the underlying motivations behind the breakaway, and its consequences on Nigeria’s multi-faceted religious landscape. With the aid of content analysis method of research, which relies essentially on the collection and analysis of secondary data, the study finds out that a complex interplay of colonialism, cultural dynamics, and doctrinal differences contributed to the emergence of distinct Protestant denominations in Nigeria during the colonial period. Furthermore, the paper contends that the role of the secessionist movement in shaping and reshaping religious identities, practices, interactions and discourses within the country cannot be over-emphasized, thus, deserving the critical attention of the intellectual community.

‘Paul within Judaism’ Research Paradigm in Foreign Religious Studies

This article analyzes the current state of research on Paul the Apostle and the reconstruction of and the reconstruction of certain plots in the history of early Christianity. In the midtwentieth century, almost all Pauline scholars saw Paul as a Jewish apostate who had realized the flaws of Judaism, especially the flaws inherent in Torah observance. Ever since Sanders’s pioneering work, the role of Second Temple Judaism became an important dimension of work on Paul’s letters. Even though Sanders’ reconstruction of ancient Second Temple Judaism was radical, his interpretation of Paul was not, even though the traditional anti-Jewish aspects were significantly downplayed. Based on Sanders ‘New perspective on Paul’ it involved many new insights, especially the idea that Paul did not repudiate the Torah as such, but only Jewish identity markers. The combination of Sanders’s reconstruction of ancient Judaism and the focus on Paul as the Apostle to Gentiles has led to a new research paradigm of ‘Paul within Judaism’. Paul was Torah observant and he had never broken with Judaism. Paul argued that Gentiles should not observe the Torah the way Jews did. Paul’s vision was to bring Gentiles into a covenantal relationship with the god of Israel, through Jesus, which indeed called for a significant change of behaviour but did not change their ethnic status. Paul’s critique of the Torah is explained by assuming that he addressed Gentiles members of the Jesus movement who probably wanted to observe all of the Torah.

Grundzüge der Außereuropäischen Christentumsgeschichte: Asien, Afrika, und Lateinamerika 1450–2000 (Main Features of the Non-European History of Christianity: Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 1450–2000)

Professor Klaus Koschorke’s pioneering work Grundzüge der Außereuropäischen Christentumsgeschichte: Asien, Afrika, und Lateinamerika 1450–2000 (Main features of the non-European history of Christianity: Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 1450–2000) provides an overview of the historical development of Christianity in the Global South between 1450 and 2000. Koschorke emphasized the “polycentric” nature of Christianity—the fact that, for the gospel to be successful, it must become deeply embedded in the local cultures it encounters, producing forms of Christianity that are distinctive from those of Europe or North America, and in which indigenous evangelism, theology, and discipleship flourish. Koschorke also highlights the importance of relationships between the churches of South America, Asia, and Africa, the Black Atlantic, networks of co-operation throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans that are as important as Western missionary movements in identifying Christianity as a world religion.

A Quest for the Historical Christ: "Scientia Christi" and the Modern Study of Jesus by Anthony Giambrone, O.P. (review)

A Quest for the Historical Christ: "Scientia Christi" and the Modern Study of Jesus by Anthony Giambrone, O.P. (review)

Christian History Meets Constitutional History: John Courtney Murray's Augustinian Political Theology of the American Founding

Christian History Meets Constitutional History: John Courtney Murray's Augustinian Political Theology of the American Founding

The Significance of Suffering in Purifying the Faith of Believers Based on 1 Peter 1:6-7

Suffering is a feeling or a phase in which a person or group of people feels pain, difficulties and probems. In the history of Christianity, there have been many times when Christians have been persecuted by various parties, be it from the government or the surrounding environment. History record that in 64 Ad massive persecution was aimed at Christians led by Emperor Nero. However, it is not only history that, in fact, in today’s modern era, Christianity still receives persecution, suffering or pressure from vaiorus parties. In this study the authors used a descriptive method whih is a method to provide an overview of the state of an object in the present but based on existing facts then provide analysis and interpretation. This research aims to provide an understanding that in every problem, suffering and persecution is not to weaken the Christian faith, because true Christianity that can stand the test under any circumstances. So it can be concluded that suffering brings purity of faith in God and at the same time makes us more in a relationship with God.

Power Circuits: Asymmetries of Global Christianity

Abstract This article examines the idea of global Christianity in scholarship and the postcolonial and present imperial conditions that underlie it. Through an analysis of the fields of World Christianity and the anthropology of Christianity, it considers how Western Christian histories and power dynamics have impacted Christian traditions of the Global South and seriously considers the pervasive logics of geopolitical power that transform local contexts–not only altering how such communities and traditions are written about, but also impacting the traditions, practices, and people themselves. Thinking with Coptic Orthodox Christians between Egypt and the United States and Born-Again Christians in Uganda, this article examines how global power inequalities in the circuits of ideas, forms of life, and theopolitics are integral to thinking about the idea of global Christianity and its variations in scholarship.

Theology and History: An Outline of Methodological Challenges in Fundamental Theology

The article aims to bring together the ambiguities that arise in the course of determining the relationship between theology and the historical sciences. Just as the understanding of the relationship between the natural sciences and theology has developed due to the growth of methodological self-awareness of these disciplines, especially regarding their temporality, a similar progress could be expected in the research on relationship between theology and the historical sciences. It seems that the topic still needs to be synthesized on the ground of fundamental theology. For the theologian, a hermeneutical point of reference on the issue under discussion, can be the ruling of the Second Vatican Council in the 36th paragraph of the Constitution Gaudium et Spes. The temporality of theology features at least three dimensions: God’s Revelation occurrence in time, the occurrence in time of scientific reflection on this Revelation, and the dependence of the understanding and interpretation of both on the data provided by the historical sciences. The solution to the aporias arising in these processes can be the theological study of historiographical doctrines and the historical study of the history of Christianity, self-aware and critical of the historiographical doctrines being accepted.

Ecumenical animal studies

The presented text is located at the intersection of theology and philosophy with a particular focus on the study of human-animal relations in scientific terms (human animal studies). The author refers to a new research sub-discipline that deals with the place of animals in the Christian history of salvation. The premise of the research is to organize the conceptual apparatus and critically reflect on the validity of the use of the terms ecotheology/animal theology and justify their ecumenical meaning.
 In his research, the author takes a polycentric view of the world (bio – zoo – anthropo –) recognizing that all living beings have intrinsic value and are valuable in themselves, while man is one of many equal elements of the created world.
 The purpose of the analyses is to determine the place of animals in Christian ecumenical theology. A comparative methodology was applied in capturing the ecotheological reflection of basic Christian denominations (Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism). An objective and reliable reflection on the attitude of these faiths to the world of animals was assumed, especially in view of the constantly recurring thought antagonizing these faiths. The subject matter of the study is part of the considerations in the field of ecotheology, which are carried out mainly by Western scholars in relation to Catholic and Protestant theology, less frequently in the East.

Conservation Status and Scheme of Christian Cultural Heritage in Chungnam Province, Korea

For the stable conservation of cultural heritage, it is truly meaningful when it becomes the objects of national management. Most cultural heritage related to religion has touching stories of historical development, succession and social resonance, and includes tangible evidence of noble sacrifice. Therefore, the Christian heritage of Chungnam Province examined through this study also deserves sufficient respect. However, cultural heritage is valued for its universal validity, authenticity and integrity that go beyond ideas and ideologies. In addition, cultural heritage that symbolizes the nation, era, history and culture requires original assets that can be preserved, transmitted and utilized beyond various interests. As examined in this study, the nine church buildings and six historic sites and monuments in Chungnam Province established before the 1960s are not fully evaluated as cultural heritage despite their historicity. Therefore, authenticity must be created through continuous research, value discovery and conservation scheme. And, the search for yet unknown records and cultural heritage must continue, and the standards and validity evaluation must be verified. If the Christian history that connects modern times in Chungnam Province is reexamined, cultural heritage such as buildings and records are discovered, and a scientific conservation and management system is established, it will serve as an opportunity to promote the development of not only Christianity but also local culture, and the identity of Chungnam’s Christian culture. It is expected that it can be utilized as an important resource in forming.

The great rebellion and the mystery of lawlessness in 2 Thessalonians 2,1-12

This article provides an expository study of 2 Thessalonians 2,1-12 in which Paul delineatesthe Christian history from his day until the Second Coming. The apostle contendsthat the Christian history will be characterized by a great spiritual rebellion against Godorganized by Satan. The apostle points to the central roles of two entities in that greatrebellion, which he defines in terms of “the man of lawlessness” as the agent of Satan and“the restrainer” who for some time holds back the full revelation of that lawless figureon the world scene. Bible commentaries offer various proposal on the identity of thesetwo entities. This study provides a careful exposition of 2 Thessalonians 2,1-12 within itsliterary context and in the relation with corresponding Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 andoffers a fresh interpretation of this apocalyptic text of Paul.

Regendering the Narrative: Women in the History of Christianity

Regendering the Narrative: Women in the History of Christianity

Means of grace or magic, sacrament, or superstition

In this article I examine the recent case of the Rev Andres Arango, who was fired from his diocese for using the wrong language formula in baptism and use that incident to interrogate the different views of the Catholic and Reformed traditions to the sacraments. The article begins by going back into the history of Christianity to the Donatist controversy, especially as that controversy relates to the administration of the sacraments, of the fourth century CE. I outline the way in which Augustine of Hippo dealt with that crisis and the implications for the administration of the sacraments. Following from that, it tracks the development of the attitudes to the sacraments, especially in the Reformation and the Council of Trent in the sixteenth century , and the way in which that shaped the way in which the two traditions came to regard the sacraments. It examines statements in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, especially the WCC’s Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry and the Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification to chart some of the progress that has been made in discussions between the two traditions in the ecumenical space. Finally, it examines contemporary attitudes to the sacraments in Roman Catholic and Reformed theology and practice to suggest a way forward.

Spiritual Christians in Republican China: Reconceptualization beyond Pentecostalism and Indigenization

Pentecostalism contributes significantly to Christian revivals as well as to the rise of indigenous churches in the non-Western world. This is due to its proximity to local religious traditions, such as the practices of dream interpretation, healing, and exorcism. However, Pentecostalism as a term also reflects an American-dominated narrative; it has proven incapable of covering the main traits of indigenous Christian movements, either in the Global South or in China. For instance, in the 19th century—far before the birth of Pentecostalism as a modern term—both the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (1851–1864) and the ministry of the legendary Pastor Hsi (Xi Shengmo 席胜魔, 1835–1896) expressed some Pentecostal characteristics. In the early 20th century, some indigenous churches, like the True Jesus Church and the Jesus Family, had clear connections with Pentecostal missionaries or organizations and showed obvious Pentecostal characteristics. However, leading evangelists such as Watchman Nee (Ni Tuosheng 倪柝声, 1903–1972) agreed with some practices of Pentecostalism and opposed others. Instead of claiming a Pentecostal identity (Ling’en pai 灵恩派), most Chinese Christians preferred to be defined as “spiritual” (Shuling 属灵). With the Spirit (Ling 灵) at the center, Chinese Christians went beyond the narrative of both Pentecostalism and indigenization; their exact aim was to seek the authentic Christianity of the apostolic age. “Spiritual Christian” (Shuling jidutu 属灵基督徒) would thus suggest a re-conception of part of the history of Christianity in China.

Teologija učeništva J. I. Packera

This paper is an attempt to provide a systematic perspective on J. I. Packer’s theology of discipleship based on a descriptive, analytical, and critical methodology of theological investigation. Various references to discipleship in Packer’s Knowing God (1973, the 2021 edition) were identified, analyzed, and contextualized to demonstrate six features of Christian discipleship (knowledge of Christ, zeal for Christ, spiritual adoption, spiritual realism, biblical anticipation, turning the world upside down) in conjunction with two fundamental aspects (Christ’s personal impact and keeping God’s commandments, the “two pillars” of discipleship) that constitute its foundation and were extracted from his Keeping the Ten Commandments (2008) and Concise Theology: A Guide to Historical Christian Beliefs (2011). The article shows how the six theological features of discipleship, and its two pillars are used by Packer to put together a contemporary Christian spirituality.

Cult of the Dead: A Brief History of Christianity. By Kyle Smith. Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2022. xxii + 333 pp. + 16 plates. $29.95 hardcover, $34.95 eBook.

Cult of the Dead: A Brief History of Christianity. By Kyle Smith. Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2022. xxii + 333 pp. + 16 plates. $29.95 hardcover, $34.95 eBook.

Transnational Memory and Y Ffydd Ddi-ffuant

This article re-assesses Y Ffydd Ddi-ffuant ['The Unfeigned Faith'] (1667; 1671; 1677), written by Charles Edwards, a seventeenthcentury Welsh Presbyterian. It analyses the first part of the Ffydd, which consists of the history of the Christian faith, as cultural memory for the Welsh people, meaning that it is a past that belongs to them, defines them and is meditated through culture. This cultural memory was transnational and defined the Welsh as a people connected to other nations through a shared Protestant faith. The discussion begins with an outline of key concepts including transnationalism and cultural memory. Following this, the article assesses how the Christianity espoused by Edwards, 'the unfeigned faith', was remembered in a Euro-Mediterranean cultural space by analysing the memory of transnational martyrs from shortly after the Fall to the Reformation. The history of Christianity among the Welsh is also studied as a transnational memory that came to Britain from the Euro-Mediterranean world. The article closes by considering the transnational relationship between the Welsh and the English as outlined in the Ffydd.

Faith and Reason through Christian History: A Theological Essay by Grant Kaplan (review)

Faith and Reason through Christian History: A Theological Essay by Grant Kaplan (review)

Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology by William G. Witt and Joel Scandrett (review)

Mapping Atonement: The Doctrine of Reconciliation in Christian History and Theology by William G. Witt and Joel Scandrett (review)