Christ Research Articles

Processo de aprendizagem na fé

The dialogue between theology and pedagogy builds the basis for the development of the learning process from the perspective of faith. It is not faith that grows, but rather people who mature in attitudes that correspond to the hope they confess, concrete attitudes in their daily lives. Considering the cognitive, affective and attitudinal dimensions of the human being, this research has as its main objective to describe learning that is integral, significant and continuous, from the perspective of faith. Therefore, in addition to bibliographical research, an exegetical analysis of biblical texts that support each of these learnings was carried out. It is important to consider the existential context of students, establishing the link between faith and life, promoting integral, significant learning and continuous formation in the faith, that is, in each phase of life. The task of continuous formation in the faith is the responsibility of all people who participate in life in the Christian community, evidencing the general priesthood of all people who believe in an effective and efficient way. The Church of Jesus Christ is concerned with the catechumenate, with ongoing discipleship, with the formation in the faith of children, adolescents and young people, as well as adults and the elderly, planning and implementing in a conscious and responsible way the integral and significant learning in the process of formation in the faith throughout life.

Releasing financial pressure through released time religious education: the fiscal impact of one released time programme on a state’s funding for public education

ABSTRACT We sought to quantify the fiscal impact of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ released time programme in the state of Utah, in the United States of America, on funding for American public education. The guiding research question for this study was: How much money does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ seminary programme save public education in the state of Utah? We collected data from one school district in Utah and then extrapolated those findings, on a per pupil basis, to the entire state. Findings are reported in three approximates of the actual fiscal impact of the Church’s seminary programme in Utah: high, medium, and low. Our conclusion is that the actual fiscal impact of seminary on funding for public education lies within this reported range. We report that the Church’s seminary programme saves the state of Utah between $45,000,000 and $64,000,000 annually. While these figures only constitute 0.6% to 0.8% of the total funding for public education, this released time programme provides district officials with financial and scheduling flexibility. In addition, there are indirect fiscal benefits associated with seminary as well as direct and indirect costs.

God and Evil in Process Theism

If a good and almighty God exists, why do we register genuine evil? Whiteheadian process theology wants to assist Christian theology with philosophical theism that interprets God’s sovereignty and God’s creative and providential activity as being more in accord with both our everyday experience and God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ than in the case of either traditional theism or “free will” theism.

Moral education and social transformation: The Jesus model

Educational institutions are expected to play a significant role in preparing people to function well in society. Although critical thinking and problem-solving skills are necessary, people also need to have a social conscience. Educators should, therefore, pay more attention to moral education. Jesus Christ developed and implemented a moral education curriculum and there is a record of that in the New Testament. An examination of it reveals that Jesus built his training around social issues and that he employed a strategy that bears some similarity to Mezirow’s transformation learning theory: his audience was adult and he called upon his students to process disorienting dilemmas, drawing them to reflect critically on assumptions from which was to come mindset change and, ultimately, behavior change. Whereas Mezirow focused on individual experiences and individual transformation, Jesus planned to impact the world—Jewish society and far beyond it—through bands of disciples working in concert. Educators who seek to contribute to social transformation through moral education should consider following the Jesus model which is outlined in this paper.

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.

Ascension of Jesus: Drawing from the thoughts of Andries van Aarde

This article stems from the author’s dialogue with New Testament scholar Andries van Aarde about the divinity of Jesus, during which the topic of Jesus’ ascension also arose. The author aims to focus on Van Aarde’s thinking about the ascension of Jesus. The article does not intend to provide a reflection on the exegetical and hermeneutical analysis of the biblical texts alluding to the ascension of Jesus Christ. Instead, it argues that these texts existentially emphasise a believer’s new life, theologically expressed as ‘personal ascension’, implying participation with God. In the New Testament, language expressing Jesus’ ascension was borrowed particularly from royal psalms in the Old Testament. The concept of ‘ascent to heaven’ to access the divine presence is central not only to Jewish Christian apocalyptic symbolism but it also became part of the church’s liturgy. Van Aarde contends that the modern church should preserve the reference to Jesus’ ascension in ecclesial confessional language, despite no longer affirming a three-tiered universe or adhering to the mythical language of ‘descended into hell’ and ‘ascended to heaven’.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article makes the case that Jesus Christ’s ascension serves as a liturgical celebration of victory over trauma. It demonstrates the need for a metaphorical interpretation of the ancient references to ascension. These mythological descriptions become anachronistic in our time if they are interpreted in a realistic, historical and literal sense. However, rich and meaningful victory poetry can still be communicated if the ‘ascension’ is interpreted metaphorically.

Shepherding with Love: Apostle Peter's Guidance from 1 Peter 5:1-4 for Christian Educators

Jesus Christ, as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), serves as the primary model for spiritual leaders in fulfilling their pastoral duties. In John 10:11, Jesus is portrayed as a faithful Shepherd who lovingly cares for His sheep and is even willing to sacrifice His life for them. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave a special commission to Peter to undertake the pastoral task (John 21:15-17), emphasizing that this duty is a sacred calling entrusted by God to be carried out according to His will. This study aims to examine the Apostle Peter's advice on shepherding in 1 Peter 5:1-4 and its relevance for Christian Educators. The research employs a qualitative method using literature review and biblical text analysis to identify leadership principles in shepherding. The findings reveal that the Apostle Peter's advice includes four key principles for a shepherd's ministry: serving willingly, being sincere in devotion, exhibiting humility, and being a good example to the congregation. These principles are considered essential for cultivating the spirituality of service for a Christian Educator who acts as a lecturer or teacher. In conclusion, the Apostle Peter's advice on shepherding provides guidance for spiritual leaders to fulfill their roles as Christian Educators in accordance with Christ's example, characterized by love, integrity, and dedication.

The Essence of Salvation: Exploring Evangelical Perspectives And Practices

This article explores the core doctrines and practices of evangelical Christianity about salvation, highlighting the differences in viewpoints among evangelical theologians and believers. The theological tenets of salvation described are the idea of being “born again” and the significance of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The idea that salvation is a life-changing event characterized by repentance and a deliberate choice to embrace Christ as Savior, resulting in a revitalized spiritual life, is fundamental to evangelical philosophy. The essay highlights contrasting opinions among evangelical circles regarding predestination, free choice, and the assurance of salvation as it further explores the roles of grace, faith, and works in salvation. Salvation-related customs, including baptism, altar calls, and public testimony, are addressed as manifestations of faith and social validation. It also examines the evangelical focus on evangelism as a moral obligation, with the need to spread the gospel to everyone. The article’s conclusion discusses the problems evangelical views of salvation are currently experiencing, particularly in light of social and cultural changes. It considers how these modifications may affect evangelical outreach and discipleship strategies.

‘Better a Lebemeister than a Thousand Lesemeister’: On the History of a Phrase in Heidegger, Landauer, and Eckhart

ABSTRACT This essay begins by examining Martin Heidegger’s and Gustav Landauer’s influential interpretations of Eckhart as a Lebemeister, a ‘master or teacher of living’. The essay then turns to the source on which they both rely, a source that may be the earliest attestation of the use of the word Lebemeister. This source, which is little known in its complete form, is all more noteworthy as it contrasts the figure of the Lebemeister with that of the Lesemeister, the ‘master or teacher of reading’. (Lese refers literally to ‘reading’; we might also say ‘letters’, in the sense of a ‘person of letters’ who possesses extensive book learning.) Commenting on this source, the essay interrogates to what extent Heidegger and Landauer do justice to it. It concludes with a reflection on how best to label Eckhart, above all in view of the ultimate master: Jesus Christ.

Reimagining sacred spaces and spiritual leadership: Response to Andrea Baker’s paper Sacred Spaces

Through Andrea Baker’s paper, the realities of abuse and the failure of churches to protect the oppressed are brought closer to our hearts and minds. Baker presents a prophetic call to imagine how Christians may embody the kingdom of God and restore ‘sacred spaces’ in our ecclesial institutions. In light of such a prophetic challenge, as a response, this paper reflects on a couple of aspects that can be pertinent to missiologists. They are: 1) to reimagine how we understand ‘sacred spaces’ and 2) to envision the possibility of holistic leadership development that fosters ‘sacred spaces.’ Consequently, one can discern God’s redeeming presence beyond the four walls of the church while working to restore churches as ‘sacred spaces’ where the love and resurrection power of Jesus Christ become an embodying reality. This paper was read in response to Andrea Baker's plenary address titled ‘Sacred Spaces’ at the Annual Conference of the American Society of Missiology, 2024.

Вчення Ісуса Христа щодо духовної та фізичної «нечистоти» людини

This research analyses the content, components and essence of one of the topics that causes a lot of debate in the Christian world. The topic of the place of the Law of God and the sanitary law given through Moses in the context of eating clean and unclean animals has generated much discussion and even controversy. The words of Jesus in Mark 7:14-23 seem to confirm that there is no need to observe the commandments concerning clean and unclean food, since all the commandments of the Old Testament were cancelled on the cross. What this biblical passage actually means is the main task of biblical exegesis and critical analysis of this passage. As a result of the analysis of literary sources, it was found that the interpretations of this text vary and are not unanimous. Given the fact that opinions on these texts differ and have different connotations, there is a need for careful research in order to understand with certainty what Jesus Christ meant by these words. It was found that the context of Mark 7:14-23 and the cross-referenced Bible passages indicate that Jesus’ words do not refer to the doctrine of clean and unclean food, but to the traditions of hand and utensil washing held by the Pharisees and scribes. A cultural and historical analysis of this passage shows that the commandment about clean and unclean food was given by God in the desert to remind the Israelites of the division of animals into certain categories, and that they should not adapt to the lives of other peoples who sacrificed such animals or considered them sacred. Later on, Jewish traditions distorted this teaching, which Jesus Christ pointed out to the Pharisees and scribes when they tried to reproach Him for not observing the doctrine of washed hands. After conducting a linguistic analysis, we found that the words of Jesus Christ in Mark 7:14-23 refer exclusively to the fact that the Jews considered food unclean because of unwashed hands and thus lost the true meaning of God’s commandment. In summary, we can note that the problem Jesus Christ highlights is the observance of small regulations that are not even taught in the Bible and because of which the Jewish teachers did not see the essence of God’s commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. That is why the Lord says that it is not the fact that a person is unclean, defiled, or lacking in holiness that makes him unclean, but rather that he does evil deeds that come from his heart. The study also revealed that Mark 7:14-23 does not refer to Christ’s abolition of the laws that regulated the eating of meat from «clean and unclean» animals. Such a position is neither reasonable nor biblically proven. Moreover, the laws of diet are much older than any other laws concerning the physical well-being of man (Genesis 7:2, 3).

MEMAHAMI KONSEP KESELAMATAN DI LUAR KRISTEN BERDASARKAN 1 TIMOTIUS 2:5-6

One of the issues in Christianity that has become a problem and debate among Christian theologians to this day is the rejection of salvation outside of Christianity. They claim salvation can only be obtained through Christianity. Non-Christians do not get salvation to enter heaven, they automatically enter hellfire. The purpose of this study is to understand the concept of salvation outside Christianity correctly based on the analysis of 1 Timothy 2:5-6. The researcher used a qualitative method with a literature study approach through various relevant sources, such as the Bible, books, journal articles and credible documents. The results of this study found that salvation is not only obtained by believers (Christians), while non-Christians go to hell. Rather, non-Christians also obtain salvation for those who live based on good morals and ethics and live according to the law. They are welcomed into heaven as members of society. In contrast to Christians who are centered on Jesus Christ and wear the life of Jesus on this earth, later they will reign with God in the new heavens and new earth. Salvation is not determined by one's religion, but faith expressed through concrete actions every day. 1 Timothy 2:5-6, the salvation that Jesus worked out 2000 years ago through the redemption of the sins of all mankind is universal salvation or all mankind.

The Meaning of the Sentence “Love Covers a Multitude of Sins” According to 1 Peter 4:8

As a redeemed people, love should be the primary character of believers. However, one of the challenges in the end times is that the love of many will grow cold. This is evident in the rapidly developing digital era, which has transformed nearly every aspect of human life. The social world has become more open, and news or information is quickly accessible to many. One phenomenon that often occurs is the tendency for people to disclose many things publicly, both good and bad, including the sins of others. Acts of shaming, bullying, and exposing others’ faults have become commonplace, even among Christians. Issues concerning love are frequently discussed in the Bible and often lead to varying interpretations. One verse that often draws attention is 1 Peter 4:8, which contains the phrase “love covers a multitude of sins.” This study aims to understand the meaning of the phrase “love covers a multitude of sins” according to 1 Peter 4:8 and provide guidance for believers in applying love within the context of this challenging digital era. The author uses an exegetical method to analyze this text in order to provide a biblical response for believers in facing current phenomena. The results of this study show the importance of love as a top priority for believers, as true love does not focus on exposing others' faults but rather on covering and forgiving them. Believers are taught not only to prioritize sincere love within themselves but also to reflect God's love, which was revealed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to others through concrete actions, specifically by not exposing the faults or sins of others and by not repaying evil with evil.

Christology of Tuak-Tempayan: Christological Endeavors in the Land of Western Borneo

This paper presents Christological research conducted in Nanga Mahap (Sekadau, West Kalimantan). The main focus of this study is on the phenomenon of Tuak Tempayan, a significant cultural reality considered to hold a wealth of values with open possibilities for Christological interpretation for the teaching of faith. Tuak Tempayan can be a means ofCatechesis in explaining the reality of Jesus Christ who has divine and human nature, God and Man. The research was carried out using a new methodology called Phenomenological Research. This method is a phenomenological approach applied to the pure experience of an encounter within a culture and then validated through research to arrive at its original meaning. The results are then interpreted dialogically with Christology to arrive at a new meaning for catechesis and the transformation of faith life. Such an effort is nothing but doing Christology from the context, an attempt to understand Jesus Christ through localities and local contexts.

The Concept of Physical Death from a Christian Perspective: Belief, Hope, and Meaning

This study aims to explore the concept of physical death from a Christian perspective, focusing on the beliefs, hopes, and meanings associated with it. Using a literature review method, data was gathered from books and articles addressing death within Christian thought. The analysis reveals three significant insights. First, Christian beliefs about physical death include varied understandings of life after death, the relationship between soul and body, and the role of Jesus Christ in death and eternal life. Second, Christian hope regarding physical death encompasses aspects such as the anticipation of heaven, reunion with God, and the immortality of the soul. This hope provides peace and support as Christians approach death, inspiring them to live with purpose and meaning. Third, the meaning of physical death from a Christian perspective includes the understanding of life’s purpose, spiritual preparation, and humanity's role within God’s plan. For Christians, physical death is not viewed as an end but as a transition to a better life. The findings of this study offer deeper insights into how Christian beliefs shape perceptions, hopes, and meanings surrounding physical death. Practical implications of this research can support and guide Christians in confronting mortality.

The Analogate of the Divine Physician in the Clinic: Understanding the Christian Health Care Professional as a Symbol of Christ.

The Divine Physician is a traditional title that the Church gives to Jesus Christ. This metaphor helps symbolize Jesus's mission to heal our souls of sin and its effects. In this paper, I consider this metaphor as a source for understanding the vocation of the Catholic physician. Understanding that the role of the laity is to communicate the divine law to the world, I argue that this title raises the human physician's dignity to the status of an image of Christ's saving activity in the clinic. This paper roots this dignity in the supernatural life of grace by giving both a philosophical and a theological exposition of the metaphor of the Divine Physician.

Nuestra santidad en renovación: urgencia en tiempos de dominación

From the rhizomatic deconstruction transmethod, the renewal of our holiness is analyzed as an urgency in times of domination. This is the complex objective of the investigation. To do this, we turn to the Holy Scriptures as support, together with subjectivity, in the experiences of the author in her journey as a human being who tends to Christianity: recognizing Jesus Christ as her savior and Lord; between authors such as Raimón Panikkar. This inquiry is considered in the line of research “transepistemologies of knowledge and transcomplex transmethodologies”. Deeply intertwined rhizomes are traversed in which reconstruction tends nine openings: holiness is an intense battle in our interior life; holiness we must have spiritual weapons; among other.

Christianity and Boxing: A Review Essay and Position Statement

The sport of boxing has existed since ancient times, with fights sometimes ending in death. In the modern world, with our greater medical knowledge, the risks of brain and other life-changing injuries have called into question whether boxing has a place in contemporary society. In fact, professional boxing has been banned in some European countries. There are also questions about whether it is appropriate to encourage spectators to watch two individuals attempting to punch each other into oblivion and about the effect this can have on those watching. The fact that, in recent years, we have seen the development of women’s boxing both in the Olympics and at the professional level raises further questions. The particular emphasis of this paper is to note the number of committed Christians involved in boxing from grassroots to the elite level and to consider whether involvement in such a violent sport can be reconciled with the teaching of Jesus Christ. The main source of data is published biographies and autobiographies of Christian boxers and some interviews. There is very little published material at an academic level on the topic that we are considering. The conclusion is that despite the sincerity of the Christian boxers involved in the sport, it is difficult to justify boxing as a sport in relation to Christian teaching.

Study of Salvation based on 1 Peter 3:18-22 among Batak Toba Christians, North Sumatra

Salvation is a very broad subject and very important to understand properly in the Bible. Salvation in Jesus Christ can be responded to by believing in Christ and His work. The understanding of salvation is now understood in universalism, and not a few people or groups have also turned to syncretism. The emergence of many teachers, pastors, and theologians had a great impact on providing different understandings among Christians. Each tribe has a belief in their ancestors, which later becomes a culture or custom. Initially, every Batak culture or custom was inseparable from magical elements. Any rituals or traditional ceremonies performed by certain groups or people are believed to keep them away from danger so that they are fine. But in reality, not a few of them experience the opposite. The initial motivation for getting blessings and safety turns out to be the tribulation or wretchedness that befalls their lives. The purpose of this research is to find out the magnitude of the confirmation of salvation in Jesus Christ. The most dominant dimension determines the confirmation of salvation, and the most dominant background category determines the confirmation of salvation based on 1 Peter 3:18-22 among Batak Toba Christians in Sumatra North. The method used is a quantitative approach using explanatory and confirmatory surveys. Research Results: Confirmation level about salvation based on 1 Peter 3:18-22 is in the high category. The most dominant dimension determining Confirmation about salvation is Preaching the Gospel by Jesus Christ (D3). The dominant background category determining confirmation of safety is age.

Exploring Ethical Potentials of Christian Narrative Testimonies

Abstract Over the last decades, the role of narratives in Christian theology and ethics has been debated controversially. In light of this, this article explores the ethical potential of Christian narrative testimonies. First, it shows that the mode of Christian testimony to God’s incarnation in Jesus Christ is narratively structured. Second, it unfolds a threefold hermeneutic of these narratives: a hermeneutic of the simultaneous presence and absence of God in these testimonies, a hermeneutic of commentary and criticism, and a hermeneutic of attentive humility in the face of other narratives. Last but not least, ethical potentials of Christian narrative testimonies come into view: These narratives can bear witness to God’s absent presence, especially when they reveal themselves as radical contingent, when they are open to transformation by narratives of the other and when they motivate people to question the status quo of any given society in order to act for a more just future.