Christian Life Research Articles

Eternal law in the thought of Thomas Aquinas

ABSTRACT This paper is a slightly modified version of the keynote lecture given at the 2023 annual conference of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain. The theme of the conference was the role of law in the Christian life. The paper opened the conference by following the theological lead of the Common Doctor, St Thomas Aquinas, who treats theology as about God and all things, including law, in relation to God. In particular the paper looks at Aquinas’s understanding in the Summa Theologiae of God as the eternal law. It examines how the eternal law meets Aquinas’s criteria for what counts as a law, and links eternal law to other law, such as natural law, as well as to the doctrines of the Trinity, providence, the beatific vision, and Christology.

Of relics and kings: Cyprus in Franciscan apocrypha of the Trecento

ABSTRACT What sacred objects did the Lusignan kings of Cyprus treasure in their collection of holy items? Certainly, they had fragments of the Holy Cross and saints’ skulls, but what about Passion relics such as the titulus placed above the crucified Christ, or the white rock to which the cross was affixed? This study explores overlooked fourteenth-century Franciscan apocryphal stories about the life of Christ and didactic narratives which, among other things, cite Passion relics and their respective proprietors. In the following essay, I will turn attention to relics which, according to these texts, were in the safe-keeping of the kings of Cyprus. In addition to evaluating the reliability of such evidence, I will discuss the nature of the relics, identify the mysterious relic-hoarder king, and seek to uncover a representation of such a relic in the ‘Royal Chapel’ at Pyrga, Larnaca.

Counting the Cost: Financial Decision-Making, Discipleship, and Christian Living

Counting the Cost: Financial Decision-Making, Discipleship, and Christian Living

Czcigodny sługa Boży ks. Aloísio Sebastião Boeing SCJ – kapłan według Serca Jezusowego

Holiness is the goal of the Christian life. One of the examples of the holiness of consecrated persons is the figure of the venerable Servant of God, Fr. Aloysius Sebastian (Aloísio Sebastião) Boeing SCJ. The aim of the article is to show the spiritual growth of this candidate for the altar, his dedication to serving God’s people and the spiritual inspirations he drew from the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Marian piety.

Spiritual Retreats: Implications for Practical Christian Living

Spiritual retreats have a long history steeped in religious tradition and generally involve a separation from everyday life and entering into a new temporary experience. Retreats have been a means of help for people in all spheres of life, providing favour able outcomes such as spiritual growth and restoration. This study utilized Attention Restoration Theory and Activity, Setting, Experience and Benefit (ASEB) framework to explore the implication of spiritual retreat activities and experiences on Christian growth indicators, i.e., in the areas of establishing a deeper relationship with God, gaining a fuller understanding of self, applying personal faith in troubling life situations, and finding fulfilment in reaching out to fellowship with others. Data from 115 study participants were analysed using a mixed-method approach and demonstrated evidence of the beneficial effects of spiritual retreats on Christian growth. Spiritual retreats were shown to have a significant and beneficial impact on participants’ Christian growth, particularly in the areas of abiding in Christ, living by the Bible and biblical principles, growing in faith and prayer, fellows hipping with other Christians, and service to God. The practical and theoretical implications of the findings of the study for pastors, church leaders, retreat centre facilitators as well as the general Christian community are also discussed.

In the school of the Psalms: an educational-mystagogical proposal in St. Gregory of Nyssa’s “On the titles of the Psalms”

In the treatise “On the Titles of the Psalms” Gregory of Nyssa first considers some general themes relevant to the Christian life, and then comments at length on the titles of various psalms. In the present article, starting from the observation of some terms related to central aspects that characterize the Gregorian reading - sequentiality, gradualness, tension towards the infinite and openness to mystery -, an attempt is made to specify the fundamental objective at which the exegesis of this work aims. It can be seen that, according to Gregory’s interpretation, there would be a sort of “sequence” in the very disposition of the Psalter, which would become, in this way, an invitation to the receiver to undertake an ascending path that, starting from the initial turning away from evil and the cultivation of virtue (Psalm 1), is oriented to reach the ultimate end -thelos- of all human existence: eternal beatitude through participation in the choirs of divine praise. Gregory ultimately seeks to make more accessible the understanding of “the enigmatic teaching of the mysteries and the ineffable theology that is hidden in doctrines that are difficult to attain” (Part I, ch. 3). Finally, and by way of projection towards the present day, it is pointed out that the Gregorian reading of the Psalms - positive and hopeful - can stimulate one’s own spiritual experience in the midst of contemporary tensions and difficulties: in its “school” the recipients are introduced, pedagogically, into the realm of the divine mystery of the salvation of human beings.

A Comparative Study of Pentecostal and Non – Pentecostal Theological Education in South Africa: Spirituality and Academic Theology

South Africa’s theological education is diverse, with both Pentecostal and Non-Pentecostal institutions providing different approaches to spiritual formation and academic theology. Although the majority of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, have a strong understanding of spirituality, Pentecostals are relatively new to the term “spiritual formation.” It is about living a practical Christian life, which consists of intimate existential knowledge of God motivated by a genuine love for God. As a result, commitment to the Lord includes involvement and living in the world around one for the glory of God. Theological education on the other hand, is the training that aims to prepare individuals for professional church ministry. According to Scripture, before regeneration, we were all “dead in trespasses” and sins (Ephesians 2:1). If spirituality and academic theology are necessary components of theological education, then understanding how they are integrated in Pentecostal and Non-Pentecostal institutions is crucial for effective theological education. As a result, the purpose of this study is to examine the role of spiritual practices in shaping students’ theological understanding and to contribute to our understanding of the complex relationship between spirituality, academic theology, and leadership development in South African theological education, in order to establish a more thorough and successful way to forming spiritual/ pastoral leaders in the Pentecostal context.

PREPARING THE BRIDE TO MEET THE BRIDEGROOM: REFLECTIONS ON THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARY

Within the context of arguing for the continuity of the natural and sacramental significance of sexual complementarity, this contribution calls upon various qualities of the Marian faith, beginning with its primacy with respect to all other forms of ecclesial faith, including that of the apostles. Because her assent to God is given for all humankind, Mary is said to be the Bride of Christ par excellence. Far from exempting others from their own personal consent to Christ, however, Mary’s universal faith is presented as rendering every other act of faith possible. In virtue, moreover, of her unique personal mission as the Mother of Christians, Mary exercises an ecclesial faith: a faith that is shared. As complementary to the mission of the apostles and their successors, whom Christ employs as instruments for dispensing of his salvific graces, Mary’s mission entails preparing the self-giving faith of each of us in view of our unique, personal and salvific encounters with her Son. Because these encounters bear fruit in the form of a personal mission, the Christian might be said to thereby continue Mary’s mission of preparing others for their own “sponsal” union with Christ. Such is the fulness of the Christian life to which all are called as “brides” in the one Bride of Christ, the Church, who in Mary, already exists in the sinless splendor of perfect union with the divine Bridegroom.

«Слово Даниила Заточника»: проблемы изучения и пути их решения

The article examines the main problems of studying the monument of Russian literature of the late 12th – early 13th centuries The Word of Daniil Zatochnik. It should be distinguished from the closely related The Prayer of Daniil Zatochnik, which is considered to be a late revision of The Word. Until the 16th century, both monuments were very popular and were distributed in numerous copies. The study of The Word began in the 19th century, and a number of problems were identified at that period: it was impossible to unambiguously establish where and when it was written, who its author and addressee were. A considerable problem lies in numerous semantic contradictions, where one judgment is canceled by another. It is generally believed that the reason behind these contradictions is late inserts into the original text. It is not known by whom, when, and why they were made, but thanks to them there is every reason to say that the version of The Word known to us had not one, but at least two authors – one wrote the message to the prince, while the other edited it. A separate problem is the combination of quotations from the Holy Scriptures and folklore elements, which is not typical of the period when The Word was written, and also the open opposition between some of the author's ideas and the Christian teaching. According to the author of the article, the inserts were commenting in nature and were made in order to emphasize the traits of The Word protograph’s author such as pride, vanity, and rationalism. At the same time, the editor of the protograph treated its author not as a private person, but as a representative of an emerging spiritual and moral type that significantly departed from the norms of Christian life. To solve the identified problems, the author of the article suggests using the resources of fideistic literary criticism, making it possible to look at The Word from a religious-and-social perspective, as well as to trace its connections with other literary monuments of the period in question.

Why Can’t Saint Victorinus of Poetovio Be the Author of the Homily “On the Ten Virgins”?

The early Christian homily «On the ten virgins» for over 100 years has been a controversial work, since no strong argument has been presented by any scholar in favor of who is its author. The first group of researchers (for example, A. Wilmart, M. Špelič, M. Veronese and P. K. Dobrotsvetov) believes that its author is St. Victorinus of Poetovio, the first Latin interpreter of Holy Scripture. The second group of researchers (for example, A. Wlosok, M. Dulaey, R. Gryson and N. A. Khandoga) ascribes it to Pseudo-Victorinus of Poetovio, an unknown Latin exegete of the Gospel of Matthew. Proceeding from this, the article makes an attempt at a theological and philological analysis of several quotes from the homily «On the ten virgins» and the original works of St. Victorinus of Poetovio — the treatise «On the creation of the world», the fragment «On the life of Christ» and the interpretation of «On Revelation» — in order to identify the author of the homily. Important points in the answer to the question in the title in the article, becomes сhristology, eschatology and symbolic arrhythmology, since there is not a single one of the original works of Victorinus of Poetovio in which they are not given appropriate attention. However, in the homily «On the ten virgins» these theological themes are not adequately addressed.

Kompleksitas Kepemimpinan Kristen Antargenerasi Dalam Konteks Kontemporer

The main objective of this work is to show the complexity of intergenerational leadership in a contemporary context. Through indepth research and analyzing differences and similarities between different generations in terms of views, values, and attitudes, as well as identifying effective strategies and approaches to address these challenges. This research also aims to identify key factors influencing dynamics between different generations and formulate approaches that can be used to address new challenges. This research looks at generational differences not only from the perspective of conflict but also from the perspective of working together and using different values to achieve common goals. In this study, literature studies and journals were used as methods related to the analysis of relevant and current literature on intergenerational Christian leadership issues. This approach enables a deep understanding of the complexities and dynamics that exist in the context of intergenerational Christian leadership in the current situation. In discussing the leadership gap between generations in the contemporary context, it does not escape to talk about generation theory and transformational leadership theory. Generation theory and transformational leadership theory are the link and can be the answer to the leadership gap between today's generations. It is undeniable that there are differences in the opinions of the older generation about the younger generation and vice versa in the opinions of the younger generation about the older generation, causing tensions and solutions to the problem. The critical point of human interaction is related to the basic ideas, life goals, ambitions, and beliefs of the transformational leader, who will be able to bring change to the people he leads so as to bring change in serving better, holding fast to the values of truth, and encouraging and inspiring others to have confidence when working or serving and being in the life of Christ.

PENGAJARAN YESUS TENTANG TOLERANSI DALAM MASYARAKAT MAJEMUK

In the middle of a pluralistic society, the Indonesian Church exists and develops. The civilization is made up of several tribes, faiths, ethnicities, and nations. Diversity is frequently a source of conflict in the lives of Indonesians. Hate speech in the name of religion, ethnicity, or creed, as well as other acts of intolerance, have become serious issues that must be addressed at this time. Indonesia, which prides itself on its variety, confronts a significant task in moving forward and growing as an independent nation. Tolerance is the attitude and way of living that is required in a plural society. Tolerance is the spirit and energy of variety. Christians, as an intrinsic component of a plural society, must be present to contribute to campaigns and the development of tolerance practice. Tolerance must be established on the teachings and example of the Lord Jesus Christ's life. Tolerance, as taught by the Lord Jesus Christ, must be a way of thinking, speaking, and doing for every believer in a plural society. The Church of God is obligated to apply the Lord Jesus' attitude of life, teachings, and tolerance practices. Tolerance requires lessons such as loving all people as yourself, respecting the teachings of other people's religions and beliefs, and cultivating a forgiving mindset.

Обожение как смысл жизни

In the worldview system of any person, the question of the meaning of life is central. However, if for a non-Christian the truth that makes sense of life is something unknown and therefore the movement towards it comes from somewhere from the periphery, then in the worldview system of Christians the meaning-forming truth, which is Christ, is known from the beginning and therefore the ways of understanding the world around us and oneself in it is radically opposite — the entire value range of a person, starting from this Truth, is rethought in the light of the Christian faith79. It causes value-based changes in the nature of the very topology of the world — Christ becomes the dwelling, clothing and food of a Christian. Such a metamorphosis is also possible due to the difference in the specifics of the path to comprehend the meaning of life. For a Christian, this is not just a process of rational and empirical knowledge, but what in Eastern Christianity, from the first centuries of its existence, was called deification — the acquisition by man of Divine properties through communion with the nature of God by grace. Deification covers all aspects of Christian doctrine — dogmatics, soteriology, ecclesiology, asceticism, etc., all spheres of Christian life — personal, family, civil, etc. All this is possible, since deification for a person is ontologically conditioned — the first man, Adam, was called to it as his own appointment. Now that the second Adam, Christ, has restored the fallen nature of man, to be called to deification means to be first of all Christians. The purpose of this article is to trace the ontological connection between the ideological category “meaning of life” and deification, as well as to reveal the essence of deification and the features of its acquisition.

Pengajaran Mazmur 114:1 dan Implikasinya Bagi Kehidupan Umat Tuhan Masa Kini

This paper attempts to examine the theological value of Psalm 114:1 through a Biblical inductive hermeneutic study approach, relying on the procedures; morphological and grammatical-syntactic analysis of verse 1. The theological value is mainly about the principle of God's sovereignty and how it impacts modern Christian life. The text is seen to provide an important foundation for the Christian faith in understanding the sovereignty of the Lord God, through His existence and work in the life history of Old Testament Israel. The theological principles generated by the textual analysis procedure are seen to have parallels to the liberating work of God's people by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. With such understanding, God's people today will be able to endure in the hope of faith amidst the dynamics of contemporary challenges.

“Open Sobornicity” in Dumitru Stăniloae’s Theology—Christian Orthodox Creeds in the Context of Contemporary Ecumenical Relationships

This study analyses several of the key principles of Father Dumitru Stăniloae’s conception of Orthodox ecumenical theology. It considers the foundations, the possibilities, and the type of ecumenical manifestation, specifically regarding the relationships between Orthodox Christians and Christians of different denominations and traditions. This is a necessity as the result of the profound actual theological crisis and the lack of clarity of principles of faith at the ecumenical level across the whole Christian world. This study fills this gap by seeking to identify the doctrinal principles that define Orthodox Christian life in an ecumenical context and the manner in which such theology can be practically applied.

The Reformed conceptualisation of morality

This article distinguishes, on the one hand, between the characteristic features of Reformed ethics and Reformed conceptualisations of morality on the other. With this distinction in mind, the article first highlights – by drawing on the work of some contemporary Reformed theologians and their interpretation of some key figures and texts from this tradition – the centrality of categories such as belonging, gratitude, the law and holiness for a Reformed understanding of ethics. This discussion opens a window onto some features related to the conceptualisation (or conceptualisations) of morality in the Reformed tradition.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article emphasises four aspects in this regard, namely that Reformed ethics is grounded in faith and doctrine, that ethics and the practical Christian life belong at the heart of the Reformed faith, that Reformed ethics is an ethics of freedom and that the theological logic of the Reformed tradition implies a deeply historical and contextual vision.

The Kenosis of Jesus Christ: Model of the Christian Life According To Philippians 2:5-11

In the ancient city of Philippi, resonant with echoes of a bygone prosperity, the apostle Paul wove an indelible narrative in his epistle to the Philippians. Penned during his Roman imprisonment, this literary masterpiece, nestled within the realm of captivity epistles, expresses gratitude to a church intimately entwined with Paul's challenges. At its core lies a profound theme—the "Kenosis of Jesus Christ," unraveling divine humility as expounded in Philippians 2:5-11. This theological journey delves into diverse interpretations by researchers, spanning epochs from the Church Fathers to contemporary theologians. While the Church Fathers grapple with the dual nature of Jesus, reformers and modern theologians provide nuanced perspectives, revealing the enduring relevance of kenosis. The ramifications of kenosis on Malagasy life manifest in humanitarian salvation, exemplified in the voluntary abasement and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ outlined in Philippians 2:5-11. This transformative power extends beyond theological discourse, influencing progress, national reconciliation, and ecclesiastical renewal in the daily life of Madagascar. Examining the compatibility of kenosis with Madagascar's development, we discern its potential as both a tool and an obstacle. As an effective tool, kenosis aligns with the true preaching of the Gospel and the lived experience of humility, fostering a trajectory toward societal flourishing. However, as an obstacle, it is manifested in the tolerance of injustice, and conflicting with the current societal situation. Kenosis emerges as a profound concept in Christian theology, inviting believers to embody the humility exemplified by Christ. The theological journey traverses diverse interpretations, illuminating the richness and complexity of this motif. In the context of Madagascar, kenosis catalyzes positive shifts in daily life, national reconciliation, and ecclesiastical renewal. This paradigm offers a transformative pathway for countries in progress, transcending economic metrics to embrace societal flourishing. The compatibility of kenosis with Madagascar's development calls for a recalibration of societal values, blending true Gospel preaching and humility to counter contemporary challenges and embrace the profound meaning of kenosis.

Pembinaan Warga Gereja Menurut Kitab Matius

Church Community Development is a church activity that aims to mature the faith of church members, and by carrying out this activity it is hoped that the congregation's faith will experience growth towards maturity in life as believers. The formation of church members based on the Book of Matthew explores the principles of Christian life contained in the depths of the Gospel. The focus includes understanding the teachings of Jesus, developing spirituality, and applying spiritual values ​​in everyday life. Through in-depth reflection on the teachings of the Book of Matthew, this training aims to strengthen the faith and shape the character of church members so that they become enlighteners in society and are able to have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.

Mystic on a Tilting Stage: Julian of Norwich’s Performance of English Visionary Devotion

Julian of Norwich’s performance within her longer Revelations of Divine Love involves layers of authorizing and devotional steps that frame it as a gift for her community. She presents herself not as an author, but as a revelator, in step with John’s acts of unveiling his visions and dialogue with the divine in the Biblical Revelations. Examining Julian’s act of presenting her visions in writing demonstrates how her daring yet insistently orthodox visions handle issues of spiritual authority and individual faith made urgent by the rise of Lollardy. My work with Julian’s Revelations is the foundation for a wider argument about the interchange between vernacular mysticism and public devotion through their use of affective piety and the performance of spiritual dialogue. In this article, I examine Julian of Norwich’s Revelation of Divine Love to determine how it works as contemplative drama. I also look at The Mirror of the Blessed Life of Christ and The Cloud of Unknowing to set up Julian’s performance of contemplative devotion and the potential pitfalls of a pious English readership. Julian’s revelations demonstrate where interior contemplation is transformed into collective acts of devotion.

O Batismo no Espírito Santo

The article studies the theme of baptism in the Holy Spirit from three perspectives: first, from biblical theology represented in biblical exegesis; second, from Classical Pentecostalism; and third, from Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Each one of these perspectives developed its study, in a more or less independent way, although having the same object. Considering the great ecumenical movement that has attracted Pentecostals around the theme of baptism in the Holy Spirit, it is useful to make a comparative study of how these three schools have built their discourses on this theme. Biblical exegesis does not discuss the actuality of the baptism in the Spirit, nor the possibility and the form of receiving it, or not. The classic Pentecostalism defines the baptism in the Spirit as a distinct and additional experience to salvation, which not every believer experiences, whose initial sign is the gift of tongues. The Charismatic Renewal links baptism to the sacraments and places it as the foundation of Christian life, claiming that all believers who participate in the sacraments are baptized in the Spirit, its main mark being love, not the gift of tongues, according to the biblical primacy of love. The comparison shows sensible distinctions between the three approaches, and some similarities.