Theological Movement Research Articles

The Development of the Structure of Feeling in the Brazilian Liberation Theology Movement

Raymond Williams’s concept of the “structure of feeling” aims to describe the shared experiences, attitudes, and emotions of social groups at specific historical moments. However, this theory has been criticized for lacking a rigorous theoretical framework, clear definitions, and boundaries, as well as for failing to adequately explain its interaction with mainstream ideology. This paper attempts to address these issues through the lens of the Brazilian Liberation Theology movement. The “structure of feeling” established by Brazilian Liberation Theology departed from the traditional hierarchical system of the Church, aligning itself instead with emerging cultures and the practices of grassroots church communities. Under the repression of the military government, the mainstream Church began to accept certain aspects of Liberation Theology rather than viewing it solely as radical and threatening. Although Liberation Theology gradually waned after the fall of the military regime, its adjusted “structure of feeling”—devoid of its radical elements but still focused on social justice and poverty—profoundly impacted the global Catholic Church. The experience of the Brazilian Liberation Theology movement illustrates that a “structure of feeling” can transcend the dichotomy between consciousness and materiality and the crux lies in individuals discovering and asserting their own existence; such a “structure of feeling” can either emerge from within existing ideologies or challenge them directly; its relationship with mainstream ideology is significantly shaped by specific historical contexts; certain facets of emerging emotions are selectively incorporated into mainstream ideology, typically in ways that mitigate their more radical implications.

A Gladdening Vision of a Dancing Christ: Findings of a Ritual Ethnography of Intercultural Icons

The cultural renaissance in 20th-century India has fostered an aesthetic integration of contemplative mysticism with popular religious practices, influencing various artistic and theological movements. This paper examines Christian artist Joy Elamkunnapuzha’s use of Indian classical and mythical elements in his religious artworks, particularly in two North Indian churches. These intercultural icons, which incorporate symbols from Hindu traditions like mandalas and mudras, have been central to the worship practices of local Catholic communities for over three decades. Through ritual ethnography, the study reveals how these visual representations mediate ritual affectivity and communal imagination, impacting identity formation and spiritual engagement in a multi-religious context. Respondents—including worshippers, ministers, and religious students—attest to the transformative impact of these images, as they negotiate between Christian metaphors and Hindu aesthetic traditions. The research is grounded in practical theology, liturgical theology, and ritual studies, contributing to the works of Indian Christian cultural activists like Jyoti Sahi. By exploring the creative dynamics of visual approach, visual appeal, and visual affinity within worship spaces, the study elucidates the complex processes of meaning making through symbolic mediation in interreligious environments.

Love and Emotions in Pietist Hymnography—From the Past to Us: Musical Examples

This study aims to analyze, through religious hymns in the German-speaking area from the early 18th century, the influence that the Pietist theological movement, starting from Philipp Jacob Spener’s Pia Desideria, had on the centralization of the self in the Protestant religious world, through the introduction of personal feelings of love towards God. On the one hand, the origins of Pietism can already be traced back to the late 16th century in areas affected by the radical reforms of the Anabaptists. On the other hand, it is from the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century that this theological and spiritual movement destabilized orthodox Lutheranism in some symbolic cities of Protestant Germany, such as Frankfurt am Main, Halle, and the Duchy of Westphalia, up to Moravia. The extensive publication of hymnals and musical compendia for the use of individuals, lay groups (collegia pietatis), faith communities, and churches denotes a fervor and a desire to preach their way of “practicing” spirituality, which greatly contrasts with both orthodox Lutheranism and the prevailing rationalism in the religious and philosophical sphere in Germany of the mid-18th century. For the first time since the Reformation, Lutheranism saw the use, in the theology of the preached and sung Word, of personal feelings and emotions that connect the individual with God, who is made an object of individual as well as collective worship. This was one of the most significant accusations that came from the University of Wittenberg against Pietism, namely the shift of theological and spiritual focus from the centrality of God to the centrality of the self, which manifests its faith through the most intimate emotions and feelings. Through the analysis of some examples taken from hymnographic and theological production, centered on the individual feelings of the believer, this article focuses on how this influenced the religious revival movements that would pervade England and the United States of America for more than two centuries (from the First Great Awakening in the late 18th century to the Pentecostal movements of the 20th century), with a spotlight on Italian hymnody during the Risorgimento.

Redefining Catholic Sisterhood: Intersections of Autonomy and Religion in Sacrilege and Nunsense

Feminist Catholic sisters epitomize progressive and autonomous women who defy the stereotyped sisterhood, confronting the gender hierarchy within the patriarchal Catholic Church. The religious reforms post-Vatican II and the desideratum of inclusivity for avowed women in decision-making roles have contributed to the emergence of a feminist theological movement that thwarts the erasure of women from religious histories. Delving deep into the feminist theological tenets mirrored in Diane Shaffer’s Sacrilege: A Drama in Two Acts and Dan Goggin’s Nunsense: A Musical Comedy, the present study aims to examine the thespian representation of religious reforms post-Vatican II, exploring the strategies Catholic sisters adopt in their struggle for autonomy. The study contends that the representations of the radical and feminist sisters in the plays potentially challenge the rigid ecclesiastical hierarchy and uphold the deconstruction of sisterhood.

Exploring the Nexus of Islamic Modernism and Intellectual Development

This paper discusses Islamic modernism and the development of Islamic intellectualism. The method used is descriptive-analytical method with a historical approach. Its aim is to understand Islamic modernism and the development of Islamic intellectualism. The author finds that: First, Islamic modernism is a renewal of understanding that is more relevant to modern life, interpreting things to open the door of ijtihad and avoid blind adherence to schools of thought by thinking rationally in understanding and reflecting on Islamic teachings. Second, the development of Islamic intellectualism is divided into three eras. Each has a different pattern. The classical era began at the time of the Prophet Muhammad, where the development of Islamic intellectualism was practiced through teaching and education using methods of writing and memorization. In the medieval era, Islamic intellectualism began to flourish. Institutionalization began to emerge through theological movements, Sufism, and schools of thought. Furthermore, in the modern era, there is a struggle within Islamic intellectual tradition. The modern era seeks to eradicate superstition, myths, and innovations that have constrained the Muslim community.

‘Stand Against the Wiles of the Devil’: Interpreting QAnon as a Pseudo-Christian Extremist Movement

The religious dimensions of the QAnon movement and links with political violence have been noted by researchers. This paper furthers this scholarship by conducting an analysis of 121 religious images taken from QAnon Telegram channels over 18 months. Through adopting semiotic and hermeneutical theory, it is argued that QAnon religious imagery can be categorised into a series of types, all influenced by Christian theological themes. When interpreted in a Christian context, these images reveal a close relationship with US-based Christian evangelicalism and with Christian liberation theology movements. By presenting contemporary politics as an eschatological battle between the oppressed and oppressors, framed as the QAnon community versus the devil, the QAnon movement encourages political activism closely analogous to Christian liberation theology movements. This contributes to an explanatory framework for the connections between QAnon followers and anti-government protest and violence during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 6 January storming of the US Capitol.

Social Ethics Among Slovak Lutherans in the 20th Century: Generational and Periodic Influences

This paper explores the dynamics of intergenerational change and its impact on social ethics in Slovakia during the 20th century, with a particular focus on authors of Lutheran background. The methodology selected to achieve the aims of this study is grounded in the 'theory of generations.' The purpose of this analysis is to examine how shifts in political, social, and economic realities influenced the ethical frameworks guiding societal engagements in Slovakia. Through a historical analysis of theological movements and their socio-political contexts, the study reveals a significant shift from Christian Socialism, which was prevalent in the pre-war era among Lutheran thinkers, to Christian Realism, which emerged among the post-war generation. Christian Socialism sought to synthesize Christian values with socialist principles, while Christian Realism adopted a more pragmatic approach that acknowledged the role of various social systems without asserting the exclusivity of Christianity. The findings of this study highlight the flexibility and responsiveness of social ethics to changing social realities, and the role of intergenerational dynamics in shaping these ethical frameworks.

A Concise Assessment of Dutch Ecclesiastical and Theological Impacts on Jenő Sebestyén’s Thinking

Jenő Sebestyén, professor of systematic theology from Budapest, is often portrayed as the founding father of historical Calvinism in Hungary. The theological movement exhibits clearly a Dutch impact. He is often seen as a Kuyperian scholar who disseminated the famous Dutch theologian and churchman’s idea amongst Hungarian Reformed people. The current paper seeks to examine whether this statement is true in regard to his systematic theological thinking. By performing a statistical examination of the references found in his magnum opus, Református Dogmatika [Reformed Dogmatics], a surprising discovery was made. Herman Bavinck was cited more than Abraham Kuyper. Besides, it is also proved that other Dutch theologians, such as Jan Jacob van Oosterzee and Eskelhoff Gravemeyer, not to mention Louis Berkhof, also made an impact on the formation of idea about Reformed doctrine. Therefore, as far as his book on dogmatics is concerned, the research shows a far more nuanced picture of the impact made on him. The paper highlighted that his presentation as merely a Kuyperian scholar is a simplification. Keywords: Kuyper, Bavinck, historical Calvinism, Dutch theology Jenő Sebestyén’s Life and Work through Dutch Reformed Eyes

The Ecological Transition from the Perspective of the Poor

In the last few years, a theological trend has developed in France that is committed to listening to the words of people in precarious situations. In the tradition of Father Joseph Wresinski, founder of ATD Fourth World, this theological movement seeks to hear the joys, the struggles, the hopes, the dreams, and the faith of those who live on the margins of the world. They are the first to be affected by social and environmental injustices. They are the first to fight poverty. They are the first to invent a sustainable way of life. Listening to and taking seriously the experiences and words of the very poor opens up new perspectives for theology, especially in the ecological field. Indeed, the link between the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor has become commonplace. According to the World Bank, it is even “evidence”. Certainly “everything is linked”, as Pope Francis writes in Laudato Si’, but the characterization of this link must be deepened. It is not simply a matter of juxtaposing these two cries, but of perceiving that it is only from the most excluded that fair, effective, and sustainable solutions can be proposed. Bringing their words and thoughts into our modern agoras is an essential anthropological, political, and theological challenge for ecological conversion.

Idolatry and Mystery

Abstract This article contrasts the accounts of mystery used to combat idolatry found in the theology of Karl Barth and in contemporary apophatic theology. It describes Barth’s account of mystery as distinctly Protestant in its soteriological nature and basis in contrast to recent apophatic accounts of mystery based on the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo. These divergent theologies of mystery—as either light or darkness based on different dogmatic res—ultimately reveal contrasting commitments in the doctrine of God. For both, Jesus Christ is the light of God’s gracious revelation. However, the movement in apophatic theology is from the light of Christ to the mystery of divine darkness, while in Barth’s theology Jesus Christ is the luminous mystery of God that dispels the Deus absconditus. This article argues that idolatry is better counteracted by Barth’s positive concept that mystery is grace and filled with content in Jesus Christ.

Christopher R. Seitz. Essays on Prophecy and Canon

Christopher R. Seitz. <i>Essays on Prophecy and Canon</i>

Analytic theology and science-engaged theology

Abstract This article contributes to ongoing discussions on the place of theology in secular research universities by examining the relationship between analytic theology and science-engaged theology. Writing in response to William Wood's Analytic Theology and the Academic Study of Religion, I consider if and how one might demarcate these two recent movements in academic theology given that both sociological and substantive definitions result in significant overlap. To show the extent of this overlap, I argue that both analytic theology and science-engaged theology are forms of faith seeking understanding, which use the tools and methods from other disciplines in order to make incremental progress on specific theological questions. I then offer two critiques of Wood's argument (made by analogy with the natural sciences) that the doctrine of creation provides theological warrant for the extension of common human reason seen in analytic philosophy and theology. My own attempt at a demarcation suggests that whereas analytic theology is best understood as an intellectual tradition, science-engaged theology is an intellectual disposition. This means that although science-engaged theology may not always be analytic, analytic theologians (and theologians more widely) should always be science-engaged.

Theology of Dementia and Caputo’s “Difficult Glory”

Asserting that theology of dementia to date has used a traditional “strong” theological framework, this article explains, in contrast, the “weak” theological movement of John D. Caputo and explores what a theology of dementia from this framework might look like. It argues that the realities of Alzheimer’s and disabilities themselves support and align with Caputo’s approach and that a “weak” theology of dementia informed by Caputo’s theology of the cross can sustain those impacted by dementia and makes for a better theology of dementia, helping us to reckon seriously with limitation and mortality while also experiencing glory in the midst of great difficulty.

The Routledge Handbook of African Theology

The Routledge Handbook of African Theology

Постметафизическое мышление, экклезиология и вопрос уникальности богословского языка

The article compares two selected ecclesiological concepts of the twentieth cen­tury (bishop Damascene Tsedrik and metropolitan Anthony Bloom) with the cur­rents of thought of postmetaphysical theology, namely the movement of weak theology (G. Vattimo, J. Caputo). Firstly, a special study is required to define the object of consideration – a set of ecclesiological programmes of the twentieth century, in key points consonant with the general principles of contemporary postmetaphysical thinking; this task requires, on the one hand, identification of specific features of weak theology in its authentic variants, on the other hand, establishment of a wider (both chronological and with respect to different schools and movements) space of thought that possesses the highlighted fea­tures. Secondly, the question of the uniqueness of each replica under considera­tion arises: to what extent they are conditioned by “external” factors (an object­ive historical situation or orientation towards certain philosophical tendencies) and to what extent they remain a specifically theological statement, reflecting a particular situation in a specific religious logic. The main part offers a detailed examination of the ecclesiological views of Bishop Damascene and Metropolitan Anthony (which are chosen as two distinctive examples of a wider range of typ­ically similar positions). As a result, it is possible to identify common for them content and methodological features, which at the same time are consonant with the main points of postmetaphysical theology. The conclusions are that 1) there is a wider space of reaction to the cultural situation of criticism of modernity, of which the weak theology movement is a part, 2) in the considered concepts there is a proper theology, not reducible to the actual historical and ideological context, and 3) sacramental aspects of the presented ecclesiologies can be inter­preted in the spirit of postmodern poetics of Event.

Постметафизическое мышление, экклезиология и вопрос уникальности богословского языка Часть II

The article compares two selected ecclesiological concepts of the twentieth cen­tury (bishop Damascene Tsedrik and metropolitan Anthony Bloom) with the cur­rents of thought of postmetaphysical theology, namely the movement of weak theology (G. Vattimo, J. Caputo). Firstly, a special study is required to define the object of consideration – a set of ecclesiological programmes of the twentieth century, in key points consonant with the general principles of contemporary postmetaphysical thinking; this task requires, on the one hand, identification of specific features of weak theology in its authentic variants, on the other hand, establishment of a wider (both chronological and with respect to different schools and movements) space of thought that possesses the highlighted fea­tures. Secondly, the question of the uniqueness of each replica under considera­tion arises: to what extent they are conditioned by “external” factors (an object­ive historical situation or orientation towards certain philosophical tendencies) and to what extent they remain a specifically theological statement, reflecting a particular situation in a specific religious logic. The main part offers a detailed examination of the ecclesiological views of Bishop Damascene and Metropolitan Anthony (which are chosen as two distinctive examples of a wider range of typ­ically similar positions). As a result, it is possible to identify common for them content and methodological features, which at the same time are consonant with the main points of postmetaphysical theology. The conclusions are that 1) there is a wider space of reaction to the cultural situation of criticism of modernity, of which the weak theology movement is a part, 2) in the considered concepts there is a proper theology, not reducible to the actual historical and ideological context, and 3) sacramental aspects of the presented ecclesiologies can be inter­preted in the spirit of postmodern poetics of Event.

Dialogue and Self-Confrontation: A Study of Ahn Byung-Mu’s Minjung Theology of Religions

In the 1970s and 80s, Korean Minjung theology and theology of religions(Inculturation theology) were in a tense relationship due to differences in their theological priorities. However, there was also a complementary relationship between the two theological movements in the Korean situation where the theological domination of the Western church and the political oppression of the military dictatorship were inseparably combined. Especially, Minjung theology, which included the minjung religious traditions of Korea as a theological paradigm, attempted a comparison and dialogue between religions from the beginning. Ahn Byung-mu, one of the founders of Minjung theology, was born and raised in a Confucian culture, and while studying abroad in Germany, he received a doctorate degree with a dissertation that compared the ren of Confucius with agape of Jesus. Also, he was interested in Buddhism and often wrote articles comparing Buddhism with Christianity. Throughout his theological journey, Ahn tried to overcome the subject-object dualism and personified understanding of God in Western theology through theological dialogue with Easter thought. More importantly, in his later years, Ahn applied the Eastern qi philosophy to understand the Holy Spirit. Though Ahn did not systematically theorize a theology of religions, he freely utilized the ideas of other faiths in constructing his theology in general and Minjung theology in particular. In addition, Ahn’s interreligious dialogue was conducted not only externally in his relationship with the religious other but also internally within his faith and theology. Therefore, in this article, I would like to explore the possibility of a Minjung theology of religions which is necessary for today’s religious pluralistic society by examining Ahn’s open, existential, and liberative understandings of other faiths.

Healing for the Soul: Richard Smallwood, the Vamp, and the Gospel Imagination, by Braxton D. Shelley

<i>Healing for the Soul: Richard Smallwood, the Vamp, and the Gospel Imagination</i>, by Braxton D. Shelley

Explaining the principles and basics of social discourse from the perspective of the rebel church in latin America regarding social functions of religion

A theological movement took place in the Latin American region to fight general oppression in the Latin American society, socioeconomic injustice, exploitation and colonization of nations by international imperialism; however, it could not reach the goals of its movement as establishing social justice and eliminating poverty and oppression in society. The study was intended to explain the principles and basics of social discourse from the perspective of the Rebel Church in Latin America (RCLA) regarding the social functions of religion. It was examined from the first-hand sources of the theologists of the rebel church using the descriptive-analytical method. Despite being in line with the final goals and operational strategies, the movement of the rebel priests of Latin America failed to provide the basics for human awakening in Latin American because of the lack of belief in the development of justice in the context of a monotheistic society and the belief in sharing a school with Marxism and nationalist parties. According to the theology of the rebel church, salvation and liberation are the key principles and basics of the church's movement to eliminate oppression.

Pietism and the Sacraments: The Life and Theology of August Hermann Francke by Peter James Yoder

Reviewed by: Pietism and the Sacraments: The Life and Theology of August Hermann Francke by Peter James Yoder Mark Granquist Pietism and the Sacraments: The Life and Theology of August Hermann Francke. By Peter James Yoder. University Park, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2021. 207 pp. The author, who teaches at Reformed Theological Seminary, Dallas, examines the career and theology of Protestant pietist leader August Hermann Francke, focusing especially on his understanding [End Page 360] of the sacraments. This book is an important addition to our understanding of Francke, especially valuable because it is in English. Francke (1663–1705) was very important in the history of Pietism, even more (arguably) than the usually recognized founder of Protestant Pietism, Philipp Jakob Spener. Although Spener certainly ignited the pietist movement with the publication of his Pia Desideria in 1675, it was Francke (and his son Gotthilf) who organized the pietist movement through the establishment of educational and social service agencies in Halle, Germany. From his position in Halle, Francke directed a wide range of theological and ecclesiastical activities around the world. Francke shaped and defended its theology and activities against its critics. The importance of Francke is readily apparent in pietist activities in missions, education, and social services in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. What is less well known is the importance of Francke in shaping and developing Pietism as a theological movement seeking to remain within the confessional boundaries of Lutheranism. Scorn has been heaped on the pietists from several sides: from confessional-orthodox Lutherans who saw it a dangerous deviation from Lutheran dogmatic truth, and from later liberals who saw it as narrow-minded religious moralism. Certainly, it is possible to find examples of both tendencies, but it is inaccurate to blame these tendencies on Francke and those around him. Francke had a sophisticated theological system rooted not only in Luther and the Lutheran theological confessions, but also in the spirit of Luther's reformation, which was much more open to the themes of renewal and sanctification than Francke's critics would allow. Francke was able to develop a theology for the new awakening movement that allowed most pietists to stay within the bounds of Lutheranism, and to enliven and revive it as a religious force. To explore this, Yoder examines the centrality of the sacraments in Francke's theology, especially through his catechetical sermons. In good Lutheran fashion, Francke preached regularly on Luther's Small Catechism. Central to his thought was the idea of spiritual rebirth, or conversion, in which the believer seeks an awakening of [End Page 361] faith. But Francke constantly spoke of this awakening or rebirth (the word "conversion" has too many American overtones) as coming through the influence of the community of believers in the regular worship of the church and its sacraments. When Francke spoke of the sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, he did so within the framework of this experience of rebirth and awakening. The outward, formal elements of the sacraments themselves were a key in driving the believer to a deeper spiritual life. In this he wished to avoid a formalistic or perhaps mechanistic understanding of the sacraments—that they automatically delivered benefits regardless of the believer. To some of Francke's critics this seemed like he was moving away from traditional Lutheranism, but Francke thought he could find justification for this position in Luther's own catechism and other works. Francke was no separatist, and argued against those more radical pietists who sought to define a "pure" congregation of true believers as the true church. For Francke, the awakened believers in the church pushed the larger Christian community toward a renewal of the entire community. The question remains: what of the further trajectory of this theological emphasis? Some would fault Francke for later developments in Protestantism. Protestantism in the eighteenth century was developing and changing, but was this because of Francke, or was his nuanced understanding of the church and sacraments ignored? This work finally does not fully answer this question, but wisely leaves it for others to explore. Whether in the end you come down for or against Francke (or somewhere in the middle), this volume makes important...