Journey Of Faith Research Articles

Parents of Children with Disabilities: Strengths and Frailty of Human Faith Journeys

Although studies have been conducted regarding the faith journeys of people with disabilities, little is known of those nurturing and accompanying them, their parents. The faith journeys of parents of children with disabilities are a critical yet underattended source of theological insight. In this qualitative research study, we interview and study the perspective of seven married parents of children with disabilities who actively participate in ministry at their local faith communities or a national arena. While these criteria limit the number of parents caring for children with disability, they gave us greater insight into the challenges and graces received throughout their faith journeys, the role of their immediate family, their faith communities, and the universal Church. Five emerging themes were identified reflecting the rich yet complex strengths and frailty of their faith journeys. This study intends to amplify the stories of parents of children with disabilities becoming key conversation partners. Their hope-in-tension narratives inform and challenge the understanding of Christian anthropology, the centrality of faith, and the vocation of marriage, and in turn lead to concrete pastoral recommendations in three critical dimensions: ecclesiological, catechetical, and ministerial.

Call and Commitment: A Journey of Faith from Nakba to Palestinian Liberation Theology, written by Naim Ateek

Call and Commitment: A Journey of Faith from Nakba to Palestinian Liberation Theology, written by Naim Ateek

Confirmation – a Space for Human and Divine Action. Traditional Ritual in the Process of Changes in Secular Czechia

Abstract Work with confirmands and the concept of confirmation have undergone a number of changes in recent decades. This study explores the changes that have taken place in the largest Protestant church in Czechia, the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. With the help of empirical research, it attempts to trace general trends and confronts them with the proposal of a new confirmation liturgy of the ECCB (2023), current theories of confirmation, and the results of European research on confirmation. It concludes by showing the difficulties inherent in trying to reduce confirmation to one core meaning, and recommends that a balance is sought between the subjective and objective as well as theological and anthropological dimensions. Confirmation is both an opportunity to accompany adolescents with intercession and blessing on the journey of faith that began with baptism, and a space where they can respond to it and assume their own religious responsibility.

Karakteristik Pelayanan Gembala Jemaat Menurut 1 Petrus 5:1-4 dan Implementasinya Bagi GPdI Zion Altar Malang

The characteristics of effective pastoral service, as outlined in 1 Peter 5:1-4, entail that pastors are expected to serve as role models for the congregation. Peter expresses hope that these shepherds will be good leaders for the existing flock. Rather than following behind their sheep, pastors are to lead them. The objective of this research is to enable congregation leaders at the Pentecostal Church in Indonesia Zion Altar Malang (hereafter referred to as GPdI Zion Altar Malang) to implement the service characteristics of pastoral care according to 1 Peter 5:1-4. This is prompted by the suboptimal nature of the service characteristics of pastors in their oversight of local churches. The research, conducted using qualitative methods, involved data collection from several participants, including pastors and supporting servants involved in pastoral care at GPdI Zion Altar Malang. The findings of the research revealed issues such as poorly organized financial management, suboptimal implementation of teaching programs, and exacerbated by the absence of counselling services for congregation members grappling with issues in their faith journey. Pastors acknowledge the necessity of enhancing competency to realize the characteristics of pastoral care in accordance with God’s Word, particularly as outlined in 1 Peter 5:1-4, for the spiritual growth of congregation members.

Education for Religion: An Islamic Perspective

This essay proposes a novel approach to religious education, one that stands in stark contrast to the often rigid and dogmatic nature of traditional religious instruction. The proposed approach seeks to cultivate deep awareness within students regarding their inherent limitations and their role as entrusted stewards in the grand design of God. It encourages students to move away from the temptation of godlike aspirations, such as the pursuit of boundless power and knowledge, instead positioning life on Earth as a divine destiny offering opportunities for growth, learning, and realizing one’s God-given potential. This form of religious education embraces doubt, uncertainty, and ambiguity, recognizing them as sources of motivation and meaning in a profound journey of faith. Inspired by John Hick’s and Abdolkarim Soroush’s works, this approach transcends traditional religious literacy, focusing on an encounter with the transcendent noumenal Real, and it is characterized by a sense of speechless awe, wonder, and astonishment before the riddles of existence and the beauty of the world. Ultimately, this essay underscores the importance of approaching religion as a system of relationships rather than as an ideology with all-encompassing answers.

Beyond borders: Exploring the mental, emotional, and spiritual significance of Hajj.

For Muslims all across the world, the desire to participate in the religious rites of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) which stands as one of the five pillars of Islam is a heartfelt longing. It stands for the pinnacle of devotion and spiritual gratification, luring followers to the most sacred city in Islam for a life-changing journey of faith, comradery, and submission to Allah. Muslims hold Mecca in the highest regard; it is a source of endless inspiration and devotion throughout their lives, as seen by their desire to undertake the Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrimage encompasses a series of synchronized rituals and acts of worship, each holding its unique spiritual meaning, and serve as a powerful testament to the universal nature of Islamic teachings. These rituals have a significant impact on Muslims' mental and spiritual well-being. Hajj elicits a spectrum of feelings; creates unity, humility, and thankfulness; and encourages self-reflection as well as personal development. It also instills a sense of spiritual fulfillment. Hajj transcends personal boundaries, strengthening a pilgrim's sense of connection to the larger Muslim community that rejuvenates their hearts and souls toward the teaching of Islam. Hence, it is imperative to explore in depth this transformative journey, illuminating the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions that bind Muslims across the globe.

Dr Jeffrey B. Grubbs: The journey of art education and religious faith

The purpose of this article is to reveal the life and ideas of Dr Jeffrey Bryan Grubbs. The following biographical information came from three 2023 interviews with Dr Grubbs and some of his presentations and writings. Everyone has a story to tell, and for Dr Grubbs, it is a story to combine his Christian faith with art education. His lifetime struggle to combine art and faith ultimately materialized into a unique model of art education called a ‘theological art education’, serving communities focused on religious orthodoxy education.

Overcoming Spiritual Dryness: Transformative Processes Among Religious Brothers and Sisters in Germany

One should not regard the experience of spiritual dryness as an insurmountable obstacle in one’s spiritual journey; on the contrary, such periods can catalyze processes of profound transformation. Empirical research indicates that individuals who successfully navigate these challenges report heightened spiritual clarity, greater spiritual depth, and a greater inclination towards altruistic behavior. Against this backdrop, the present study explored the effects of overcoming spiritual dryness among religious sisters and brothers who had spent several decades living in monastic / congregational communities. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted in-depth interviews with 16 brothers and 14 sisters to elicit their perspectives on perceived changes and behaviors in response to phases of spiritual dryness. Drawing on the criteria of qualitative content analysis, we conducted a rigorous, inductive analysis of the data collected from 30 interviews, yielding four main categories of transformative experiences: (1) deepened spiritual connection (to God), (2) profound inner and outer changes, (3) renewed focus on sacred scriptures, and (4) personal wounding or hardly any (perceptible) changes. Christian faith is fundamentally relational, and as our personality constantly develops, our faith journey unfolds in parallel with our personal growth and development. In this context, experiences of spiritual dryness are not uncommon; indeed, they might be essential in nurturing a deeper relationship with the divine. Our findings underscore the potential for transformative growth and personal maturation that can emerge from navigating spiritual dryness despite the profound heaviness, sadness, irritation, and pain. Such experiences can foster new perspectives on life and new pathways for personal agency.

Peringatan Untuk Tidak Murtad Berdasarkan Ibrani 5 : 11-14

This article explores Hebrews 5:11-14 as the main source for understanding the warning against apostasy in the Christian context. Through a text exegesis approach, this article outlines the key messages contained in the article, focusing on the threat of apostasy and the importance of maintaining the faith. In addition, this article also explores the relevance of this warning in the context of modern spiritual life and how this message can provide guidance for people. believe to strengthen and maintain their faith. By detailing the cultural and theological context of Hebrews S-11-14 this article provides deep insight into the urgency of the warning against apostasy and invites readers to reflect on its significance in their personal journey of faith

Youth, Sport, and Faith: Identity Formation in High School Athletes

It is widely accepted that the transition from youth to adulthood in western industrialized societies brings with it a series of tensions and dilemmas in terms of identity formation. One of the areas where such formational issues often manifest themselves is through the faith journeys of young people. This paper presents empirical evidence from a small-scale qualitative study of one faith–sport initiative—Run the Race Well—a US-based venture which, through an annual retreat program, aims to provide theological support for high school athletes involved in the higher echelons of sport in their age group. Utilizing the “voices” of retreat participants, the paper uncovers some of the issues surrounding the Christian identity of the young people who have participated in the program and explores how the prioritization of lifestyle activities (e.g., education, sport, and faith) has the potential to give rise to particular problems and anxieties. The paper discusses some of the complexities of this prioritization process to reveal how young people seek to navigate and negotiate their identities, both as elite athletes and Christians, and how the tensions and dilemmas of teenage life shape their views of the overall relationship between sport and faith. The paper concludes by suggesting that amidst the wider anxieties of youth transition, intentional investment by others (via theological teaching, sports coaching, and one-to-one, group, and peer mentoring) can provide a catalyst for identity formation and personal/faith development.

Christianity, Identity, and Professional Football

Empirical research on the lives of Christian elite athletes has focused primarily on their appropriation of faith-based behaviours and practices, and the ways in which their value and belief systems impact their performance. While these accounts provide useful insight into personal experience and practical application, they are largely devoid of theological underpinnings. Drawing on the findings of a small-scale qualitative study of the faith journeys of 15 ex-professional footballers, this paper seeks to present a theologically informed understanding of identity formation within elite sport. We begin by problematising the disjuncture between theocentric and anthropocentric approaches to the ways in which the specific identities of Christian elite athletes are often formed. We then explore the key issues that shaped the contours of the respondents’ experiences as they sought to negotiate their faith amidst the harsh realities of professional footballing life. The paper concludes by highlighting the importance of appropriate support networks to identity formation in Christian elite athletes.

Faith Formation and Children’s Agency in the Context of Vietnamese American Catholic Families

In light of the history of immigration during and after the Vietnam War, Vietnamese American families are struggling to live between two worlds: their old culture and nation and their new life in the United States. Parents face a dilemma in raising their children, either to maintain the Vietnamese tradition or to adapt to the new American culture. I propose a Family-Centered Faith Formation model to accompany immigrant children on their faith journey by naming false family narratives and rewriting family narratives using a practical theology approach.

Sexuality, Religiousness, and Mental Health among Sexual Minority Latter-day Saints in Other-Gender Relationships

To guide therapists working with sexual minority individuals considering entering in an other-gender relationship, we present data from 82 sexual minority, current Latter-day Saints in other-gender relationships, 155 sexual minority, former Latter-day Saints in same-gender relationships, and 123 cisgender/heterosexual, current Latter-day Saints in other-gender relationships. Results suggest that relative to cisgender/heterosexual individuals, sexual minority individuals (both in same- and other-gender relationships), report being less happy in their relationship, viewing porn and masturbating more often, and experiencing greater religious struggles. Sexual minority individuals in both same- and other-gender relationships reported happiness in their relationships and lives; however, the two groups differed in a variety of ways. We found that, on average, sexual minority individuals in other-gender relationships (a) have less satisfying sex lives, (b) somewhat follow church teachings about sexual practices, (c) experience conflict about their life choices, (d) nuance their religious views to distinguish between affirming and nonaffirming beliefs, (e) have difficult faith journeys, and (f) do not appear to experience mental health difficulties because of their relationship status. We encourage therapists to explore sexual, relational, and religious domains with their clients in helping each determine whether an other-gender relationship is possible for them.

Autism and Church: A reflection

This is a reflective piece on the experience of an autistic child and their family in churches over a period of years. It considers a variety of church practices in terms of their encouragement or inhibition of the child’s journey of faith and their experience of welcome, safety, and love. It also draws a contrast between the church practice of welcoming and the experience the autistic child and family have had at one of the centres of the Riding for the Disabled Association, and its very different approaches and ethos held in relation to those who are disabled.

The Efficacy and Limits of Pilgrimage as Therapy for Depression

Western notions of pilgrimage produce images of religious adherence to known beliefs and their ritual expressions. Definitions of pilgrimage have expanded in recent decades to embrace treks to sites unattached to the sacred landscapes of traditional faith groups. Along with this expansion of meanings and practices has come a wider acceptance of travel for psychological transformation. Tourism can be argued as a modulated form of pilgrimage and traditional journeys of faith overlapping with instances of entirely secular tourism. Another purpose of pilgrimage can be as a therapeutic practice for those suffering from depressive disorders and related conditions. Its efficacy as therapy, along with its limits, are discussed in clinical and personal contexts with a view to including religious as well as secular perspectives. The pragmatics of such therapy are mapped against current trends in treatment.

Faith and Freedom: Contexts, Choices, and Crises in Religious Commitments

Faith and Freedom: Contexts, Choices, and Crises in Religious Commitments

Martha’s Dialogue with Jesus (John 11,21-27) in Light of the Psalms of Lament

First part of this paper is a study of the structure of Martha’s dialogue with Jesus (John 11,21-27) in comparison with the lament psalm (Ps 13) as proposed by G. O’Day. While the first part of the dialogue corresponds to the plea section of a lament psalm with the constituent elements of address, complaint, petition, and motivation (Jn 11,21-22), the second part mirrors the praise section of the psalm which consist of words of assurance and divine praise (Jn 11,23-27). The second part of the paper is a theological interpretation of the profound dialogue between Jesus and Martha. While the dialogue explains in advance the significance of the sign of raising Lazarus from the dead, it also highlights the progressive faith journey of Martha from the initial lament to the highest confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Martha’s Dialogue with Jesus (John 11,21-27) in Light of the Psalms of Lament

First part of this paper is a study of the structure of Martha’s dialogue with Jesus (John 11,21-27) in comparison with the lament psalm (Ps 13) as proposed by G. O’Day. While the first part of the dialogue corresponds to the plea section of a lament psalm with the constituent elements of address, complaint, petition, and motivation (Jn 11,21-22), the second part mirrors the praise section of the psalm which consist of words of assurance and divine praise (Jn 11,23-27). The second part of the paper is a theological interpretation of the profound dialogue between Jesus and Martha. While the dialogue explains in advance the significance of the sign of raising Lazarus from the dead, it also highlights the progressive faith journey of Martha from the initial lament to the highest confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Review: Butinage: The Art of Religious Mobility, by Yonatan N. Gez, Yvan Droz, Jeanne Rey, and Edio Soares

Review: <i>Butinage: The Art of Religious Mobility</i>, by Yonatan N. Gez, Yvan Droz, Jeanne Rey, and Edio Soares

A Spiritual Biography Project : Lisa Kim’s Pilgrimage

This study explores the spiritual faith journey of Lisa Kim, a fourteen-year-old interviewee born into a Christian family, by examining the interplay of psychosocial facets in the faith development theory of James W. Fowler and a theological perspective of the Holy Spirit. Drawing on the seven categories of the developmental and theological (including biblical) viewpoint related to the Holy Spirit, this study seeks to analyze the faith stage of Lisa. Lisa’s faith stage could align with the “mythic-literal” position seen in the structuring features of Stage 2 and by some dimensions of the initial transition into Stage 3. Her faith stage also has some aspects of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism, a man-works-performance-based faith, which results in American youth failing to follow Jesus Christ theologically. This study will first analyze her faith stage grounded in seven categories – the “locus of authority,” the “form of world coherence,” the “bounds of social awareness,” the “symbolic function,” the “form of logic,” the “perspective taking,” and the “form of moral judgment” - throughout her significant spiritual development. Then, this study will explore Lisa’s spiritual journey by leading her to discover gifts and vulnerabilities and offering some specific suggests for her future faith life. Finally, for her ongoing spiritual journey through the power of the Holy Spirit, I will conclude by briefly stating how her parents and church should do in the ministry of education today. The results led ideas for reflecting her own pilgrimage in the faith and her spiritual or religious quest for meanings, applying her faith in life today, and learning religious commitment and belief in the spiritual journey.