Theological Implications Research Articles

A critical analysis of Purnomo and colleagues’ interpretation in Matthew 6:9–13

The reinterpretation of the Lord’s Prayer (Mt 6:9–13) as a prayer of thanksgiving rather than petition, based on their argument that the aorist tense in imperative and/or subjunctive verbs signifies actions completed in the past, along with their critique of the Lembaga Alkitab Indonesia (LAI) translation as erroneous, sparked debates among Christians in Indonesia and was leveraged by non-Christian groups to question the Bible’s authenticity. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of Purnomo et al.’s research by focussing on their interpretation of the aorist tense in imperative and/or subjunctive verbs, research methodology, use of literature, critique of the LAI translation and theological implications. A comprehensive review of literature and exegesis was conducted to analyse the grammatical, linguistic, methodological and theological aspects of the text. Based on a detailed examination, this study found that their interpretation of the aorist tense in imperative and/or subjunctive verbs in the prayer was unsupported by linguistic evidence and contradicted the principles of biblical Greek grammar, where the aorist tense emphasises ‘aspect’ rather than ‘time’ (e.g., ‘past tense’) of actions. Consequently, the theology derived from their study was flawed. Moreover, the study affirmed that the LAI translation accurately reflects the original context of the text. This research concluded that Purnomo et al.’s interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer (Mt 6:9–13) contained significant theological and linguistic errors that require revision.Contribution: This research critically contributes to biblical theology by addressing interpretative challenges in Matthew 6:9–13, refuting claims that the Lord’s Prayer expresses gratitude based on the aorist tense. It reaffirms the prayer as a supplication, grounded in biblical Greek grammar and theology, while defending the accuracy of the LAI translation. Advancing critical exegesis, the study promotes rigorous theological discourse and a deeper understanding of Scripture.

René Girard à l’épreuve du Lévitique

Girard’s theory of mimetic desire asserts that human desires are modeled on those of others, which inevitably leads to rivalry and violence. To mitigate these conflicts, societies implement a scapegoat mechanism, a process rooted in biblical traditions. This mechanism, explored in both the Book of Leviticus and Greek culture, serves to temporarily restore social order. The author further examines the theological implications of this concept, particularly in relation to sacrificial theology, with a focus on Christ as the archetypal innocent scapegoat.

Sobornost’: Dream or Reality?

This essay explores the concept of sobornost’ as a cornerstone of Orthodox ecclesiology, tracing its origins, theological implications, and philosophical underpinnings. Coined in the context of 19th-century Slavophile thought, sobornost’—often translated as “catholicity”—balances unity and freedom, offering a mystical vision of the Church as the Body of Christ. The paper examines the term’s adoption into Western theology, its early articulations by thinkers like Khomiakov, and its prominence in ecumenical dialogue, particularly through the Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius. However, the ideal of sobornost’, emphasizing love and mutual prayer, is juxtaposed against the modern struggles of the Orthodox Church, highlighting tensions between spiritual ideals and political realities. The discussion concludes by questioning the contemporary relevance of sobornost’ amid ecclesiastical and geopolitical challenges. Article history: Received 10.11.2024; Revised 01.11.2024; Accepted 11.11.2024. Available online: 11.01.2025; Available print: 30.01.2025.

Discussions on Ibn Sīnā’s Proof (Ishārah) That Existence Is Not Added to The Necessary: al-Rāzī, al-Ṭūsī, And Ṣadr al-Sharīʿah

Later theologians and Peripatetic philosophers concur that existence is added to contingents. However, while philosophers assert that existence is not added to the Necessary, theologians dispute this judgment. According to the argument presented in the fourth namaṭ of Ibn Sīnā’s (d. 428/1037) al-Ishārāt wa-l-tanbīhāt, accepting essence as the cause of existence leads to certain issues. The most prominent of these is taqaddum, which is the precedence of something over itself. This study explores Ibn Sīnā’s argument, al-Rāzī’s (d. 606/1210) objections in his Sharḥ, al-Ṭūsī’s (d. 672/1274) responses to these objections, and Ṣadr al-Sharīʿah’s (d. 747/1346) analysis of al-Ṭūsī’s responses. By focusing on these figures, we can understand how the acceptance of the concept of wujūd (existence), one of the concepts of al-umūr al-ʿāmmah (general concepts), influenced the course of the debate. Unlike the aforementioned scholars, Ṣadr al-Sharīʿah accepts that existence is shared in terms of expression and thus rejects both the distinction between existence and essence and the notion of accidentality. This study will first underscore the critical role of the distinction between existence and essence in the Peripatetic system. After elucidating the position of this distinction within the Peripatetic framework, I will delve into the proof of al-Ishārāt, the central focus of this study. This analysis will examine the approaches of al-Rāzī, al-Ṭūsī, and Ṣadr al-Sharīʿah in terms of their comparative and interconnected perspectives on the proof. Notably, Ṣadr al-Sharīʿah’s approach, which has gained attention in modern scholarship for its methodological significance but has seen less focus on its theological implications, will be particularly emphasized.

An Analysis of Servant and Autocratic Leadership in Church Organizations in Nigeria and Their Impact on Employee Performance, Satisfaction, and Productivity: Unraveling the Connection Between These Paradigms and Employee Contentment, Motivation, and Growth

Abstract: Leadership is central to contemporary management and organizational effectiveness. This study presents the findings of an examination and analysis of servant leadership, autocratic leadership, employee performance, employee satisfaction, and employee productivity. In particular, the servant leadership paradigm serves as a guide and model to organizational leadership, challenging traditional autocratic models. A conclusion is pursued with specific research, managerial, and theological implications. (Qiu & Dooley, 2022)(Angtud et al.2023)(Prasath et al.2021)(Chi et al., 2020)(Muzira et al.2020)(Sousa & van Dierendonck, 2021)(Hai & Van, 2021) Leaders exploiting internal resources and strengthening human and social capital lead to collective results such as competitive advantage and sustained performance. Literature reiterates that effective leaders tend to cultivate trust, innovation, and knowledge exchange by facilitating the creation of a culture that is both value-based and people-oriented. Leadership is the engine that drives human resources, and leadership behavior has been linked to job satisfaction, which is found to be positive when incumbents serve as servant leaders, and vice versa, found to be positive when leaders take on an autocratic leadership style.

Baptism for the Dead: An Exegetical Investigation of 1 Corinthians 15:29 and its Theological Significance for Contemporary Christians

This study presents an exegetical examination of 1 Corinthians 15:29, a passage that has long intrigued scholars due to its reference to “baptism for the dead.” The purpose of the paper is to elucidate the historical, linguistic, and theological contexts surrounding this verse, with the goal of clarifying its meaning and significance within early Christian thought and its implications for modern Christian theology. The research uses a historical-grammatical methodology to examine several interpretations, including the notion of vicarious baptism, metaphorical interpretations, and the potential correlation of these interpretations with early Christian practices. The discussion focuses on the broader theological implications of the passage, particularly in relation to Pauline teachings on resurrection and the Christian hope in eternal life. This analysis ultimately suggests that Paul’s allusion to baptism for the dead in 1 Cor 15:29 does not endorse or imply a vicarious or proxy baptism, a notion that certain contemporary scholars generally acknowledge, rather it is a metaphorical construction that resonates with the eschatological resurrection of the dead in Christ. The study concludes with recommendations for interpreting ambiguous texts in light of historical and contextual factors. This research contributes to Pauline scholarship by offering a refined interpretation of a complex passage, promoting a deeper understanding of early Christian eschatology, and inviting contemporary theological reflection on the themes of resurrection and Christian hope. Keywords: Baptism, Dead, Exegesis, Theology, Contemporary.

Mega-costalism, socialising, and prosperity gospel in the South African context

There is a rising phenomenon of mega Pentecostal churches in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent of Africa, which is conceptualised here as mega-costalism. The phenomenon refers to churches with mega-church buildings that can attract large crowds in church attendance. Previous studies have focused on the prosperity gospel and the socialising aspect of membership in mega Pentecostal churches. This literature review on the mega Pentecostal churches has some economic, sociological, and theological implications. Economically, the larger the church is the more income in tithes and offerings can be received. Sociologically, the church creates an opportunity for the sharing of common interests, socialising, and interaction of the church members with one another. However, theologically (particularly in the discipline of missiology), there is a need to research how megachurches can orientate their members on discipleship-making, with some implications for fulfilling the mission of God. To fill this gap, this article uses missional ecclesial imagination as a theoretical framework, to argue that the primary purpose of the church goes beyond the aspect of socialising among members and a prosperity gospel, towards the fulfilment of the mission of God. Therefore, the missional ecclesial imagination is relevant for the orientation of megachurches towards the mission of God. Data were collected by reviewing the literature on the mega Pentecostal churches in Africa, the missional ecclesial imagination, the prosperity gospel, and the socialising among church members.Contribution: This article makes a unique contribution to the research on mega Pentecostal churches by proposing a missional ecclesial imagination, which is relevant for the church’s orientation towards discipleship-making, with some implications on the mission of God.

Guns, Thorns, and Zeal: Popular Depictions of a Kombative Christ

What are the political, gender, and theological implications at stake when associating Jesus with modern combat and righteous violence? Jesus is rendered in combative form across media—i.e., live-action films and shorts, animated television, sketch comedy, graphic novels, and video games. This rendition occurs at a confluence of meaning, most immediately for the sake of generating comedy through juxtaposition (in this case, rendering the meek with a sword) and/or reaffirming Jesus’ prominent cultural value through an association with other popularly mediatized entities. Beyond these initial layers of significance, however, I argue that Jesus becomes associated with violence and brutality for the sake of de/legitimizing politically conservative ideologies with respect to Christianity and American exceptionalism, redeeming the crisis of “domesticated masculinity” and fortifying traditional masculine norms, and theologically reinstituting popular paradigms of low Christology. Ideological “manhood” remains traced to one’s ability to perform traditional gender roles (i.e., family provider, community protector, and father/procreator). To capture the discrepancy that Jesus of Nazareth, as presented in canonical gospels, largely concerns none of these roles, I analyze the hypermasculine Christ, and the various weapons he employs, as part of a popular genealogy of Western value systems and discourse. Though in this article I reference some examples of non-American media, I reserve my analysis and commentary for the stakes and implications of what it means for U.S. Americans to produce and consume such content. In short, I submit that popular America idolizes itself in the form—one amidst many—of a naïve, combative, and boorish Christ: an arrogant and, at times, narcissistic man with delusional views of the world made dangerous through invasive power and authority. Western entertainment has deemed the United States (through its fictional stand-ins) as morally failing yet still chosen. Within this logic, American Christians need not reform their ways as long as they cultivate evidence of their exceptionalism.

Autonomy and Church Membership: Resolving Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Dilemma through John Zizioulas’s Ecclesiology

Abstract This article explores the theological implications of being a church member in a contemporary context that highly values individual autonomy, by engaging with John Zizioulas’s ecclesiological framework. Initially, the article elucidates the notion of the ‘autonomous self’, drawing upon the intellectual contributions and life experiences of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It posits that Rousseau’s dilemma of losing self or suffering from loneliness represents the challenge faced by those holding this autonomous anthropological assumption. The article subsequently employs John Zizioulas’s constructs of ontological personhood and communion ecclesiology as counterpoints to this quandary. It contends that Zizioulas’s trinitarian-informed theological anthropology offers an ecclesial means to surmount this existential dilemma, arguing that church membership is an act of participating in divine and familial communion.

A Study on Hadith Authenticity Concerning the Abrogation of Bequests for Iddah Maintenance by Heirs and Its Relevance to Islamic Family Law in Indonesia

Although Islamic jurists (fiqh scholars) have reached a consensus on the elimination of the provision for iddah maintenance (post-divorce or mourning period support) through inheritance shares upon a husband�s death, the hadith cited as the basis for this elimination remains a subject of debate. This consensus carries sociological, legal, and theological implications that may disadvantage wives, particularly in the aftermath of their husbands' deaths. The purpose of this study is to reassess the authenticity of the hadith concerning the elimination of iddah maintenance via inheritance distribution. This paper employs Abou El Fadl's hermeneutic negotiation approach to scrutinize the authenticity of the hadith regarding the elimination of iddah maintenance and to contextualize it within the Indonesian framework. The findings indicate that the hadith serving as the foundation for this issue is an attributed to a companion rather than the Prophet (mauquf hadith), whose chain of narration (sanad) is contested. Certain narrators are considered unreliable, and there are discrepancies within its text (matn), with multiple versions existing. Consequently, this paper refrains from relying on the doctrine of abrogation (naskh) and supports the view that iddah maintenance following a husband�s death is an option that need not conflict with the wife�s inheritance share. Both iddah maintenance and the wife�s inheritance share can thus be implemented concurrently. The paper posits that, in the Indonesian context, iddah maintenance upon the husband�s death should be regarded as a form of joint property that can be allocated without reducing the wife�s inheritance share. The implementation of both joint property distribution and inheritance safeguards the rights of the wife and her children following the husband's death.

“Sunsum” and “Honhom” in African Socioreligioculture and Spirituality

Sunsum and Honhom in the African socioreligioculture and spirituality present a complexity of functionality and purpose that provides distinctive context to the interplay of dimensions that define existence (being). In any case, ‘existence’ or ‘being’ must possess distinctive functionality and a purpose that defines the specificity of their spiritual or physical purposes. The study which examines the meaning, significance and relevance of Sunsum and Honhom within the African socioreligioculture and spirituality attempts to decipher their implications for Christianity, Theology and Biblical scholarship especially in Africa and beyond. It used ethno-anthropology and socio-phenomenology which examined the meaning, significance and relevance of sunsum and honhom not just as a linguistic preference or juxtaposition but as a dimension, or functionality that establishes both an epistemology and a nomenclature that provide the right approach and methods for nurturing or relating with people or elements within the physical and spiritual cosmology. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the functionality of Sunsum and Honhom within African socioreligioculture and spirituality and how they affect how human beings or elements within the African Socioreligioculture and Spirituality are perceived or related to/with. Keywords: Sunsum, Honhom, Honam, Spirituality, Africa

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Clergy Identity, Their Practice of Ministry and Theology

ABSTRACT This essay reflects upon some of the practical and pastoral theological implications of the results of a mixed methods study using two intuitional ethically compliant surveys regarding the well-being of New England Congregational Christian clergy. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on the clergy was not a focus of this study. The study’s results show that (1) mindful self-care is imperative for the clergy, (2) denominations would benefit from promoting existing self-care strategies and practices, including using the experience of older clergy, and (3) denominations and local congregations must provide for and promote the self-care of the clergy. These research findings are discussed through a framework of practical and pastoral theology.

Bodies as Temples

Abstract The portrayal of disability within sacred and dramatic narratives offers an avenue for the examination of societal and theological paradigms. Such an examination is attempted in this study by investigating the representation of disability in the Bible and Ola Rotimi’s play Hopes of the Living Dead through the theoretical frameworks of Ableism and Reynolds’ hermeneutical approach. Biblical stories depicting disability as a curse, a tool, and a subject of divine healing are used in the research to explore the complex interplay between societal perceptions and theological implications. Rotimi’s dramatization of people with leprosy further elucidates themes of marginalisation and resilience within a predominantly secular context. Integrating Ableism theory, this paper critiques normative conceptions of ability and disability, while Reynolds’ hermeneutical methodology facilitates a nuanced interpretation of the often-conflicting representations found in both sacred texts and dramatic literature. This interdisciplinary approach yields comprehensive insights into the cultural, religious, and social constructs surrounding disability, advocating for more inclusive and empathetic interpretative practices.

Ibn Hazam,s Methodology and Resources in the Compendiums of the Prophet,s Biography

Ibn Hazm of Córdoba (d. 1064 CE) was a seminal figure in Islamic scholarship, particularly renowned for his contributions to the study of the Prophet Muhammad's biography (Sira). His approach to compiling and analyzing biographical accounts of the Prophet was characterized by a rigorous methodology and an extensive use of diverse resources. Ibn Hazm's methodology in the study of the Prophet's life involved a critical examination of sources, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and consistency. He meticulously scrutinized the chains of narration (isnad) and the content (matn) of various reports to assess their reliability. In his compendiums, Ibn Hazm drew upon a variety of resources, including earlier works by prominent scholars, oral traditions, and written texts. He employed a comparative approach, cross-referencing multiple accounts to reconcile discrepancies and establish a coherent narrative. His work also reflected his broader intellectual stance on the integration of historical and legal perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of the Prophet's life and its implications for Islamic jurisprudence and theology. Ibn Hazm's contributions remain influential in the study of Islamic historiography, offering valuable insights into early Islamic scholarship and the methodologies used to preserve and interpret the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

The biblical teaching on the gift of life

Just as this document ‘does not intend to present the Church's entire teaching on the dignity of unborn life and procreation’ (cf. Foreword), so the present biblical-theological reflection does not intend to present a complete and exhaustive treatment of the biblical foundations and the theological implications of the subject matter discussed here and the solutions formulated.

Caring for Creation in Julian of Norwich's Parable of the Lord and Servant

Abstract: This essay expands upon the ecological implications of Julian's theology by arguing that her parable of the lord and servant exemplifies the call in Genesis 2:15 to cultivate and tend to Earth and all fleshly creatures. In conversation with present-day ecological theologies, I contend that Julian's example re-presents Genesis's theological claim that love of God is embodied by care for Earth and neighbor. When human persons are inhibited from laboring in the garden, they suffer from isolation and fall prey to despair. Julian's Revelation offers a spiritual resource to motivate ecological conversion, as Pope Francis urges in Laudato Si' .

Redeeming the Future: Exploring the Theological Implications of Transhumanism in Missions

Redeeming the Future: Exploring the Theological Implications of Transhumanism in Missions

Kajian Teologis Transformasi Batiniah melalui Lensa Teologi Paulus: Dampak Praktis bagi Umat Kristen

This research aims to explore the concept of inner transformation in Paul's theology and analyze its practical impact on the daily lives of Christians. This study focuses on key verses in Paul's letters that describe the process of transformation of the heart and mind through faith in Christ. Through this approach, this research will also identify the real and concrete implications of Paul's theology in shaping the behavior and practical lives of Christians.

Homiletical Theory as a Pedagogical Paradigm

Every preacher has a unique homiletical theory evident in their preaching, regardless of whether it is understood through scholarly examination. Homiletical theory is the academic examination of disciplines in the understanding of the methodological functionality in preaching. Historically, theology and rhetoric constitute frames of reference in homiletical theory. However, as the field evolves, other frames of reference emerge, including pastoral care. In this paper, I argue that homiletical theory is a pedagogical paradigm in which the lead partner, either rhetoric or theology, determines the point of departure for teaching, with emphasis on the rhetorical situation or the theological implications. Therefore, understanding one’s homiletical theory can lead to a pedagogical experience that translates to more effective preaching by developing a coherent delineation from theory to praxis. As a case study, I use my approach to teaching students how to preach funerals with a rhetorical point of departure that focuses on answering the existential question: how then shall we live now that our loved one has died?

Jesus’s Origins (Matthew 1–2) as Cultural Trauma

Jeffrey Alexander’s social theory about trauma provides a theoretical framework to explore Matthew’s Gospel’s two first chapters as a trauma narrative that wrestles in a creative way with at least two significant issues for its original audience: (1) How can Jesus be the Christ/Messiah and yet undergo a shameful and violent death? (2) What are the national and theological implications of the destruction of the Temple in AD 70? Alexander’s four dimensions of representations of cultural trauma (the nature of the pain; the nature of the victim; the relation of the trauma victim to a wider audience; and the attribution of responsibility) guide the analysis. Matthew 1–2, as a trauma narrative, processes past trauma to encourage resilience against future traumatization. This can be a powerful tool to shape identity and promote solidarity by opening new avenues for understanding violent imagery.