Development Of Theology Research Articles

Personal Reflections on the Anglo-Catholic Identity

This paper explores the origins and significance of Anglo- Catholicism within the Anglican tradition. It traces the history of this movement from its roots in the pre-Reformation English church through the Oxford Movement of the 19th century to its impact on Anglicanism today. The paper examines the key beliefs and practices of Anglo-Catholics, their emphasis on the Catholic heritage of the Anglican Church, and their contributions to the development of Anglican liturgy, theology, and social justice. It also discusses the challenges faced by Anglo-Catholics in the twenty-first century and their ongoing efforts to preserve and promote their distinctive tradition within the broader Anglican Communion.

English-Language Education at the Faculty of Theology of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University

Abstract: In the age of globalization, English-language education at theological faculties in Poland is playing an increasingly important role, especially in the context of international academic cooperation and the integration of foreign stu¬dents. This paper presents an analysis of English-language education at the Faculty of Theology of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University (UKSW), taking into account the importance of English-language programs for the development of theology in an intercultural and interreligious context. The impact of these programs on the spiritual and academic training of students and on the promotion of intercultural dialogue is discussed. Special attention is paid to good teaching and organizational practices that facilitate the adaptation of international students and support their academic and spiritual development. The methodology encompasses descriptive methods, along with participant observation and external observation techniques. The article is both practical and methodological in nature, highlighting best practices within academic communities in Poland, particularly in the context of university education in English-language theology, and addressing the nuances of intercultural communication. Keywords: English-language education, theology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, UKSW, education in Poland, foreign students, interculturalism, inter¬religious dialogue, English-language programs.

The Vine and the Branches: An Exegetical Study of John 15:1-8 and the Implications of “Abiding in Christ” (Unio Mystica) for Christian Formation Ministries

This article explores the impact of Jesus’ “true vine” metaphor on discipleship and spirituality. The first part is a study of John 15:1-8, the passage where these teachings are recorded. The second part presents some theological developments, showing how Jesus’ lessons about abiding on Him have influenced the doctrine of unio mystica within the Reformed tradition. Finally, the third section features some implications from the exegetical and theological study for Christian ministries and discipleship.

Идеи космизма как философское основание эволюционно-экологического мышления (размышление над книгой)

Evolutionary-ecological thinking, in contemporary conditions, is a relevant di­rection in the synthesis of evolutionism and ecology. The ideas of wholeness, organicism, and historicity, which form the core of the reflections of the main representatives of the philosophy of Russian cosmism, largely set the world­view tone for this direction. These ideas are becoming increasingly relevant in modern conditions, where space exploration presents itself as a global prob­lem related to overcoming the negative consequences of the ecological crisis. The author’s focus is on the collective monograph Russian Cosmism: N.F. Fe­dorov, K.E. Tsiolkovsky, V.I. Vernadsky, A.L. Chizhevsky, published in the series Russian Philosophy of the First Half of the XXth Century, whose authors dis­cuss the worldview and methodological specifics of the concepts of Russian cosmists in the context of contemporary problems (including ecological and evolutionary ones). Among them, especially important in this context are the con­cepts of the common task (N.N. Fedorov), the cosmic philosophy (K.E. Tsiol­kovsky), the doctrine of the noosphere (V.I. Vernadsky), and heliobiology (A.L. Chizhevsky). It is shown that the ideas of cosmism and evolutionary-eco­logical thinking are connected with such directions as A. Bergson’s creative evolution, P. Teilhard de Chardin’s theistic evolutionism, planetary evolution, and macroevolutionary research. It is precisely at the scale of the biosphere and noosphere that evolutionary and ecological principles intersect the most. The construction of the noosphere, taking into account contemporary scientific and methodological realities, is a direction of evolutionary-ecological thinking in our time

Latin American Christology: A God Who Liberates

This paper will investigate the dynamic nature of Latin American Christology, a Christology that cannot be separated from the tenets of liberation theology. I will first offer an overview of the development of Latin American Christology and liberation theology, along with its unique features; then, I will analyze some major representatives of Latin American Christology, specifically Jon Sobrino and St. Óscar Romero (through the research of Edgardo Colón-Emeric). Lastly, I will conclude with the relevance of Latin American Christology within the greater landscape of Christian theology today. The theologians considered in this paper are primarily Catholic theologians, with the exception of Edgardo Colón-Emeric, a Methodist pastor, who has become a global voice of authority on the life, thought, and vision of the martyred St. Óscar Romero. Latin American Christology, as will be argued in this paper, cannot be understood separately from the space, culture, and identity of Latin America—the land and the context. This measures to a pivotal pedagogical claim of Latin American Christology as a global teaching pillar for all Christologies and theologies, Catholic or Protestant, within Latin America or outside Latin America.

Mainstream and Marginal Theologies in Australian Pentecostalism

Abstract Pentecostalism has always struggled to define itself theologically from the beginning. Starting out as a marginal stream within Christianity, early Pentecostals were reluctant to compose statements of faith and were susceptible to a range of new doctrines, a problem that continues to this day. In this article, the author surveys the theological development of Pentecostalism in Australia, giving special attention to a specific Australian-born movement, Christian Revival Crusade, because of its distinctive doctrines of British-Israelism and deliverance of believers from evil spirits. The author concludes with some observations of recent doctrinal developments in Australian Pentecostalism before positing some causes for such changes and drawing some lessons for Pentecostalism as a whole.

HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ISLAMIC THEOLOGY

This study aims to trace the historical development of theology in Islam and identify the factors that influence the emergence of various theological schools in Islam. This research also aims to understand how different theological views affect the way of thinking and lifestyle of Muslims. The research method used is the historical method which includes four stages: heuristics, verification, interpretation, and historiography. The results show that the development of Islamic theology can be divided into three main periods: classical, medieval, and modern. In the classical period, the rational and scientific Sunnatullah theology flourished, resulting in high productivity in various fields. However, in the medieval period, the fatalistic theology of Jabariyah dominated, causing a decline in theological thought. In the modern period, Islamic thinkers such as Sayyid Ahmad Khan, Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi, Muhammad Abduh, and Hasan Hanafi tried to adapt Islamic teachings to the changing times through a rational and contextual approach. They emphasized the importance of ijtihad and reassessment of the language and historical context of classical theology to answer the challenges of modernity. This research contributes to enriching contemporary Islamic studies with in-depth insights into the evolution of theological thought in Islam.

A Christian Perspective on Islamic Concepts of Jihad, Iman And Islam in the Context of Mindanao Peace Process

This paper is an excerpt of a full-blown study that the author did on the role of religion in the peace process in Mindanao of Southern Philippines. It attempts to understand and analyze Islamic concepts of Jihad, Iman and Islam and their significance to the problem of armed conflict in Mindanao. Analyses of these concepts is based mainly from the perspective of Islamic liberation theology specifically on the works of Farid Esack, Asghar Ali Engineer, and Fazlur Rahman, whose thoughts on the subject are seen to have more relevance towards development of a contextual Islamic theology of peace and liberation that is reflective of the historical, socio-political, cultural, and economic conditions in Mindanao of Southern Philippines. The study attempts to understand the meanings of Jihad, Iman and Islam and draw out essential and significant theological, ethical, and political principles and values which are relevant to the issues of conflict in Mindanao of Southern Philippines, and the role of religion in the peace process. Based on the principles and values derived from the study of the said Islamic concepts, the study attempts to construct a theological and political agenda that is informed by the historical, social, and political context in Mindanao of Southern Philippines.

Fresh Wind in the Industrial World: The Implicit Political Contours of the Attention to the Holy Spirit

ABSTRACT The French Catholic theology of the beginning of twentieth century turned to the experience of the masses of working people and had a creative political angle. This invites a closer look as this experience and its condition changes, and new concerns emerge. My inquiry will look at the theological rationale and nature of this engagement with the industrial world with an eye to its contemporary significance. I will begin from the pervading influence the industrial situation had on two theological developments that explicitly refer to it. The appropriation of this sensitivity will help to ask what is unique in their particular theological approach towards the political world. I will identify a notion of spirit, spirituality, and explicitly the Spirit, and will argue that this implicit pneumatological aspect is key. To show its significance, I will focus on this spiritual impulse in a developing trajectory of pneumatology to show its continuing relevance. Once affirmed and distinguished, it will point to a creative theological stance which is even more relevant to contemporary experience and engagement. Such an explicit pneumatological emphasis, then, is key for a creative approach towards the political, which seeks human and cosmic flourishing.

Theology of John of Damascus on The Antichrist in the Eighth-Century Orthodox Church

This study explores the theology of John of Damascus on the Antichrist within the context of the Eighth-Century Orthodox Church. Addressing a gap in existing scholarship, this research provides a comprehensive analysis of John of Damascus's eschatological views, particularly his depiction of the Antichrist, and examines their theological, historical, and cultural implications. Employing a historical-theological method, the research involves a detailed textual analysis of John of Damascus's works, contextualization within the Byzantine era, comparative analysis with contemporary and preceding theologians, and interpretation through theological frameworks. The study reveals that John of Damascus articulated a clear and systematic portrayal of the Antichrist, integrating it within his broader eschatological framework. His views were shaped by the historical and political milieu of the Eighth Century, notably the rise of Islam and internal theological disputes within Byzantium. John of Damascus emphasized the Antichrist as a significant heretical threat, advocating for vigilance and steadfastness in faith among the Christian faithful. His teachings were deeply woven into Orthodox doctrine, reinforcing the eventual triumph of Christ and the necessity of maintaining orthodox beliefs against heretical challenges. The findings underscore the lasting impact of John of Damascus's theology on the Antichrist in the Orthodox tradition, influencing subsequent theological developments and the Church's understanding of end-time events. This study highlights the importance of his eschatological perspectives, demonstrating how they were both reflective of and responsive to the theological and historical challenges of his time.

A Pentecostal Perspective on Theological Implications of the Verbal Inspiration of Scripture

The doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible is commonly affirmed in the Pentecostal tradition. For the most part, Pentecostal statements regarding Scripture have parroted the views Evangelicalism that focus attention on infallibility and inerrancy. This article suggests that a Pentecostal theology of inspiration is needed that takes into account Pentecostalism’s epistemology, theology of the Holy Spirit, and understanding of prophecy. Utilizing a method that integrates theological interpretation and grammatical exegesis, this study suggests six theological maxims that can be inferred from a Pentecostal perspective on the doctrine of inspiration. These six points are offered as starting points for discussion and for the development of a robust theology of inspiration.

A Contemporary Aristotelian–Thomistic Perspective on the Evolutionary View of Reality and Theistic Evolution

This article presents a coherent and comprehensive proposal of a renewed contemporary Aristotelian–Thomistic approach to the evolutionary view of reality and the position of theistic evolution. Beginning with a proposal of a hylomorphically–grounded essentialist definition of species—framed within a broader revival of biological essentialism—a constructive model of the Aristotelian–Thomistic metaphysics of evolution is being offered, together with a reflection on the alleged violation of the principle of proportionate causation in evolutionary transitions and the role of teleology and chance in evolution. The theological part of the article addresses a number of questions concerning the Thomistic school of theology in its encounter with the evolutionary worldview, including the question of whether God creates through evolution, the query concerning the concurrence of divine and created causes in evolutionary transitions, and the question regarding evolutionary and theological notions of anthropogenesis. A list of ten postulates grounding a contemporary Thomistic version of theistic evolution is offered as a conclusion to the research presented in the text.

The Gift of Intelligence and the Sacramentality of Real Presence: Overcoming the Dataist Metaphysics of Modern Cognitivism

AbstractIn the last twenty‐five years scientific research on embodied cognition and related discussions in the philosophy of technology and science have led to two groundbreaking insights: 1. Perceptions, memories, meanings, and volitions are neither located in the brain nor reducible to intentional acts of ‘autonomous subjects’. 2. Human intelligence is always embedded in an embodied, simultaneously natural and artificial environment that is charged with meaning. These insights are compatible with holistic, relational concepts of embodied intelligence in the tradition of sapiential thinkers like Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and Nicholas of Cusa, and related sacramental ontologies. The modern break with this tradition was inspired by the dataist metaphysics of the ‘Gutenberg revolution’ and culminated in the thesis that human cognition is a kind of pattern extraction or the upshot of the synthesis of elementary sensory data. By contrast, the fact that the business of pattern‐extraction has become replaceable by the work of ‘artificial intelligences’ calls two things to mind: First, the late‐modern confusion of human with ‘artificial intelligence’ is the upshot of a reductionist metaphysics that provoked an unhealthy assimilation of human cognition to the way machines work. Second, in order to strengthen what distinguishes human intelligence from ‘artificial intelligences’, we need to recover the premodern unity of being, truth, beauty and the good, starting from a holistic, trinitarian anthropology. As the most recent research on Human Computer Interaction (HCI) shows, this requires a revision of our modern, instrumental attitude toward technical artifacts which emerged in the Age of the Reformation. Seen from this angle, the recovery of the sacramental ontology of premodernity has become a matter of urgency not primarily in terms of theological developments but in terms of the very innovations that provoked its modern ‘disenchantment’.

The Puebla Conference: The Origins of Pope Francis’ Synodal Ecclesiology

Abstract This article aims to contribute to an intelligent examination of Pope Francis’ magisterium and to the development of post-conciliar Latin American theology which acquired its maturity during the third Episcopal Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean in Puebla, Mexico in 1979. Firstly, this article examines the genesis of the Puebla Conference: how it came about, and the social and ecclesiastical environment that inspired it. In the second and third parts, the contents of the Final Document are explored. The article focuses on the birth of the Theology of the People and on the synodal ecclesiology that is derived from it, two fundamental themes that advance post-conciliar ecclesiological discourse.

Historiography of the Genesis of the Pentecostal Movement: Early and Recent Research Directions in English-language Literature

The purpose of this article is to identify early and recent Pentecostal studies in the West and to highlight the main difference between them. Today there are more than 250 million Pentecostals in the world, and together with the charismatic movement there are more than 500 million. Having begun to spread in the 20th century, the movement claims to be the fastest growing religious phenomenon in human history. In attempts to interpret the phenomenon of the movement's growth, there have been several gradually emerging approaches: explaining the origin of the movement as supernaturally "coming from heaven"; searching for the origins of Pentecostalism in other Christian movements; presenting the emergence of the movement as the result of social and psychological factors such as poverty, marginalization, and the desire to escape from modern society; and the multicultural approach. The paper analyzes the works of Western historians and theologians of Pentecostalism since the second half of the 20th century. The result shows a turning point between early and late studies, namely that late studies aim to revise the history and include participants in the movement around the world, not just in North America, explore the contribution to the development of the movement of local ministers who have long remained in the shadow of Western missionaries, emphasize the diversity of ideologies and social influences that have shaped the movement. It also highlights three major contemporary areas of research: historical, characterized by studies of Pentecostalism in Asia, Africa, and Latin America; theological, focusing on the development and shaping of theoretical theology as a result of the movement's institutionalization; and religious studies, practiced primarily from the perspective of the sociology of religion.

JordanSenner, John Webster: The Shape and Development of His Theology. T&T Clark Studies in English Theology. New York: T&T Clark, 2022, 202pp. $120.00

JordanSenner, John Webster: The Shape and Development of His Theology. T&T Clark Studies in English Theology. New York: T&T Clark, 2022, 202pp. $120.00

Akademisk og konfesjonell teologi

The article discusses a recent text by Mårten Björk about the relationship between academic and confessional theology. It seeks to problematize and nuance the historical narrative that supports Björk's arguments. In particular, the article focuses on Björk's reading of Friedrich Schleier­macher. It examines the development of scientific theology and the science of religion in the nineteenth century and shows how this was apologetically motivated. Lastly, it argues that the main challenge facing academic theology today is the task of developing a mediating position which cannot be reduced to the purely confessional or non-confessional.

Early Modern Lutheranism as (Still) a Research Frontier

Abstract: Since the early eighteenth century, the term "Lutheran Orthodoxy" has been used to discredit inaccurately the theological practice of Lutheran theologians in the seventeenth century as a sterile, rigid theological phenomenon. This term has largely been replaced by scholars in the last seventy-five years. However, a single term has not emerged that not only embraces the rich and lively theological developments of the Wittenberg heritage but also explores its setting in the piety, devotional literature, social and political settings that defined what "Lutheran" meant from 1580 into the mid-eighteenth century. This article supports the increasingly frequent general term "early modern" to embrace the larger picture of those who claimed to be Lutheran. The article calls for focused research into the various aspects of the theological developments: flourishing devotional writing of hymns, prayerbooks, and other genre; geographical spread, practices of the faith in daily life; ecclesiastical polity; and relationships to political and social trends in this period. Such micro-studies will provide material for drawing a more accurate picture of the Wittenberg heritage between Reformation and Enlightenment.

THE SCIENCE OF SPEECH IN THE ISLAMIC EAST: NISHAPUR AS A MODEL OF THEOLOGICAL AND LINGUISTIC INNOVATION IN THE FOURTH CENTURY AH

This research provides a concise exploration of “Islamic theology” in Nishapur. The city’s profound impact on Islamic civilization has led it to be recognized as one of the three most influential cities of its time. That is why this study, aims to encompass all the cities, districts, and villages of Nishapur that contributed to the development and prominence of theology through the efforts of its scholars, educational institutions, and cultural centers. Following the Islamic conquest of Nishapur in the 31st year after Hijra (AH), during the time of Caliph Uthman bin Affan, the people of Nishapur embraced Islam peacefully. Subsequently, they actively engaged in scientific pursuits across various fields, including both Experimental and Religious Sciences. However, the share of Experimental sciences, particularly the science of theology, did not attain the same prominence as Religious sciences, i.e. those sciences that focused solely on Islamic jurisprudence. This disparity may be attributed to Nishapur’s, in deed all other Islamic countries at that time, intense emphasis on religious sciences, which often overshadowed other areas of inquiry. Notably, religious sciences, especially those related to the Qur’an and Sunnah, were regarded as the most sublime and beneficial among all disciplines. Nishapur, however, played a pivotal role in the development of Theology as a science. The city established specialized schools, like that of Abi Ishaq Al-Esfrayini (418 AH), which nurtured a community of scholars. These institutions became a sought-after destination for those seeking this unique form of knowledge. In this research, we delve into this aspect of Nishapur, employing a descriptive methodology and relying on analysis and deduction.Our investigation draws upon several key references and research works, including: • “Tabaqat Al-Fuqaha” by Abi Eshaq Al-Sirazi (476 AH) • “Ta’rifat” by Ali bin Muhammad Al-Jirjani (816 AH) • “Al-Ghuniah fi Usul Al-Din” by Abi Saeed Al-Nishapoury (478 AH) • “An Introduction to the Arabic Scientific Movements in the Islamic East” by Dr. Tariq Fathi Sultan and others

God-talk rhetoric and the abuse of Women in Neo-Pentecostalism: developing the Pentecostal theology of hearing from God

One of the tenets of neo-Pentecostalism is the claim of "hearing from God", particularly by neo-Pentecostal pastors and prophets in Africa. It is for this reason that even during the sermon presentation in Neo-Pentecostalism there is an element of “thus says the Lord”. This notion is theorised here as a God-talk rhetoric to apply to neo-Pentecostalism. The intersectionality of God-talk rhetoric and abuse of women within neo-Pentecostalism has been explored in previous studies. The contribution here is the development of the Pentecostal theology of hearing from God in addressing these abuses. The background to this study will be given by exploring the notion of "hearing from God" in the context of the broader Pentecostal movement. The article will also introduce God-talk rhetoric as a theoretical framework for this study. The cases where pastors used this framework to abuse women will also be highlighted using the case study method. The research question is how do Pentecostals understand the notion of hearing from God given the abuses? What is the Pentecostal theology of hearing from God that can help address women's abuse and other abuses? The article attempts to answer these questions to develop a Pentecostal theology of hearing from God.