Christ Research Articles

God[ly] teacher in Kierkegaard: towards a theology of education

This article provides a reading of the figure of the God[ly] teacher who has become aware of the paradox of the nature of the relationship of the teacher and student, where God is the relation between them. It points towards a theology of education that is based on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and rests in the logic of education that learns of and from the paradox of this relation. The article invites the teacher to reconsider their practice from seduction and lover categories, to giving the gift of education in fear and trembling.

THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF A DUAL RELIGIOUS IDENTITY : CONFUCIAN CHRISTIAN IN JULIA CHINGS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

This essay explores the spiritual journey of Julia Ching (1934-2001), a prominent sinologist who sought to reconcile her Catholic faith with Confucian philosophy. Raised in a Catholic tradition, Ching faced crises of faith that led her to abandon her nun identidy and engage deeply with Eastern spiritual practices. This essay examines the fundamental theological and philosophical differences between Confucianism and Christianity, highlighting the inherent contradictions in attempting to maintain a dual religious identity. While Confucianism emphasizes moral philosophy and social harmony without a central divine figure, Christianity is rooted in the worship of one God and adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ. This essay argues that the exclusive doctrines of Christianity and the ritual practices of Confucianism are ultimately incompatible, making it impossible to fully integrate these two traditions into a single religious identity. Julia Chings experience thus illustrates the complexities and challenges of navigating multiple spiritual allegiances.

«Исаии ныне пророка глас...»: о необычной атрибуции ветхозаветного пророчества в древней церковной гимнографии

The article considers an unusual case of "incorrect" attribution of the words of the prophet Malachi to the prophet Isaiah on the example of two hymns of the service of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (24 June), written by St. John of Damascus (7th – 8th centuries) and St. Kassia (9th century). According to the author, this attribution is due to the fact that the hymnographers did not directly use the text of the prophetic book, but quoted this prophecy in the transmission of Mark 1. 2. The form of the quoted Gospel text corresponded to the Alexandrian text-type of New Testament manuscripts, where the prophet Isaiah is indicated as the author of the prophecy quoted in Mark 1. 2. The following is a discussion of the possible reasons for the use by the hymnographers in question of the New Testament text instead of the Old Testament text: (1) the words of Mark 1. 2 (and the parallels in Matt 11. 10 and Luke 7. 17) may have been more familiar to Christians of that time than their Old Testament prototype; moreover (2) the Gospel restatement of the prophecy revealed its meaning, pointing to the divinity of Jesus Christ, as well as clarifying the sense of John the Baptist's ministry. The reasons for the use of Mark 1. 2 (despite the problematic character of these apostolic words because of the unusual attribution of prophetic words) could be the prominent position of this verse at the beginning of the Gospel of Mark and its connection with the proclamation there of the messianic dignity of Jesus Christ, as well as the fact that the hymnographers continued the patristic tradition of advocacy of the correctness of the words of Mark 1. 2. At the end of the article some peculiarities of the use and interpretation of the text of the Holy Scriptures in Byzantine hymnography are pointed out on the basis of the material considered. First of all, it is the use of the Old Testament words in their New Testament version, because this version of the words is better known to Christians and has already been interpreted by the apostles themselves. It is no less important that in their use and interpretation of the biblical text the hymnographers clearly followed the preceding patristic exegetical tradition, including trust in the words of the Holy Scripture.

Pauline concept of ministry in 2 Corinthians 4:1–15 and the religious celebrity syndrome in Nigeria

This study aims to investigate the Pauline concept of ministry as delineated in 2 Corinthians 4:1–15 and its correlation with the prevalence of the religious celebrity syndrome within the Nigerian Church, with the objective of offering insights into addressing this phenomenon. In contemporary Nigerian Christianity, there has been a noticeable emergence of religious celebrities in Christian ministry who prioritise personal fame, material gain and sensationalism over the sincere and honest proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This trend raises concerns about the deviation from the biblical model of ministry, as exemplified by the apostle Paul, and its implications for the spiritual health of the church and its impact on society. Through a critical exegesis of 2 Corinthians 4:1–15, this study delves into Paul’s understanding of ministry, focussing on themes such as integrity, humility, suffering, selfless sacrifice and the exaltation of Christ. Additionally, qualitative research methods, including interviews, surveys and case studies, were employed to examine the extent and effects of religious celebrity syndrome in the Nigerian Church. The analysis of 2 Corinthians 4:1–15 underscores Paul’s emphasis on the sacrificial nature of Christian ministry, wherein servants of God are called to embody humility and prioritise the proclamation of the gospel above personal gain or acclaim. Concurrently, the qualitative research reveals the pervasive influence of the religious celebrity syndrome in the Nigerian Church, leading to spiritual shallowness, moral compromise and a distorted view of Christianity and Christian ministry in particular within the church and the larger society. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Nigerian Church reaffirm its commitment to the Pauline model of ministry by promoting humility, integrity and a Christ-centred focus among its leaders and congregants.Contribution: This study highlights the importance of aligning contemporary ministry practices in the Nigerian Church with the principles elucidated by Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:1–15. By embracing humility, integrity and a fervent devotion to Christ, the Church can effectively combat the religious celebrity syndrome within its fold and reclaim its role as a catalyst for societal change.

The Unlikely Alliance of Mormonism and Christian Nationalism

ABSTRACT American members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are typically seen as politically conservative and proponents of Christian natioanalism. However, this has not always been the case. This essay provides a historical overview of how the Mormon tradition evolved from being dissenters from America’s patriotic imagination to some of its most adamant promotors. I also highlight the paradoxes at the heart of the current cultural alliance between devout Latter-day Saints and evangelical activists.

The Holy Spirit as a Holistic Healing Balm for the Community

This study examines the theologies of three theologians who incorporate liberation as a prominent part of their theological framework. The goal is to expand Pneumatology beyond the ethical and draw out the implications of a Pneumatology of liberation. The Holy Spirit is working in and through the Church but is not limited to it, liberating all of creation from the negative effects of sin that leads to sickness in various forms. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is restoring koinonia to God’s good creation, which is made for the glory of Jesus Christ. This study examines how the Pneumatology of liberation can expand beyond ethics. It will review the theologians and draw implications for a Christological, ecclesiological, and eschatological Holy Spirit. Liberation from the negative effects of sin leads to healing individually, communally, and cosmically. Ultimately, the goal is to restore koinonia to God’s creation for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Apologetic Evangelical Contextual Christology: A Pragmatic Approach in the Islamic Context (Pakistan)

The conflict over Jesus Christ, the ‘Son of God’, is not new. Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced similar trials; however, the challenge to solve this tension was not based on debates or natural theology but rather to show the works of Christ. This researcher argues that various studies on Christology have already been conducted. However, the Pakistani perspective demands the fullness of Christ in a unique way to reimagine Him in the context of socio-economic, political, and religious challenges. On the one hand, though the traditional way of doing Christology highly emphasizes the personhood of Christ, explaining Him from the eschatological perspective (though it is important), on the other hand, it makes Christ an aloof Jesus who has no concern for the current issues. As a result, this kind of Christological articulation does not explain Christ’s presence in our struggles today. This piece further demonstrates that the context is not above Christ in finding who He is in the midst of such a grave situation; rather, contextual realities provide the Pakistani Punjabi Church an opportunity to demonstrate the works of Christ. Furthermore, this study also argues that the real struggle is not being a minority in this context, but rather, being marginalized (economically, politically, and religiously) is the real challenge. This study further argues that the core issue is the ecclesiastical responsibility to overcome all the issues in this context. The researcher employs quantitative methodology to evaluate the socio-political, socio-economic, and religious perspectives and equips grassroots communities using an evangelical contextual missiological approach. As a result, ‘Apologetic Evangelical Contextual Christology’ is proposed as seeing Christ in all His fullness in the Islamic Context.

Jézus hívása

The subjects of the vocation and mission are the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The basis and the aim of the Father’s calling and sending is Jesus. Between Jesus’ transfiguration and return, the Holy Spirit is the subject of the vocation and the mission. Jesus is able to make the stones cry out, yet he still calls ordinary people to proclaim his eternal message. In spite of the apparent restriction, Jesus’ call in Mt 11,28a refers to everyone. Jesus’ universal call becomes evident in Mk 13,10 and, eventually, in his command that is sent to every creature and nation all over the world. The universal call is delivered as a personal call. The goal of calling is practical discipleship. In a spiritual sense, God calls us away from sin, death and judgment. In a physical sense, the calling can be heard everywhere, be it at the church, at work, at home, at a place of entertainment, at the supermarket or on the road. The universal call knows neither racial, national, religious, social or sexual differences nor geographical boundaries. Along with the calling, mission is universal as well because it concerns Jews and Gentiles regardless. Jesus taught us that service means sacrifice and suffering, for which he set an example. The responsibility of the mission means a step out from us and a start towards others, service done to others. The triune God, out of his endless grace, called us, elected us and sent us, deeming us worthy of being his serving and suffering fellow-workers.

„Térjetek meg...” : Az akkor és a most idő-anomáliájának feloldása

Jesus’ radicalism is based on the fact that the pious religious image we have of Jesus is fundamentally different from the image Jesus Christ had as a historical person. Radicalism was never strange to the Old Testament prophets and is thus intrinsic to Jesus’ prophetic role. It is also fundamental that prophetic radicalism should manifest itself towards the internal institutions of religion: priests, Levites, Pharisees, etc. The question is how to highlight parallels between the religious conditions of that current age and those of days. Understanding the Greek language’s duality of tempus and actio brings us closer to the message of Jesus two thousand years ago, which is still relevant today.

Jesus Christ – the Perfect Exegete of the Holy Scriptures. A few Observations about the Way the Saviour Quoted, Explained and Fulfilled the Old Testament

The life and activity of the Savior are closely related to the Holy Scriptures. By reading the Gospels, we constantly find Jesus Christ referring to the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms. Sometimes the Savior quotes passages from the Old Testament, while other times He briefly refers to certain events or individuals from the past to support His statements. In this study, we aim to analyse how Jesus Christ related to the Old Testament as an exegete. Using textual criticism, this research paper will succinctly demonstrate how Jesus Christ quotes, interprets, and applies the Old Testament in His public ministry. In essence, our work represents an attempt to (re)construct the image of Jesus Christ as an exegete of the Old Testament, with the hope of providing to both lay believers and professional theologians a useful and worthy model to quote, interpret, and apply the words of the Scripture.

PENGAJARAN AGAMA KATOLIK MENUMBUHKAN KARAKTER KRISTIANI KASIH, RELA BERKORBAN, DAN DAMAI PADA DIRI SISWA

Catholic Religious Education in schools is a compulsory subject given by an educator to educate and foster students to develop into individuals with good intellectual and character. One of the goals of Catholic religious education is to foster Christian character in students in addition to developing intellectual abilities. Christian character is a spiritual seed embedded in the self and heart of each individual based on faith in Jesus Christ. Cultivating Christian character through Catholic religious education is an important effort that needs to be done by a Catholic religious teacher as an educator so that students can grow into individuals with Christian character. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring which Christian characters grow as a result of Catholic religious education in schools. This study uses a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. The informants in this study were seven Catholic religious teachers who were still actively teaching at high schools in Madiun City. The research data analysis activities included reading all research data, reducing research data, presenting research data, interpreting research data, drawing conclusions on the results of research data analysis, and verifying research data. The contribution to this study is to complete and present the Christian character that grows through Catholic teaching that has not been in previous research. The results of this study indicate that the impact produced in efforts to grow and shape the Christian character of students through Catholic teaching in schools is the development of characters of love, sacrifice, and peace in students.

A Post-reflective Examination of the Physical and Mental Health Suffering During COVID-19 Through the Lens of Christ's Kenotic and Redemptive Act.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought unprecedented physical and mental health challenges to many, making the exploration of the spiritual dimension of suffering increasingly meaningful and relevant. Pope John Paul II's theologico-pastoral approach in Salvifici Doloris (SD) sheds light on how spiritual reflections and pastoral care anchored on the theology of Jesus Christ's sufferings can be put together to contribute to post-COVID-19 reflections. Given this context, this paper explores the perceptions and coping mechanisms of COVID-19 patients as they navigate the challenges of their illness. By examining patient experiences gleaned from medical and scientific journals, the study underscores the necessity of supporting individuals suffering from various diseases. As John Paul II thoughtfully remarks in Salvifici Doloris, there is a profound need to address patients' inquiries about "the cause, the reason, and equally, the purpose of suffering, and, in brief, a question about its meaning." Taking this into account, this paper contextualizes the theology of suffering articulated by Pope John Paul II in SD within the experiences of patients who contracted COVID-19 during the global pandemic. To embark on this discussion, the following themes about suffering are expounded: First, Insights into the Weight of Suffering Among Persons who Contracted COVID-19. Second, Understanding of Suffering in Salvifici Doloris, and Third, The Salvific Meaning of Suffering in COVID-19 and its Transformative Experience.

The Silence of God and the Witness of the Christian Soldier through Kenosis

The moral status of soldiers as agent-instruments of polities has been long debated among Christians. Recognizing soldiers’ moral vulnerability, Stanley Hauerwas has argued for a pastoral rather than a missiological shape of what Oliver O’Donovan has called evangelical counter-praxis through a Christian’s participation in war. To reframe the complications of this dilemma, this essay argues that the Christian soldier has the potential to actively witness the love of Jesus Christ through a kenotic repudiation of one’s unwillingness to kill. Through an interpretation of Shusaku Endo’s novel Silence, a correspondence between the Christian soldier and the apostate-cum-martyr Fr. Rodrigues is arguable through an act of paradoxical faith in Jesus, where killing the enemy becomes an imitation of his self-emptying on the cross for the sake of others. Christian soldiers may find self-understanding, healing, and forgiveness by naming their acts truthfully with the intention to move through confession to gratitude and a deeper love for God and neighbor.

Transformasi Kehidupan Rasul Paulus dalam Melayani Tuhan dan Kontribusinya Bagi Pembentukan Mahasiswa STTAB (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Arastamar Bengkulu)

Paul was a figure who initially hated Christianity, in fact Paul was ethically and morally a criminal based on religion. In fact he was a religious figure from the Jewish religion but he killed people who followed Jesus. However, behind Paul's crimes, before he converted, he experienced a personal encounter that changed his life completely. Paul experienced a very, very radical life transformation because at first he really wanted to destroy the people who followed Jesus, but instead he risked his own life to educate his life in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The author uses literature-based research methods sourced from books and several journals, thereby helping the author to analyze the life of the apostle Paul and the life of theology students in the dormitory. Every theology student must experience a life transformation, because there are many young people who lived their past lives from different backgrounds or were not morally good, but on campus theology must change. So the author also believes that there are many theology students who struggle with ethics, generally theology students have a background far from the church but instead become servants of God. Formed in dormitory life and disciplined in life spiritually and morally.

“Today I Die like Jesus Christ”: An Analysis of Ressentiment in Perceptions, Motivations and Justifications of Violent Extremist Manifestos

ABSTRACT Far-right extremists distribute digital manifestos alongside their violent attacks as a method of sensationalizing their acts, dispersing their ideology, and garnering followers. This study sheds light on the psychological characteristics of the perceptions, motivations, and justifications evident in their manifestos. We analyze their self-perceptions as martyrs, warriors, or saviors, their perceptions of world injustice, their motivations of grievance, humiliation, seeking revenge and defense and their justifications founded on absolutist thinking, moral disengagement and us vs. them divisions—mapping out how they deliver their message through the emotional mechanism of ressentiment. We show the complexity of the manifestos content, particularly in reference to the way extremists present themselves as martyrs, warriors, or saviors, the pervasive reference of grievances and frustrations, the shallow social bonds and outgroup dehumanization, their strong motivations to seek revenge and defend, and the morally disengaged justifications of their intentions and actions. This project addresses an important gap in extant literature and offers valuable insights to academics and practitioners on the discourses that promote mobilization and engagement with political violence.

The Church as a Divine Instrument in Advancing God's Mission through the Implementation of Pastoral Counseling

This research uses a qualitative content analysis approach. The data collection technique is done by looking at books and journal articles related to the topic discussed. The data analysis technique was carried out with qualitative content analysis as the main method for discussing the central role of the church as an instrument for carrying out God’s mission, with a particular focus on the effective implementation of pastoral counseling. This research aims to find out what is meant by the church as an instrument of God’s mission. Furthermore, the research aims to determine the implementation of pastoral counseling in the mission of the church and through the church as an instrument of God’s mission. As a result, the church is sent to proclaim the message in and through Jesus Christ, which must be responded to with true faith and repentance. The pastoral function is an operational goal of God’s mission that can be achieved through pastoral services provided to others. Pastors and counselors should learn counseling approaches and techniques to provide more inclusive and relational ministry by exploring forms of collaboration that can be developed through the use of existing resources within the community or through partnerships with mental health professionals and outreach services. Finally, this integrative collaboration enables the church to do mission service through pastoral care with a holistic approach as a dynamic expression of the church’s commitment to fulfill God’s mission on earth. Keywords: empowering, the church, instrument, God’s mission, implementation, pastoral counseling

Exemplifying the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) in Fostering Peaceful Co-Existence among Christians and Muslims in Nigeria

In the last three decades, most of the major conflicts in Nigeria are centered on ethnicity and religion. Fundamental Muslims and Christians or moderate (liberal) Muslims and adherents of African Indigenous Religions have wrecked a lot of havoc in Nigeria. In many cases, religious leaders and politicians have manipulated these conflicts for political and economic gains. These conflicts have resulted in the death of several thousands of people and loss of unquantifiable amount of money and property. Various attempts by government, individuals, religious and other interest groups on resolving the lingering and hydra-headed crisis have not yielded holistic and desirable result. Some scholarly articles have been written to proffer solutions to Nigeria's ethno-religious crisis; these include research on interfaith dialogue, social integration, sustainable communal developments, the impact of ethno- religious crisis on the security, economy and sociopolitical stability of the country. However, the exemplary nature of loving, empathizing, accepting, accommodating and living with one’s known or perceived enemies have not been adequately explored with religious hindsight. This paper therefore considers the exemplary character of the “Good Samaritan” in the parable of Jesus Christ (Luke 10:25-37) as a spring board for peaceful co-existence between Christians and people of other faiths in Nigerian multicultural contexts, particularly the Muslims. Exegetical and historical methods are used; the Theoretical Framework is premised on Eisenberg Pro-social Behaviour theory, which is defined as voluntary behaviour intended to benefit another (Eisenberg, 1986). Findings reveal that Nigeria has been wracked by periodic violent clashes between political, ethnic and religious groups since the second half of the 20th century. Reasons for these clashes vary from one locality to another but they are mostly motivated by religious, social, economic and political disputes. Conclusively, exemplifying the teaching of Jesus Christ on love for one's neighbour in the parable of the "Good Samaritan" here proposed first to the Christian community gives a new hope on the quest for peace in Nigeria and re-orientation for Christians and their Muslim neighbours. It is recommended therefore that both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria should leverage on the “Good Samaritan’s” peace accord to one’s neghbour proposed by Jesus Christ without prejudice or stereotyping one another.

A Comparative Study of Paul’s Ministry and some of the Pentecostal Pastors in Ika Land

This study examined a comparative study of Paul's ministry and some of the Pentecostal pastors in Ika Land. Paul who was persecuting the believers was converted on his way to Damascus by Jesus Christ himself, and became a preacher of the gospel and many souls were converted through him. 12 churches were established in the gentile towns and 13 Epistles were written to churches and individuals within the period of 15 years. Paul made Christianity to become a universal religion, as he made the gospel spread like wild fire. Some of the pastors did exploit for God through evangelism Church planting and children ministry, but non did as much as Paul. This study used historical and comparative methods and primary and secondary sources such as interview, books, journals and Bible were used. Paul worked very hard as an individual spreading the gospel in Asian Province, Greece and Europe. Individual pastors did not work up to Paul but collectively they worked more than him, because there are some areas they are working which he did not work.

A Neurocognitive Approach Reveals Paul’s Embodied Emotional Strategies

Joy is a central theme in Philippians. Joy is also a central emotional habit Paul deploys and encourages as a strategy for building community. In this paper, the examination of Philippians through recent developments in the neurocognitive study of emotions first illuminates how Paul cultivates emotional habits, like joy. Second, a neurocognitive approach to understanding emotions can explain how repeatedly choosing joy functions to alleviate suffering by restoring balance in the nervous system. Finally, shared emotional habits with the Philippian community, like shared somatic practices, build sustaining connections among the members. Intentional deployment of emotional practices, as Paul demonstrates and encourages in the Philippians, is a strategy for building the body of Christ. Such a neurocognitive understanding of emotional habits and bodily practices among community members in the Christ body points to a corporate experience of shared healing and neurocognitive resilience. Might we consider this somatic embodiment of shared emotions, what Paul calls “the same mind that is in Christ Jesus”, also a participation in Christ’s soteria (healing/salvation)?

The Last Hour of Jesus Christ: A Case Study from Recent New Insights on the Turin Shroud

The Last Hour of Jesus Christ: A Case Study from Recent New Insights on the Turin Shroud